Fall is one of the most beautiful times to travel. Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and stunning colors! I love to travel to different destinations across the USA to see all the wonderful Fall Foliage. Here are some of the top fall destinations in the USA to visit!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. There are over 100 species of native trees in the Smokies. Which really adds to the beauty of the fall colors in the park. The last three weeks of October are the most popular time to see the fall colors; however, the fall colors start well before this time. The changing colors start in the high elevation and work downward. At higher elevations, leaves start changing as early as mid-September. From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Foothills Parkway are beautiful drives. Around this elevation to see the changing fall foliage.
Along with seeing the beautiful fall foliage, there are so many fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. You can climb Clingmans Dome for beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a short, but steep, hike to the top. The hike to Grotto Falls is a great opportunity to get out and explore the park and fall foliage. It is a 2.6-mile hike. The hike is relatively easy with a beautiful waterfall at the end. It is the only waterfall in the park that you can walk behind. Keep your eye out for the wildlife in the park. Cades Cove and the Roaring Fork Nature Trail are two popular drives for spotting wildlife. You can also visit the Cherokee Elk near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center; early in the morning or an hour or two before sunset.
Recommended by: Candice at CS Ginger
New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is the newest national park and a great one for seeing fall foliage. The best time to see peak foliage here is mid-October but if you go a little earlier you can still see some changing. If you’re flying, you can fly into Beckley which is also the best town to stay in for visiting since it’s pretty centrally located to the main highlights of the park, which are pretty spread out.
The Clarion Pointe in Beckley is a great place to stay and close to tons of food options. The best things to do in New River Gorge include hiking to Sandstone Falls, hiking the Glade Creek Trail, admiring the view from the Main Grandview Overlook, driving Fayette Station Road, and even white water rafting. There are tons of other hiking trails, you could easily spend weeks here seeing everything. The Glade Creek Trail and the view from the river on the Fayette Station Road are two of the best places to admire all of the changing leaves in the park, but really, it’s all amazing.
Recommended by: Megan at Red Around The World
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is best for scenic drives, amazing hiking trails, and breathtaking views during Fall. It is one of the best times to visit Acadia National Park in Maine because of the crisp weather, spectacular fall foliage, and fewer crowds compared to summer. The peak time for fall-peeping is around October but the dates can vary from year to year. Avoid the weekends and public holidays to enjoy the peace and serenity of this beautiful national park. With over 120 miles, Acadia National Park has some of the most stunning hiking trails on the East Coast. The Cadillac Summit Loop Trail is a short and easy hike that provides breathtaking views of fall foliage.
The Park Loop Road, the 27-mile route that circumnavigates Mount Desert Island offers beautiful scenery during the drive. The park also has some beautiful lakes like Echo Lake, Jordan Pond that look incredibly beautiful with fall colors in October. The best place to stay for visiting Acadia National Park is Bar Harbor. It is a lovely small town that sits just outside of a national park and offers amazing places to eat and enjoy. One cannot visit Maine without stopping by the iconic Bass Harbor Headlight. Also, when in Maine, don’t forget to try their famous lobsters in Rose Eden Lobster while Café This Way was a favorite for breakfast in town. For an amazing fall vacation, 2-3 days is ideal for experiencing Acadia National Park.
Recommended by: Sunetra at Globe Trotting Su
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a fall wonderland for so many reasons. Though the park is filled with tons of evergreens, you can catch the maples, oaks, and other trees changing colors usually in mid-October. Beyond the colors, fall slows down slightly from the busy summer season, so you can find a little more space to breathe in this popular park.
The best way to visit Yosemite is to spend several days exploring the park. To fully immerse yourself in the fall beauty of Yosemite, you can stay in Yosemite Village at one of the hotels, lodges, or campgrounds. You’ll also find several restaurants, ranging from upscale to casual food courts, as well as a village store in Yosemite Valley.
The most iconic hike in all of Yosemite is to the summit of the majestic Half Dome formation. The Half Dome hike is strenuous and long, and requires holding on to cables for the final stretch up the granite to the top of the dome. These cables are in place from May to early October, but get taken down after Columbus Day. If the cables are down during your visit, you can hike the Mist Trail instead, which heads toward Half Dome and offers an easier way to explore some of the best sights in Yosemite Valley.
