A relaxing, fun fall adventure awaits in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie region of Western New York state. Visitors can enjoy spectacular fall foliage, family-friendly festivals, outdoor recreation, or a craft beer or wine tour. They will find ample activities amidst an unforgettable backdrop.
Peak foliage along Chautauqua Lake, Lake Erie, and the surrounding countryside typically occurs in early to mid-October. However, excellent color begins in mid-to-late September. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region’s robust multi-use trail system also offers perfect spots for hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
Great spots for leaf peeping include the 5 miles of trails at Audubon Community Nature Center outside of Jamestown. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Luensman and Erlandson Overview Parks as well as the ancient forest and massive rock formations at Panama Rocks. This is the site of the family-friendly Foliage Festival Oct. 5-6.
Continue the fall fun at Peek’n Peak Resort. You can take advantage of the Mountain Adventures aerial park and enjoy the beautiful views here. Take some time to enjoy golfing on the championship-caliber, 18-hole Upper Course. Visit during two weekends in October for the jam-packed Peek’n Peak Fall Festival.
Bring the whole family to the 50th Busti Apple Festival on Sept. 28-29. The festival features old-time craft demonstrators, a working grist mill, over 100 vendors, food, fresh-baked pies, apple cider, apples, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Explore over a dozen Chautauqua-Lake Erie Craft Beverage Trail stops featuring award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Enjoy the stunning outdoors with live music and festivals, including two Harvest Weekends in early November along Lake Erie Wine Country.
Enjoy another round on the two 18-hole public courses of Chautauqua Golf Club at Chautauqua Institution. Walk or bike the paths of this pedestrian-first community. Situated on 750 acres of Chautauqua Lake’s shoreline, it offers plenty of opportunities to see the fall foliage.
Enjoy breathtaking views from Chautauqua Institution’s lakeside and historic Athenaeum Hotel. Then, relax by the water at the state-of-the-art Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. Unwind and enjoy the crisp fall air at any of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region’s campgrounds, vacation homes, or cottages.
Complete your visit with stops at world-renowned attractions. Home to the National Comedy Center, Lucy-Desi Museum, and Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown. Then, take a steamship adventure on the Chautauqua Belle and get into the Halloween spirit with a ghost tour at the Dunkirk Lighthouse, Park, and Veterans Museum.
For a complete list of events, attractions, accommodations, shops, and more, visit TourChautauqua.com.
