Best fall road trips from NYC in a rental car

Swap city streets for winding country roads and fall foliage. Autumn’s crisp air, pumpkin treats, and smaller crowds make it the perfect time for a road trip from NYC. In just a few hours, you can trade skyscrapers for rolling hills, apple orchards, or seaside lighthouses.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the best fall road trip ideas from NYC and shown how Drivo can make your journey smoother, more comfortable, and unforgettable.

Catskills and Hudson Valley: foliage, waterfalls & сozy towns

A short drive north or west of NYC opens up the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions in blazing autumn color. The winding roads here – think Scenic Route 97 along the Delaware River or Highway 9W up the Hudson – are framed by forests turning fiery red and orange. In the Catskills, mountain gorges and panoramic overlooks reveal layers of color.

Must-see natural highlights

Kaaterskill Falls: Park at the Molly Smith lot on Route 23A and hike into the forest. You’ll emerge at a 260-foot waterfall set amid “trees aflame with rioting hues.” The gentle trail (about 1.5 miles round-trip) and the roar of rushing water make this a quintessential fall scene.

Catskill Mountain House site at North-South Lake: Offers sweeping vistas across the Hudson Valley – painted by autumn light, it’s the same view that inspired 19th-century artists. Shaded lake walks and colorful overlooks make it clear why leaf-peeping near NYC is so popular in October.

Another striking drive is through Stony Clove Notch on Route 214, where narrow roads thread between towering cliffs. Here, “soaring slopes [and] rocky cliffs, with just enough room for the road” create some of the Catskills’ most dramatic fall scenery. The trees on either side of the road blaze with color, making you feel like you’re immersed in a mountain painting as you drive.

Nearby, Route 214 through Lanesville Valley is similarly picturesque, with “sylvan scenery” along Stony Clove Creek that highlights every orange and yellow leaf. Pack a camera – even a quick stop at an overlook or roadside rail-trail can yield stunning photos of forests ablaze in gold.

Cozy towns along the way

These mountain drives pair perfectly with visits to charming towns:

Cold Spring, NY: a storybook village on the east bank of the Hudson, featuring antique shops, bakeries, and a riverside promenade. A stroll down its cobblestone Main Street feels like a step back in time. Around Cold Spring, rugged hills like Breakneck Ridge turn brilliant red, offering postcard views of the Hudson River.

Beacon, NY: trendy cafes and art galleries sit at the foot of rolling hills that “light up with fall colors.” Don’t miss Dia:Beacon, a contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco factory – its floor-to-ceiling windows provide an indoor vantage point on the autumn woods outside.

Beyond these well-known spots, the Hudson Valley is dotted with hidden gems worth detouring for:

Walkway Over the Hudson (Poughkeepsie) – a rare high-up view of the river lined by fall foliage. Storm King State Park – massive sculptures rise out of golden fields. Shawangunk Ridge (near Mohonk and Minnewaska) – miles of orange-maple and red-oak forests.

Small eateries and cider mills along the way (or a stop at the artfully converted Catskill Mountain House) will keep you fueled – or just have some hot cider ready.

Tip: plan your route so you can meander through these areas at leisure and share driving duties if you can.

Scenic stops table

Travel tips for the best ride

No matter which Catskills or Hudson Valley route you choose, having the right car makes it more fun. For example, a snug SUV with room for cameras, jackets, and pumpkins is ideal for these leaf-peeping roads.

Drivo’s fleet includes:

• SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson and full-size Chevy Traverse – perfect for comfort and cargo.
• Luxury sedans and convertibles – sunroof open, anyone? Ideal for extra scenic freedom.

In short, book your fall ride with Drivo now and make sure your car is as ready for the journey as you are.

North Fork Vineyards road trip

Looking to mix wine tasting with fall colors? Just two hours east of Manhattan, Long Island’s North Fork Trail delivers. This 36-mile byway (mostly Route 25) starts near Riverhead and runs all the way out to Orient Point’s lighthouse, offering it all: rows of grapevines, quaint farm stands, seaside panoramas, and even wild marshes.

In fall, the countryside bursts into shades of amber and burgundy. You’ll literally wind past vineyards, little harbor towns, and golden fields – a scenic road trip like no other. By the time you reach the Atlantic at Orient Point, complete with its historic lighthouse, you’ll see why the North Fork is a long-time favorite.

