Metro-North Railroad has added six round trips (12 one-way trips) every weekend between Grand Central and Beacon to meet demand for Hudson Valley fall foliage. The extra trains run on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Nov. 8, with stops at Harlem-125th Street, Croton-Harmon, Peekskill, Garrison and Cold Spring. On Saturday, Oct. 17 alone, 171,000 riders took the trains. The off-peak one-way fare to Beacon is about $15.
It has become easier to see Hudson Valley fall foliage without a car. Since Saturday, Oct. 17, Metro-North Railroad has been running six additional round trips, or 12 one-way trips, of its "Leaf Peeper" trains between Grand Central Terminal and Beacon every weekend. The added service continues on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Nov. 8. The railroad added the trains after ridership reached about 171,000 on Oct. 17, the third weekend of October.
At a Glance
Where to Get Off
Cold Spring is a few minutes' walk from the station to Main Street. Behind the street's antique shops and cafés, the ridgeline of the Hudson Highlands comes into view, and a trail starting near the station leads up to overlooks above the foliage. It is the easiest choice for a half-day trip.
Beacon offers museums and restaurants in one place. Dia Beacon, a contemporary art museum in a former Nabisco printing factory, is close to the station, and Main Street is lined with independent bookstores, restaurants and breweries. It suits a day of viewing foliage in the riverfront park and then eating in town.
Peekskill is a lesser-known option. Restaurants and galleries are increasing in its downtown, where older buildings remain, and the riverfront promenade offers views of foliage across the Hudson River. It is a good choice if you want a quieter day than in crowded Cold Spring. At Garrison, the river is right in front of the station, with views across to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Before You Go
Buying tickets on the MTA TrainTime app is more convenient than at a ticket window, and off-peak fares apply on weekends. Trains are crowded in the late afternoon on the return trip, so it is best to get to the station one or two trains earlier. The New Haven Line toward Connecticut has some days with changed weekend schedules because of Walk Bridge construction, so if you are riding a line other than the Hudson Line, check the app before you leave.
If you are starting from New Jersey, take NJ Transit or PATH into Manhattan and transfer at Grand Central-42nd Street on the 4, 5, 6, 7 or S subway lines. From Fort Lee, take a bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, then the Shuttle (S), which is two stops to Grand Central.