As the leaves start to change colors and the air gets a bit crisper, it’s time to start planning your fall foliage getaway. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of the season, there are countless destinations across the country that offer stunning displays of autumn colors. From the rolling hills of Vermont to the majestic mountains of Colorado, here are some of the best fall foliage destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
1. Vermont
Known for its picturesque scenery and charming small towns, Vermont is a top destination for leaf-peepers. The state’s rolling hills and mountainous regions offer a breathtaking display of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall. Take a scenic drive along the Green Mountain Byway or explore the quaint villages of Stowe and Woodstock for some of the best views of Vermont’s fall foliage.
2. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is another must-visit destination for fall foliage enthusiasts. With its sprawling forests and towering mountains, the state offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. Head to the White Mountains National Forest for a hike through colorful forests or take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway for stunning views of the foliage.
3. Colorado
While Colorado may be more well-known for its snow-capped peaks and ski resorts, the state also offers spectacular fall foliage. Head to the Rocky Mountains in September and October to see groves of aspen trees turning gold against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks. The Maroon Bells near Aspen and the San Juan Skyway near Telluride are two popular spots to capture the fall colors in Colorado.
4. North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is one of the most scenic drives in the country, especially during the fall. The parkway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering panoramic views of colorful foliage and rolling hills. Stop at overlooks like Devil’s Courthouse and Waterrock Knob for some of the best views of North Carolina’s fall foliage.
5. New York
While New York City may be bustling year-round, the state offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy fall foliage outside of the city. Head to the Hudson Valley for a scenic drive along Route 9W or visit the Adirondack Mountains for a hike through dense forests and shimmering lakes. The Finger Lakes region is also a great spot to enjoy the fall colors while sipping on local wines.
6. Oregon
For a more off-the-beaten-path fall foliage destination, consider heading to Oregon. The state’s diverse landscapes offer a unique mix of colors, from the golden hues of the aspen trees in the Cascade Mountains to the vibrant reds of the vine maple trees in the Columbia River Gorge. Take a drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway or explore the vineyards of the Willamette Valley for some stunning fall foliage views.
7. Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country, making it a prime spot for fall foliage viewing. The park’s diverse ecosystem of hardwood forests, waterfalls, and mountain views offers a stunning display of colors in the fall. Take a hike along the Appalachian Trail or drive along the Newfound Gap Road for some of the best views of Tennessee’s fall foliage.
8. Michigan
With its abundance of forests and lakeshores, Michigan offers some of the most diverse fall foliage in the country. Head to the Upper Peninsula for a drive along the scenic M-22 highway or visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for jaw-dropping views of Lake Michigan and colorful forests. The Porcupine Mountains in the western part of the state are also a great spot to soak in the fall colors.
9. Arkansas
For a more unexpected fall foliage destination, consider visiting Arkansas. The state’s Ozark Mountains offer a stunning array of colors in the fall, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows blanketing the hillsides. Head to the Ozark National Forest or take a scenic drive along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway for some of the best views of Arkansas’s fall foliage.
10. California
While California may not be known for its fall foliage in the same way as New England, the state still offers some stunning displays of autumn colors. Head to the Eastern Sierra region for vibrant displays of aspen trees turning gold against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The vineyards of Napa Valley and Sonoma County also offer beautiful fall foliage views, with rows of grapevines turning shades of red and orange.
No matter where you choose to go, a fall foliage getaway is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. So grab your camera, hit the road, and discover the best fall foliage destinations for a picturesque getaway.
