Oct 10, 2016 – Fall is finally here, which means football, changing leaves and apple picking.

In Buffalo and Western New York, we know that there’s not much time before the snow comes. That’s why you should be sure to check out the fall foliage, pick apples and pumpkins and take advantage of the comfortable fall weather while it lasts.

We’ve put together a list of the best places to enjoy fall activities in the area, many just a short drive from our apartment communities in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. As we head into mid-October, fall colors are at their peak, so you’ll want to make sure you get a look before it’s too late.

Places to watch the leaves change near Buffalo

North Buffalo

Delaware Park – Delaware Park appears on a lot of our “best places” lists, and for good reason–it’s a great place to enjoy weather and scenery year-round, but it really shines in fall. Take a walk around the park loop to witness gorgeous fall colors, or stroll around the Hoyt Lake path to be surrounded by the colorful trees in a serene setting. Just a short 8-minute walk from our Main Jewett Apartments and Delaware Park Apartments, there’s no excuse not to get out and check out the fall colors before winter comes.

Orchard Park, NY

Chestnut Ridge Park – Not into football? Spend a Sunday in Orchard Park hiking and witness the breathtaking views of trees in all of their autumn splendor from the top of the park’s large hill. Want a closer look? Check out a different section of the park with deep-woods hiking, accessible via a winding trail that begins on Seufert Road/Route 277. It’s less than a half hour drive from our Buffalo apartments, so it’s definitely worth taking a day to enjoy the scenery.

Niagara Falls, NY

Devil’s Hole State Park – While the Canadian side gets a lot of hype, the American side of Niagara Falls is home to a beautiful state park that’s perfect for hiking and watching the leaves change in autumn. If you want to mix it up, you can also hike down a 300-foot stone stairway to explore glacial rock formations, caves and some of the best freshwater fishing in the country, which peaks during fall and winter. Only a 13-minute drive from our Niagara Apartments, it’s a great place to explore in Niagara Falls this fall.

Ellicottville, NY

Ellicottville – While it’s a bit further of a drive, Ellicottville is certainly worth a weekend trip from Buffalo or Niagara Falls. Their annual fall festival has passed, but the colors are just starting to change, so the next few weekends should be ideal for checking out the foliage. With its large hills and mountains, you can get great views of the blazing red and gold colors of the leaves. And after you’re done hiking and checking out the fall beauty, stop by the Ellicott Brewing Company to sample one of their seasonal beers.

Apples, pumpkins and fall treats

Lockport, NY

Blackman Homestead Farms – Just a 10-minute drive from our Sanborn Meadow Apartments and a 19-minute drive from our Niagara Falls Apartments, Blackman Homestead Farms is one of the best places to go apple-picking and pumpkin-picking in the area. In addition to offering pumpkins and more than fifteen varieties of apples, you can also pick your own fresh squashes and grapes from their colorful bounty. And with fresh pressed cider, grape juice, specialty fruit butters, applesauce, maple syrup and other locally produced agricultural products also available for purchase, it’s a great place taste all of the flavors of fall. Stop in any day from 9am-6pm.

West Seneca, NY

Mayer Brothers Cider Mill & Bakery – As the largest processor of apple cider in North America, Mayer Brothers is a fall staple in Western New York, and for good reason. Visit the store, open 7am to 8pm daily, to pick up a gallon of their flavorful fresh pressed cider and a dozen of their incredible cider donuts. Also available at the store are huge, delicious apple pies, locally made gourmet candies and jams, apple slushies, candied apples and much more. There’s also a pumpkin patch and a hayride for the kids. The store is an easy 21-minute drive from our Main Jewett Apartments, a 23-minute drive from our Delaware Park apartments and less than a half hour from our apartments in the City of Tonawanda, North Tonawanda and Kenmore, so there’s no reason not to check it out and satisfy your sweet tooth this fall.

What are you favorite places to enjoy fall activities around Buffalo and Niagara Falls? Comment below or let us know on our Facebook page.