While we love taking road trips upstate to catch a glimpse of the changing leaves, the Bronx certainly has no shortage of fall foliage. So we’ve rounded up our list of favorite places in the borough to enjoy the beauty of fall- including some suggestions from our favorite Bronxites.
Covid-19 Update: While the beauty is the same, please note that some of the listed locations may have updated hours and closures.
Wave Hill
Photo: Wave Hill
Overlooking the Hudson Valley, Wave Hill is breathtaking in all seasons. Head over on the weekend for a fall inspired Family Art Project, or just enjoy a nature walk before heading to the cafe for lunch. West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, www.wavehill.org
Nilka’s Picks: Thain Family Forest & Bronx River Greenway at Burke Bridge
Nilka Martell, @LovingtheBronx
Thain Family Forest in New York Botanical Garden
Photo: NYBG
Walk along Native American hunting trails, see marks left by glaciers, and pass under trees dating back to the American Revolution- all inside the New York Botanical Garden. The garden hosts bird walks that usually pass through the forest, or grab a map and walk at your own pace. 2900 Southern Boulevard, www.nybg.org
Bronx River Greenway by Burke Bridge
Photo: Long Distance Voyager
If you’re looking for a beautiful stroll along the Bronx River, consider heading to the Bronx River Forest at Burke Bridge. In addition to the beautiful changing leaves, you might also find that the river has been home to heron, muskrat, beaver and turtles. Near Burke Avenue and Bronx River Parkway, www.bronxriver.org
Ed’s Pick: Van Cortlandt Park
Ed Garcia Conde’, @welcome2thebronx
Photo: Katie Khouri
Van Cortlandt Park
Photo: Welcome2TheBronx
With more than 1,000 acres, Van Cortlandt Park is the third largest park in New York City. So it’s no wonder it’s also the perfect way to spend a fall day. From hiking trails to the borough’s largest freshwater lake, be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty that fall bestows upon this park. Broadway and Vancortlandt Park S, www.nycgovparks.org
Debby’s Pick: Hunter Island
Debby, Bronx NY
Hunter Island
Photo: Trip Adviser
Located in the northeast corner of Pelham Bay Park near Orchard Beach, this island is accessible via the Kazimiroff Nature Trail. As the largest continuous oak forest in Pelham Bay Park, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a fall nature walk. Pelham Bay Park, www.nycgovparks.org
Lovie’s Picks: Twin Islands and Woodlawn Cemetery
Lovie Pignata, @morrisperk
Twin Islands, Pelham Bay Park
Photo: NYC Parks
Just east of Hunter Island, the Twin Islands are one of the last remaining salt marshes in the New York City area. Home to plenty of animal and plant life, fall is the perfect time to head out and explore this beautiful spot in Pelham Bay Park. Pelham Bay Park, www.nycgovparks.org
Woodlawn Cemetery
Photo: Woodlawn Conservatory
A historic landmark in the Bronx, this 440-acre cemetery has no shortage of beautiful trees that produce amazing fall foliage. In fact, there’s even an upcoming walk on October 22nd where attendees can join horticulturist Bill Logan on a fall foliage tour of Woodlawn’s arboretum. 4199 Webster Avenue, www.woodlawnconservancy.org.
Mitsubishi Riverwalk
Photo: Bronx Zoo
Located just outside of the Bronx River entrance to the Bronx Zoo, the Mitsubishi Riverwalk is situated right over double water falls on the Bronx River. It’s also home to the Bronx Zoo’s free Nature Club program, where families meet once a month to enjoy unplugged and safe fun in nature. Bronx River Entrance at the Bronx Zoo, www.bronxriver.org
Where’s your favorite place to enjoy fall foliage in the Bronx? Let us know!