Check out the best places in and near New York to catch picture-perfect fall foliage as leaves hit their peak

Fall is nearly here — it officially kicks off at 2:19 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 22 — and New York is getting ready to paint the town red, orange and gold.

Whether you’re headed up the Hudson, cozying up in a Catskills cabin or simply strolling in Central Park, the season’s most dazzling show will hit its peak before you know it — and this is one limited engagement you don’t want to miss.

Because the foliage spectacle unfolds at different times all over the tri-state, timing your autumn adventures correctly is key, said Dylan DeBruyn, senior weather producer and meteorologist at Fox Weather.

New York City, he explained, waits a long time to see the leaves, sometimes peaking only in early November — but popular weekend destinations do not.

“That’s mainly due to [the city] being along the warmer coastline, which can slow the progression of fall color from developing compared to more northern zones in New York State,” DeBruyn told The Post.

Upstate, the Catskills and Poconos reach their full blaze in early to mid-October, though some color is already showing now, he said.

DeBruyn advised checking the forecast — wind and rain can strip leaves early, while sunny skies make colors pop — and aiming for weekdays to dodge the crowds.

So grab your flannel — from city parks to mountain tops, we’ve mapped out how to make the most of this year’s seasonal display.

Take a hike!

The beauty starts right here at home, in the parks and protected lands that break through the city grid and serve as Gotham’s green lung.

Even Brooklyn’s got an actual forest — and it’s hiding right in Prospect Park. The area known as the Ravine offers shaded trails, a gurgling stream and even a waterfall, making it the perfect fall hike without a Metro-North ticket. Head to Prospect Park West and 15th Street, where city streets give way to Brooklyn’s wild side.

If you want to mix your leaf-peeping with a bit of skyline swagger, the George Washington Bridge’s newly renovated North Walk is the place to be. The once-narrow, 1½-mile sidewalk has been transformed into a bright, airy path for walkers, runners, cyclists — and even wheelchair users — with wide lanes, gentle ramps, and killer views. Step onto one of the open-air platforms and you’re treated to sweeping vistas of the Hudson, the bridge itself and the city beyond.

And on the other side, Palisades Interstate Park awaits, offering 30 miles of trails that take you from gentle riverside strolls to heart-pumping rock scrambles — all with jaw-dropping views of the Hudson and the Manhattan skyline. Wander above and under dramatic cliffs and through forest lands — you’ll feel a world away — even though it’s just a stone’s throw from urban chaos.

Cruising for color

Ready to sip a mimosa while watching Manhattan’s skyline give way to fiery fall foliage?

Classic Harbor’s 2½-hour Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise lets you do just that aboard the elegant 1920s-style yachts Manhattan or Manhattan II. Enjoy a three-course brunch — think lox, seasonal salads, and roasted ham — served family-style right at your table, plus a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa, beer, wine or Champagne.

PRICES: Tickets will set you back $142 for grown-ups, $82 for kids aged 3 to 14, and just $18 for the tiniest leaf-peepers under 2.

Want to combine foliage searching with a little liquid courage? The Bear Mountain Cruise departs from Pier 83 in Midtown and sails 50 miles up the Hudson, serving up vibrant fall foliage, panoramic Palisades views, and a festive Oktoberfest vibe straight from your oversized stein. Feast on German classics like bratwurst and schnitzel, sip pumpkin ales and seasonal brews, and catch live music or the game as you glide past the George Washington Bridge and Hook Mountain. Once you dock, spend a few hours exploring Bear Mountain State Park — hike, picnic or stroll Hessian Lake — before heading back to Manhattan with your autumn adventure complete.

PRICES: Premier tickets are $139 each; standard, $79.

Seastreak also runs limited-time fall foliage cruises up the Hudson, departing from Highlands, New Jersey, with stops at Cold Spring, Milton and Bear Mountain — plus Pier 11 on Wall Street for New Yorkers who want to hop aboard. Expect narrated rides packed with fiery leaf views, sweeping river scenery and fresh autumn air. On board, you’ll find climate-controlled cabins, indoor/outdoor seating and full-service bars.