Scenic starting point: Oregon Road

Start your journey on Oregon Road in Peconic, often called the most picturesque stretch of the North Fork. This narrow country lane threads between centuries-old barns and rolling vineyards. By October, grapevines cloak the fields in soft yellows and browns, and the hedgerows blaze with red maples.

Oregon Road is one of the most charming drives on the East End: a quiet country road lined with rolling vineyards, historic barns, and wide-open farm fields. In autumn, the views are especially breathtaking, with vibrant foliage and golden vineyard rows creating a postcard-worthy backdrop. Slow down, roll down the windows, and savor the farm-fresh fall air – and don’t forget to snap a few photos!

Wine tasting stops

After that scenic warm-up, it’s time to enjoy some wine tasting. The North Fork has dozens of wineries, so plan a route that hits just a handful. Some top stops include:

• Suhru & Lieb Vineyards (Cutchogue) – set on 54 acres of certified sustainable vines. In October, sip Rieslings or Pinot Blanc while gazing at foliage-covered fields.
• Macari Vineyards (Mattituck) – known for sweeping hillside views. In fall, the rows of vines and framing oaks turn brilliant shades, making every tasting feel scenic.
• Sparkling Pointe (Southold) – famous for sparkling wine and a rustic barn setting.
• Bedell Cellars & Kontokosta Winery – offer especially fine views of vineyards on sloping hillsides.

Beyond the wineries

Don’t overlook non-winery delights on the North Fork:

• Lancaster Farm Country Market (Matituck) and Wickham’s Fruit Farm (Cutchogue) – perfect for cider donuts, pumpkins, and fresh apple ciders.
• North Fork Table & Inn or Love Lane Kitchen – cozy farm-to-table lunch spots along your route.
• East Marion wetlands and the village of Greenport – great for a short stroll, antique shops, or ferry views.

Planning tips for the perfect drive

1. Pick 3–4 stops: this keeps the day relaxed and allows time to savor each winery or attraction.
2. Make lunch reservations: some spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
3. Drive at your own pace: quiet country roads and ample parking make it easy to enjoy the scenery.
4. Designate a driver or plan rides accordingly: if you want to enjoy wine tasting, sharing driving duties is a must.

With Drivo, you can rent a premium SUV and split the wheel so everyone can enjoy a glass or two safely. Start early, pack a sweater, and take in as many vineyards and fall vistas as possible. By late afternoon, the North Fork’s golden light will make the vines glimmer a perfect pairing of leaf-peeping and wine tasting.

Pro Tip: book your fall ride with Drivo now to get a comfortable, reliable car ready for this scenic journey. Whether you prefer a spacious SUV for comfort or a premium car for style, Drivo has the perfect option to make your North Fork adventure seamless.

Key fall car rental tips:

1. Book early & go premium: reserve your car weeks in advance. Drivo offers everything from economy cars to luxury SUVs. A midsize SUV (like a Hyundai Tucson) or full-size SUV (like a Chevy Traverse) is great for hauling luggage and passengers comfortably.
2. Check the weather: monitor autumn forecasts. Be ready for rain or wind. Pack cozy layers and have essentials (snacks, water, blankets) in the car.
3. Drive defensively: give yourself extra stopping distance. AAA reminds us to “slow down when driving over large patches of leaves” since they can hide hazards. Always watch for kids or animals that might dart out in colorful leaf piles.
4. Nighttime caution: with earlier sunsets, keep headlights and high beams in good shape. Leave earlier or plan breaks so you’re not driving unfamiliar country roads in the dark.
5. Flexible plans: need to cancel or change your booking? Companies like Drivo make it easy with flexible policies. This way, a sudden rain or change of heart won’t ruin your trip.

With a little preparation and the right vehicle, your fall road trip from NYC will be stress-free. Remember to book your fall ride with Drivo now so you can focus on making memories, not logistics. Their flexible pickup locations around NYC and Newark airports mean you can grab the perfect car for your journey. Need premium leather seats for added comfort, or an extra-large SUV for all your friends and gear? Drivo has you covered.

Autumn in the Hudson Valley or North Fork is a road trip you’ll treasure. So roll the windows down (just enough to smell the cider donuts!), let the maps guide you past golden vineyards and fiery treetops, and drive safely. With Drivo handling the rental details, the only thing left is to enjoy those endless scenic views. Happy driving, and happy fall!