There’s just something about fall in Oneida County. The leaves start changing, cider donuts are back, pumpkin patches open for the season and suddenly taking the long way just for the view feels like a pretty good idea.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or road-tripping through Central New York, fall is a great time to explore Oneida County. Think scenic train rides, apple picking, pumpkin patches, seasonal festivals and a few fall treats worth traveling for.
So grab a cider, take the long way and start checking these activities off. Here are 12 ways to make the most of fall in Oneida County.
1. Ride Through the Fall Foliage
All aboard for one of the best views of fall in Central New York.
The Adirondack Railroad Fall Getaway Train departs from Utica's historic Union Station and heads north through forests and countryside, where riders will see the fall colors in all their glory. Grab a seat, sit back and enjoy the view.
It's an easy way to make fall foliage the main event without spending the day behind the wheel.
2. Make a Clinton Cider Mill Run
This one is an Oneida County must-do during the fall.
Clinton Cider Mill has been making cider in the Village of Clinton since 1903, and when the mill opens for the season, you know fall isn't far behind.
Stop in for fresh-pressed cider, cider donuts, apples and baked goods. Enjoy them on the deck or take them to-go for your own little picnic. Then spend a little time wandering around Clinton or head over to nearby Root Glen for a walk under the changing leaves.
And yes, get the donuts.
3. Pick Apples at a Local Orchard
Grab a tote and head to the orchard.
At North Star Orchards in Westmoreland, you can pick your own apples, browse the farm market, grab fresh cider and stock up on all the things that somehow taste better this time of year.
You can also make your way to Windy Hill Orchard & Farm Market in Cassville for U-pick apples, fresh cider and a drive through some beautiful Central New York countryside.
What's available for picking changes throughout the season, so it's always a good idea to check with the orchards before heading out.
4. Try the Pumpkin Half Moons Everyone Talks About
We could have tucked these into the apple-picking section, but they deserve their own spot.
Every fall, North Star Orchards brings back its pumpkin half moons, and people go a little crazy for them.
If you've never had one, this is your sign.
Maybe grab a few to take home (but we guarantee you’re going to eat them on the ride!).
5. Spend an Afternoon at the Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin picking is even better when you turn it into an entire afternoon.
Visit Pumpkin Junction in Sauquoit, head north to Will's Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm in Camden, or stop at Savicki's Farm Market for pumpkins and seasonal fun.
Whether you're searching for the perfect carving pumpkin, planning a fall day with the kids or just looking for an excuse to spend the afternoon outside, you've got options.
6. Taste Your Way Along the Cheese Trail
Yes, we have a cheese trail.
The Central New York Cheese Trail connects cheesemakers and farm stores throughout the region, making it a pretty delicious excuse for a fall road trip.
Fall also brings the Little Falls Cheese Festival, when downtown Little Falls fills with New York cheesemakers, artisan foods, craft beverages and plenty to sample.
If your travel plans tend to revolve around what you're going to eat, we understand.
Check the Fall Events calendar below for this year's festival details.
7. Raise a Glass to Fall
Cooler weather and a seasonal beer just make sense.
In Rome, Copper City Brewing Company gets into the season with its Oktoberfest celebration, while Saranac brings Oktoberfest festivities to its historic brewery on Varick Street in Utica.
Even if your visit doesn't line up with Oktoberfest, fall is a great excuse to see what's pouring around Oneida County.
Planning around Oktoberfest? Check the Fall Events calendar below for current dates and details.
8. Get Into Spooky Season
Once October rolls around, things start getting a little spooky.
Utica Zoo gets into the Halloween spirit with its Spooktacular Harvest Festival, a family-friendly way to celebrate the season.
You can even take Halloween to the rails. Adirondack Railroad offers seasonal Halloween experiences, including family-friendly rides and its 21+ Halloween Beer & Wine Train.
There are plenty of other Halloween happenings throughout October, too. Check the Fall Events calendar below to see what's happening while you're here.
9. Catch a Hockey Game
Around here, cooler weather also means hockey is back.
In downtown Utica, head to the Adirondack Bank Center to catch the Utica Comets in action. Grab dinner downtown before the puck drops, walk over to the game and settle in for a night of hockey.
Over in Rome, there's a new team to cheer for, too. The Copper City Chiefs are bringing semi-professional hockey back to the Copper City, giving visitors another way to catch a game while they're here.
Whether you're spending the evening in Utica or Rome, a hockey game is a pretty fun way to round out a full fall day and a good excuse to spend one more night in Oneida County.
10. Get Outside & Chase the Fall Color
You don't need a ticket or reservation to find some of the best fall views in Oneida County.
Take a walk through Root Glen in Clinton, chase waterfalls at Pixley Falls State Park, stroll through F.T. Proctor Park, or head to BREIA and Potato Hill Farm to explore miles of trails surrounded by fall color. You can also make your way to Delta Lake State Park or explore a stretch of the Erie Canal & Empire State Trails.
Or skip the itinerary altogether, grab a coffee and enjoy the drive. Some of the best fall views are the ones you find along the way.
11. Squeeze in One More Patio Day
There’s a small window every fall when the sun is still warm, the air is crisp and sitting on a patio just feels right.
Take in the rooftop views at Ocean Blue in downtown Utica, grab a table outside at The Tailor and the Cook, or head toward Rome for dinner at Delta Lake Inn. Over in Sylvan Beach, catch the last of patio season at The Lake House, or settle in outside at Vine & Fig.
Bring a sweater, order something good and stay awhile. Patio season doesn’t last forever around here.
12. Play a Round
If you golf, bring the clubs.
Oneida County has 29 public golf courses within 29 minutes, so finding a place to play isn’t exactly the hard part. And once the leaves start changing, the views aren’t bad either.
Play one of the championship courses at Turning Stone Resort Casino, including Atunyote, Kaluhyat and Shenendoah, or check out local favorites like Valley View Golf Course in Utica, Crestwood Golf Club in Marcy, Rome Country Club in Rome or Barker Brook Golf Course in Oriskany Falls.
Cooler temps, fall color and 29 courses to choose from? Sounds like a pretty good excuse to squeeze in another round.
What's Happening This Fall?
From festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations to live music, Halloween happenings and family-friendly events, there's always something else to add to the itinerary.