PRICES: Start at $114 (plus a $10 exchange fee) for the Oktoberfest cruise. Standard round-trip Fall Foliage Cruise tickets run $99 for adults and $55 for kids 12 and under, while peak pricing jumps to $129 and $69. Bringing a bike? That’s an extra $10 round-trip. One-way tickets are also available at $59 for adults and $35 for children.

Cabin fever

City slickers who like their rustic with a side of chic can check into the Camptown Catskills Cabin Resort, blending boutique hotel polish with cozy cabin charm just 2½ hours north of the George Washington Bridge. Nestled in Leeds, the property’s 26 glammed-up cabins and 24 hotel rooms perch on wooded slopes with Catskill Mountain views.

PRICES: Take your pick: micro cabins from $189 a night, snug nooks with queens, standard setups with kitchenettes, or king-size digs that stretch up to $449. On-site, Casa Susanna serves interior Mexican cuisine that’s reason enough to book a stay — think duck confit with mole, fresh tortillas, and low-intervention wines that make you forget the city rush.

The Eastwind Hotel near Windham offers glammed-up cabins and Scandinavian-style lodge rooms with rainfall showers, fireplaces and Turkish rugs — without a TV in sight.

PRICES: You can cozy up in a writer’s studio for $229, go rustic-chic in a Lushna cabin for $249, or live large in a $449 suite.

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike nearby trails, bike the property, or strike a yoga pose with Windham Mountain as a backdrop, while winter turns the area into a ski haven. Cap off your day by the fire pits with s’mores, dry off in the Finnish-style sauna, or sip cocktails at the retro-chic bar.

The most plush cabin retreat you’ll find close to the city is Ulster County’s Wildflower Farms, where eco-luxe huts sit tucked among wildflower meadows, offering expansive views of the mighty Shawangunk Ridge. Each glass-walled retreat blends blond and dark wood, wool rugs and sleek design, framing the riot of autumn foliage just outside. Guests can forage, sip cocktails infused with local herbs, soak in private cedar hot tubs, or cozy up by fireplaces.

PRICES: Bring your wallet: cottages run as high as $3,039 a night, cabins and suites can climb to $3,239, and even a better budget option starts at $839 — with prices only rising higher once sweater season hits.

Go off the grid

Long before the Catskills started trending again, the magical Litchfield Hills of Connecticut were captivating the hearts of those who knew it. From quaint Litchfield, the county seat, to scenic spots like Mount Tom, Apple Hill and Bantam Lake, the beauty is on display at every turn.

Hit the White Memorial Conservation Center trails, Topsmead State Forest or the Nancy Danaher Preserve for hikes that pair vibrant leaves with history, stone walls and babbling streams.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, fuel up at local bakeries, cafes and restaurants before diving back into the crimson, gold and orange spectacle.

And don’t rush off — while the area is an easy day trip from most places in the tri-state, top-notch hotels and quaint B&Bs abound.

Trainspotting

All aboard for a Catskills leaf-peeping adventure!

The Delaware & Ulster Railroad chugs through blazing autumn landscapes on 75-minute or 2½-hour scenic rides, offering a front-row seat to fiery foliage, deer, beavers, bald eagles and blue herons. For extra drama, hop on a themed excursion — from “train robberies” to dinner trains and “Twilight”-themed rides — that turns a scenic journey into full-on entertainment.

PRICES: Tickets won’t break the bank: coach and open-air seats start at $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and $18 for kids. Feeling fancy? Premium coach runs $28, while First Class Lounge or Parlor will set you back $30.

Meanwhile, the Catskill Mountain Railroad goes from trendy Kingston up into Catskill Park, winding through vibrant autumn forests, river valleys, and wildlife-filled skies where bald eagles and hawks soar.

Special fall excursions, like the Catskill Fall Foliage Adventure and the Pumpkin Express, add seasonal flair to every ride, making it perfect for kids, groups or anyone who loves a scenic train trip.

PRICES: All aboard without emptying your wallet: Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Fall Adventure Trains run $19 for adults, $18 for seniors and $13 for kids. The Pumpkin Express is $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and vets, and $18 for the little gourd gatherers aged 2 to 11.