New York State’s 2025 fall foliage season is officially underway, with the first signs of vibrant seasonal colors appearing across Upstate New York.
According to the first I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report of the year, volunteer field observers noted that the most significant changes are expected in the Adirondacks and Catskills.
This weekend, areas experiencing the most notable color transitions include Wilmington, Saranac Lake, and Old Forge in the Adirondacks; Windham, Delhi, and Liberty in the Catskills; Corning in the Finger Lakes; and Salamanca in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region.
In Cayuga County:
- No significant change expected in Auburn.
In Chemung County:
- Up to 5% change in Elmira with some yellow among mostly green leaves.
In Cortland County:
- No significant change expected in Cortland.
In Livingston County:
- Less than 5% change in Geneseo with mostly green leaves.
In Monroe County:
- 5% or less change in Rochester.
In Onondaga County:
- 5% change at Beaver Lake in Baldwinsville with red on some treetops.
In Ontario County:
- Up to 10% transition in Canandaigua with hints of red and orange, but less than 5% change expected in Farmington.
In Schuyler County:
- No significant change anticipated in Watkins Glen.
In Seneca County:
- No significant change expected in Waterloo.
In Steuben County:
- 15% change in Bath, Corning, Hammondsport, and Hornell with some emerging fall colors of average brilliance.
In Tompkins County:
- 5% change in Ithaca and Trumansburg with some fall colors just beginning to appear on the mostly green hillsides.
In Wayne County:
- Less than 5% change in Lyons with predominantly green leaves.
In Yates County:
- More than 5% change in Penn Yan with bright pops of red leaves.
The reports are compiled weekly from more than 90 volunteers and reflect expected conditions for the coming weekend. I LOVE NY defines “peak” foliage as the moment when color, brilliance, and leaf coverage come together for the best overall appearance.
Observers and visitors are encouraged to explore these scenic regions as the fall colors continue to develop throughout September and October.
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