Autumn Adventures

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie region of Western New York comes alive with color and fun activities each autumn. Explore the changing leaves along five miles of trails at the Audubon Community Nature Center or hike among the colorful trees in an ancient forest and climb gigantic rock formations at Panama Rocks. 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 at Luensman Overview Park and Erlandson Overview Park where you can also catch a glimpse of Chautauqua Lake. Take in the great view of Lake Erie and the surrounding area atop the tower of the Dunkirk Lighthouse.

For adventure seekers, get a closer look of the vibrant fall foliage while climbing among the treetops on Peek’n Peak Resort’s Mountain Adventures. 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 colorful landscapes while playing a round or two 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 beautifully colored leaves all around.

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, just to name a few. Did you work 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.

Fall and Harvest Festivals are offered in various destinations in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region throughout October. 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, zip lines, miniature golf, and an aerial adventure course will be available to enjoy. Visit Panama Rocks on September 30th- October 1st to experience their Foliage Festival. 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 the Saints and Sinners 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 Western New York. Check out the event calendar on the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau’s website, www.tourchautauqua.com, for a full list of upcoming events.

Autumn Adventures

Fall Fest at Peek’n Peak Resort

Fall in the Enchanted Mountains