Explore the best places to see fall foliage and fall colors in the USA — from New England to Colorado — for a stunning autumn getaway!
Planning your ultimate autumn adventure? Whether you’re chasing crisp air, cider stands, or just that Instagram-perfect leaf pile, this list has you covered.
We’ve gathered the best places to see fall foliage and colors in the USA — from New England charm to Colorado peaks — so you can soak in every fiery hue of red, orange, and gold this season.
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🍁Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the USA
Ideal for road-trippers, cozy cabiners, and weekend leaf peepers alike, these destinations offer more than scenic drives — they’re pure fall magic.
And if you’re wondering, “Where are the best places to see fall foliage near me?” — we’ve got answers from coast to coast.
🍂Stowe, Vermont
Welcome to the ultimate autumn postcard. Stowe, Vermont, is famed as one of the best places to see fall foliage in New England.
Think fiery maple canopies, covered bridges, and charming country inns. With crisp mountain air and golden trails, it’s a dream for leaf peepers and nature lovers alike.
Top things to do in Stowe during fall:
- Hike the Stowe Pinnacle Trail
- Drive the scenic Smugglers’ Notch Pass
- Ride the Gondola Skyride at Mount Mansfield
- Explore charming Main Street shops and cafés
- Take a foliage-focused brewery tour
🍂Green Mountains, Vermont
The Green Mountains offer a picture-perfect slice of New England in the fall. With quaint villages, covered bridges, and fiery forests, this region delivers timeless charm.
Route 100 — dubbed “Vermont’s most scenic byway”—winds through it all, making it one of the best places to see fall foliage in New England.
Top things to do in the Green Mountains during fall:
- Drive Route 100 for nonstop foliage views
- Visit quaint towns like Woodstock and Weston
- Hike in Green Mountain National Forest
- Stop at local maple syrup farms and general stores
- Capture photos of classic covered bridges in peak color
🍂Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier may be the smallest state capital, but it delivers big on autumn charm. Nestled in the heart of Vermont, this picturesque town comes alive with fiery foliage, cozy cafés, and golden hillsides.
It’s one of the best places to see fall colors in Vermont — perfect for a relaxed and scenic seasonal escape.
Top things to do in Montpelier during fall:
- Stroll through downtown’s historic shops and bookstores
- Hike up Hubbard Park for sweeping views and the old stone tower
- Visit the Vermont State House framed by fall color
🍂Aspen, Colorado
The golden aspens are legendary. Aspen, Colorado, is hands down one of the best places to see fall colors in Colorado.
From mid-September to early October, the mountains light up with golden hues that shimmer in the sun. Whether hiking, biking, or just sipping coffee with a view, fall in Aspen is pure magic.
Top things to do in Aspen during fall:
- Hike the Maroon Bells trail
- Drive the Independence Pass scenic byway
- Bike the Rio Grande Trail under golden trees
- Take a fall foliage photography tour
- Enjoy après-hike drinks at a cozy mountain lodge
🍂Litchfield, Connecticut
Litchfield offers a quintessential New England fall escape. Picture winding country roads, historic stone walls, and charming towns, all drenched in amber and gold.
It’s peaceful, postcard-perfect, and easily one of the best places to see fall foliage in Connecticut. Whether you’re leaf-peeping or antiquing, autumn here feels like stepping into a painting.
Top things to do in Litchfield during fall:
- Explore White Memorial Conservation Center trails
- Visit Kent Falls State Park
- Experience falconry at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy
- Enjoy vibrant daffodils near Laurel Ridge Farm
🍂Bar Harbor, Maine
Fall hits differently in Acadia National Park. With sweeping ocean vistas and forests that burst into a kaleidoscope of crimson, gold, and orange, Bar Harbor ranks among the best places to see fall foliage in Maine — and the entire East Coast.
The crisp coastal air and dramatic cliffs make autumn here feel downright cinematic.