Recommended by: Allison at She Dreams of Alpine
Mammoth Lakes, California
One of the best places to see the Fall colors in the USA is actually located in California. It is on the Eastern side of California in a small, beautiful mountain town called Mammoth Lakes. People love to visit this place and go hiking in the summer, but come Fall is when the leaf-peeping season begins! Late October is when peak time is, and all the leaves turn a bright yellow and orange color. You can drive to this charming town and explore the colorful leaves nearby. One of the best places to see the colors is around Convict Lake. There are so many fall colors here, and the views of Mount Morrison are glorious!
June Jake Loop is also filled with striking fall colors. Some of the best spots on this loop include Gull Lake Campground, Silver Lake, and Rush Creek. Lundy Canyon is also filled with bright yellow trees and has a fantastic trail called Lundy Canyon Trail, and it is a 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail. The last area with some great fall colors is Mammoth Lakes Basin, an effortless drive with outstanding views. Mammoth Lakes is a one-of-a-kind area in California that is worth a visit during the fall season! You will love it!
Recommended by: Michelle at The Wandering Queen
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
One of the most beautiful places in New England to view fall foliage is the White Mountain National Forest, a 1,225 square mile forest that explodes with fall colors every year. Peak foliage usually hits the last week in September to the first week in October. Fall enthusiasts flock to drive scenic highways, hike to amazing viewpoints, and enjoy the best of New Hampshire’s fall. The easiest way to get the most out of your visit is to drive the Kancamagus Highway, a 34 mile stretch of road between Lincoln and Conway. Allow enough a couple of hours to make any stops you’d like, but be sure to check out the Albany Covered Bridge, Lower Falls Recreation Site, and the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.
The best way to experience the beauty that comes around for such a short time each year is to get out and hike in it! The Artist’s Bluff Trail is low effort, high reward – by following the trail counterclockwise, a short .5 miles will bring you up to the stunning overlook. The Basin Cascade Trail is a pleasant stroll down a river for hikers of all ages. Mount Pemigewasset, Welch-Dickey, Sabbaday Falls, and Mount Willard are some more of the excellent hikes in this region that show you the most beautiful part of the season – the trees.
Recommended by: Alyssa at Lyssy In The Sky
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts, is for sure one of the most incredible fall destinations in the United States. Being the place where the Salem Witch Trials took place, today the town is a famous place to celebrate Halloween since most of its attractions revolve around witches and their history. To get to Salem, most people usually depart from Boston. From there, it is possible to drive for 35 minutes or even take the commuter rail to Salem station. During Fall, Salem gets even more beautiful than it already is, being October the best month to contemplate the leaves changing colors!
When you visit, make sure to see The Witch House, The Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, and, of course, the Salem Witch Museum to learn more about the town’s past. The House of Seven Gables and the Witch Trial Memorial are very interesting to visit as well. You can read about more fun things to do in Salem here. Salem is also quite an excellent foodie destination. Make sure to try Gulu-Gulu café, The Ugly Mug Diner, Village Tavern, Flying Saucer Pizza Company, and Sea Level Oyster Bar.
Recommended by: Cami Neves at Travel Cami
Newport, Rhode Island
One of the best fall destinations in the USA is the seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is a quaint town surrounded by breathtaking beaches and sea cliffs since it’s located on Aquidneck Island. Most people drive to Newport from somewhere on the east coast. However, you can also fly into Providence, Rhode Island. From there, it is only a 45-minute drive. The fall foliage in Newport peaks throughout October. Walking the Cliff Walk is a great way to see the history of the area with incredible views. The 3.5-mile walk brings you past the famous Newport mansions, like The Breakers, around sea cliffs, and past a few beaches!
