10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the U.S.

The temperature is starting to dip. The first scent of pumpkin this and pumpkin that has been spotted and that one tree is already well ahead of the rest. Yep, it’s fall baby!

It’s a unique time of year, when we remember that we do like the cold after a long summer, and wearing pants again is an exciting feat. The best part though? The fall foliage. Come along for the ride as we uncover where you should go to see the best colors.

10. Breckenridge, Colorado

Before the snow tumbles down on Colorado’s Breckenridge the mountains become ablaze with color and the likes of an iPhone camera can’t do it justice. In the heart of the Rockies, Breckenridge gets in early with its fall foliage, which peaks in late September.

Of course, there’s no shortage of hiking, horseback riding, fishing and Golfing among the foliage. But one must complete the drive over Boreas Pass towards Como to understand the beauty of Breckenridge’s autumn.

9. Adirondacks, New York

Come and discover why New Yorkers have been using the Adirondacks as their personal escape for decades. The sprawling area, with 10 unique regions, covers the northeast corner of the state with a mix of charming towns and outdoor adventures. Yes, with all the fall colors you’re after.

Lake Placid and the Adirondack High Peaks waits for adventurous souls with great fall vistas. While the town itself and the Riverside Loop Drive are the perfect options for those who prefer some creature comforts as they tick off their fall foliage itinerary.

8. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Great fall foliage doesn’t often make its way west. One notable exception is Mount Rainier National Park. In Washington, Mount Rainier is a stunning peak and a challenging but loved hiking destination. Come the fall, at well over 10,000 feet above the sea level, the mountain and foothills become coated in epic foliage.

Roads in and around the park, including the White Pass Scenic Byway bring you close to the action without having the dip into the cold. Bethel Ridge, Chinook Pass and Cash Prairie present that foliage concoction you’ve been craving for 12 months.

7. Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia

In Georgia’s portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains leaf peepers will find themselves experiencing one of the country’s longest foliage seasons. Being further south and with lower elevation North Georgia offers better weather and more time to really enjoy the colors and the atmosphere.

Ninety miles north of Atlanta, head into the foothills to find the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge. The trees will soon become draped in auburns, crimson, sepia and carmine. The hum and whisper of the leaves will be like music as you enjoy the local taverns and market stalls. You could even trade the drive for a ride along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

6. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Vermont and New Hampshire are the common foliage destinations for New Englanders. But if you want to see something different, with a splash of vivid luxury, head to The Berkshires.

In Massachusetts, The Berkshires are just 130 miles from Boston and offer scenery to rival the mountains elsewhere. Here, tall peaks are traded for captivating valleys, where deep reds and bright yellows flood that Stony Ledge Trail and the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Add on the region’s eloquent towns, farm-to-table cuisine and you’ll be living a fall foliage fever dream.

5. White Mountains, New Hampshire

Charming 19th century towns dot the map of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. These cozy enclaves make for the perfect fall escape as you embark on a weekend of foliage, local markets and figuring out which colonial home you want to buy.

However, it’s the White Mountains, the likes of Franconia Ridge and Moosilauke that provide the diversity of trees that lead to stunning fall foliage. It begins as early as the start of September, but truly reaches its height in mid-October.

4. Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

The Laurel Highlands consist of over 200,000 acres of forests, including the Allegheny Mountains and the state’s highest point, Mount Davis. The region is rich in captivating fall foliage that has a lengthy peak season.

Across the ten state parks and forests, including Keystone State Park you’ll uncover a cavalcade of color as you venture from peak to peak and town to town. Like any good fall foliage destination, you’ll find the color among the fun.

Bedford even has their own Fall Foliage Festival and a crowning of the Fall Foliage Queen. While Yinzer Valley Farms brings all the fall vibes, ciders and pumpkin beers to enjoy while you peep the leafs.

3. Acadia National Park, Maine

Spanning 50,000 acres, there’s no shortage of fall foliage to be found in Maine’s spectacular Acadia National Park. The park’s jaw-dropping scenery is memorable all year round, but the majestic rolling mountains reach their peak in the heart of October.

Put on your most cozy jacket, place the car in drive and venture out along the Acadia All-American Road. A gorgeous drive in its own right, its zenith appears upon the evolution of red, yellow and orange leaves as they coat the branches and tarmac alike.

Pay a visit to nearby Bar Harbor for the ultimate in Maine coastal charm complete with historic properties, ocean views and ample foliage.

2. Upper Peninsula of Michigan

The rich diversity of trees straddling the beautiful rugged coast of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan creates the perfect fall cocktail. Come and uncover a technicolor landscape brought to you by the mix of maples, aspens, tamaracks, birches and oaks. Each has their own style and color that bounces off the trio of Great Lakes and calm inland ponds.

Exploring the Upper Peninsula leaves a lot to explore such as the Porcupine Mountains, Pictured Rocks and Munising Falls. However, it’s the Tunnel of Trees that showcases some of the best fall foliage in the United States. The 20-mile journey follows a historic road from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.

1. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe falling at number one should shock nobody. But if you’re new to fall foliage tourism then you’ll soon see why it’s the best spot in the country. The Green Mountain state turns a vibrant mix of burgundy, yellows and oranges come the weeks of September.

The autumnal colors offer a kaleidoscopic mix so an act as simple as looking out the window becomes a whimsical adventure.

The leaf peeping is so popular that local hotels even have hotlines to help you track and time your visit. Burlington arguably brings in bigger crowds but the mountain charm of Stowe, complete with gorgeous forests, craft breweries and farmers markets makes it the ultimate fall destination.