Track the leaves week by week
New York State released its first Fall Foliage report of 2026 this week, according to 6sqft. The report is an annual interactive map and guide that documents color changes across the state. It is updated weekly and uses reports from nearly 100 volunteers. For a traveler planning a day trip beyond the city, that gives you a practical way to choose a route. Check the map before you book a car or train, because color can vary a lot from one region to another. The report does not promise a single peak date. It tracks the shift as it happens.
A free 5K on Staten Island
The New York City Marathon turns 50 in 2026. To mark the anniversary, NYRR Open Run is hosting special free 5K events in each of the five boroughsBoroughOne of the five divisions of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island., according to NYC Parks. The Staten Island edition is scheduled for Sept 20 at Conference House Park. Regular Open Run events are free, weekly, community-led 5K runs in neighborhood parks. If you are in town and want a low-cost way to see a different side of Staten Island, this is a simple option. Confirm the start time and any last-minute changes on the official event page before you leave your hotel.
What this means for your trip
Fall in New York is not one fixed week. Use the foliage map for state-wide planning and the Open Run page for a free city activity. If you only have a few days, pick one: a leaf-focused day trip or a 5K in a borough you would otherwise skip. Both are better with an early start and a backup plan for rain. Keep your schedule flexible and check the official pages again on the day.
Best tours and tickets in New York
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All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
Frequently asked questions
When is peak fall foliage in New York in 2026?
Is the Conference House Park Open Run free?
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