It's that time of year again – the leaves are changing colors and falling off the trees, making it the perfect time to go on a weekend road trip to see the autumn foliage.
If you're looking for the best fall foliage in the US, look no further!
Leaf peeping (relax, nothing illegal about it) is a popular way to enjoy the best fall colors in the USA.
When the summer diminishes in favor of cooler weather and shorter days, leaves automatically turn into a spectacle of vibrant colors.
Red, oranges, and yellows take over the outdoors in brilliant displays, and it's the favorite time for nature lovers who are looking for the best places to see fall colors in the USA.
The timing for fall foliage varies according to elevation, so it is fairly easy to predict when the leaves will turn into their autumn best.
It also allows for extended road trips to avoid missing the best fall foliage in the US. Fall foliage can start as early as the beginning of September or as late as the end of November.
Regardless of where you visit, bring a camera and be prepared for a color explosion brought on by Mother Nature.
Below is a list of the best places to view fall colors in the U.S.
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Best time to go: September to early October
The foliage in Aspen begins in September as the higher elevations turn golden. Leaf watchers from everywhere come to experience the spectacle of golden leaves, blue skies, and snowcapped mountains for a dizzying combination.
It is one of the most dazzling scenic fall foliage destinations in the US.
The most popular area is the popular Maroon Bells, two 14,000 mountains hovering over a clear lake.
It is a fabulous sight to catch the sun rising above the foliage. Entrance into the recreation area is $10.00 per car before 8:00 a.m. There is a bus service for later arrivals.
Highway 82 leads to Independence Pass, which heads toward the Continental Divide. The 45-minute drive from Aspen has amazing scenery for perfect Instagram moments, and the top of the pass is even more phenomenal.
For a birds-eye view from Aspen Mountain, ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top. Here, there are trails, stunning views, and eateries. Tickets can be purchased at the Aspen Mountain lift ticket office.
Hikers can head to American Lake and Cathedral Lake in Castle Creek Valley to explore the wondrous fall colors. By the waters, continue to the town of Ashcroft for special dining with a colorful view of the surroundings.
Address: Aspen, CO 81611
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Aspen
Best time to go: Late September to mid-October
Fall colors, apple cider and crisp fresh air are a part of one of the great scenic fall foliage destinations in the US. Foliage in the Catskills begins in late September and lasts until mid-October, depending on altitude.
It's time to embrace the outdoors by hiking, golfing, and camping. Or viewing the splendor from above by ziplining across the Catskill canopies or driving through the numerous cozy villages and winding roads while grabbing some fresh apple cider by the roadside.
One of the best drives is the 52-mile-long Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway following Rt. 28. Mount Utsayantha and Hunter Mountain offer the finest foliage views in the Catskills.
Or, visitors can forget about the car and focus on the bright foliage by getting onboard the Delaware & Ulster Railroad and experiencing a breathtaking train ride through the mountains.
Celebrate a different kind of Octoberfest in the Catskills at Gavin's Country Inn with Guinness beer, home-cooked Irish meals, and, instead of Oom-pah music, sing Irish songs.
For a more traditional Octoberfest, try the Schlachfest at the Mountain Brauhaus in mid-September with German music, real German beer, and genuine cuisine. After the festive holiday fest, enjoy dancing and a local parade.
Address: Catskill Mountains, Shandaken, NY 12464
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in New York State
Best time to go: Late September to mid October
Anyone wondering where to see fall colors in the USA should come to Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Each fall season, from September through October, has peak foliage viewing opportunities.
Hiking the golden and red paths leads visitors through a magical fall canopy of changing colors. The Northeast Riding Stables offers guided horseback riding tours through the best and most romantic trails.
Some of the most thrilling views of fall foliage can be enjoyed at the Carson Ridge Cabins, where each cabin comes with a fireplace, front porch, jetted tub, air conditioning, and more. Luxury personal spa treatments are available inside the cabins.
Some favorite foliage hiking trails in Columbia River Gorge are the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Maryhill State Park, Eagle Creek Trail and Mt. Hood National Forest.
