5 easy hiking trails to see fall foliage

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Hiking can be a good activity in the fall to see the colors change. According to Explore Fall, an interactive map, shows leaves will start to change colors as early as Sept. 11.

Upstate’s fall foliage season is expected to hit its colorful peak in mid-October and end by Nov. 10, when all but a few lucky waterfront towns warmed by Lake Erie in southern Western New York will be past peak.

The Capital Region and the Hudson Valley have easy hiking destinations, that will immerse you in the leaves and season change. Here are some local, easy hikes to do as the seasons change and to witness fall foliage at its finest.

Esopus Meadows Preserve (257 River Road, Ulster Park)

The 100-acre preserve consists of four trails – each about a half mile long. The blue trail is the most frequently walked trail as it extends along the water and then up a knoll overlooking the Hudson River. The red trail cuts through forested areas with signs labeling each plant variety until it reaches the high point of the preserve, the silhouette of Shaupeneak Ridge, another park in Esopus. The yellow trail cuts through the woods to reach the most remote parts of the preserve while the white trail descends to the shoreline to a picnic pavilion.

This hiking spot is pet friendly, kid friendly and open year-round. This hike also includes a phenology trail, where you can help track changing climates by studying eight plant species.

Olana State Historic Site (5720 Route 9-G, Hudson)

Olana was the home of Fredric Church and his family. The 250-acre historic estate features a castle-like home and five miles of carriage drives, now used for hiking. Once you arrive at the entrance of Olana, hiking and walking can begin.

There are two main walks, both over one mile. Walk ‘A’ is a total of 1.26 miles and goes around the house and the views looking over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and the mountains. Walk ‘B’ is a total of 1.4 miles and goes along the Wagon House Education Center and the lake. However, if you’re looking for a longer hike, guests can walk along the roadways that connect Walk ‘A’ to Walk ‘B’.

Prattrock (14296 NY-23, Prattsville)

Zadock Pratt was an early settler of Greene County who happened to gain significance. When he reached a high point in his career, he commissioned stone workers to immortalize his life’s achievements on a cliff. The most recognizable sculpture being an Abraham Lincoln-like sculpture of himself.

This hike is beginner friendly as you’ll hike up 900 feet to see what’s called the Mt. Rushmore of New York. The hike also features several lookout points along the way to see the views of the surrounding valley.

Indian Ladder Trail (830 Thacher Park, Voorheesville)

This scenic trail in Thacher State Park provides hikers with an opportunity to traverse along the Helderberg Escarpment, with views of both the Hudson Valley and the Adirondacks. About two miles long, the trail passes by two waterfalls, Minelot Falls and Outlet Falls.

Open in the Spring until the Fall, this trial is a relatively easy hike, about one mile there and back, about 39 minutes to complete. This hike is an ideal one for photographers and to see fall foliage nearby and in the distance.

Pine Hollow Arboretum (34 Pine Hollow Road, Slingerlands)

With over 3,300 trees and wood-type plants, Pine Hollow Arboretum is the perfect place to see fall foliage up close. The park consists of 22 acres for hikers to take self-guided tours.

With two main trails, and small intertwining and overlapping trails throughout the grounds, the arboretum is a great family and pet friendly hike. If dogs are on the trails, they should remain on a leash.