Calling all leaf peepers and apple lovers

Orange County — The Orange County Tourism Organization says the area is gearing up for a “fabulous fall foliage season and a bountiful apple harvest.” On your way to these westbound leaf-peeping locations visit Soon’s Orchards in New Hampton (374-5471) via Route 17 W exit 123. Or, take a short ride along Route 94 from Route 17 W exit 126 to Roe’s Orchards in Chester. • Hawk’s Nest Drive, Route 97. An official New York State Scenic Byway, this mountain-hugging road offers beautiful views of the Delaware River. (866-511-8372) • Elks-Brox Park, Port Jervis. Perched on an overlook above the city, there’s a wide view of the valley and the point where the Neversink River meets the Delaware. (856-6694) • Route 84 Overlook westbound. Okay, it’s not a country road, but the pull-off has an interpretive sign and you can see 3 states from here. Between Exit 2 and Port Jervis. • Route 6. From Bear Mountain to Port Jervis, this route winds its way over mountains and into valleys covered with fall foliage. Driving through the southern end of the county, you’ll be in the vicinity of many Warwick area orchards including: Masker Orchards off Route 17A (986-1058), Ochs Orchards off Route 94 (986-1058), Pennings Farm Market on Route 94 (986-1059), Applewood Orchards off Kings Highway near Sugar Loaf Arts and Crafts Village (986-1684), Jessup Road Orchard between Pine Island Turnpike and County Route 41 (986-3331) and the Warwick Valley Winery & Orchards off of Route 1A. • Appalachian Trail. Anywhere along the trail will be beautiful, but hiking an hour southwest from the top of Mt. Peter brings you to a panoramic view of nine-mile long Greenwood Lake. • Seven Lakes Drive. From Bear Mt. to Lake Kanawauke, this route traverses two state parks with the fall leaves mirrored in all seven lakes. • Near the Hudson River, visit Lawrence Farms Orchards, 3 miles off Route 9W in Newburgh (562-4268) or the Overlook Farm Market on Route 9W, Newburgh (562-5780). • Storm King Art Center, Mountainville. Autumn leaves are a dramatic backdrop to the sculptures on the 500 acres of this park-like setting. (534-3115) • Cruising the Hudson. Three pleasure boats offer narrated cruises that double the effect of fall with the blazing leaves reflected in the Hudson River. Commander (845-534-SAIL). Pride of the Hudson (845-220-2120). River Rose (845-562-1067). • Fort Montgomery. Gorgeous views of the Hudson from this recently renovated National Historic Landmark and Revolutionary War site. Don’t miss the footbridge that crosses the creek to Bear Mt. 845-786-2701 • Winding Hills Park, Montgomery. Take a picnic and walk the trails around the lake for a relaxing view of the spectacular foliage. (457-4918)