There is more than foliage to be enjoyed here, though. The city of Hood River hosts the annual Harvest Fest and the Quilt Show in October, with abundant crafts, music, and food to enjoy. The entrance fee is $10.00. Included in the festivities are a number of Halloween events.
For the most amazing fall foliage, drive up Highway 30 from Hood River to view more colors and waterfalls, the most famous being Multnomah Falls. Stop for the variety of seasonal orchard products in the area.
Address: 50000 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019
Also Read: Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Oregon
Best time to go: Late September to early October
The 71-mile Green Mountain Byway stretches from Waterbury to Cambridge and is a part of Route 100 and New England's definitive road trip to see the best fall foliage colors.
The landscape includes mountains and farmland encasing beautiful historic villages. Every September and October, the maple leaves turn into an explosion of reds, yellows, and oranges for several weeks. It's like a fire run amok.
Beginning at Waterbury, the Byway heads to Stowe, Vermont, home of the Von Trapp Family Lodge, where you can enjoy a sing-along about your favorite things.
From Stowe, the drive leads past majestic waterfalls to Smuggler's Notch, which has a reputation for having Vermont's best donuts, ice cream (Ben & Jerry's), and beer. It's definitely worth a stop. Look for the swimming hole off Route 108.
Address: Vermont Route 100
Also Read: Best Places To See Fall Foliage In New England
Best time to go: Late October to early November
The Great Smokies has over 100 native trees, which make for a remarkably diverse foliage change in the fall.
The changing fall foliage begins at the higher elevations as fall foliage bursts into colors as they work their way down the mountain.
Because of this foliage longevity, the Great Smokies are one of the best places to see fall colors in the USA. The change starts high up in mid-September when the vast array of beech-maple and birch turn yellow.
By mid-October, the trees around 4,000 start to change color. The best way to see them is from Clingmans Dome Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway.
By late October and early November, the fall colors have peaked at the lower levels of the Smokies.
This is the Great Smoky Mountains at its most fabulous as scarlet oak, hickories, sugar maple, and others turn into palettes of colors.
All this beauty is accompanied by several fall festivals, such as the Dollywood Harvest, with thousands of jack-o-lanterns in October.
By the end of October, the Valley Fall Festival is filled with crafts, music, food, and plenty of fun for children. During most of October, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair exhibits notable works of art created by local artisans.
There is country music to enjoy with the many colors and the art. Also, in Gatlinburg, visitors can enjoy a genuine Oktoberfest of schnitzel and bratwurst with some German beer.
You can also enjoy the following fall festivals:
Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best time to go: Late September to mid-October
If you are searching for the best place to see fall leaves in the USA, the Berkshires should be high on your list.
Fall in the Berkshires is very tempting. Fresh air and amazing landscapes, covered with red and yellow leaves, make you feel inspired and close to nature.
Here, the fall doesn't only mean a change of colors; it's the time for apple picking and tasting all things apple.
One of the best Berkshire foliage routes is the 37-mile Mohawk Trail by Route 2, which crosses the northern part of Berkshire and is one of the enchanting places to see sugar maple in brilliant yellow, red, orange, and burgundy colors in the fall.
Mount Greylock and the radiant yellows, oranges, and reds are not to be missed. This mountain is so spectacular it was used by Harry Potter author J.D. Rowling in her story "Ilermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" as the setting of a secret U.S. magical school located at the top of the mountain. That is magic, indeed!
Route 7 from Great Barrington to North Adams is lined with colorful foliage and a dramatic panorama. In the Berkshires, the change in foliage translates into food. Along with the autumn hayrides comes apple-picking time.
One of the best places to visit in fall in the USA for apple picking, apple cider, and cider donuts are Riiska Brook Orchard in Sandisfield with its 2,000 semi-dwarf apple trees, and Windy Hill Farm in Great Barrington, which grows a variety of apple types for eating and for their sweet cider. Picking begins at 9:00 a.m.
The Bartlett's Orchard in Richmond focuses on its apple pies, cider donuts, genuine maple syrup, candies, and other delicacies. Come on weekends between Labor Day and Columbus Day and pick flowers, apples, and raspberries.
