Explore the Best of Autumn
Fall Day Trip Ideas in Granville
Fall in the Northeast is spectacular, and autumn in Granville, New York is no exception. Nestled in the foothills of the Taconic and Adirondack mountain ranges, and with an abundant agricultural heritage, Granville is an unparalleled destination to indulge in some leaf peeping (and cider donuts, of course).
Apple Orchards & Farms
From farm stands selling seasonal produce and colorful annual flowers to picturesque orchards and delicious cider donuts – fall is a beautiful time to experience everything Granville’s thriving agricultural industry has to offer.
Granville is home to Hicks Orchard, New York State’s oldest U-Pick orchard. Perched atop a hill above the village, the orchard offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The orchard itself is expertly maintained, offering many varieties of apples during the picking season.
Not just an orchard, Hicks is a great destination for a day trip. The Slyboro Cider House at Hicks Orchard serves award-winning hard cider for those 21+. Their farm store features an assortment of locally-made goods, and their freshly-made cider donuts are worth the stop--they have been named Best in Washington County, and one bite proves their worthiness for this title. Hicks Orchard also hosts a number of events throughout the year, check the event calendar for more details.
Located in Middle Granville, this small donut shop serves delicious cider donuts, kettlecorn, and maple cotton candy. You can order cider donuts ahead for quick and easy pickup.
Enjoy fresh, seasonal produce May-October at Slateville Farm’s farm stand on County Route 28. Beyond produce, they also offer handmade jams and jellies, eggs from pasture-raised hens, seasoned firewood, deet-free bug sprays, goat’s milk soap, and fresh spring water.
Offering a great selection of beautiful fall annuals, outdoor decor, and fall veggies, Liebig’s Riverside Farm located just across from the Price Chopper Plaza is a must-stop for folks looking to spruce up their front steps and to find some locally-grown produce.
Because maple is always in season! Find a broad selection of maple products--from syrup to candies--at Grottoli’s Maple in Middle Granville. Their pure New York maple syrup products are the perfect way to savor a Granville fall day.
Mandy’s Spring Nursery & Florist
If you are seeking a gift, pumpkins, or looking to spruce up your landscape (fall is a great time for planting!), Mandy’s is the place for you. This picturesque nursery is located just off of Route 149, on State Route 28, and offers mature, Granville-grown trees and shrubs, perennials, pumpkins and seasonal annuals, as well as a small gift shop and garden center. Their in-house florist can also create festive fall bouquets.
Scenic Fall Hiking & Biking
Explore the 26 miles of trails following the historic Delaware & Hudson Railroad rail bed that extends from Castleton, Vermont to Rupert, Vermont. The roughly 6 mile section that passes through Granville, New York, offers scenic views of the bucolic landscape as well as peaceful traverses through a colorful forest canopy.
This trail can be enjoyed on foot, and is also open to bikers and horseback riders.
Encompassing 125 acres of preserved wetland and forest, the Pember Nature Preserve offers over two miles of trails marked by blazes and signs. The preserve is the legacy of Franklin Tanner Pember, a naturalist and philanthropist born in Granville, New York in 1841. He also founded the Pember Library & Natural History Museum in Granville Village. Wildlife enthusiasts, birders, and botanists will delight in the diversity of species that populate the preserve. The trails are through gentle terrain, and are perfect for people of all ages and abilities.
The Mettawee River Park is located just off of Church Street in the Granville Village. The short Mettawee River Loop trail follows along the river before curving up and through a field. There is a large gravel parking lot at the entrance to the park, which also features pickleball courts and picnic areas. This park is dog-friendly.
Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Boasting 30 miles of trails and a working farm onsite, the Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Rupert, Vermont, is a short drive from Granville. The trails range from easy to moderate terrain, and are dog-friendly.
This 3-mile trail in Pawlet, Vermont is a local’s favorite. The trail starts on the scenic Tunket Road before ascending through mixed hardwood and hemlock forests. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Granville Village and the Mettawee Valley.
The Slate Valley Trail system boasts over 50 miles of trails spanning between Poultney, Vermont and Wells, Vermont. Ranging from easy to difficult, the trail system is open to both hikers and bikers, and is a renowned mountain biking destination. With many access points and interconnecting loops, there are endless ways to enjoy this trail network.
Situated on 85 acres in Poultney, Vermont, the Lewis Deane Nature Preserve is a managed wildlife area that is open to hikers and offers views of Lake St. Catherine. The Preserve is a favorite for birders and botanists, with an abundance of species in mixed forest and grassland settings. This park is dog-friendly, and offers terrain for all ability levels.
This scenic 117-acre park situated on the shores of Lake St. Catherine offers walking trails, biking, kayaking, and swimming. The 1-mile Lake St. Catherine Loop is an easy trail popular for birding, fishing, and walking.
Annual Granville Fall Leaves Car Show
Located in the Little League Park, the annual Fall Leaves Car Show features over 250 classic cars as well as food and craft vendors. The show’s location in the park also allows visitors the opportunity to explore the path along the river with scenic views of the village and surrounding mountains.
Fishing
Granville, New York is a great destination for fishing. The Mettawee and Indian Rivers are stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout, and offer multiple public access areas for anglers.
Antiquing
Take home a piece of Granville’s rich history. A stroll around Granville Village’s Main Street will bring visitors past three antique stores.
Shaw’s Antiques & Collectibles features rare finds from the region, along with an extensive collection of repaired antique clocks.
2nd Time Around offers beautiful glassware and kitchen items, as well as a wonderful selection of secondhand clothes.
A short drive outside of town will bring visitors to The Olde 1840, a converted barn filled with a curated selection of furniture, clothes, and collectibles.
Museums
Granville Village proudly hosts two remarkable museums. The Slate Valley Museum brings to life the rich history of the area’s slate industry through engaging exhibits and unique programming. Just a short stroll away, the Pember Library & Museum, founded by 19th-century naturalist and philanthropist Franklin Tanner Pember, invites visitors to explore a treasure trove of natural history specimens alongside its welcoming first-floor library. A scenic half-mile trail along the Mettawee River, complete with a charming slate-covered bridge, links these two gems for a delightful journey through history and nature.