The mansions of Newport are famous for their history and architecture. Some of the mansions were date back to the 1850s! In the evening, walk around Bannister’s and Bowen’s Wharves for a variety of food and shopping. There are plenty of delicious places to eat in Newport. For breakfast, head to Cru Cafe near the Audobain Museum – a great way to start the day is with their blueberry stuffed french toast! It wouldn’t be New England without some seafood. Treat yourself to fresh seafood at the Lobster Shack. If you want to stay in the heart of Newport, stay at the Marriott Newport – it’s within walking distance of Bannister’s Wharf.
Recommended by: Pamela at The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont is a wonderful weekend destination in the fall. In late September, the fall foliage reaches a peak of beauty. There are numerous hikes within the city to see the colors. Hike to the tower in Ethan Allen park to see the reds, oranges, and reds fill the hillsides below your feet. Or rent a bike on the Burlington bike path to pedal to local beaches for a view of the Adirondacks across Lake Champlain. You will want to be in Waterfront Park in the evening to see the best sunset in New England. For shoppers, the pedestrian mall of Church Street is the place to be. One-of-a-kind shops have unique purchases and gifts. Grab an outdoor table to feast on farm-to-table-inspired food and watch the street performers.
A local favorite is Honey Road with its Mediterranean-influenced small plates. Burlington is known for craft beer, cider, and spirits. Enjoy a tasting in places all over town. The fall brings special seasonally brewed beers so add these to your tasting flight. Check out the Burlington Farmer’s Market for just-harvested produce. The eclectic art and music scene in Burlington is still going strong in the fall. There are many small cafes or pubs with fabulous live music. Burlington is nestled in the northwest corner of Vermont not far from the Canadian border. The city makes a great road trip stop when combined with a visit to Montreal.
Recommended by: Karen at Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands located in the Southwestern corner of the state is the perfect destination for a delightful Fall getaway. The second week of October you will find mountainsides ablaze in color, golden-hued rolling farmland, and festivals in charming Norman Rockwellesque towns. The Laurel Highlands is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural marvel, Fallingwater. Here nature and award-winning architecture come together. Spend some time touring one of the best-preserved Wright-designed homes. After touring the interior, walk the trails surrounding the home and take in the crisp autumn air.
Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania’s largest State Forest. Hikers will find miles of trails that lead to waterfalls, natural waterslides, mountain vistas, and more. A great way to experience the park and visit some of the region’s tiny towns is to bike the Youghiogheny River Trail from the town of Ohiopyle to Connellsville. This 17-mile ride covers a segment of the Great Allegheny Passage. If possible, try to coordinate your visit to coincide with Fort Ligonier Days. The premier festival features historic reenactments, juried crafts, awesome food, entertainment, and a hometown parade all against the backdrop of fall’s spectacular colors. Build the LH Pour Tour into your explorations. The route includes 40 stops with wineries, distilleries, breweries, meaderies, and even a cidery. Pick your poison!!
And to perfect your visit, book a luxury cabin at the Oak Lodge in Stahlstown. This family-owned and operated resort sits on 800+ acres, includes a spa, an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and miles of hiking trails. But its most unique feature is its full-scale 18th-century village.
Recommended by: Susan at Gen X Traveler
Hudson Valley, New York
New York’s Hudson Valley is one of the best fall destinations in the country. The area is resplendent with fall color and because the valley extends north-south between New York City and Albany, and because there are several hills, including the neighboring Catskill Mountains, the fall season is quite long. The northern and higher areas tend to peak in early October, while the lower parts of the mid-Hudson region typically peak in the middle two weekends in October, and the southern areas close to New York City are best at the end of October. The easiest way to get around is to drive.
This gives you the most freedom to discover all the area has to offer. However, it is also possible to take a scenic train ride alongside the Hudson River all the way from NYC to Albany, three hours to the north. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the color is to get out and hit the hiking trails. The top spots are Catskills State Park and Minnewaska State Park. They are very popular, though, so it’s best to get to your trail of choice early in the morning.
There are also rail trails throughout, which make great places to cycle surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage. Or, for something a little different, take a scenic river cruise from Kingston past lighthouses and more fall color. For a real treat, stay at the legendary Mohonk Mountain House (a fantastical Victorian-era hotel on the shores of a lake). There are great restaurants down by the waterfront in Kingston (Ole Savannah is a personal favorite if you like southern food) and in Hudson, which is also a great town for antiquing.
Recommended by: James at Travel Collecting
Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled into the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the charming town of Asheville, NC. The city offers a number of amazing sites and experiences from delicious southern food and craft breweries to the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in America. However, the number one reason to visit Asheville is its stunning mountain location, which is made even more perfect by the colorful fall season. Due to the varying elevation in and around Asheville, you’ll find the leaf changes are an ongoing event in the fall, starting in late September and running through most of October.
Whether you have a weekend in Asheville or a full week, you’ll find plenty of places to explore and hike to experience the best of leaf-peeping season. Set out on foot to get up close and personal while enjoying the crisp fall air and stunning leaf changes with options to hike to stunning views, like Craggy Gardens or Mount Mitchell State Park. Or, hike in the midst of the changing leaves to one of many thundering waterfalls in the area, like Crabtree Falls or Catawba Falls. Another great option is to drive the famous Blue Ridge Parkway for scenes that make your jaw drop.
One of the most beautiful parkways in the United States, you’ll curve in and around the rolling mountain tops flushed in reds, oranges, yellows, and greens with dozens of roadside overlook along the way. Make it a trip you’ll remember by staying at the beautiful Omni Grove Park Inn which offers views over the mountains. Then pop into town to try the local cuisine, like Tupelo Honey, a restaurant featuring made-from-scratch Southern comfort food.
Recommended by: Julia at The Cure For Curiosity
Naples, Florida
When you’re looking for your next fall travel destination, head to Naples in southwest Florida. Being in the sub-tropics, the leaves may not have the dramatic color change, but the city is in full bloom having just come off the summer green season. Fall is actually a perfect time of year in Naples, especially for nature lovers. With the Everglades once again overflowing, it’s a great time of year to go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Plus, wildlife sightings are at their peak. Most visitors come for the warm and calm Gulf of Mexico and lazy days spent at one of Naples’ beautiful beaches. Hurricane season is over by October and the Gulf of Mexico water is perfect for swimming.
With a well-served reputation for being luxurious and upscale, there are indeed some very luxe hotels, but Naples also has a wide range of moderate accommodations as well making it affordable, even for families. A perfect place to stay in the center of Naples is Bellasera Resort, great for families or a romantic getaway. Dining options in Naples range from pizza and food truck fare to upscale Italian. Its enviable location on the Gulf of Mexico means there are a lot of great seafood restaurants in Naples too. Getting to Naples Florida is easy with several airlines servicing Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) just half an hour from Naples. Rent a car for added flexibility since it’s easy to drive, even during high season.
Recommended by: Lori at Travelin Mad
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen one of the most popular destinations in Colorado that is famous for its great skiing, hiking, and gorgeous scenery, especially in the fall when all of the Aspen trees turn gold. During fall, many visitors come here to catch a glimpse of the Maroon Bells, two towering peaks surrounded by the golden aspens. If you want to do the same, your best bet is to visit Aspen from mid-to-late September. The spectacular Maroon Bells is just a short drive from Aspen and you can get there by bus that runs daily.
Make sure to spend at least a couple of days in Aspen to explore its wonderful hikes such as Sunnyside Trail, Rio Grande Trail that can be accessed from downtown Aspen After enjoying the scenery, make sure to visit the city’s quaint downtown with its brick buildings from the mining era and get on the silver Queen Gondola to get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. A trip from Denver to Aspen takes about 3 hours via Interstate-70. Another option is to take a scenic drive via Independence Pass, the highest continuous paved highway in North America by elevation that provides stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Recommended by: Stacy at The Discovery Nut
Durango, Colorado
I visited Durango, Colorado in September 2017 during an epic road trip through all of the best national parks and forests on the western side of the US. Durango was one of my favorite places of all, partly due to its quaint vibe and partly due to the splendor of the fall foliage. Durango is on the southwestern side of Colorado, tucked at the base of San Juan National Forest. We took the Million Dollar Highway as we passed through, which my friend had told me was because of the “million-dollar views”. The views during September were made up of rocky mountain tops kissed with snow and bright yellow leaves interspersed with dark green pine trees along the base of the mountains.
Exposed mountain tops were bright red, thanks to the mineral-rich soil that no doubt inspired the dozens of mining towns that popped up in the area a lifetime before. We stopped in Durango for breakfast before camping the top of Mt Sneffels, possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to in my life. Ate breakfast at Lone Spur Cafe, mostly thanks to the breakfast burrito on their menu. Then we camped in the surrounding mountains, opting for free camps when possible. Since I was there in September, just as the leaves were turning color, I’d recommend visiting mid-September to mid-October for the best views.
Recommended by: Marquis at Book Retreats
Flagstaff, Arizona
The Southwest may be far from top of mind when you think of fall destinations. However, Flagstaff, in northern Arizona, is actually one of the most scenic places in the country come autumn. Home to Arizona’s tallest peak, 13,993-foot Mount Humphreys, Flagstaff sits at an elevation of about 7,000 feet. That means it’s significantly cooler and wetter than the arid desert spanning much of the state. Those iconic saguaro cacti and rugged canyons seen in so many photos of Arizona? Those are nowhere to be seen in Flagstaff, which has primarily aspen and pine trees. That’s exactly what makes Flagstaff such a great leaf-peeping destination, and there’s one place in particular to check out.
Lockett Meadow, also called Inner Basin Canyon, is one of the most popular fall destinations in the entire state. Even the drive up to the trailhead is stunning! From the parking lot, it’s a relatively easy 2-mile family-friendly hike to Inner Basin, an enormous and incredibly dense aspen stand. In the fall, the blazing gold and orange are absolutely magical. Bring a picnic and take your time, or even better, try your luck at getting a first-come, first-served campsite at Lockett Meadow. Be warned that Lockett Meadow gets super busy, especially during the weekends. It’s very well worth fighting the crowds, but get on the road very, very early and be patient. The best time to catch fall foliage in Flagstaff is late September through mid-October — a small “window” because of the warm, dry climate.
Recommended by: Taryn at Chasing Trail
Portland, Oregon
Fall in Portland Oregon is such an amazing place to experience some of the most beautiful views and fall leaves. The peak time to see the beautiful fall leaves varies by year, but normally mid-October to early November is usually a safe bet to see the gorgeous colors. The best place to see both the views of Portland and the fall colors is Mt. Tabor Park. What is so unique about Mt. Tabor Park is a dormant volcano, in the middle of Portland Oregon. The trails in Mt. Tabor are great, and at the top is an amazing view of the city with some of the most beautiful fall leaves and trees.
Other options, to see some of the beautiful fall leaves, are Hoyt Arboretum, Silver Falls State Park, McKenzie River, and Steens Mountain. If you don’t have time to visit one of these places, you can literally walk down any of the beautiful tree-lined streets and see the amazing colors! The food opportunities in Portland are so awesome, there are so many options. Near Powell’s Books, there is a charming bakery named Maurice which is a great place for both the sweet and the savory. The best places to stay in Portland are downtown for easy walking, central east-side for nightlife, Pearl District for the coolest area.
Recommended by: Rebecca at Whatever Packs Your Bags
San Francisco, California
With most of the US slowly leaving the summer months behind, fall is actually when San Franciscan temperatures start to heat up. Compared to the dreary, foggy spells that cloud the city for most of the year, San Francisco Bay Area is a different place in the fall. The air is crisp and cool, there is much less fog, and it’s often sunny with clear blue skies. It’s like your favorite season all wrapped up into one. There are so many things to do here during this time too: apple picking, pumpkin patch exploring, hayrides – there really is something for everyone!
Plus if you want to find out what life was like back then (and who doesn’t), visit some historic sites such as Alcatraz Island or take a stroll across the infamous Golden Gate bridge. San Francisco is a city perfect for everything from a weekend break to a longer trip. It has everything from hiking trails and parks for those who are into the outdoorsy type things or just relaxing at one of their world-famous beaches. The best thing about traveling in the fall though is all the festivals they have going on. From art fairs to pumpkin patches it seems that everyone wants to get in on some autumn fun!
Recommended by: Alice at Adventures of Alice
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