24 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the US

Looking for the best fall foliage in the US? These stunning destinations deliver peak color, crisp air, and unforgettable autumn vibes.

There’s something undeniably magical about fall in the United States. As temperatures drop and pumpkin-spiced everything reemerges, forests from coast to coast transform into a symphony of red, gold, and orange.

Chasing color-drenched peaks or winding through leafy backroads, fall is when the American landscape shows off—and then some. Having been lucky enough to witness fall in places like Washington, Oregon, California, and New York (to name a few), I can confidently say there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping destinations that deserve a spot on your autumn bucket list.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best places to see fall foliage in the US. From iconic national parks to lesser-known scenic byways, these are the destinations that deliver when it comes to crisp air, cozy vibes, and the best fall foliage in the US.

So grab a flannel, fuel up, and hit the road—because the best place to see fall might just be closer than you think.

When the air turns crisp and the trees put on their fiery coats, there’s no better time to hit the road than during fall foliage season. From the golden aspens of the West to the sugar maples of New England, here are some of the best places across the U.S. to experience autumn in full technicolor.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the US

1. Stowe, Vermont

A perennial favorite and arguably the most iconic fall destination in the U.S., Stowe is practically synonymous with the best fall foliage in the U.S. Located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, this charming village transforms into a wonderland of blazing red, orange, and yellow hues.

No matter if you’re driving the winding Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road, hiking to Smugglers’ Notch, or simply strolling through town with a hot cider in hand, you’re immersed in postcard-perfect New England beauty.

The area also boasts a vibrant fall events calendar, with harvest festivals and farmers’ markets showcasing local maple syrup and seasonal produce. Make sure to bookmark Stowe and Vermont as your top place for fall foliage in the US.

2. Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Just a stone’s throw from Philadelphia, Bucks County is a pastoral paradise come fall. Winding roads lead through rolling farmland, dense forests, and picturesque towns brimming with colonial charm.

The area is dotted with covered bridges that look like they’re straight out of a Hallmark movie, particularly beautiful when framed by peak fall foliage.

The Delaware River towns of New Hope and Lambertville make for an ideal fall weekend escape, complete with antique shopping, riverfront strolls, and cozy fireplaces.

3. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge offers a dramatic and unique take on fall foliage. The rich reds and golds of bigleaf and vine maples punctuate towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and verdant forests.

The Historic Columbia River Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest, particularly breathtaking in mid to late October. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic spots like Multnomah Falls, which is made even more enchanting by the autumn palette surrounding it.

For photographers and nature lovers, the Gorge offers a feast for the senses and is a must-stop in the fall in the PNW.

4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Skyline Drive is the jewel of Shenandoah National Park and an absolute must for fall foliage chasers.

This 105-mile scenic route winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you’ll find yourself enveloped in a tunnel of color that seems to stretch into eternity. Vibrant hues of scarlet, amber, and tangerine blanket the landscape, and the park’s 70+ overlooks provide countless opportunities to pull over and soak in the scenery.

Wildlife is also abundant during this season—keep an eye out for deer, black bears, and wild turkeys along the trails.

5. West Virginia

Fall in West Virginia is nothing short of breathtaking. The state’s rugged Appalachian landscape bursts into color from late September through October, with its hardwood forests showcasing a mix of gold, crimson, and rust.

Blackwater Falls State Park and Dolly Sods Wilderness are two standouts, offering hiking trails, sweeping overlooks, and some of the most vibrant and remote foliage in the East. The state’s many scenic byways make for perfect road trips through a countryside that feels untouched by time.

6. Woodstock, Vermont

Another fall classic in Vermont, just southeast of Stowe, you’ll find Woodstock. Woodstock might be the quintessential New England town, and in fall, it becomes pure magic.

Surrounded by rolling hills and sugar maple forests, this charming village offers a slower pace and small-town charm that’s perfect for autumn. The drive along Route 12 between Woodstock and Pomfret is a local favorite, showcasing a blaze of color that’s hard to beat – but prepare for crowds.

Enjoy a stroll through the town’s covered bridge, sip a warm cider at a local café, or tour the historic Billings Farm & Museum as golden leaves drift around you.

7. North Cascades National Park, Washington

If you want something different from the traditional maple-and-oak show, head to the North Cascades. Here, Western larches take center stage—coniferous trees that turn a stunning golden yellow in the fall before shedding their needles.

Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glacier-fed lakes, the contrast is dramatic and surreal. The North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) offers unparalleled access to this region and is a bucket-list-worthy drive in late September through early October.

Plan your Trip:

8. Catskill Mountains, New York

A weekend escape for generations of New Yorkers, the Catskills shine brightest in the fall. Maple, beech, and birch trees blanket the mountains in a brilliant patchwork of color.

Hike the trails around Kaaterskill Falls or drive along Route 23A for sweeping views. Quaint towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia offer apple picking, artisan markets, and cozy inns to round out the perfect fall getaway. The proximity to New York City means you can do a full foliage trip without taking a week off.

9. Albany, New York

As the gateway to upstate New York, Albany offers an excellent launching pad for fall adventures. But don’t overlook the capital itself—its tree-lined boulevards, riverside parks, and historic neighborhoods provide a rich canvas of autumn color.

Take a walk through Washington Park, cruise along the Hudson, or head just an hour north to the southern Adirondacks, where the foliage season starts early and lingers long. With access to cultural institutions, charming eateries, and scenic drives in every direction, Albany is a smart and scenic home base for leaf-peeping.

10. The Seward Highway, Alaska

The Seward Highway might just be one of America’s most underrated fall drives. Stretching 125 miles from Anchorage to Seward, it winds past glaciers, fjords, alpine meadows, and boreal forests that ignite in hues of amber and gold come early September.

The cottonwoods and birches are the stars here, turning bright yellow against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and icy blue water. Along the way, stop at scenic viewpoints like Turnagain Arm and Moose Pass for panoramic views and wildlife sightings. It’s raw, wild beauty at its autumnal finest.

11. Wisconsin Northwoods

Northern Wisconsin is a land of lakes, towering trees, and small towns with big autumn energy. The Northwoods region is particularly captivating in fall, when maple, aspen, oak, and birch trees erupt into fiery shades of red, orange, and gold.

Paddle a canoe through the morning mist on a quiet lake, or drive the Great River Road for panoramic vistas and roadside farm stands. Minocqua and Eagle River make great base towns for a cozy weekend of leaf-peeping, hiking, and hearty Midwestern fare.

12. Hope Valley, California

Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada south of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley is California’s crown jewel of fall color.

Here, groves of quaking aspens shimmer in golden waves against deep green pine forests and wide open meadows.

The best time to visit is early to mid-October, when Highway 88 becomes a corridor of color. Stop to picnic by the West Fork of the Carson River or hike the moderate trails that crisscross the area. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and surprisingly radiant for a state better known for its beaches and redwoods.

13. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

When autumn hits the Rockies, the effect is nothing short of golden. Rocky Mountain National Park is famed for its groves of aspens that turn brilliant yellow and seem to glow against the rugged mountain peaks.

Trail Ridge Road—one of the highest continuous paved roads in the U.S.—is the ultimate scenic drive here, offering elevated views of colorful valleys and snow-capped summits.

Wildlife is abundant in fall, too, with elk bugling echoing through the crisp air. It’s Colorado at its most majestic.

14. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite may be best known for granite cliffs and towering waterfalls, but fall brings a quieter, more colorful charm to the park.

Maples, dogwoods, and black oaks transition to deep reds and burnt oranges, especially around Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy. Crowds thin out post-summer, making it easier to explore trails and iconic viewpoints.

The cooler weather and golden light only enhance the dramatic beauty of the landscape. Aim for mid-to-late October for peak color.

15. Camden Hills State Park, Maine

Camden Hills State Park offers one of the rarest combinations in fall travel in the US: coastal views and vivid foliage.

From the summit of Mount Battie, you can look out over a harbor filled with sailboats and a sea of red, orange, and yellow treetops. The nearby town of Camden is straight out of a storybook, with its charming harbor, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.

This region of mid-coast Maine is ideal for travelers who want to combine hiking, scenic drives, and some classic New England coastal flair.

16. Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Montana

This 49-mile route through Montana’s Pioneer Mountains is an off-the-beaten-path gem for fall adventurers. The byway winds past ghost towns, alpine meadows, and rivers flanked by quaking aspens and cottonwoods glowing gold.

