A Scenic 70-Mile Drive In Upstate NY Is One of The Best Roads For Leaf Peeping in the U.S.

With September already here and fall approaching very soon, we’re already scouting out the best fall foliage drives near NYC to take this year. Earlier this week we put you onto High Peaks Scenic Byway, which is a stunning 30 miles road across the beautiful landscape of the Adirondacks —but we may have found one even better AND closer to the city . Let us introduce you to the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway , a 70-mile stretch of Route 97 between Port Jervis and Hancock— which also just got named one of the 10 best roads in America for fall foliage in 2025 , according to a new MarketWatch ranking. As mentioned, the byway traces nearly 70 miles of New York’s Route 97, winding alongside the Delaware River with jaw-dropping views of cliffs, river bends, and historic landmarks like Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct . From late September through mid-October, the hillsides erupt into vivid reds, oranges, and yellows , creating a dramatic backdrop reflected against deep, winding water . Complete with notable overlooks like Hawk’s Nest and the State Line Lookout — there’s plenty of fiery maples, golden birch, and sweeping valley views all less than two hours from Manhattan. a In 2024, the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway earned the prestigious National Byway Award for Partnership from the National Scenic Byway Foundation, recognizing the region’s commitment to community engagement and scenic preservation. This builds on even earlier accolades, including being named USA TODAY’s top drive in the Northeast and the #2 autumn drive in the country—showcasing that this road trip is absolutely no joke. Along the route, small river towns like Callicoon and Barryville come alive during foliage season too. From [Narrowsburg](https://secretnyc.co/narrowsburg-new-york-small-town/) and Cochecton to dining destinations like Kenoza Lake , there are plenty of cozy spots to pause for lunch, explore an indie shop, or even spend the night. And if you’ve got time for an extra detour? Swing by Bethel , the original site of Woodstock, for a dose of music history amid the autumn colors. Why it ranks among the best according to MarketWatch ---------------------------------------------------- Believe it or not there was some interesting factors that MarketWatch took into account when deciding the best leaf-peeping roads. These are the few key qualities they all had to have: * Deciduous trees that explode into brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. * Scenic, slower-speed routes designed for soaking in the views rather than rushing. * Quaint towns and pit stops that make the journey as memorable as the destination. * Accessibility , so you don’t have to trek hours into the wilderness for peak color. When to take a drive on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway ----------------------------------------------------------- The best time to view the peak fall foliage in the Catskills and Delaware River Valley is typically from late September to mid-October. The earlier you go, the more green you’ll still see in the mix; by mid-month, the hillsides are ablaze. Be sure to use an interactive fall foliage map to check ahead of time before your trip! Source: https://secretnyc.co/best-road-for-leaf-peeping-2025-marketwatch-upper-delaware-scenic-byway/