Top things to do in Bar Harbor during fall:
- Drive the Park Loop Road in Acadia
- Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise
- Explore Jordan Pond and enjoy popovers at the tea house
- Go leaf-peeping by bike on the Carriage Roads
- Take a scenic harbor cruise to see foliage from the water
🍂 The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Culture meets color in the Berkshires, where crisp mountain air and artistic flair collide. Spend your mornings wandering world-class museums and your afternoons beneath blazing treetops.
This region is a hidden gem among the best places to see fall foliage in Massachusetts, offering a perfect blend of creativity, charm, and color-soaked landscapes.
Top things to do in the Berkshires during fall:
- Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum
- Hike Mount Greylock for panoramic views
- Explore the scenic Mohawk Trail
- Stroll through the Berkshire Botanical Garden
- Catch a performance at Shakespeare & Company
🍂Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula transforms into a fall wonderland in early October, with fiery maples and golden birches lighting up the landscape.
From cascading waterfalls to sweeping Lake Superior views, it’s one of the best places to see fall colors in Michigan — and refreshingly uncrowded. Adventure seekers and solitude lovers alike will find something magical here.
Top things to do in the U.P. during fall:
- Explore Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
- Visit Tahquamenon Falls for peak foliage and misty views
- Drive the scenic Brockway Mountain Drive
- Hike the trails at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
🍂Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is Midwest autumn at its finest. With charming coastal roads, fiery foliage, rustic barns, and fresh-baked cherry pies, it’s one of the best places to see fall colors in Wisconsin.
Nestled between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, this peninsula bursts with small-town charm, scenic views, and cozy fall vibes.
Top things to do in Door County during fall:
- Drive the Door County Coastal Byway
- Visit Peninsula State Park for vibrant leaf-peeping
- Sample fresh cherry pies at local bakeries
- Explore quaint villages like Fish Creek and Ephraim
- Take a lighthouse tour with lakefront views
🍂 Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge is where autumn puts on a show. Picture towering waterfalls framed by blazing forests and misty cliffs — pure Insta-gold.
This dramatic canyon along the Oregon-Washington border is easily one of the best places to see fall colors in Oregon, offering both adventure and serenity with every turn.
Top things to do in the Columbia River Gorge during fall:
- Hike to Multnomah Falls for a classic foliage shot
- Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway
- Explore the trails at Eagle Creek or Wahclella Falls
- Visit Hood River for cider tasting and fall farm stands
- Catch sunset views from Vista House at Crown Point
🍂 Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is autumn perfection, especially along the iconic Skyline Drive. Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 105-mile route delivers panoramic views of fiery reds, oranges, and golds.
Late October is peak season, making it one of the best places to see fall colors in Virginia – ideal for a cozy road trip or crisp mountain hike.
Top things to do in Shenandoah during fall:
- Drive the full length of Skyline Drive
- Hike to Hawksbill Mountain or Stony Man summit
- Picnic at Big Meadows surrounded by fall color
- Get a workout on the Old Rag Mountain Hike
🍂 Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a fall road trip dream. Winding through the Appalachian Highlands, this scenic highway is one of the best places to see fall foliage in North Carolina.
With elevations ranging from 600 to 6,000 feet, the color show stretches from early October into November — perfect for a slow, scenic escape.
Top things to do on the Blue Ridge Parkway during fall:
- Drive from Asheville to Blowing Rock for peak views
- Stop at Linn Cove Viaduct for iconic photo ops
- Hike the Craggy Gardens or Graveyard Fields trails
- Visit the Folk Art Center for handmade Appalachian crafts
- Catch sunset at Waterrock Knob overlook
🍂Hudson Valley, New York
The Hudson Valley is the ultimate autumn getaway — just a short drive from NYC. With vibrant foliage, pumpkin patches, historic estates, and sweeping river views, it’s an ideal spot to see fall foliage.
Whether hiking, sipping cider, or exploring charming river towns, fall here feels timeless and cozy.
Top things to do in the Hudson Valley during fall:
- Visit Sleepy Hollow and its spooky seasonal events
- Hike in Minnewaska State Park Preserve
- Tour historic estates like the Vanderbilt Mansion
- Cruise the Hudson River for fall views
🍂 Telluride, Colorado
Fall in the San Juan Mountains is nothing short of breathtaking, and Telluride is the crown jewel. Draped in golden aspens and backed by dramatic peaks, it rivals Aspen as one of the best places to see fall foliage in Colorado.
With fewer crowds and jaw-dropping views, this former mining town turns into a leaf-peeper’s paradise.
Top things to do in Telluride during fall:
- Ride the free gondola for sweeping mountain views
- Hike the Jud Wiebe or Sneffels Highline trails
- Explore the scenic Last Dollar Road
- Stroll historic Main Street and cozy cafés
- Feel the rush on a Telluride Canopy Adventure
🍂 Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid in October is pure autumn magic. Set in the heart of the Adirondacks, golden leaves blanket the mountains and reflect off mirror-like lakes.
It’s one of the best places to see fall foliage in October, blending outdoor adventure with cozy, small-town charm. The crisp air, fiery trees, and peaceful trails make it a must-visit.
Top things to do in Lake Placid during fall:
- Ride the Adirondack Scenic Railroad
- Hike Mount Jo for panoramic fall views
- Paddle or kayak across Mirror Lake
- Visit Whiteface Mountain for a gondola ride
- Visit the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
🍂 Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fall foliage haven.
Known for its extended color season from late September through early November, its misty ridgelines, vibrant forests, and wildlife sightings are a must for nature lovers.
Top things to do in the Smokies during fall:
- Drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road
- Hike to Clingmans Dome for sweeping autumn views
- Explore Cades Cove for fall colors and wildlife
- Walk the trails to Laurel Falls or Alum Cave
- Visit charming nearby towns like Gatlinburg and Townsend
🍂Coconino National Forest, Arizona
Yes, fall in Arizona is real — and spectacular. In Coconino National Forest, near Sedona and Flagstaff, fiery red rock contrasts with golden aspens for a truly unique autumn palette.
It’s easily one of the best places to see fall colors in Arizona, combining rugged beauty with seasonal magic in every direction.
Top things to do in Coconino National Forest during fall:
- Visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
- Drive the scenic Oak Creek Canyon route
- Explore the West Fork Trail for foliage and photo ops
- Visit Sedona’s UFO & vortex sites under fall-hued cliffs
- Picnic at Lockett Meadow beneath aspen groves
🍂 White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains deliver a fall foliage experience straight out of a storybook. From the iconic Kancamagus Highway to centuries-old covered bridges, New Hampshire offers some of the best places to see fall foliage in New England.
It’s a front-runner for scenic drives, mountain adventures, and charming small-town stops all wrapped in autumn color.
Top things to do in the White Mountains during fall:
- Drive the Kancamagus Highway for peak color views
- Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway
- Visit Flume Gorge for fall photo ops
- Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop
- Explore covered bridges in quaint towns like Jackson
🍂Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, is where alpine charm meets autumn magic. This Bavarian-style village bursts into vibrant color in late September, with golden larches and fiery maples painting the Cascade backdrop.
It’s easily one of the best places to see fall colors in Washington — complete with bratwurst, beer steins, and mountain views.
Top things to do in Washington during fall:
- Stroll the festive streets of downtown Leavenworth
- Hike the Icicle Gorge or Enchantments Trail
- Enjoy a wine tasting experience
- Drive through Tumwater Canyon for peak foliage
- Ride the Leavenworth Snow Train
🍂Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge delivers dramatic fall color with steep canyon walls and endless forest views.
Come October, the gorge bursts into fiery hues, making it one of the best places to see fall foliage in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just soaking in the views, this hidden gem is unforgettable.
Top things to do in Pine Creek Gorge during fall:
- View the canyon from Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks
- Hike the Turkey Holl Overlook Trail for epic overlooks
- Bike the Pine Creek Rail Trail through golden forests
- Visit nearby Wellsboro for small-town charm
🍂High Point State Park, New Jersey
High Point State Park is a peaceful retreat with sweeping views, rolling hills, and vibrant autumn colors. As the highest elevation in New Jersey, it offers stunning panoramic vistas of fall foliage stretching across three states.
It’s a quiet yet spectacular pick for the best places to see fall foliage in New Jersey.