With minimal traffic and a true sense of wilderness, the experience is both peaceful and epic in scale. It’s ideal for those seeking solitude, dramatic landscapes, and a fresh take on Western autumn.

17. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

As the most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains live up to the hype in autumn.

Over 100 native tree species blaze into color between mid-September and early November, creating a long, varied leaf-peeping season. The drive through Newfound Gap Road, or a hike up to Clingmans Dome or Alum Cave, offers unbeatable vistas.

Bonus: October is also elk rutting season, adding another layer of drama to your mountain escape.

18. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe’s adobe architecture glows even warmer under fall’s golden aspens and cottonwoods. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east become a leaf-peeper’s dream in October, particularly along the High Road to Taos, which winds through art-filled villages and high-altitude forests.

The unique blend of culture, color, and cuisine makes Santa Fe a one-of-a-kind fall destination.

19. Adirondack Mountains, New York

Another of the best places to see fall foliage in the US, particularly New York, continuing north past Albany, are the Adirondack Mountains.

With more than six million acres of forest, the Adirondacks deliver one of the most spectacular and extended fall foliage seasons in the country. Peak colors here stretch from mid-September into late October, thanks to the region’s varied elevations.

Base yourself in Lake Placid or Saranac Lake and explore miles of hiking trails, scenic gondola rides, and peaceful paddling routes through Mirror Lake and the Saranac Chain of Lakes.

The view from Whiteface Mountain alone is worth the trip—a kaleidoscope of treetops stretching all the way to Canada.

20. Olympic Peninsula, Washington

On Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, fall is a slow, moody unfolding—part rainforest fantasy, part mountain drama. While it doesn’t boast the explosive color of the East Coast, the effect here is more subtle and enchanting.

Bigleaf maples light up in shades of yellow and orange amid the moss-covered trees of the Hoh Rainforest, while Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge offer a more open, panoramic view of changing foliage. The rains begin in fall too, so bring a raincoat and lean into the cozy.

21. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Don’t sleep on Arkansas when it comes to fall. The Ozark National Forest is a riot of color in October, with sugar maples, hickories, and oaks transforming the mountains into a painter’s palette.

The Pig Trail Scenic Byway is a must-drive—winding, elevated, and impossibly scenic. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife make this region a fantastic destination for nature lovers looking to avoid the bigger crowds of more popular fall spots.

22. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires deliver peak New England fall with a side of high culture. Rolling hills explode in warm tones while charming towns like Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington invite you to slow down and soak it all in.

The region also offers a rich cultural layer—art museums, theater performances, and historic estates that are as captivating as the natural surroundings. Drive Route 7 or hike to the summit of Mount Greylock for panoramic views that stretch for miles.

23. Aspen & Maroon Bells, Colorado

The town of Aspen lives up to its name each fall, when the surrounding mountains become a sea of quaking aspens glowing in vibrant shades of yellow and gold.

The Maroon Bells—two iconic peaks reflected in a mirror-like alpine lake—are especially breathtaking during peak color. Fall in Aspen is quieter than ski season, making it ideal for scenic hikes, hot coffee on crisp mornings, and cozy evenings by the fire.

Just don’t forget your camera; this is Colorado at its cinematic best.

24. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Ohio’s only national park is a hidden gem when it comes to fall foliage. Located between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park features a rich mix of hardwood trees—maples, oaks, and hickories—that blaze into brilliant reds, oranges, and golds from late September through October.

Hike the Ledges Trail for panoramic views, bike the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, or hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a relaxed ride through a corridor of color.

Add in waterfalls, covered bridges, and picturesque farms, and you’ve got one of the Midwest’s best fall escapes.

---

Which of these places to watch fall foliage in the US will you be visiting? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.

Make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using Safetywing Nomad Insurance for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $56 per month. Get your quote below now.

Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favorite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!

Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals worldwide

Booking.com for great deals on hotels

Agoda also for great deals on hotels

Viator for tours and adventures around the world

Related posts you might like:

18 Best Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas to Book Right Now

13 Best Places to Visit in Europe in the Fall

15 Wonderful Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

18 Best Wellness Retreats in New York

72 Things to Do Alone in New York: The Complete List

A Day in Vegas: An Alternative Guide to Las Vegas

FOUND THIS POST HELPFUL? PIN IT AND SHARE