New York City is currently basking in the vibrant hues of autumn as its five boroughs are blanketed with a kaleidoscope of fall foliage. With only one week left to take in this breathtaking spectacle, residents and visitors alike are advised to make the most of this fleeting beauty before it's gone for the winter.
The annual transformation began in early October when ash trees started to don vibrant shades of yellow and red, signaling the start of the autumnal display. As the days pass, more tree species have joined the colorful parade, including honey locusts with their tiny, bright yellow leaves, sugar maples that burst into brilliant reds and oranges, and black tupelos that flaunt their glossy scarlet hues.
Central Park's Great Lawn is a popular spot for leaf-peeping enthusiasts, but Jessica Einhorn, chief of forestry programs at the parks department, prefers to visit Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, where the 47-foot-tall cast iron watchtower offers a unique perspective on the changing foliage. Other recommended spots include Forest Park and Kissena Park in Queens, Prospect Park Loop in Brooklyn, St. Mary's Park in the Bronx, and Conference House Park on Staten Island.
However, Einhorn cautions that the colors are fleeting, with the mighty oak trees being among the last to drop their leaves, sometimes even holding onto them until spring. "Fall is poetically a reminder of the changing of time," notes Melissa Finley, curator of woody plants at the New York Botanical Gardens.
To make the most of this autumnal display, the parks department is hosting several free fall foliage events across the city, including bike rides and craft workshops. Einhorn encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the colorful spectacle while it lasts, promising that there's still some color to be seen through late November.
The annual transformation began in early October when ash trees started to don vibrant shades of yellow and red, signaling the start of the autumnal display. As the days pass, more tree species have joined the colorful parade, including honey locusts with their tiny, bright yellow leaves, sugar maples that burst into brilliant reds and oranges, and black tupelos that flaunt their glossy scarlet hues.
Central Park's Great Lawn is a popular spot for leaf-peeping enthusiasts, but Jessica Einhorn, chief of forestry programs at the parks department, prefers to visit Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, where the 47-foot-tall cast iron watchtower offers a unique perspective on the changing foliage. Other recommended spots include Forest Park and Kissena Park in Queens, Prospect Park Loop in Brooklyn, St. Mary's Park in the Bronx, and Conference House Park on Staten Island.
However, Einhorn cautions that the colors are fleeting, with the mighty oak trees being among the last to drop their leaves, sometimes even holding onto them until spring. "Fall is poetically a reminder of the changing of time," notes Melissa Finley, curator of woody plants at the New York Botanical Gardens.
To make the most of this autumnal display, the parks department is hosting several free fall foliage events across the city, including bike rides and craft workshops. Einhorn encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the colorful spectacle while it lasts, promising that there's still some color to be seen through late November.
i was thinking bout how much im gonna miss this every year when winter hits like what can we do 2 save summer from getting all boring? 
i know the parks dept is hosting some free events but i wish they had more bike rides cuz thats my fave thing 2 do in autumn 
its literally breathtaking!! i went last week with my fam and we got so many sick pics for the gram 
but honestly, i think i'm gonna try that watchtower in harlem next... sounds like a totally diff vibe from central park 
omg u guys i just love this time of year in nyc its like nature is puttin a whole new wardrobe on all the trees and it looks soooo beautiful 
gotta get out to central park or one of the other parks that r gettin mentioned they have some pretty cool events comin up too like bike rides & craft workshops 
! It's like nature's own light show. Central Park is always a fave spot for me, but have you checked out Marcus Garvey Park? That watchtower gives an amazing view of the colors. And omg, the parks department is hosting some fun events - bike rides and craft workshops? Count me in! 
! The leaves are so beautiful, makes me wanna go on a hike or drive around the city with my friends. I like that they're hosting free events too, bike rides and craft workshops... sounds like fun 
. But yeah, it's kinda sad when everything starts to drop its leaves and winter comes 
. Isnt there anything we can do to keep some of those leaves on the trees for longer? 
, have you seen those stats on NYC's fall foliage? 
It's literally a record year! 
The average number of days with visible fall colors is up by 25% compared to last year, with the most popular spots like Central Park and Prospect Park attracting over 1 million visitors each. That's crazy! 
Anyway, if you haven't checked out Marcus Garvey Park yet, trust me, it's worth the trip. The views from that watchtower are straight fire 
and how beautiful everything gets! i love strolling thru central park but actually wanna check out Marcus Garvey Park now too 
also can't believe the fall colors are already starting in october 
it's like nyc never sleeps lol 
! and don't forget to check out Forest Park & Kissena Park in Queens for some sick leaf peeping vibes 
. anyway, u guys should def hit up one of these free fall events - bike rides & craft workshops? yes pls! 
. It's crazy that we get a whole week to enjoy the foliage, but those oak trees can be super slow to change, you know? 
I've been to Central Park, but Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem is giving me LIFE 
. But for real though, it's only one week left, so I'm gonna make sure to squeeze in some last-minute leaf-peeping and craft workshops 
Still have a week to see NYC in all its autumn glory! 
what's the point of even planning these events just to have them end as quickly as they start? 
can't we just enjoy the scenery without feeling pressured to make it last forever? 
. And don't even get me started on the bike rides and craft workshops... how much are people gonna pay for that? 
I'll stick to my VR headset, thank you very much 
. By the way, have you guys seen those augmented reality glasses everyone's talking about? 
Not impressed... yet 
anyway, i love that central park's not everyone's cup of tea though - marcus garvey park sounds like a hidden gem! 
and i'm intrigued by those bike rides and craft workshops... gotta get out there and enjoy the foliage before it's gone for good 
but seriously, central park is gorgeous this time of year, and marcus garvey park is a total hidden gem 
️ right now! i'm so glad ppl are makin the most of this fleeting beauty before winter sets in 
. central park is gorgeous but marcus garvey park has that sick 47ft watchtower view 
and forest park qns is a hidden gem lol gotta check out those bike rides & craft workshops too 
! As for me, I'm loving the vibe at Marcus Garvey Park - that watchtower is giving me major Instagram goals 
Like, one week and it's over? What even is time anymore? 
the way the leaves change colors is like nature's own art show! and central park is always so beautiful but i think marcus garvey park is underrated 
Jessica Einhorn knows what's up! 
Can't wait to get out there and enjoy the fall vibes with all the cool kids