Autumn in Upstate New York, as Seen from Above

Upstate New York is typically considered everything North of New York City in the state. Upstate New York has cities like Buffalo and Syracuse, small towns like Lake Place, and tons of natural environments that are stunningly beautiful year-round. Because New York state undergoes significant changes for every season, upstate New York is one of the best places in the country to watch summer turn to fall.

Upstate New York has major seasonal shifts that change the entire look of the landscape. Arguably the most dramatic and eye-catching transition is the one that it undergoes as the leaves change color. Upstate New York goes from being a green, forest-filled environment to a place filled with some of the most stunning red and orange shades imaginable.

While upstate New York changes colors and seasons, it also undergoes another important transformation. It becomes a major tourist hotspot. From around the state and country, people make their way to New York City to see one of the best places in the country for autumn colors. It is the perfect environment to spend a day sipping pumpkin spiced lattes or walking through a forest trail.

Hudson Valley is an area of upstate New York that encompasses much of the Hudson River. It is a naturally gorgeous area known for winding river views, wineries, and farms. It is an essential part of the New York state that receives many visiting tourists seeking to spot some Instagram-friendly views of the state’s nature.

As the tourists make their way to upstate New York and Hudson Valley, the tourism economy grows, and more activities are created to accommodate the swell of tourists. One activity that has become increasingly popular, that provides the most spectacular fall views, and is a romantic and exciting way to spend a fall day, is the aerial tours of the upstate region.

Aerial tours are thrilling ways to see overhead views of the less densely populated parts of the region. Upstate New York is the perfect environment for these tours, as it is open, colorful, and expansive. Let’s look at the two different kinds of aerial fall tours that tourists love these days.

Helicopter Tour

While Upstate New York is a great place to hike around, the appeal diminishes as the crowds gather in the autumn season. Why walk through a crowded trail filled with other tourists in crisp weather when you can soar above them on an incredible helicopter tour of the Hudson Valley and upstate New York. These tours are narrated and guided by experienced helicopter pilots that know the essential places to take in.

Tours take off from either the Westchester airport or Manhattan heliport, and you’ll find yourself above some major natural and historic sites. These tours are available seven days a week and make for an incredible way to get away from crowds and see the most possible of upstate New York. However, they don’t run year-round, so make sure you take advantage of these incredible tours as soon as possible, as they end in mid-November.

Helicopters provide exceptional speed and mobility. Zooming over the fall forests of upstate New York with a friendly pilot handling all aspects of the trip will make for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re a New York local or visiting for this experience alone, a helicopter tour over upstate New York and Hudson Valley will be something you always remember. Soak in the reds, yellows, and oranges of this naturally gorgeous area with bird-eye views from above.

Hot Air Balloon Tour

Few activities are more romantic and picturesque than rising above a stunning environment in a massive balloon propelled by burners. Hot air balloon rides are surprisingly tranquil experiences that take you above the clouds in a massive floating balloon. Less of a high-speed flight than a helicopter, hot air balloon rides over Hudson Valley will still provide magnificent views that make for the ideal backdrop for couples, friends, or families.

Hot air balloons are less mobile, so you won’t be able to cover the ground you would in a helicopter tour. You’ll still rise high over the valley to see for hundreds of miles around, with a 360-degree view that will make your jaw drop.

Rising above the picturesque landscape of upstate New York in a hot air balloon is one of the most beautiful and tranquil ways you can take in this area. With different costs for different experiences, you should be able to find one perfectly suited to what you’re looking for. Enjoy unmatched views of one of America’s premier fall landscapes from above, avoiding crowds and ensuring a perfect experience.