Corning’s Secret Spot for Fall Foliage
Here’s a little secret, Corning is more than spectacular glass and fabulous food. more than a historic downtown full of awesome shops and fun event.
Corning is also a great place to experience the wonders of fall foliage.
While renowned around the globe for being home to the world’s premier glass museum (where you can make glass pumpkin souvenirs to take home), and with a growing reputation for exceptional culinary offerings, the small town of Corning, New York is also a prime location for observing the remarkable colors of fall.
More specifically, high on a hilltop just minutes from charming Centerway Square, you can slip away for a special glimpse into the very heart of fall.
We’re talking about the Houghton Land Preserve which is one of several conservation and recreation projects in the Finger Lakes region thanks to the efforts of Finger Lakes Land Trust.
What better way to enjoy Autumn’s multi-colored magnificence than by being right there in the thick of it? Stroll through a forest of oak and hickory trees. Walking among birch, maple, and pine for an up-close foliage experience.
At nearly 200 acres, the Houghton Land Preserve is one of the Southern Finger Lakes hidden gems. Located on Spencer Hill, just minutes from Corning’s historic downtown, is a serene spot that many locals don’t even know is there.
A gift of Jamie and Maisie Houghton, the preserve also features open hillside meadows with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Whether you want to explore all two miles of moderate hiking trails, or simply stretch your legs on a casual walk through the woods, Houghton Land Preserve offers solitude and possibly an encounter with native wildlife.
Have a four-legged friend of your own? Dogs are welcome, though they do need to be on a leash and kept in full control by their owners (no chasing wildlife please).
Another special secluded spot just minutes from the Land Preserve is Spencer Crest Nature Center.
Hidden on a wooded hilltop just minutes from downtown Corning, Spencer Crest is a 250-acre community nature center with over 7 miles of hiking trails, two ponds, and an environmentally-sensitive museum of natural systems.
It’s also a quiet spot to take in the beauty of nature.
Other towns in Steuben County that feature trails through the woods providing unique perspectives of fall foliage and which are perfect for day hikes and brief sojourns in nature are Hammondsport (Mitchellsville Gorge Trail and Huckleberry Bog Trail), Bath (Mossy Bank Park for hiking or mountain biking options), and Dansville (Stony Brook State Park).
“New York’s Finger Lakes region is perfect for fall foliage hedonists — it’s the ultimate autumn experience.” – Arlo Hemphill, The Green Gatsby
Learn about several great fall hikes here.
And watch a video showcasing the Houghton Land Preserve here.
Corning’s Secret Spot for Fall Foliage
Here’s a little secret, Corning is more than spectacular glass and fabulous food. more than a historic downtown full of awesome shops and fun event.
Corning is also a great place to experience the wonders of fall foliage.
While renowned around the globe for being home to the world’s premier glass museum (where you can make glass pumpkin souvenirs to take home), and with a growing reputation for exceptional culinary offerings, the small town of Corning, New York is also a prime location for observing the remarkable colors of fall.
More specifically, high on a hilltop just minutes from charming Centerway Square, you can slip away for a special glimpse into the very heart of fall.
We’re talking about the Houghton Land Preserve which is one of several conservation and recreation projects in the Finger Lakes region thanks to the efforts of Finger Lakes Land Trust.
What better way to enjoy Autumn’s multi-colored magnificence than by being right there in the thick of it? Stroll through a forest of oak and hickory trees. Walking among birch, maple, and pine for an up-close foliage experience.
At nearly 200 acres, the Houghton Land Preserve is one of the Southern Finger Lakes hidden gems. Located on Spencer Hill, just minutes from Corning’s historic downtown, is a serene spot that many locals don’t even know is there.
A gift of Jamie and Maisie Houghton, the preserve also features open hillside meadows with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Whether you want to explore all two miles of moderate hiking trails, or simply stretch your legs on a casual walk through the woods, Houghton Land Preserve offers solitude and possibly an encounter with native wildlife.
Have a four-legged friend of your own? Dogs are welcome, though they do need to be on a leash and kept in full control by their owners (no chasing wildlife please).
Another special secluded spot just minutes from the Land Preserve is Spencer Crest Nature Center.
Hidden on a wooded hilltop just minutes from downtown Corning, Spencer Crest is a 250-acre community nature center with over 7 miles of hiking trails, two ponds, and an environmentally-sensitive museum of natural systems.
It’s also a quiet spot to take in the beauty of nature.
Other towns in Steuben County that feature trails through the woods providing unique perspectives of fall foliage and which are perfect for day hikes and brief sojourns in nature are Hammondsport (Mitchellsville Gorge Trail and Huckleberry Bog Trail), Bath (Mossy Bank Park for hiking or mountain biking options), and Dansville (Stony Brook State Park).
“New York’s Finger Lakes region is perfect for fall foliage hedonists — it’s the ultimate autumn experience.” – Arlo Hemphill, The Green Gatsby
Learn about several great fall hikes here.
And watch a video showcasing the Houghton Land Preserve here.