Address: The Berkshires, MA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Massachusetts
Best time to go: Mid October to early November
Lake of the Ozarks was voted the country's second-best "Destination for Fall Foliage," making it one of the best fall foliage trips in the US. (First-best destination vote went to Upper Peninsula, Michigan – see below).
The colors are at their most vibrant beginning in mid-October, with the oaks, maples, ashes, and other trees being at their most colorful.
There are 1,150 miles of shoreline where bright colors that can be enjoyed on self-guided tours, during hikes, or on a cruise around the Lake. Whatever the activity, it will be surrounded by incredible foliage.
While enjoying the Lake, visitors should explore its cave system, which is at its height during the fall.
The major caves, Jacob's Cave, Bridal Cave, and Stark Caverns, offer an outstanding fall festival experience.
While exploring, why not visit the many lakeside eateries and bars offering huge sales and bargains before closing for the winter season?
Address: Lake of the Ozarks, MO 65065
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Missouri
Best time to go: Mid September to mid October
The winner of the best fall colors in USA is the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. Here seven million acres turn fierce shades of red, orange, and yellow between mid-September to mid-October.
For the best driving routes, click here. While the routes are spectacularly scenic, leaving the car occasionally and hiking or biking through the trails is a lovely idea.
Boating across Michigan's Lake Superior, Huron, and Lake Michigan provides another perspective of the fall foliage, along with 40 lighthouses.
For the best fall panorama in the Upper Peninsula, the Northern Lights soar across the skies beginning in October.
This fire in the sky is truly a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Upper Peninsula is number one in fall colors for a reason.
Address: Upper Peninsula, MI
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Michigan
Best time to go: October
The peak foliage time for the Blue Ridge Parkway can depend on the rainfall and the temperature. One of the critical factors, though, is elevation.
The higher the mountains, the sooner the colors change. The highest point for brilliant fall colors would be Mount Mitchell, where the magic begins early in October and works its way down the Blue Ridge Mountain for a month.
An excellent way to view the foliage is during a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway which offers 50 miles of stunning scenery.
Another incredible drive is Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is recommended that visitors leave the car at Newfound Gap and stroll along the Appalachian Trial on foot.
One of the must-visit sights in North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Biltmore Estate, the largest mansion in the U.S., still privately owned with 250 rooms and vast gardens.
The chateau was erected by George Washington Vanderbilt and stands as a witness to bygone luxury and sheer opulence. It is located 4 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and guided tours are available.
Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains will undoubtedly love the GSM Railroad fall excursions, such as the Peanut Pumpkin Patch Express and the Halloween Dinner Train.
Address: 2551 Mountain View Rd, Vinton, VA 24179
Best time to go: Late October to early November
Litchfield Hills is prototypical New England with its waterfalls and covered bridges. Areas such as the Village of Kent are at their most adorable with blooming fall foliage.
The Kent Falls State Park is the place to go for amazing waterfalls that rush into the Housatonic River.
A visit to the Mohawk State Forest will be rewarded by foliage vistas of the Berkshire and Catskill Mountains. Any driving should follow the Mohawk Mountain Road to its lookout tower.
Mystic, Connecticut (of Mystic Pizza movie fame), located in the southern part of the state, has a late fall color change, which begins in late October and runs into early November.
Sailing the Mystic waterways enveloped in fiery colors is a magical experience. On the third Saturday in October, visitors can take part in the Annual October Witch Paddle.
Sleeping Giant State Park, also in southern Connecticut, has the Tower Trail with blazing views of orange and red.
Address: Litchfield, CT
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Connecticut
Best time to go: Late September to mid October
The Adirondacks Mountains are larger than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone combined for a total of 6 million acres.
That is a lot of fall colors, whether you are a photographer, hiker, or admirer of nature’s purity. The Keene Valley with its high peaks, is a great start.
For those wishing to avoid the crowds at Lake George, the delightful village of Bolton Landing is a prime choice for campers offering the most fabulous mountain views.
Pharaoh Lake with its many hiking trails, is lesser known, but its eruptions of fall colors are nothing short of remarkable.
