Fall in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region
Fall in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region
The Chautauqua-Lake Erie region of Western New York comes alive with color and fun fall activities each autumn. Explore the changing leaves along five miles of trails at the Audubon Community Nature Center. Located in Jamestown, the Audubon Community Nature Center aims to connect people and the natural world. Stroll through the lakeside grounds of Chautauqua Institution to see expressions of American architecture dating back to the late 1800s highlighted by a picturesque backdrop of fall foliage. Get a spectacular panoramic view from Erlandson Overview Park. Or venture to Luensman Park - this stunning 70-acre overlook near Brocton provides a vista of Lake Erie and the surrounding wine country. Hike the mile-long interpretive trail or just take in the landscape from the multiple viewing platforms. If conditions are just right, it’s possible to see across Lake Erie to Long Point, Ontario, Canada. Half the reward is the drive up Thayer Road, which is a winding, climbing, trek through bucolic Amish country. You can also take in a great view of Lake Erie and the surrounding area atop the tower of the Dunkirk Lighthouse.
For adventure seekers, get a closer look at the vibrant fall foliage while climbing among the treetops on Peek’n Peak Resort’s Mountain Adventures Aerial Park, which features 69 obstacles and 8 courses of varying difficulty. Climb up cargo nets and ladders while navigating various elements including ziplines in this treetop challenge. You seriously can’t get any closer to the vibrant fall foliage in New York than this! During the second and third weekends in October, Peek’n Peak Resort hosts their Fall Fest. Both weekends offer free family entertainment, craft vendors, live performances and much more. In addition, scenic chairlift rides, miniature golf, and of course, an aerial adventure will be available to enjoy.
Surround yourself with fall foliage on a peaceful horseback ride by Double D.A.B. Riding Stables through miles of trails along the Lake Erie escarpment. Take in the colorful landscape while playing a round of golf on over a dozen public golf courses. Relax with a glass (or two) of local wine from over 23 wineries collectively known as Lake Erie Wine Country while admiring the fall foliage.
Another beloved fall tradition throughout the State of New York is apple and pumpkin picking. Browse Whitter Apple Farm for fresh apples perfect for pie, applesauce, and as a healthy snack. During your visit, don’t miss the chance to try their fresh pressed cider. Pumpkintown is the epitome of fall fun where you and the whole family can partake in traditional fall activities including hayrides, a pumpkin jump pad, corn pit, and apple cannons, to name a few. Worked up an appetite after all that fun? Enjoy fall snacks including doughnuts, apple cider slushies, kettle corn and more. Before you head out, pick out some pumpkins grown right on the farm.
Hike among the colorful trees in an ancient forest and climb gigantic rock formations at Panama Rocks. Visit Panama Rocks on October 22-23 to experience their Foliage Festival, back for 2022. Partake in fall themed activities for all ages, feast your eyes on craft demonstrators including chainsaw carving and blacksmithing, browse the arts and crafts show and more.
Get into the spirit of Halloween with a number of spooky events including the Harvest Moon Cemetery Tours in Fredonia or Saints and Sinner Cemetery tours hosted by the Fenton History Center in Jamestown. Celebrate the end of fall and the end of grape harvest at Lake Erie Wine Country’s Harvest Weekends in November.
No matter where you are or what you do in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region, you’re sure to fall in love with autumn in WNY. Check out the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau’s website, www.tourchautauqua.com, for a full list of upcoming events.