Prospect Park 2026 Fall Guide

Leaf-peeping season is almost upon us, and that means vibrant displays of red, orange and yellow foliage are just around the corner. For stunning views and fall fun, our guide gives you the best spots, activities and tips to take in all that Prospect Park has to offer.

Fall Foliage Walks Through the Park

Prospect Park features many miles of pathways to explore our green oasis, including a nature trail system through Brooklyn’s last remaining upland forest. Here are six scenic walks that are perfect for fall foliage season:

1. Lakeside and the White Levy Esplanade

Ocean and Parkside Avenue Entrance, Flatbush

The lake provides stunning vistas of Duck Island and Music Island as well as the tree-lined shore. Take in the majesty of towering London Plane trees in Concert Grove as you make your way along the White Levy Esplanade.

2. Lullwater and Nethermead

Lincoln Road Entrance, Prospect-Lefferts Garden

Starting at Lullwater Bridge, follow the shoreline toward the Nethermead, where you’ll find some of the earliest signs of the autumnal transition. The watercourse hosts tall maples and London Plane trees that have already begun to change color and drop their leaves.

3. Peninsula to Lookout Hill

Vanderbilt Street Entrance, Windsor Terrace

While it’s difficult to pinpoint when and where the leaves will begin to change, the horse chestnuts on the Peninsula are typically the first to hint at the start of the season. After winding around the Lake, cross Wellhouse Drive to Lookout Hill, the Park’s highest point, where you will find raspberry bushes with their leaves turning red as well as tulip trees changing to yellow.

4. Long Meadow to Ravine

3rd Street Entrance, Park Slope

Walk across the Long Meadow to the woodland Ravine to the Nethermead Arches. While it might be difficult to see the tops of the towering oak trees, the fruity shrubs and the understory trees will begin to show signs that the fall has arrived.

5. Grand Army Plaza to Meadowport Arch

Grand Army Plaza Entrance, Prospect Heights

One of the most intimate places in Prospect Park is a small oval path just inside its northernmost entrance. Enter the park at Grand Army Plaza near Prospect Park West, and head toward the Meadowport Arch. You’ll come to a grove of gingko, Nyssa and Japanese Maple trees. If you catch these trees at the right time, you’ll find them cascading with color. From this spot to the Long Meadow, the trees begin to change like a chain reaction.

6. Guided Walks

For guided experiences with Prospect Park Alliance staff, check out these walks leaving weekly from the Prospect Park Boathouse through October:

• Best for Parents: Stroller Walks every Thursday from 10 am -11 pm 
• Best for a Relaxed Pace: Wellness Walks every Friday from 10 am-12 pm
• Best for Families: Nature Exploration, Thursdays-Sundays starting at 10 am

The Best Birdwatching Walks in Prospect Park

Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Prospect Park is full of feathered friends in all seasons, with 200+ species of resident and migratory birds. The park is a crucial rest stop for migratory species, providing a haven for these birds to fuel up on seeds, berries and insects and find valuable protection as they venture south. 

Join the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance for Prospect Park Fall Migration Walks on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in October, starting at the Grand Army Plaza entrance. 

New to birding? Meet at the Audubon Center at the Prospect Park Boathouse on Saturdays and Sundays for Introduction to Birdwatching walks.

Halloween in the Park

Each October, Prospect Park transforms into the ultimate Halloween destination. Get into the spooky spirit with these family-friendly events:

• Best for Little Kids: Haunted Carousel, October 29, 12–5 pm
• Best for Nature Lovers: Creepy Crawly Halloween at Prospect Park Audubon Center, October 31, 10 am–4 pm
• Best for History Buffs: Legend of Sleepy Hollow Reading at Lefferts Historic House, October 25, 2–4 pm
• Best for All-Day Activities: Fall Festival at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside featuring a haunted house, corn maze, pumpkin patch + more, October 8–November 1, times and prices var

Volunteering in Brooklyn’s Backyard

Fall presents an amazing time to deepen your commitment to Brooklyn’s Backyard by becoming a volunteer. From Park Pitch-in, Fall Fix Up and Junior Volunteer Corps events, the Alliance offers opportunities for all ages to get involved, stay active and enjoy lending a hand in the park during peak fall foliage season. Learn more and register today.