For visitors looking for a natural, unspoiled Garden of Eden, Cranberry Lake offers remoteness and 50 miles of hiking around the lake. Indian Head Trail is one of the most popular trails with some of the best fall colors in the USA.
For more beautiful sights, visitors can check out the waterfalls at AuSable Chasm, with the added thrill of crossing a tricky suspension bridge. Not for anyone who has a fear of heights!
For those who embrace heights, a Cloudspitter gondola ride descending Whiteface Mountain offers a breathtaking view of the fall foliage for only $24.00.
Address: Adirondacks, NY
Also Read: Best Things To Do In The Adirondacks
Best time to go: Late September to mid October
One of the best fall foliage trips in the US is the 35-mile span of the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire as it winds through the White Mountain National Forest.
For the best fiery displays, hiking along the Lincoln Woods Trailhead is a popular activity. The trail is close to 3 miles and at its best in October when the leaves turn orange and yellow.
The Hancock Overlook has a parking area to allow visitors to enjoy the fantastic view and flaming colors. Further along, the Pemigewasset Overlook has its own vibrant foliage vista.
There are many wonderful stops along the Kancamagus Highway, where the colors begin to turn in September and reach their optimum color peak in mid-October, after which they begin to turn brown.
The area is very popular with visitors during this time, and traffic may be slow.
Address: New Hampshire Route 112
Also Read: The Most Scenic Drives in the USA
Best time to go: Late September to October
Fall foliage and so much more can be enjoyed on the 250-mile Great River Road along the Mississippi River. Follow the river through enchanting small towns and view true Wisconsin foliage.
While taking in the magnificent view, this is also a great place to enjoy the bounty of the fall harvest, such as Stingy Jack Pumpkin Ale and fresh cider from roadside vineyards.
For the best biking, see autumn at its finest by taking a La Cross Segway Bike Tour or solo biking on the Great River State Trail.
These trails lead through scenic overlooks, especially the Buena Vista Overlook, with its vistas of the Mississippi River surrounded by red foliage.
A visit to the historic town of Alma, Wisconsin, as well as the Laura Ingall’s Wilder Museum in Pepin, are highly recommended.
Visit Ecker's Apple Farm and Shihata's Orchard for some apple and pumpkin picking along the way. There are a number of accommodations on the Great River Road for an overnight stay.
Address: Great River Road
Best time to go: Mid September to mid October
For one of the best places to see fall foliage in the US, few can beat the 300 miles of Door County shoreline with its color explosion of red, orange, and yellow during the months of September and October.
While exploring the fall colors, visitors should not miss the vineyards, local lighthouses, and charming bed and breakfasts.
All of Door County turns magical in the fall, but three towns deserve special attention. With its incredible natural beauty, Baileys Harbor on Lake Michigan allows visitors to truly revel in the fall foliage.
The town of Fish Creek, known for its shops, galleries and fabulous eateries, also tops the charts in fall colors with its biking and hiking tours.
A bit north, the town of Ephraim offers Scandinavian restaurants and many historical sights worth visiting for those able to tear themselves away from the colors. It is the best town for taking a fall foliage cruise.
The shoreline near Ephraim is also one of the most accessible, making this a great place to enjoy Door County's fall colors by water.
The best Door County drives are along Highway 42 with 66 miles of stunning scenery. Or drive down County Road E to Kangaroo Lake for some of the best changes in colors. Circle the lake via Logerquist Road.
Address: Door County, WI
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Wisconsin
Best time to go: September to October
Visitors will find fall foliage at its most exciting in Mt. Rainier National Park. At the high elevation, vine maples, larch, and huckleberry bushes are the first to turn. The park has several superb places for foliage viewing.
Paradise, a 5,400 area on Mt. Rainier’s south side, is … simply a fall paradise filled with hiking trails, lakes, and fantastic waterfalls.
The Skyline Trails provides the best views of the colors and the mountain itself, and the view includes Mt. St. Helens and Oregon’s Mt. Hood. An offshoot on the Skyline Trail leads to Myrtle Falls with its magical waterfall.
