Leaf Peeping Opportunities in Saratoga Springs

Did you know there are plenty of places to leaf peep right in the Spa City? From walking through Congress Park to exploring Skidmore's trails, you'll find several sites where you can catch a great view of the leaves. Below, we've rounded up some of our top places to see the fall foliage in Saratoga Springs.

Congress Park

Nestled in downtown Saratoga, Congress Park is the perfect place to set up a fall picnic and enjoy the foliage with family or friends.

Take a walk on the paths by the beautiful Spirit of Life Memorial, or follow the trails around the park. The park itself is gorgeous, with many scenic statues, ponds, buildings, and other features.

The park's many features, combined with the colorful trees, make for a great experience. It's a small but scenic location to take the kids leaf-peeping this fall.

Skidmore's North Woods

Soak up the local scenery and hike through the North Woods at Skidmore College. Open to the public, the North Woods features an excellent trail system where visitors can reconnect with nature and enjoy colorful leaves during fall.

The North Woods comprises approximately 150 acres, and the trails vary from .2 miles to 1.1 miles long. The large property gives many opportunities to take in the vibrant foliage as you traverse the trails. 

One Google reviewer highlighted how the North Woods is a well-maintained property with many paths available for hiking. 

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail

Only a short drive away from Saratoga's downtown, the Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail cuts through woods and wetlands.

The two-mile trail is a popular spot for nature walks. In addition to leaf peeping, you can also enjoy bird-watching during your trip (keep an eye out for herons).

The trail winds alongside an abandoned railroad that was once used throughout the area, providing unique terrain and history to the path. Stop and read the informational signs along the way to get the full history lesson!

Saratoga Spa State Park

If there's one place you must visit this fall, it's Saratoga Spa State Park. Although this State Park is worth a trip during any part of the year, in autumn, you'll get to see some of the best views of the foliage.

Whether you take a hike, a bike ride, or a short drive through the park, you can experience the colors of the season. Depending on how long you'd like to go leaf-peeping, there are a variety of trails and trail loops to choose from.

If you have little ones who require more entertainment, there are plenty of activities in the park that can keep them engaged while you enjoy the beauty of the surrounding leaves. 

Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve

Head west of downtown Saratoga and explore .75 miles of trails that travel through a forested area in the Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve.

This is a quiet nature preserve with level trails that lead to an overlook of Rowland Hollow Creek. There are benches along the way where you can take a break and appreciate this woodland wildlife habitat.

The Preserve is praised for its shorter trails, which are great for families with younger kids. The quiet serenity of the trail makes it easy to stop and soak in the beauty of the fall foliage. 

Going for a Longer Hike? Prepare Accordingly!

When preparing for a hike, do your due diligence to research where you're going—how long the hike will be, if there is any elevation, and, as you get closer to your hike, the weather. A stroll through Saratoga Spa State Park or Congress Park will be significantly less challenging than going up a mountain.

Dress for the weather and wear or bring extra layers, as temperatures can change quickly, especially if you're headed to higher elevations.

Browse Our Suggested Fall Hiking Gear & Apparel

Note: The peak period for fall foliage in Saratoga Springs is approximately during the second and third weeks of October. However, Mother Nature cannot always be predicted! It's best to check ahead here for up-to-date reports.

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