Top things to do in High Point State Park during fall:
- Climb the High Point Monument for 360° views
- Hike the Appalachian Trail section through the park
- Picnic beside Lake Marcia under golden trees
- Visit the Sussex County Sunflower Maze
- Watch the sunset over the colorful Kittatinny Ridge
🍂Gunpowder Falls State Park, Maryland
Gunpowder Falls State Park is an under-the-radar gem outside Baltimore, offering peaceful trails and rich autumn color. With over 18,000 acres of forest, rivers, and gorges, it’s one of the best places to see fall foliage in Maryland.
Whether you’re hiking, biking, or fly fishing, fall brings a quiet beauty that’s easy to fall in love with.
Top things to do in Gunpowder Falls during fall:
- Hike the scenic trails in the Hereford Area
- Bike the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail
- Pack a fall picnic near Jerusalem Mill and Village
🍂Camden Hills State Park, Maine
Camden Hills State Park is a coastal foliage dream. From the summit of Mount Battie, watch waves of crimson and gold roll into the blue waters of Penobscot Bay.
It’s one of the most scenic and serene spots on the list of best places to see fall colors in Maine — perfect for leaf-peepers who love a sea breeze.
Top things to do in Camden Hills during fall:
- Hike or drive to Mount Battie for sweeping views
- Picnic and hike at Megunticook Lake
- Stroll the harbor in nearby Camden village
- Take a schooner cruise to see the foliage from the water
🍂Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
Franconia Notch is where fall hits full throttle. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, this rugged mountain pass explodes with color every October.
With dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic trails, it’s hands down one of the best places to see fall foliage in New Hampshire — ideal for hikers, photographers, and road-trippers alike.
Top things to do in Franconia Notch during fall:
- Ride the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain
- Hike the Flume Gorge or the Artist’s Bluff trail
- Relax at Echo Lake beach surrounded by fiery peaks
- Visit the Basin for waterfalls framed by autumn leaves
🍂Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville blends creative energy with a front-row seat to the Blue Ridge Mountains’ autumn splendor. With foliage-rich trails, cozy cafés, and an artsy downtown, it’s a fantastic option around Charlotte.
Peak color usually hits mid to late October — perfect for a weekend escape.
Top things to do in Asheville during fall:
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for jaw-dropping views
- Hike trails in Pisgah National Forest or Mount Mitchell
- Explore the River Arts District’s galleries and studios
- Tour the Biltmore Estate surrounded by fall foliage
🍂 Pocono Mountains, PA
The Pocono Mountains deliver a family-friendly fall escape packed with vibrant leaves, outdoor adventures, and cozy cabins.
With rolling hills, waterfalls, and small-town charm, it’s easily one of the best places to see fall foliage in PA. Peak colors arrive from early to mid-October—just in time for hayrides, hikes, and hot cider.
Top things to do in the Poconos during fall:
- Take a scenic chairlift ride at a local ski resort
- Hike to Bushkill Falls, the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”
- Explore quaint towns like Jim Thorpe
- Ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway through fall landscapes
🍂East Coast Road Trip
Can’t pick just one? Hit the road. From Maine’s rocky coastlines to Georgia’s mountain hideaways, the best places to see fall foliage on the East Coast offer an unforgettable blend of landscapes, culture, and color.
This road trip is a leaf-lover’s dream — packed with scenic byways, charming towns, and photo-worthy pit stops at every turn.
Top stops for a fall East Coast road trip:
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- White Mountains, New Hampshire
- The Berkshires, Massachusetts
- Hudson Valley, New York
- Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
- Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
- Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
🍁Fall Foliage Travel Tips
- Best time to go? Most fall foliage peaks in October — plan around local foliage forecasts.
- Where to stay? Quaint inns, cabins, and glamping spots abound.
- What to bring? Layers, cider, a fully charged phone, and your cozy vibes.
Whether hiking Vermont’s trails or sipping cider in California, these are the best places to see fall colors in the USA — guaranteed to give you all the sweater weather feels
🍂Ready to leaf town? Pack your bags, hit the road, and let autumn’s colors guide you to unforgettable views and cozy memories.
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