A cannot-miss sight by Mount Rainier is Reflection Lake, which, as summer turns to fall, echoes Mount Rainier’s blazing colors in its quiet waters, in effect doubling the foliage spectacle on land and in water.
This is the most photographed part of Mount Rainier. For visitors wishing to spend more time enjoying this remarkable phenomenon, the lake has several lodges and cabins available.
Address: 39000 State Route 706 E. Ashford, WA 98304
Also Read: Best National Parks to See Fall Foliage in the US
Best time to go: Late September to October
Breckenridge, Colorado, is known as a ski resort; however, it is also a great place to enjoy the fall foliage.
Before the arrival of snow, the trees here turn a vibrant gold, with the snow-topped Tenmile Mountains lurking in the background. It is a true seasonal upheaval.
Due to the high elevation, the fall colors begin early, in early September. As a matter of fact, this is one of the first leaf-changing sites in the U.S. By October, the vibrant colors slowly begin to fade.
Breckenridge has hiking and biking trails perfect for enjoying the foliage, such as the Minnie Mine loop with a 10-mile view.
French Gulf Road is surrounded by mines and reflects the city’s mining history. The mining is no more; these days, people drive up the dirt road and are rewarded with dazzling foliage.
While in Breckenridge in the fall, enjoy a fishing tour or a game at the only 27-hole golf course.
Then go get a beer at Gold Pan Saloon, the oldest bar west of the Mississippi. After hiking through the foliage, cheese and wine at the Carboy Winery goes down smoothly.
Address: Breckenridge, CO 80424
Also Read: 25 Best Things To Do in Breckenridge, Colorado
Best time to go: Mid September to October
The fall colors at Lake Tahoe bloom and blaze from mid-September to late October.
The town of Truckee by the Truckee River has terrific views, the best of which can be enjoyed while eating at the hilltop restaurant, the Cottonwood while becoming one with nature.
Nearby, Donner Lake also has great views. Two miles south of Lake Tahoe, just in time for the bright foliage, the Taylor Creek Visitor Center hosts the annual Kokanee Salmon Festival.
Fifteen minutes away, in Hope Valley, at the intersection of Hwy 88 and Hwy 89, visitors simply find themselves surrounded by blazing colors. Stop, look, and breathe.
Mount Rose Summit is the highest elevation in the Sierra Nevada, soaring up to 8,911 feet. Here, the colors and the lake cannot be matched, and the view stretches all the way to Reno and Carson City.
Fallen Leaf Lake is above Lake Tahoe and offers hiking toward Frederick’s Meadow, one of the best places to enjoy the fall foliage. Just take Hwy 89 North and turn onto Fallen Leaf Road.
Address: Kings Beach, CA 96143
Also Read: The Best Things To Do in Lake Tahoe
Best time to go: Late September to October
The fall foliage in the Ozarks begins up north and slowly makes its way south as the entire Ozarks turn into dazzling shades of red.
Fall colors here develop later than in some U.S. areas, beginning in late October and lasting through mid-November.
The colors are shining, the summer heat is gone, and this has turned into one of the scenic fall foliage destinations in the U.S. Nature turned into Michelangelo.
A drive along Arkansas Scenic Byway No 7 showcases this natural beauty to perfection. Ouachitas State Park in the southern area peaks in November with its oaks and maples. For visitors, fall is also the best time for climbing, hiking, and camping.
Hawksbill Crag at Whitaker Point is undoubtedly the most popular and most photographed Ozarks trail, as it showcases the local foliage like an Instagram-ready picture.
While in the Ozarks, enjoy some fall camping at the Steel Creek Campground near Ponca by Hwy. 74. The grounds have several camping sites, including several for camping with horses.
Address: The Ozarks, AR
Best time to go: Late September to October
The Poconos are spread across 2,400 square miles of Pennsylvania and consist of forests, lakes, and hills that create a stunning panorama of fall colors.
The Camelback Mountains rate as one of the best places in the US for fall colors, as visitors can linger over a picnic by Rim Road while enjoying a heavenly view.
