The most Instagrammable spots in the US
A New Season
Every year people flock to see the leaves change color – marking the season’s inaugural transition. The experts at Next Vacay collected data from hashtags to determine which cities are proving the most popular for leaf-peepers. Then they referenced Farmer’s Almanac as to when the best time to see the vibrant colors. Even if you aren’t ready to travel this year to see the foliage, this can be used to help plan a trip for next year.
Naveen Dittakavi, founder and CEO of Next Vacay commented recently: “Leaf-peeping marks the beginning of Autumn and what better way to commemorate the change of seasons than visiting some of the US’s most beautiful and Instagrammable spots. Many are unsure about foreign travel, but we can take this opportunity to embrace the beauty on our doorstep and enjoy a trip closer to home while also helping the tourism industries in our local areas.”
10. Catskill Mountains, New York
Located in the southeastern portion of the state, the Catskill Mountains and Catskill Forest Preserve are radiant with fall foliage. Also popular among 19-century landscape painters, follow the Hudson River School of Art Trail for prime social media-worthy pictures. Ideal foliage is normally between September 28 and October 28.
9. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Known to have everything from biblical theme parks to state parks and ideal camping, Wisconsin Dells has plenty to keep your active family busy. The sandstone region was carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age. The area hosts a shorter prime leaf-peeping season, normally during the first half of October, and to get the full beauty of the area, visitors will need to hike the bluffs at Devil’s Lake State Park.
8. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the Shenandoah National Park is home to an array of wetlands, waterfalls and wildlife. Skyline Drive runs through the middle of the park which gives visitors easier access to the vast network of trails. Here travelers can expect to see the best leaf-peeping inland from October 12-28th.
7. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
The Upper Peninsula or the U.P. of Michigan offers nature lovers a playground for scenic vistas. If you travel to the far north of the U.P., expect colors to be at their peak October 1 through the 17th while if you’re only making it over to Mackinac Island, colors are better October 5 through the 21st.
6. Telluride, Colorado
Locations in the west can’t be overlooked and Telluride, Colorado is a storybook example of the beautiful fall colors among the Rocky Mountains. Known for its highly rated skiing, Telluride is filled with aspen trees that change the surrounding canyon to a warm golden yellow. Visitors will see the most vibrant colors beginning to mid-October.
5. Lake Superior, Michigan
Another Michigan locale, Lake Superior tops the UP geographically and on Next Vacay’s list for best fall foliage. Get a truly unique view of the trees by paddling out to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. In the Northern part of the area, pictures turn out best October 1 – 17th, while October 5 – 21st offers prime time for more southern locations in the area.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park has a variety of elevation levels giving visitors a longer time for leaf-peeping in the area. Prime viewing time is considered October 5 – 21st, but travelers have been able to see beautiful fall colors into mid-November at lower elevations. Being one of the U.S.’s most visited national parks, be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds – even in November.
3. Aspen, Colorado
Another top-rated ski destination, there’s more to Aspen, Colorado than its world-class slopes. This includes being a high ranker fall foliage destination among social media enthusiasts. With plenty of hiking and biking trails around the area, nature lovers will revel in the wide-open spaces. Beginning to mid-October will give photographs the brightest colors.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Positioned amidst the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, Asheville is an eclectic paradise of outdoorsy adventure, highly-rated spas, and exceptional food. While the trees are in their full magnificent splendor normally from October 12 through the 28th, the area is a favorite year-round for travelers.
1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Comprised of the hook-shaped peninsula jutting out from the eastern coast of Massachusetts, Cape Cod. The area boasts seaside festivals, fresh seafood and of course beautiful fall colors. Visit the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Nickerson State Park for some truly breathtaking scenery. Ideal times to visit are October 5-21 for areas inland and October 12 – 28 for coastal locales.