Fall Foliage Is Starting to Show in Parts of the Hudson Valley

First 2026 Fall Foliage Report for the Hudson Valley

Anyone else ready for the warm weather to cool off? Thankfully, there will be a break in the heat and the temps are starting to drop.

Which also means the leaves are starting to change...well, sort of!

I Love NY has released their first fall foliage map of the 2026 fall season.

Taking a look at the map, it doesn't look like there's much of a change yet in the Hudson Valley. The I Love NY breakdown explains that there is a "5% change in Poughkeepsie with yellow, red, and orange leaves on some maples."

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The most significant change so far is in Ulster County. The Leaf Spotters are reporting "More than 10% change in New Paltz with some vibrant yellow and a few bright orange leaves" and a 5% change in the Kingston area with "touches of yellow."

Columbia County near Hudson is seeing a few colors pop. I Love NY is reporting a "10% change in Hudson with a few fall colors emerging from the mostly green backdrop."

Other than that, there's no significant changes in Orange, Rockland, or Putnam counties.

Fall Is Almost Officially Here! When Will The Leaves Start Changing?

So, the first official day of fall is Tuesday September 22nd, 2026. If you want to get technical it's official, official at 8:05 pm. Little details, but we digress.

The Old Farmers Almanac shared their interactive Fall Foliage map towards the end of summer and according to that map and the predictions, the Hudson Valley should start seeing some sort of color change in the leaves around September 25th, 2026.

READ MORE: Old Farmers Almanac Releases 2026 Fall Foliage Map

We can't wait to see the changes start!

Who doesn't love those bright reds, oranges and yellows bringing life to the trees in the region!?

Where Is Your Go To Leaf Peeping Spot in the Hudson Valley?

When it comes to fall foliage in the Hudson Valley, where is the best place to get the best view of the changing colors?

Personally, my favorite spot is in Ulster County. If you've never been to Minnewaska State Park Preserve between September and late October, you're missing out.

Take the carriage trail for easily accessible views, but if you're a hiker and want to go on a real adventure...take the trail to Gertrude's Nose.

Check out the incredible views below: