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.
17. Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
Every autumn, the Ozark Mountains explode into a patchwork of color, creating one of the most underrated fall foliage shows in the country. Usually, the peak rolls in from mid-October to early November, when oak, hickory, and maple trees set the hills ablaze with crimson, gold, and burnt orange. The rolling hills and deep valleys—classic Ozarks—really light up during this window.
If you hit Highway 7, you’ll wind through the heart of the region, but honestly, the smaller backroads are just as magical, especially when they lead you past streams and old towns. The weather’s usually mild, so hiking feels just right, whether you’re strolling by a river or scrambling up a ridge. The best part? The Ozarks stay pretty chill compared to the big-name fall destinations, so you get to soak in the colors without the crowds.
16. Hocking Hills, Ohio
If you’re after Midwest autumn, Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio is a wild card that delivers. The area’s sandstone cliffs, caves, and waterfalls create a dramatic stage for the fall color show, which usually peaks in mid-October. Maple, oak, hickory, and beech trees crowd the hills with loud reds, oranges, and golds.
The hiking trails here are the real deal—Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls all offer up-close views of leaves against rugged rock. Cooler temps and extra rain in this part of Ohio seem to make the colors even more intense. You can take in the scenery from State Route 374 or 664, but if you’ve got the energy, the trails are where it’s at. Plenty of cabins and lodges nearby make it easy to hang around for a few days and catch the peak.
15. Enchanted Circle, New Mexico
Enchanted Circle is an 83-mile loop through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico, linking mountain towns like Taos, Red River, and Eagle Nest. The drive takes you through aspen groves that turn a wild gold in late September and early October—especially striking against the evergreens and the deep rust of the high desert. Elevations jump from 7,000 to over 9,000 feet, so the colors show up at different times depending on where you are.
Driving the loop might only take three hours if you’re in a hurry, but honestly, you’ll want to stop in the small towns and at every overlook you can. Wheeler Peak, topping out at 13,161 feet, looms over the aspens and makes the whole scene feel epic. The skies here are almost always clear and blue, and the dry air somehow makes the gold pop. If you time it right, you’ll hit the peak colors with daytime temps hanging out in the 60s.
14. Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Over 900,000 acres of hardwood forest stretch across the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia, and when fall hits, the place turns into a moving wave of color from late September through October. Higher elevations usually catch fire first, with reds and oranges rolling down the mountains as the weeks go by.
The variety of trees here means you get layers of color everywhere you look. The Highland Scenic Highway, a 43-mile route, winds through some of the brightest patches in the forest. Dolly Sods Wilderness gives you sweeping views—crimson maples, golden birches, amber oaks—set against rocky highlands. If you want something a little different, Cranberry Glades offers a wetland scene where fall colors reflect in still water, with spruce and hemlock adding a darker green edge.
13. Eastern Sierra, California
California’s Eastern Sierra puts on a surprisingly bold fall show, especially along the corridor where aspen groves flash gold against the Sierra Nevada’s peaks. The best colors usually show up from late September to early October, turning the area into a patchwork of yellow and orange. Highway 395 is your main drag here, with easy pull-offs for leaf-peeping.
June Lake Loop and the area around Convict Lake are favorites for a reason—hiking trails wind through aspen stands, but even just pulling over for a photo is worth it. The high-elevation desert keeps the air crisp and the skies clear, so the colors look extra sharp. Bishop Creek Canyon and Rock Creek Canyon are also solid bets, with aspens lining the streams and valleys up and down the eastern slopes.
12. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains—right along the Tennessee and North Carolina border—are famous for a reason. Every fall, over 800 square miles turn into a ridiculous canvas of color. Peak foliage usually hits from mid-October to early November, but the range in elevation means you can catch different waves of color as you go higher or lower. Maples bring the reds, sassafras adds orange, and birch trees drop in the gold.
The classic move is to drive Newfound Gap Road, which climbs from 2,000 to 5,000 feet and gives you new views with every turn. Cades Cove is another must-see, especially for valley views with mountains in the background. If you’re up for a hike, the Alum Cave Trail puts you right in the middle of the action. And don’t forget that famous morning mist—it layers the ridges in fog and makes the colors look even more unreal.
11. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Some of New England’s most charming fall scenery pops up in the rolling landscape of northwestern Connecticut. As September fades into October, the Litchfield Hills region bursts into a patchwork of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Historic white-steepled churches, covered bridges, and colonial-era towns stand out against all that color—honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to pull over just to stare for a minute.
If you’re looking for the best views, try winding along Route 7 or Route 63. These roads snake through classic Connecticut countryside and lead you into small towns like Kent, Washington, and Litchfield itself. The tree-lined streets and village greens really put the season on display. There’s a solid mix of sugar maples, oaks, and birches here, so you get a wild range of colors.
Foliage usually peaks around mid-October, though it can shift depending on elevation or whatever weather rolls in. Besides the leaf show, you’ll find hiking trails, antique shops, and farm stands scattered around—plenty of reasons to hang out even after you’ve had your fill of fall 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.