Top Things to Do This Fall in Syracuse, NY

Fall is one of the best times to experience Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Crisp days, colorful landscapes and plenty of seasonal traditions make it easy to plan a getaway packed with autumn fun. Keep reading for trip inspiration, from fall events happening in Syracuse this October and must-visit attractions to the best spots for leaf peeping, apple picking, pumpkin patches and fall family fun.

Fall Foliage Throughout the County

There's nothing like the changing leaves reflected on the stunning turquoise waters of Green Lakes State Park. Enjoy leisurely laps around the meromictic lakes throughout the fall to experience the change of season for yourself. Make sure to bring your camera to capture its fall splendor. If strolling isn't your vibe, tee off at Green Lakes Golf course and then grab a nice meal or cocktail (or both) at Yards Grille with views that overlook the state park. Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville is just a 15-minute drive from Syracuse and offers beautiful views during the autumn months. with almost 700 acres of property and a 200-acre glacial lake water there are 9 miles of trails that include bogs, meadows, shrubs and more! Baltimore Woods Nature Center in Marcellus is another Onondaga County park that features hillside gardens and hiker-friendly paths perfect for a crisp autumn day of exploring. Follow us on social media, @VisitSyracuse and stay up to date with our fall foliage reporting! We'll be leaf peeping from Burnet Park this season.

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

Fall isn't complete without pumpkin picking. Find the perfect pumpkin to carve at one of the many pumpkin patches in Syracuse. Check out Plumpton Farms for fresh corn stalks, bails of decorative hay, and pumpkin picking. Spend an evening at Tim's Pumpkin Patch, where you can pick your perfect pumpkin and celebrate with a drink in their brew barn or a sweet from their bakery. Another staple, The Pumpkin Hollow offers hayrides, animal feeding, apple-inspired treats, and…of course, pumpkins! In the other direction, check out the Cicero Pumkin Patch! Their season begins on September 20th, and they can provide you with fall decorations galore, pumpkins, and one of the best hay rides for children in the whole county. Why limit yourself to one patch?

Visit All the Apple Orchards

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards is a popular fall destination for a number of reasons. Start your trip off by exploring and picking apples in their apple fields, next head to the quaint country store and shop for crafts, cheeses, candles and so much more, and then finish off the fall adventure by heading over to the 1911 tasting room and tavern, where hard cider and spirits are served to guests. Navarino Orchard, another gem along Route 20, offers a huge selection of U-pick apples, fresh baked goods, apples and pumpkins for all ages to pick and enjoy. Just off the main road of Route 20, you can discover Deer Run Farms Orchard, a family-owned and operated farm that offers a variety of apples to pick, apple cider, fritters, baked breads and other homemade specialties. Check them out this fall!

Explore Haunted History Trail Spots

The New York State Haunted History Trail highlights some of the spookiest spots in Onondaga County. Did you know the Landmark Theatre is said to be haunted? Check out a show this fall season, and you may see Clarissa appear as a pale figure dressed in white. Check out the Erie Canal Museum in the last remaining Weigh Lock Building in America for a chance to see several ghosts. For real frights check out Fright Nights located in the Eastwood neighborhood at 1 LePage Place.

Sample Autumn-Inspired Ales & More

Craft beverages pair perfectly with fall. There are plenty of breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries throughout the region that offer seasonal creations with fall flavors. Did someone say Pumpkin Ale from Middle Ages Brewing or Cranberry Cider from Critz Farms? Yes, please! Other places offering fall flavors include Beak & Skiff, Freight Yard Brewing, Single Cut Barn, and the Eastwood Brewery.

Dine in the Crisp Autumn Air

A light autumn breeze and sunshine create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a meal outdoors. Savor the comfortable weather while you can and check out what restaurants offer outdoor dining in downtown Syracuse throughout the season, and discover all the fall foods in CNY.

Warm up with Fall Lattes

Get cozy and warm up with a delicious latte from a local coffee shop. There's nothing like a pumpkin spice latte or a maple spice latte on a fall day. Freedom of Espresso, Cafe Kubal, Cracked Bean Roastery, Spill the Tea, Cafe Blue, Salt City Coffee, and other local cafes all put their original spin on these famous fall beverages.

See Scenic Spots: Spooky and Not

Are you familiar with the 13 curves lore, one of the most haunted roads in Syracuse, NY? If brave enough, we welcome you to check out the story of the bride and her groom who unfortunately never made it to their destination.

Skaneateles Lake is a great spot to catch picturesque views all year round. Discover unique fall offerings from local businesses and take in the gorgeous lake views as summer turns to autumn.

The Onondaga Historical Association makes it more exciting than ever to learn the history of the region with "ghost walks" in historic locations throughout Onondaga County. Keep a lookout for calendar dates to register for and take this popular guided tour that includes engaging with actors dressed up as important individuals from Syracuse's past.