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Enjoy our very own Nature Preserve

You don’t have to go far to find breathtaking beauty on Binghamton’s campus. I go to the Nature Preserve as often as I can, familiarizing myself with the trails and finding new places to walk, write, sing, meditate and experience a different part of life outside work and school. The Nature Preserve is beautiful in every season, but fall is perhaps the most vivid and spectacular. When I talked to Horvath, he confirmed that the ‘87 walkway bridge in the Nature Preserve, facing southeast, is one of the best places to look at the changing leaves across the hills.

Take a trip to Ithaca or Whitney Point

Upstate New York has some of the most envied autumn locations in the country. Locations for sightseeing and hikes are only an hour from Binghamton! Take a drive up the scenic byway and stop at wineries, apple farms or nature centers. There are plenty of places to explore and eat in the as well. Whitney Point has , as well as a Lake Bikeway and Walkway. These provide great spots for fishing, hiking and, most importantly, a beautiful outlook on the water, which offers a stunning view of the fall foliage. One of my favorite memories is charcoal grilling chicken tacos in Dorchester Park at sunset with my friends.

Stay in Broome County!

There are more than a few nice places to get away from campus without having to drive too far. One of the best places for a fall lookout over the hills is in Endicott. Visit in Binghamton if you’re looking for more open space and people. The , located near the Waterman Conservation Center, is a good spot to hike near the water and feel the crunch of fallen leaves. is walkable from campus, which is a pretty little spot with a nice creek and places to picnic.

Travel to nearby State Parks

Binghamton is close to multiple sprawling and beautiful state parks. has opportunities for kayaking, fishing, hiking, sightseeing and more. , situated at the end of Seneca Lake, provides ample opportunity to see the leaves changing, accompanied by beautiful waterfalls and rock formations. I have been to Watkins Glen many times, and I always find something new. Make sure to bring clothes/shoes to wade. If you’re up for a longer drive, visit , which ranks consistently as one of the best state parks in the country! I can confirm that the park is huge, with beautiful waterfalls and plenty of hiking and photo opportunities.

Personal Recommendations: Skaneateles, Downsville, Corning

Aimlessly traveling around Upstate New York is something I do quite regularly. Here are a few more unique or secluded places that are personal favorites of mine.

The town of is not exactly unknown, but it is a very beautiful, almost mystifying, place with beautiful houses and sightseeing along the small lake.

If you’re heading east/south, the on Route 30, is about an hour and a half away. It’s a beautiful drive along the water on winding roads, and I personally love to stop at the bridge and look out across the fall foliage on the hills, or if at night, the stars.

I lived in Corning for two years during the pandemic, and if you’re up for an hour drive, you can go to the , where you can see across the rolling hills and changing leaves. Visit the famous for an extra destination!

Stephen Folkerts is an intern for the Office of Public Media and Relations, and a senior majoring in English. He hopes to work in ministry and publishing. In his spare time, he enjoys jazz drumming, poetry and basketball.