4 NYC Natural Areas to View Salt Marshes with Vibrant Fall Colors

While leaf-peeping season is upon us and millions travel to New England forests, a lesser-known fall display of vibrant color is happening in New York City’s salt marshes. Salt marsh plants are also preparing for winter by losing their green chlorophyll and unmasking the hidden red, orange, and yellow pigments just as the more familiar forest trees do. These coastal grass-dominated wetlands explode with their own stunning shades and textures. Grab your pumpkin spice latte and read on below to discover NYC salt marshes to enjoy an autumn stroll in.

Marine Park, Brooklyn

marine park

Take a walk on the Marine Park salt marsh trail next to the Salt Marsh Nature Center to get the best view of the waving sea of saltwater cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) with their tan-gold seedheads. Other plants to look out for: winged sumac, common reed, Northern bayberry, goldenrods and common milkweed in flower. In the upland edges of the marsh you might see the spectacular purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) pictured at the bottom of this blog post.

Lemon Creek State Tidal Wetlands Area, Staten Island

lemon creek

Hop onto the trailhead off Bayview Avenue for a short walk to the marsh edge. The creek ahead of you winds through Spartina grasses and in lower spots you’ll see the show-stopping glasswort (Salicornia) glowing pink and red.

Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

pelham bay fall

Hunter Island’s Kazimiroff Trail, accessible from the Orchard Beach parking lot, hugs the shore and offers several opportunities to see salt marsh colors. Walk along the shoreline and cross over the wooden boardwalk through the marsh for an up-close look. Sea lavender’s (Limonium) red rosettes of leaves and clouds of light purple flowers are mixed among the cowlicked patterns of golden saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens).

Alley Pond Park, Queens

alley creek

Jump on the nature trail next door to the Alley Pond Environmental Center on Northern Boulevard and follow the boardwalk hovering over the creek for a great view along the entire marsh. Even the monotonous common reed stands (Phragmites) become distinctive with their seed plumes turning purple, tan, or gold en masse. Marking the high tide’s reach is groundsel bush (Baccharia halmifolia) with its profusion of fluffy silver seedheads.