National Geographic just confirmed what locals have always known: Upstate New York offers fall experiences that rival anything in New England.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowded leaf-peeping hotspots the magazine suggests turning to “unexpected” but equally beautiful fall destinations across the U.S., including Upstate New York.

The list names places such as Big Bear, California, and Washington, D.C., but for those who live here, Upstate New York is anything but unexpected. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel north to take in the autumn hues.

It’s also the perfect season to visit an apple orchard , take a fall foliage train ride , pedal a rail bike , or bite into a hot cider doughnut .

National Geographic highlighted three destinations in New York where tra

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