Throughout autumn, we witness a rippling explosion of color in the tree canopies, as touches of red and orange on a green canvas give way to a perpetually shifting glow of colors.
Leaf peeping is an enjoyable pastime and can provide the perfect excuse for a day trip. Here, we share 10 great Northeast arboretums to visit and view the fall foliage before putting away the rake for the season.
Take note that admission is free to most of these destinations, although many appreciate donations from visitors.
Need a ride? AAA members can save on Hertz car rentals.
Connecticut
Bartlett encompasses 93 acres of trails, gardens and art installations in Stamford. This arboretum grew out of a 30-acre training and research grounds for a renowned tree company. There are 2½ miles of walking trails, with stands of red maples and conifers intermixed with magnolias and nut trees. Visitors can also enjoy the themed gardens and pond.
Yale University’s 8-acre botanical garden, arboretum and greenhouses are open to the public. While many of the Marsh’s flowering plants will no longer be in bloom, there will be many colors to enjoy from the arboretum’s deciduous trees and fruit. While there, peruse one of the six greenhouses, which house many endangered and rare plants.
Fall Fun in the Northeast
Our favorite places and fall events throughout the region to make the most of fall foliage season.
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The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
A storied arboretum amid a storied city, the Arnold Arboretum is an emerald jewel in downtown Boston. The 281-acre preserve was designed by famed architect Frederick Law Olmsted and boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of trees. The design of the arboretum heavily favors trees native to North America over exotic species. The arboretum also hosts a robust library and archives for researchers.
The Hebert Arboretum at Springside Park
This 231-acre park in Pittsfield is an ecological treasure, with rolling hills, meadows, woodlands, streams, marshes and ponds. Like many of the arboretums on this list, it began as a country estate and still has the same charm. With 50 native tree species, it is an autumnal stopover for many migratory bird species, making for some great wildlife viewing. The arboretum also hosts guided tree-gazing and stargazing walks.
New Jersey
Once the country estate of George Griswold and Sara Ballantine Frelinghuysen, this Morris Township arboretum now spans 127 acres and includes the family’s original 19th-century mansion. Like several arboretums in the Northeast, this spot is on the National Register of Historic Places. On the trails, you can enjoy some 2,000 species of woodlands, meadows and manicured gardens.
Reeves-Reed is another Northeast arboretum created from the grounds of former country homes of wealthy 19th-century urbanites. It includes 6 acres of notable trees, including a giant sequoia, a katsura and a picturesque sugar maple. The grounds and gardens were shaped by three noted architects, including Calvert Vaux, who helped design Central Park in New York City.
New York
This 548-acre arboretum in Esperance crosses into two counties and is home to two old-growth forests. Along 8 acres of trails, tree lovers can spot plaques noting the native tree species of New York. The arboretum is also home to many rare shrub and plant species from around the world. In addition, there are unusual sculptures, including a dinosaur on the shore of a pond, and a meditation garden.
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial
In Katonah, this 234-acre park features a 30-acre arboretum with unique tree collections, including hybrid yellow magnolias and an 8-acre living laboratory dedicated to restoring the American chestnut. On the grounds, there is a tree trail that pairs each tree with a notable figure from American history, as well as several memorials honoring U.S. veterans.
This well-known public garden in the Bronx is ringed by beautiful, mature oaks and features a walkway of “tulip trees,” or magnolias whose blooms somewhat resemble tulips. On the 250-acre grounds, visitors can also find birch, dogwood, holly and witch hazel, among many species. The botanical garden is home to Thain Family Forest, one of the last old-growth forests in New York City. Save 20% on tickets with AAA Discounts.
Rhode Island
Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum
This 33-acre estate in Bristol offers beautiful views of Narragansett Bay. The arboretum is home to a 100-foot giant sequoia, a bamboo grove and some 500 tree and shrub species from around the world. The stewards of Blithewold have largely kept intact the original landscape design by meticulously following the architect’s handwritten notes. The trails and gardens marry a rustic feel with windswept elements of the sea.
🍁 For more fall fun, play our jigsaw puzzle: Falling to Pieces.
What’s your favorite place to view fall foliage? Share it in the comments.
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