Cayuga County is the perfect place for an autumn getaway. Crisp air and brilliant foliage set the scene for outdoor adventures and seasonal celebrations. Stroll through vibrant forests, hike to waterfalls, or take in dazzling lakeside views. Spend the day picking apples and pumpkins, getting lost in corn mazes, and exploring our many fall festivals—including Oktoberfests, harvest celebrations, and community events that capture the spirit of the season.

Apple Picking Opportunities

As the second-largest apple-producing state in the country (according to the New York Apple Growers Association), Cayuga County offers plenty of opportunities for apple picking, cider tasting, and farm-fresh treats, especially along the FLX Sweet Treat Trail. You’ll also find sunflower fields, wagon rides, and hands-on farm experiences throughout the county. And don’t forget our award-winning wineries—perfect for pairing your leaf-peeping adventures with a glass of Finger Lakes wine.

Fall colors in the Finger Lakes are simply unmatched. From September through late October (and sometimes into November), you’ll be surrounded by hillsides glowing in red, yellow, and orange. Fair Haven’s Leaf Peepers Weekend in late October celebrates this beauty with a full weekend of events, live music, and local flavors.

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For a scenic drive, start at Emerson Park on the northern tip of Owasco Lake in Auburn. Follow NY-38 along the lake’s western shore, stopping to enjoy breathtaking views, before ending at Fillmore Glen State Park for hiking trails, gorges, and waterfalls framed in fall colors.

Want more ways to celebrate the season? Explore our full list of autumn events—like Oktoberfests, harvest festivals, craft fairs, and farmers markets—at TourCayuga.com/events.