Things to Do in Ithaca in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Ithaca
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak fall foliage season - mid-October typically brings the most dramatic color displays across Cornell campus and surrounding gorges, with sugar maples hitting their brightest reds and oranges. The Finger Lakes region becomes a patchwork of burgundy, gold, and crimson.
- Apple harvest season is in full swing - over 30 orchards within 16 km (10 miles) offer pick-your-own at roughly $18-25 per half-bushel, plus fresh cider, cider donuts, and hard cider tastings. The crop quality in October is consistently better than September.
- Comfortable hiking weather without summer crowds - temperatures between 9-17°C (48-63°F) are ideal for gorge trails. You'll actually be able to take photos at Taughannock Falls without waiting for tour groups to clear, unlike summer weekends.
- College town energy without move-in chaos - Cornell and Ithaca College are fully in session, meaning restaurants, cafes, and venues are operating at full capacity, but you've missed the September housing scramble and parents' weekend hotel price spikes.
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings - October in Ithaca can deliver a 15°C (27°F) temperature drop in 24 hours. You might start a morning hike in shorts and need a fleece by afternoon. The 10 rainy days are scattered randomly, not in predictable patterns.
- Shorter daylight hours cut into outdoor time - by late October, sunset happens around 6pm, giving you roughly 11 hours of daylight. If you're hiking the gorges, you need to start by 2pm to finish comfortably before dusk.
- Weekend accommodation prices spike during fall foliage peak - mid-October hotel rates jump 40-60% compared to early September, and many properties require 2-night minimums. Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead or you'll pay premium rates for mediocre options.
Best Activities in October
Finger Lakes wine trail tastings
October is harvest season across the Finger Lakes, meaning you'll see actual winemaking in progress at many wineries - crush pads operating, fermentation tanks bubbling, the whole process. The Cayuga and Seneca Lake trails have 80+ wineries within 40 km (25 miles) of Ithaca. Riesling harvest typically wraps up in early October, while Cabernet Franc continues through mid-month. The cooler temperatures make the outdoor tastings on lakeside patios actually pleasant, unlike summer's heat. Most tasting rooms charge $5-12 per flight, often waived with bottle purchase.
Gorge waterfall hikes
Ithaca's six major gorges are at their most photogenic in October - fall foliage frames the waterfalls, and recent rainfall keeps water levels decent without the spring torrent that closes trails. Taughannock Falls drops 65 m (215 ft), higher than Niagara. The gorge trail is 1.2 km (0.75 miles) each way on relatively flat terrain. Buttermilk Falls and Robert Treman have more challenging trails with stone steps - expect 3-5 km (2-3 miles) round trip with 150 m (500 ft) elevation changes. The 9-17°C (48-63°F) temperatures mean you won't overheat on climbs, and fewer bugs than summer.
Apple orchard visits with hard cider tastings
October is the prime month for apple picking in the Finger Lakes - Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Mutsu varieties are all harvested now. Orchards within 20 km (12 miles) of downtown offer pick-your-own for $18-25 per half-bushel bag, which is roughly 9-11 kg (20-24 pounds). Many have added hard cider tasting rooms in recent years, charging $8-15 for flights of 4-5 ciders. The weather is cool enough that walking between trees is comfortable, not the sweaty slog of August. Most orchards also sell fresh cider donuts, apple cider, and pies.
Cornell campus walking tours
Cornell's 930-hectare (2,300-acre) campus is spectacular in October when the trees turn. The Arts Quad, framed by Gothic and Neoclassical buildings, becomes a carpet of fallen leaves in shades of amber and rust. The campus overlooks Cayuga Lake from 122 m (400 ft) elevation, offering long views across the water. Cornell Botanic Gardens has 10 km (6 miles) of trails through natural areas and gorges. The Johnson Museum of Art is free and has a 5th-floor gallery with panoramic windows. Students are in full swing, so the cafes and libraries have energy without the summer ghost-town vibe.
Ithaca Farmers Market
The Ithaca Farmers Market runs Sundays 10am-2pm through October at Steamboat Landing on the waterfront. October brings the peak of fall produce - winter squash, Brussels sprouts, late-season tomatoes, and dozens of apple varieties. Over 150 vendors sell everything from goat cheese to maple syrup to handmade pasta. The prepared food stands offer breakfast and lunch options for $8-15. The lakeside location means you can walk the waterfront trail before or after shopping. This is where locals actually shop, not a tourist setup.
Cayuga Lake scenic drives
The roads circling Cayuga Lake offer 80 km (50 miles) of fall foliage drives with lake views, vineyard stops, and small-town charm. Route 89 along the western shore is particularly scenic, with pullouts for photos and access to Taughannock Falls State Park. The east shore on Route 90 is quieter with fewer tourists. Plan 3-4 hours to circle the lake with stops. October's clear days offer visibility across the water to the opposite shore, and the mix of deciduous forest and vineyards creates color variety.
October Events & Festivals
Apple Harvest Festival
Ithaca's signature fall event, held on Ithaca Commons in downtown. Over 100 vendors sell crafts, food, and apple products. Live music on multiple stages, kids' activities, and apple-themed everything - pies, cider, caramel apples, fritters. Draws roughly 30,000 people over the weekend, so downtown gets legitimately crowded. Free to attend, though you'll spend money on food and crafts. This is the one weekend where locals and tourists mix equally.
Ithaca Festival of the Arts
If you're visiting late October, this juried art show brings 100+ artists to the Commons for a weekend. Painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and more. Quality is higher than typical craft fairs - this is where regional artists show serious work. Free admission, with art priced from $50 for small prints to several thousand for large pieces. Less crowded than Apple Harvest but still draws a solid turnout.