The best US Destinations for Fall Foliage Fall months
Top US Destinations for Fall Foliage
Fall months tend to bring gorgeous weather with cooler temperatures and crisp, clean air across the United States. The changing leaves are also simply stunning throughout many parts of the country, although you have to act quickly to see fall foliage before the season ends.
But, where should you go to see beautiful leaves of orange, red and yellow before it’s too late? That depends on where you live in the U.S., and how long you want to spend on your leaf-peeping journey.
If you live in the Midwest, for example, a scenic road trip through Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Fish Creek, Wisconsin might fit the bill. If you live out west, on the other hand, a visit to Aspen or Breckenridge, Colorado or Park City, Utah might work better for your fall foliage road trip.
There are more fall destinations to check out elsewhere as well, from Bar Harbor, Maine to the Catskills Mountains of New York and Stowe, Vermont. If you’re hoping to see some beautiful fall leaves but you aren’t sure where to go, these 15 destinations around the country are worth considering.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a vast diversity of wildlife, as well as more than 500,000 acres of protected wilderness. The trees in the park turn amazing colors from September through December each year, which brings visitors in for road trips and cabin rentals in droves.
If you just want to drive through, you can see leaves with vibrant autumn colors on scenic drives along Cades Cove Loop Road, Little River Road or Newfound Gap Road. You can also consider a longer stay in a rustic mountain cabin in leaf-peeping destinations like Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont is well known for its outdoor adventures that are available year-round. This includes skiing and snowboarding during winter and hiking and biking during spring, summer and fall.
That said, Stowe is also known for its incredible fall foliage that lasts from September through early October each year. As you plan your visit, make sure to check the area’s website for its Stowe, Vermont Foliage Finder. Doing so can help you nail down scenic drives with the best fall colors for your dates.
Saranac Lake, New York
Saranac Lake, New York is located in the Adirondacks, so it is surrounded by mountains and lakes galore. While the area is commonly visited for its outdoor recreation options, its cozy downtown area is brimming with fine dining restaurants, art galleries, shops and pubs with live music.
Many visitors choose Saranac Lake during fall due to its awesome changing leaves that completely take over the landscape. During your visit, make sure to check out the area’s famous nature walks, or go hiking, biking, fishing or boating in one of the region’s beautiful lakes.
Breckenridge, Colorado
While Breckenridge, Colorado is a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports, fall is a wonderful time to visit the area. After all, you can see the golden aspens in their peak during September and October, yet you can still participate in outdoor activities like hiking, biking and horseback riding.
While you’ll see fall colors throughout the landscape in Breckenridge, one of the most popular areas to see spectacular leaves is the French Gulch area east of town.
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah is surrounded by lush mountains in every direction, making it a popular destination for nature-lovers of all kinds. Things to do in the area include skiing, snowboarding and dog sledding during winter, along with hiking and exploring the vast wilderness during summer. Park City is also popular for hot air balloon rides, as well as its many scenic drives.
Speaking of that, some of the best places to see fall foliage in Park City require a few hours in the car. While you’ll want to watch for road closures during the end of fall, popular drives to see leaves include Guardsman Pass, Mirror Lake Scenic Byway and Weber Canyon.
Bar Harbor, Maine
While the whole state of Maine boasts fall colors galore each year, the Bar Harbor area has some of the most beautiful and most-visited fall foliage. Acadia National Park is nearby, so visitors can see fall leaves while on a scenic drive or a hike of the area.
Bar Harbor itself also offers endless land and water activities for travelers of all ages, along with a serious foodie scene and shopping at plenty of one-of-a-kind, locally owned stores.
Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
The Ozark National Forest in Arkansas is made up of 1.2 million acres and includes the tallest mountain in the state, Mountain Magazine. Due to the sheer size of the forest and its many mountains and rolling hills, the fall scenery here is spectacular.
While you can drive through Ozark National Forest on a leaf-peeping road trip, you can also rent a 1930s vintage cabin and camp during fall if you wish. Either way, the area is ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and viewing the diverse range of animals that call the forest home.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Rhode Island is another state that’s popular for fall foliage, and Bristol is one of the most visited destinations during fall. Located just 30 minutes from Providence, this village is popular for sailing, amazing seafood and its many miles of scenic coastline.
Leaf lovers can choose to see autumn colors on a scenic drive or a boat ride, and many fall foliage tours are offered in the area.
Camden, Maine
Located on Penobscot Bay, Camden offers a stunning marina that’s nearly surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. This makes this Maine town ideal for seeing the changing leaves of fall by land or by sea.
Camden Hills State Park is an excellent place for leaf-peeping as well since it is made up of 5,700 acres with 30 miles of hiking and walking trails.
Kent, Connecticut
Attractions in Kent, Connecticut abound all year long, but this is especially true for lovers of art and culture. Visitors here will find an abundance of places to visit, from the Eric Sloane Museum and Kent Furnace to the Gallery at Kent Art Association and the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum.
Macedonia Brook State Park and Kent Falls State Park are also located in the area, which are both popular for leaf lovers seeking amazing views.
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Fish Creek, Wisconsin is an underrated destination for outdoor enthusiasts, mostly because it has so much to offer for a town hardly anyone has heard of. For example, Fish Creek is home to miles of scenic trails and Peninsula State Park with its scenic overlooks, hiking trails and lighthouse.
Visitors will find plenty to do in the area, from segway tours to drive-up movies and golf. Boat tours are also available along Lake Michigan, so you can see fall colors from the water as well as land.
Catskills Mountains, New York
The Catskills Mountains of New York are a popular destination for travelers year-round, and it’s easy to see why. Activities on offer include hiking, farm-to-table dining and winery visits, to name a few. The area is also popular for its agritourism business, which brings in guests to explore its many farms.
While you can see fall foliage nearly anywhere in the Catskills, popular spots for viewing include Mount Utsayantha, Hunter Mountain and the Mountain Clove Scenic Byway.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains offer something for everyone, including more than 150 lakes, an endless number of family-friendly resorts and several historic towns. The region is also brimming with golf courses, which makes it popular for family vacations as well as work retreats.
In terms of fall foliage, these mountains boast 127 different types of plants, trees and shrubs. Many turn from green to lively red and burnt orange colors during fall, which is one reason this mountain resort area is so popular from September to November.
Aspen, Colorado
Finally, consider Aspen for your fall foliage getaway This welcoming mountain town offers a ton of vacation rentals and luxury resorts to choose from, including the St. Regis Aspen Resort and The Little Nell.
Obviously, fall is one of the most spectacular times to visit Aspen, Colorado due to the golden aspen trees that take over the landscape. While the scenery during fall is simply fantastic, the weather is usually warm enough for summer activities like hiking and biking as well.