ROC the Autumn Bucket List

Fall is a quintessential season in Western New York. This season means cooler weather, apple picking, pumpkin patches, crisp autumn leaves, sipping hot cider, and it’s the time of year when ghouls and goblins reign. This autumn, take advantage of all that Rochester has to offer. Whether it’s family activities, romantic destinations, or just solo fun, there is an abundance of options when it comes to fall destinations and pursuits in the Finger Lakes Region. Here are our top picks for autumn activities and must-see places in Rochester. This guide will walk you through our fall favorites to get out and enjoy before the snow begins to fall!

One: Letchworth State Park

This beloved state park is considered a gem by Rochesterians for good reason. Widely considered one of New York’s natural wonders to observe and explore, this park is called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Hikers can choose from sixty-six trails to discover, while observing the roaring Genesee River and lush forests. Every autumn, this park brings tours from all over the nation and is proof that the best of New York is sometimes right at your front doorstep.

Two: Fringe Festival

Quirky, innovative, and always outside the norm, Fringe Festival is a fall festival that can be compared to no other. Fringe Fest was originally born in Scotland in 1947 and redesigned to be shown across the world. This indoor and outdoor festival features an assortment of artists and theatrical shows around Rochester’s artsy East End neighborhood. Sometimes thought-provoking and educational, other times funny and offbeat, Fringe Fest shows offer a break from the ordinary and will captivate your imagination like no other festival has before.

Three: Hit the Wine Trail

Tour a wine trail or attend a wine tasting. The Finger Lakes Region is a wine lover’s paradise! A visit to Western NY would never be complete without at least one visit to one of our iconic wine trails or vineyards. Whether it’s touring the gorgeous Canandaigua Wine Trail or popping in at one of the Greater Rochester area’s many vineyards, the Finger Lakes Region is home to more than one hundred wineries, breweries and distilleries that will please your palate.

Four: “Prost!” Oktoberfest in Fairport

Raise your glass to fall by attending an Oktoberfest celebration! The sights and sounds of Munich, Germany come alive in Fairport during this annual festival. Festivities include live music, traditional German cuisine and the best of German beer. Put on your lederhosen and come enjoy this three-day festival in the Village of Fairport.

Five: Bristol Mountain

Nature lovers rejoice! Bristol Mountain has always been a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts. Create new and lasting memories with the ones you love while riding the Comet Express chairlift overlooking Bristol Mountain’s autumnal majesty. If a challenge is what you are looking for, consider trying their Aerial Adventures Park. This park will have you maneuvering through obstacle courses that include ziplines, a rope walk, rope ladders, and more.

Six: Powers Farm Market

Nothing says autumn quite like pumpkins, apple cider and donuts, hayrides, and corn mazes. Powers Farm Market in Pittsford has all these and so much more! Large Tee-Pees overflow with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and colors that children are welcome to explore free of charge. Powers is famous for their Halloween Hayride for all ages, or come back at night, if you dare, for their Spooky Hayride. Stroll through the pumpkin patch and don’t miss out on the petting zoo at no extra cost (or feed the animals for a few quarters!).

Seven: Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester

Located in Williamson, NY, Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester is Rochester’s longest running haunted hayride attraction and arguably the scariest as well. Inspired by the legend of William Fee and the “harvest night slaughter of 1859” folklore, this haunted hayride is not for the faint of heart. During the ride, visitors will be led through Defisher Apple Orchards while coming into direct contact with spirts, demons, phantoms, and other frightful ghouls. Always a fan favorite with Halloween lovers, this event is also known for its “screamatorium, spinning tunnel, 3D Maze, and Mummy Theater.” Over the top in design, this hayride attraction does not play it safe with its fantastical themes, frightful scenery, and thrilling cast of characters and crew!