CASTILE, N.Y. — If you’re looking for a new way to experience New York’s fall foliage, a hot air balloon is your ticket.

Balloons Over Letchworth is a family-owned and operated business that offers never-before-seen views of the canopies and waterfalls of Letchworth.

“Anywhere you fly in a hot air balloon, it's going to be unique and special–particularly in Letchworth Park — especially this time of year,” said pilot Lee Teitsworth, as he marveled at the peak foliage painting the woods amber and gold in mid-October.

Teitsworth is FAA-certified and said the course is similar to obtaining a pilot’s license to fly an airplane.

Taking flight was normal to him and his family, having been raised by their dad who started the business.

“I started flying when I was 11. [One day], passengers didn't show up. My dad looked at me and said, you want to fly? I said, sure, but I thought that meant, like, go take a ride,” said Teitsworth. "And while we were in the balloon, he stopped blasting and said, 'take it.'”

Teitsworth added that he and his brother, Lance, have tried to encourage their dad to slow down after 50 years of flying balloons, but the view is too hard to let go.