🍂 Fall Foliage is PEAKING on Long Island Right Now – Here Are the Best Spots! 🍁

Posted by Thomas Brady
Vintage American Realty LLC | Oakdale, NY

Forget heading upstate – some of the most stunning fall foliage is right here in our own backyard! 🎨🌳

While the Adirondacks and Catskills have already peaked, Long Island is just hitting its stride with gorgeous autumn colors expected to reach their peak in late October through early November. That means the BEST viewing is happening RIGHT NOW through the next few weeks! 🔥

🗺️ What's Happening With Our Fall Colors?

According to the latest reports from New York State's I LOVE NY program, Long Island is showing 80% change and peak colors at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh with peak seasonal colors on trees surrounding the lake, and 50% at Hempstead Lake State Park in West Hempstead with large swaths of bright tangerine, crimson, ochre and rust leaves.

Translation? The show is ON! 🎭

🏞️ Top Long Island Leaf-Peeping Spots

Here are some of the absolute best places to catch those Instagram-worthy fall colors:

🌊 Bayard Cutting Arboretum (Great River)

Right in our Suffolk County backyard! Mature trees along river views in an arboretum setting, with color tending to stretch later thanks to coastal moderation. Perfect for a peaceful autumn stroll! 🚶‍♀️

🦆 Mill Pond Park (Wantagh)

Currently at peak! The trees surrounding the lake are putting on a spectacular show right now. 📸

🏔️ Harbor Hill (Roslyn/East Hills)

Did you know this is the second highest hill on Long Island? The views looking east are absolutely breathtaking during fall! One of the best spots to view the foliage is Harbor Hill, the second highest hill on Long Island and highest in Nassau County. 🏔️

🌳 Hempstead Lake State Park

Currently showing gorgeous tangerine, crimson, and rust tones – and the best part? It's FREE! 💰

🚗 Scenic Drives

Stretches of the Southern State Parkway are displaying near-peak color, and stretches of the Wantagh State Parkway between the Southern State Parkway and Merrick Road are also featuring near peak color. Your daily commute just got way more beautiful! 🚙✨

🍃 Why Does Long Island Peak Later?

Here's a cool science fact: The city, Long Island, and coastal areas have to wait till late October and early November for their display of dazzling hues because of something called the Urban Heat Island Effect and the moderating influence of the ocean. Basically, all that water around us keeps temperatures warmer at night, which delays (but doesn't diminish!) our fall color show. 🌊🌡️

This means while upstate is already losing leaves, we're just getting started! 🎉

📅 When Should You Go?

THIS WEEKEND and the next 2-3 weeks are your golden window! Peak foliage typically lasts 7-10 days in any given spot, but with different microclimates across Long Island, you can catch beautiful colors through early November. ⏰

🌤️ Pro Tips for the Best Experience:

🌅 Go during "golden hour" – Early morning or late afternoon light makes the colors absolutely POP!
☕ Grab a pumpkin spice latte – Let's be honest, it's mandatory for fall activities
📱 Tag your photos with #LongIslandFall – Share the beauty with your neighbors!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Make it a family outing – Pack a picnic and create some autumn memories
🐕 Bring your pup – Most parks are dog-friendly (just check the rules first!)

🎃 Bonus: Combine Your Leaf-Peeping!

Why stop at just looking at leaves? Long Island is bursting with fall activities right now:

• 🎪 Fall festivals at local farms

• 🍎 Apple picking (though the season is winding down!)

• 👻 Halloween haunts and events

• 🍷 Wine tastings at North Fork vineyards

💚 Supporting Our Community

As a proud Long Islander, retired NYPD Lieutenant, and U.S. Air Force Veteran, I believe in celebrating everything that makes our island special – and our beautiful autumn landscape is definitely one of those things! Whether you've lived here your whole life or just moved in, take some time this week to appreciate the natural beauty right in your neighborhood. 🏡❤️

Don't wait! Mother Nature's autumn art show is fleeting, and the next windstorm or heavy rain could cut the season short. Get out there this weekend and soak in those stunning fall colors! 🍂

What's your favorite fall foliage spot on Long Island? Drop a comment or tag us on social media! 📲

Thomas Brady 🎖️
SFR, e-PRO, SRES, BPOR, C-REPS
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker / Director of Operations
Notary Public | Retired N.Y.P.D. Lt. | U.S. Air Force Veteran

📍 Vintage American Realty LLC
1551 Montauk Hwy, Suite E
Oakdale, NY 11769