Lake Wallenpaupack makes the idyll fall destination with 52 miles of exquisite shoreline. See the foliage from many different vantage points while boating on the lake. The sun setting over the red leaves is incredibly wonderful.
The town of Lehigh serves as a base for exploring Lehigh Gorge State Park while in full fiery bloom with its hiking trails and whitewater rafting (see Jim Thorpe River Adventures).
During the first four weekends in October, Lehigh celebrates its Fall Foliage Festival with vendors and fun activities that add to the town’s Victorian charm.
Lehigh also has a scenic Autumn Leaf Train Excursion every October. This town celebrates foliage as if it owned it. USA Today has ranked the Pocono Mountains as the top ten foliage destination for several consecutive years.
Address: The Poconos, PA
Best time to go: Late September to October
One of the best places in the US to see fall colors is by exploring Utah's Zion National Park. The fall colors are especially prevalent due to its elevation, which reaches over 11,000 feet.
Of course, the leaves begin to change at the higher elevation in September. By November, they reach St. George at the lowest level. The in-between elevations change colors in October, the park’s busiest foliage month.
East Zion Adventures offers amazing jeep, hiking, and horseback riding adventures to experience the best fall foliage and once-in-lifetime dramatic vistas.
Visitors can use the Zion National Park Shuttle System, which runs through November. The shuttle takes guests along four scenic, colorful drives with stops along the way.
The rides leave every few minutes from the Visitor Center. Riders can get off one shuttle, explore an area, and take another shuttle as it comes along. It’s a great way to see Zion National Park at its fall best.
Zion National Park has a new and exciting program for hiking from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing during the months of September through November.
This new hike is a half-mile trail while attached to chains. This requires approval from the park or can also be obtained through a lottery system.
Address: Springdale, UT 84767
Also Read: The Most Visited National Parks in the USA and Most Beautiful National Parks in the USA
Best time to go: Late September to October
Ogunquit, which means “beautiful place by the sea,” is magnificent all year round.
It turns into an extraordinary town during the fall, especially during the last two weeks in October, when fall colors reach their peak fierceness.
There are shades of reds, purples, bronzes, and more, no matter which way you turn, that has been the inspiration to hundreds of artists.
For a true foliage panorama, visit Mount Agamenticus, just a few miles outside of town.
Visitors gather at the OgunquitFest during the fall for arts and crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkins, and a ghost tour. It is also one of the best times for foodies, with abundant fresh lobster available.
Address: Ogunquit, ME 03907
Also Read: The Best Things To Do in Maine and Most Beautiful Maine Lighthouses
Foliage season can stretch from early September to late November, with October being the busiest foliage month. The seasonal color change begins in the northwest and Midwest in September and peaks in early October. New England usually has its prime foliage in mid-October. Moving south, the fall color changes can begin in mid-October. Much does depend on the specific weather conditions.
All fall foliage is breathtaking. However, the consensus is that New England tops the color list. National forests such as Ozark National Forest and the Adirondacks are certainly much visited and beloved. The Great Smoky Mountain is an excellent choice for seeing great foliage toward the end of the fall.
Foliage season doesn't happen at the same place at once. It usually starts in early September in the northern regions and moves down to the Smoky Mountains by the beginning of November.
New England may be the winner here. Stowe, Vermont, shows off its fantastic fall foliage with lantern tours, gondola rides, and wagon tours. Stowe, Vermont, Bar Harbor, and its many trails and Atlantic Ocean shoreline are exciting ways to experience the changing of fall colors.
Few of us realize that nature is the original and greatest artist. When summer turns to fall, nature inspires the best fall colors in the USA.
The US is filled with places where magical fall foliage happens each year. Like a few others, visiting the best places to see fall foliage in the US is a sensory and aesthetic experience.
Along with the fall colors usually comes a fall harvest that turns into refreshing cider, apple donuts, and pumpkin pies, all to increase the pleasure of the experience. And in seaside areas, the lobsters are especially plentiful.
There is nothing like fall for a great feast surrounded by a palette of hues.
In addition to enjoying the various foliage colors, most parks and areas have several fall-special activities that can double visitors' fun.