Experience an enchanted autumn!
Autumn paints this charming region’s timeless landscapes—“enchanted” mountains, sparkling waters, and bountiful vineyards— with magnificent colors. Your getaway here offers one-of-a-kind attractions, fun fall festivals, cultural treasures and outdoor adventures from trophy fishing in Great Lake Erie to wild mountain coaster rides!
Simple pleasures include fishing in the Genesee River, kayaking in pristine lakes, and biking along scenic country roads. For a wilder jaunt, ride the new Mountain Coaster at Holiday Valley Resort’s adventure park or swirl past rugged cliffs, waterfalls and old-growth forests, rafting on the mighty Cattaraugus with outfitters like Zoar Valley Canoe & Rafting Company and Adventure Calls Outfitters.
Harvest time bursts with homegrown flavor. Sweet corn, apples, and tons of grapes! Sample wines along the Lake Erie Wine Country with over 20 wineries along Lake Erie in America's Grape Country. Follow New York’s Amish Trail to more than 100 shops with farm-fresh produce and hand-made crafts, from quilts to furniture.
Seasonal celebrations include the Busti Apple Festival on September 26 at the Busti Gristmill and Museum in Jamestown. Along with fresh-pressed cider and other apple products, enjoy military history reenactments and demonstrations of 19th-century crafts.
On September 14, Ellicottville’s Rock n’ Roll Weekend features a classic car and hot rod show. The Ellicottville Fall Festival on October 9 and 10 presents great entertainment and over 200 art, craft and food vendors. You can also take a chairlift ride above the autumn scenery at Holiday Valley ski resort.
For unique thrills and chills, check out the Ghost Hunts at Dunkirk Lighthouse on September 29, October 20, and Halloween weekend October 26 to 27.
Held October 13 and 14, when the foliage of the surrounding hills is ablaze with color, the Peek’n Peek Fall Festival features a farmers market, pumpkin cannon, horsedrawn wagon rides and ski lift rides above the tapestry of colorful foliage.
Allegany State Park has miles of nature trails, bike paths and hundreds of all-season cabins, many on the water. For spectacular views of the splendid fall foliage, climb the high bluffs at Lake Erie State Park. Hike amid towering rock formations at Rock City Park, which hosts a Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show from October 6 to 8.
Looking for a unique cultural experience? Amble through 400 acres of glorious autumn scenery to see 250 monumental sculptures at Griffis Sculpture Park, a nature preserve popular for birding.
For more fall travel ideas and information, see Chautauqua-Allegheny’s Culinary, History & Culture, Outdoors and Water listings.
For more information visit: Chautauqua-Allegany Regional Tourism Office