Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the USA

As summer fades into crisp autumn air, nature puts on a dazzling display of color that attracts leaf-peepers from across the country. The vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold transform forests, mountains, and valleys into picturesque landscapes perfect for a scenic road trip or weekend getaway. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to see fall foliage in the USA, highlighting which states have the best fall colors and where you can find the most breathtaking autumn leaves. 

• New England: The Quintessential Fall Foliage Destination

When it comes to fall foliage, New England is often considered the best place to see autumn leaves in America. Comprising six states—Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island—New England offers some of the most stunning autumn scenery in the country.

• Vermont: Vermont is a premier destination for experiencing autumn foliage. The rolling hills and expansive forests turn into a sea of gold and crimson every fall. When to see fall foliage in Vermont is typically from late September to mid-October. For breathtaking views, drive along Route 100, often called Vermont’s “Skier’s Highway,” for some of the best leaf-peeping opportunities. The small towns of Stowe and Woodstock are also classic destinations, offering charming inns, covered bridges, and vibrant fall colors.
• New Hampshire: The Kancamagus Highway, a 34-mile stretch of road winding through the White Mountains, is renowned for its scenic views and vibrant foliage. Known simply as “The Kanc,” this scenic route is famous for its breathtaking vistas, covered bridges, and thick forests awash in fiery hues. The area is perfect for hiking, with trails offering panoramic views of the foliage from mountaintops. Other top spots for fall in New Hampshire include Franconia Notch State Park and Mount Washington.
• Maine’s Acadia National Park: National parks fall foliage enthusiasts will find Acadia a top choice for stunning autumn views. Coastal views meet autumn brilliance at Acadia National Park. The Maine foliage routes and autumn drives provide a contrast of rugged coastlines, evergreen trees, and blazing fall colors, creating a unique visual treat. Some scenic drives for autumn colors in Maine include the Park Loop Road and Route 27. Cadillac Mountain, however, is a highlight. A great way to catch the sunrise from here is to see the first rays of the day illuminate the vibrant foliage below.

• The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains are a top destination for fall foliage in the Southeast. Stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina, this region is renowned for its diverse range of tree species and stunning autumn displays. The best time to visit is from mid-October to early November.

• Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome: These two areas are popular spots within the park. Autumn foliage driving routes near Cades Cove, such as Newfound Gap Road and Blue Ridge Parkway, offer picturesque views of rolling hills and vibrant trees. For more scenic delights, explore other Cades Cove routes and the Clingmans Dome hikes. They provide excellent opportunities for capturing fall trail views and fall landscape photography. For hikers, the Alum Cave Trail and Rainbow Falls Trail offer beautiful foliage along the way. Visit in mid-October for peak foliage.
• Gatlinburg and Bryson City: Both towns are perfect bases for exploring the park. Gatlinburg fall highlights and Bryson City autumn drives showcase the region’s colorful foliage and scenic beauty.

 

• The Catskills, New York

Just a couple of hours from New York City, the Catskills offer a fantastic fall escape. Known for their charming small towns, craft breweries, and outdoor adventures, the Catskills boast vibrant foliage that peaks in early to mid-October.

• Drive & Hikes: Take a drive along the Catskill Scenic Byway or hike up to the top of Overlook Mountain for panoramic views of the rolling hills below. A must-see highlight of the Catskill Mountains’ fall foliage is Kaaterskill Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New York. This stunning cascade plunges 175 feet, and the surrounding foliage creates a vibrant tapestry of colors that adds to the scenic beauty of the falls. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad, which offers fall foliage train excursions that wind through the colorful landscape.

• The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway, often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” stretches 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina and is renowned for its breathtaking autumn scenery. The parkway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering numerous overlooks and hiking trails where you can immerse yourself in the stunning colors.

• Virginia: In Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a highlight along the drive, with Skyline Drive offering a 105-mile scenic route that runs the length of the park.
• North Carolina:In North Carolina, the parkway passes through the Pisgah National Forest, offering picturesque views of rolling mountains and fiery red maples.

Linville Gorge And Peaks of Otter are additional autumn foliage photo spots for fall photography. 

• Aspen, Colorado

While New England gets much of the attention, Colorado offers a different but equally stunning fall foliage experience. The town of Aspen is famous for its golden aspen trees that light up the mountainsides every autumn. The contrast of the bright yellow leaves against the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies creates a dramatic and unforgettable sight.

• Scenic Drive & Trails: For the best views, take a scenic drive along the 20-mile Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, which offers postcard-perfect views of the Maroon Bells peaks framed by golden aspen groves. The area also offers some fantastic hiking trails, such as the Maroon Lake Trail, which provides excellent foliage views. Kebler Pass also provides an exceptional fall drive through brilliant aspen forests, perfect for aspen views and fall landscape photography.

• Door County, Wisconsin

Midwest travelers flock to Door County, Wisconsin, each fall to enjoy the vibrant colors, charming small towns, and stunning views along the shores of Lake Michigan. The peninsula is home to five state parks, each offering picturesque drives and trails surrounded by colorful maples, oaks, and birches.

• Scenic Routes & Attractions: For fall scenic routes and autumn attractions, Door County offers some of the best spots. The drive along Highway 42, with its winding roads and tree-lined stretches, is a highlight. For panoramic views of the foliage and the lake, head to Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff Lighthouse or take a hike to the top of Old Baldy, the highest sand dune in Whitefish Dunes State Park.

• The Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a hidden gem for fall foliage lovers. It is renowned for its stunning displays, with fall routes and scenic views that are perfect for capturing autumn photography. With over 4 million acres of forest, this region transforms into a kaleidoscope of color every autumn. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery, with views of Lake Superior and colorful hills rolling into the distance.

• Scenic Drives & Hiking: The drive along US-41 from Houghton to Copper Harbor is particularly scenic, with vibrant forests lining the road and numerous overlooks offering sweeping views. For a more immersive experience, take a hike along the Lake of the Clouds trail or visit the waterfalls in the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, where the rich colors of the forest complement the rust-colored waters.

 

Conclusion

The beauty of fall foliage is one of nature’s greatest spectacles, and there’s no shortage of incredible places to witness it in the USA. From the quintessential charm of New England to the rugged peaks of the Rockies and the hidden gems of the Midwest, these destinations offer some of the best places to see fall foliage in the United States. Whether you’re wondering where is the best fall foliage in the USA or you’re planning a road trip or just looking for a weekend getaway, these fall travel destinations and fall foliage hotspots are sure to provide stunning landscapes and unforgettable memories.

 

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