Discover Albany this autumn with leaf peeping excursions, autumn strolls and scenic fall foliage drives. Don't forget to pack your camera as these seasonal adventures are worth documenting with a photo or an Instagram post! Keep reading for the scoop on some of Albany County's most Insta-worthy spots to incorporate into your autumn adventures.
Corning Tower Observation Deck
Go all the way up to the top floor of the Corning Tower to visit the Observation Deck! Housed on the 42nd floor of the tallest skyscraper in New York State outside of NYC, the Corning Tower Observation Deck boasts a bird's eye view of Albany that is totally Insta-worthy. Spy the foothills of the Adirondacks, the Catskills, the Berkshires, the Port of Albany, and the Hudson River Valley, all transformed into a tapestry of vivid fall colors. The Observation Deck is free and open to the public from Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Thacher Park Overlook
Perched atop the Helderberg Escarpment, John Boyd Thacher State Park is the ultimate destination for leaf peepers in Albany County. Head to the scenic Overlook for stunning panoramic views of fall foliage across the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The landscape draped in a blanket of reds, oranges and yellows is an unbe-leaf-able backdrop for your Instagram photos.
Bonus: Hike along the iconic Indian Ladder Trail (open for the season) for even more Insta-worthy views of fall foliage, waterfalls and hidden caves.
Washington Park Footbridge
Washington Park is a must-visit spot in the heart of the City of Albany during the autumn months. Stroll along the leaf-covered paths to the charming footbridge over Washington Park Lake. Erected in 1875, the footbridge is the oldest and only original structure still remaining in the park. With seasonal views of the lake and the trees transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors, the footbridge is a picture-perfect spot for autumn photos.
Pine Hollow Arboretum
Pine Hollow Arboretum is a hidden gem for autumn explorations. Nestled in Slingerlands, the 22-acre arboretum is home to a distinctive variety of trees, shrubs and plants. Follow the winding trails, covered with a blanket of fallen leaves, to scenic ponds for an Instagrammable backdrop. The forest, thick with evergreens and trees morphed into autumn shades, offers many selfie spots for seasonal photos.
Nine Pin Cider's Mural
This Instagrammable spot in Albany's Warehouse District will be the apple of your eye! Snap a selfie in front of the mural by local artist Phoebe Rotter, in collaboration with Albany Center Gallery, located on the loading dock doors on the Thatcher Street side of Nine Pin Cider's Tasting Room. After posing for photos, choose from a rotating selection of 9 premium and limited small batch hard ciders, all crafted from local fresh pressed apples. Enjoy the flavor of fall with Nine Pin's latest seasonal launch Apple Pie-Secco!
Cohoes Falls
Cohoes Falls is a must-visit Albany County attraction that is picture-perfect during fall foliage season. Measuring roughly 1,000 feet across and up to 90 feet high, Cohoes Falls is the second largest waterfall in New York State. Walk across the 192-foot pedestrian bridge in Falls View Park for phenomenal views of the rushing falls and brightly-colored trees. The sensational sight is Instagrammable no matter the season, but especially during the autumn months!
