New York’s foliage burns bright in the fall. This season take advantage of the most beautiful parks in the five boroughs to see the fiery colors of autumn.  By Sherry Mazzocchi.

(credit: Wave Hill)

Wave Hill

W.249th St. and Independence Ave.
Bronx
(718) 549-3200
wavehill.org

Visitors to Wave Hill are bedazzled by the gardens, woodlands and spectacular view of the Hudson River. This beautiful Bronx park always has a full agenda of events including fall foliage walks, raptor walks, honey tastings and photography workshops. In late October, children are invited to hunt for the park’s fabled woodland fairies.

Credit: Malcolm Pinckney/NYC.gov

Van Cortlandt Park

Broadway and Jerome Ave. Bronx
nycgovparks.org/parks/VanCortlandtPark

The John Kieran Nature Trail, named for a Bronx naturalist, guides visitors along Van Cortlandt Park’s most beautiful and scenic route. The trail snakes along an ancient settlement of the Lenape people, the original inhabitants of the area. Deer are not an uncommon sight here.

(credit: New York Botanical Garden)

The New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
(718) 817-8700
nybg.org/

This New York gem has over 50 acres of native forests and gardens to explore, including over 30,000 trees. Visitors can take the famous tram to see the sites and even canoe the Bronx River. This fall the Botanical Garden is also offering a series of public programs about the importance of forests.

(credit: Friends of Fort Tryon Park)

Fort Tryon Park

191st St. and Fort Washington Ave.
forttryontrust.org/

This pristine park set at the edge of The Cloisters, rests high above the Hudson River. Stroll along the Heather Gardens or sit at Linden Terrace to meditate on the views of the George Washington Bridge and the untouched Palisades Park across the river.

(credit: Greenbelt Conservancy)

Greenbelt Conservancy

200 Nevada Ave.
Staten Island 10314
(718) 667-2165
sigreenbelt.org/

This Staten Island oasis has 2,800 acres of park and natural wooded areas. Four woodland trails take visitors on a tour of red maples and Highbush blueberries, along with hawks, owls and dozens of migrating birds. Visitors can also swing a nine iron on the a golf course, ride the carousel and lounge along the picnic areas.

(credit: Black Rock Forest Consortium)

Black Rock Forest

129 Continental Road
Cornwall, NY 12518
blackrockforest.org/

This 3,830 acre forest in the Hudson Highlands is only 50 miles north of Manhattan. Boasting more than than 65 species of trees, the park is also home to hundreds of bird species. Fall visitors this time of year can expect to see red-tailed hawks, barn owls, ruby-throated hummingbirds and downy woodpeckers.

(credit: Visit Bear Mountain)

Bear Mountain State Park

3006 Seven Lakes Drive
Bear Mountain NY
(845) 786-2701
visitbearmountain.com/

Only an hour away from the city, Bear Mountain offers sensational views of the Hudson Highlands. Hike the Appalachian Trail, rent a rowboat and be sure to ride the carousel of all the different Bear Mountain animals–including bobcats, deer, otters and bears.