With cooler weather setting in and leaves beginning to change, fall is one of the best times to explore Cortland and the surrounding area. From local festivals to outdoor trails and seasonal food and drinks, there are plenty of options to enjoy the season without going too far from campus.
Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patches
Fall traditions start with apples and pumpkins. Local spots like Littletree Orchards and Indian Creek Farm make for an easy afternoon trip. Students can pick apples, try fresh cider, and stock up on seasonal treats. Pumpkin patches are also nearby, perfect for carving, decorating, or adding to the fall atmosphere.
Festivals and Community Events
The Homer Fall Festival takes place on September 28 at Homer Hops Brewing. The event runs from noon to 10 p.m. and includes live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and a family fun zone. Shortly after, the 28th Annual Great Cortland Pumpkinfest will be held October 4–5 at Courthouse Park in downtown Cortland. The festival features pumpkins, live entertainment, and a variety of local food and artisan goods. Forged from Ashe Studios in downtown Cortland hosts fall-themed workshops, including barn quilt painting and mosaic pumpkin planters. These events offer a chance to take home a seasonal project while spending time in a relaxed, creative setting.
Outdoor Activities and Scenic Views
Lime Hollow Nature Center offers hiking trails close to campus, making it a convenient way to enjoy the fall weather. A drive along Route 281 also provides views of Cortland’s rolling hills during peak foliage. For a slightly longer trip, Bear Swamp Trail in Tompkins County is known for its quiet woodlands and colorful fall scenery.
Waterfalls and the Finger Lakes
For a day trip, the Finger Lakes region has some of the best fall views in upstate New York. A boat ride on Cayuga Lake highlights the colors of the season, while Taughannock Falls State Park near Ithaca offers hiking trails and one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains.
Thrills and Seasonal Attractions
Greek Peak Mountain Resort is nearby and offers the mountain coaster, which runs year-round but is especially scenic in the fall. For students looking for a Halloween-themed activity, Fright Nights in Syracuse opens September 27 and includes five haunted attractions. The event has been named one of the best haunted experiences in the Northeast.
Local Breweries and Wineries
For students 21 and older, Cortland Beer Company is a popular local spot. Along with drinks, they often host live music and have an outdoor space with fire pits. Wineries such as Six Mile Creek Vineyard in Ithaca and Anyela’s Vineyards in Skaneateles also provide a fall weekend option, combining seasonal drinks with scenic views.
Fall in Cortland offers plenty of ways to take a break from campus life, whether it’s picking apples, stopping by a local brewery, or spending the afternoon at a festival. For those looking to stay close, there are trails, events, and seasonal hangouts right in town, but Ithaca and Syracuse also provide easy day trips with waterfalls, wineries, and haunted attractions. Together, these options make the fall season here one of the best times of year to explore both the local community and the region.