22 Places in the United States to Find the Best Fall Colors

Acadia National Park

Contributed by David & Intan at The World Travel Guy

The premier national park in coastal Maine is Acadia, which is known for its beautiful fall colors, hiking trails, beaches, and carriage roads that can be traveled by foot, bicycle, or horseback.

This park is a great place for fall leaf peeping in the United States! Acadia’s fall foliage generally comes alive in early to mid-October, and you don’t even have to do any hiking — wonderful leaf colors are visible on any of the scenic drives in the park!

One of the best hikes in Acadia National Park for seeing foliage is the Beehive Trail, which is known for being thrilling and a bit sketchy, so it’s only recommended for people who are comfortable with heights.

If you’re looking for a tamer and easier trail in the park, check out the Jordan Pond loop, which is a flat and easy hike with great fall colors! This path is family-friendly and you can see lots of nice autumn foliage, especially on the north side of the Jordan Pond.

Last, but not least, Acadia National Park is home to Cadillac Mountain, which is the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast and the first place to see the sunrise in the United States!

Napa Valley, CA

Contributed by Dhara of Roadtripping California

Looking for leaf-peeping destinations for a fall getaway? Consider Napa Valley in California! The valley’s towns and parks blaze brightly in fall foliage season, with both trees and vines dressed in shades of yellow, orange, red, and burgundy.

You’ll want to visit Napa Valley around the middle of November to catch the best of the fall colors, although the exact dates of peak color can vary each year.

Drive the Silverado Trail up from the city of Napa to Calistoga for expansive views of vineyards bright with color, as well as native vegetation along the road. On the way back down the valley, take Highway 29 to see more colors.

If you are looking to hike in order to see colors up close in nature, then try Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Trails along the creek are very scenic, and you will see lots of yellow color on deciduous trees. In a more urban setting, the colors along Washington Street, the main drag in Yountville, tend to be spectacular. The mature planted trees on either side of the road change to bright orange, creating a brilliant display.

Many wineries in the valley have beautiful grounds and gardens, making for delightful leaf-peeping strolls in the fall. While in the valley, you’ll want to schedule some tastings if you enjoy wine — it’s cab season. And be sure to stop for season-inspired sweet treats at area bakeries!

East Rock Park in New Haven, CT

Contributed by Alicia at Travels with the Crew

East Rock Park in New Haven, Connecticut is one of the best places for fall foliage in New England. The park’s many hiking trails offer stunning views of the changing leaves, and the summit of East Rock provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy autumn colors, East Rock Park is definitely worth a visit.

The summit of East Rock Park is a popular spot in the month of October for leaf peepers. From the top, you can get sweeping views of New Haven and the surrounding countryside, all awash in yellows, oranges, and reds. The leaves typically peak in mid-October, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

If a hike sounds too strenuous, you can also drive to the summit and park, but be aware that parking is hard to find in October, so you may have to circle around for a while.

There are a number of different hiking trails that crisscross East Rock Park, and each offers its own unique views. Be sure to explore all of the park’s nooks and crannies to find your personal best views of the foliage.

After your hike around East Rock Park, enjoy the rest of what New Haven has to offer like, museums, shopping, and dining. New Haven is a great place to visit in the fall, and East Rock Park is one of its crowning jewels.

Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY

Contributed by Michele DeBella of From Inwood Out

The Finger Lakes region is one of the best places to witness the beauty of fall in Upstate New York. The city of Ithaca, full of hiking trails through scenic gorges, is an especially lovely place for leaf peeping. One of those gorge trails is at Buttermilk Falls State Park, located just a few miles south of downtown Ithaca. The park takes its name from Buttermilk Creek, which, as it cascades down through the gorge, creates a series of roaring waterfalls and clear cold pools. A steep wooded hillside rises up on both sides of the gorge and in the fall, the trees in those woods transform into spectacular displays of color. The vibrant red and yellow leaves contrast with the foaming white Buttermilk Falls and are a sight to behold. And the view only gets better. As you climb the .65-mile Gorge Trail, you’ll get sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, also ablaze with color. The scenery can easily be enjoyed from the base of the trail, too, if you’re not into climbing. There are also other trails at Buttermilk State Park, including a Rim Trail above the gorge and Lake Treman Trail, which circles a lake of the same name and is another scenic spot for leaf peeping. Note that the Gorge Trail closes annually in early November but with peak foliage occurring around mid-October in this region, that allows plenty of time to enjoy the splendor of autumn at Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Beacon Hill in Boston, MA

Contributed by Brittany Sawyer of Travel by Brit

Most people believe you must escape the city to enjoy vibrant, colorful fall leaves—but not in Boston! Many of the best things to do in Boston, such as strolling through the Boston Public Garden or Boston Common, are enhanced by the beautiful fall leaves. 

If you’re looking for the perfect place for leaf-peeping with a historical backdrop, look no further than Beacon Hill in Boston. Beacon Hill is a charming historic neighborhood in Boston with cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and charming alleyways with overgrown plants. This popular neighborhood is also filled with mature trees that change leaves in the autumn, making it a picture-perfect location for a stroll during October and November. 

Beacon Hill is more than just a neighborhood with private residences—there are also tons of local restaurants, boutique shops, and even historic sites lining the streets. You can order a latte from Tatte Bakery & Café to enjoy while strolling the neighborhood, grab a beer at Cheers, the iconic bar from the television show, or walk past the William Hicking Prescott House. You also can’t miss the chance to take a photo of Acorn Street—widely regarded as the most beautiful street in the United States, made even more beautiful with the autumn colors. 

Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, GA

Submitted by Jillian Michelle from Adventure Dragon

One of the best places in the USA to see the changing leaves of fall is Rock City Gardens located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. This tiny town lies just six miles from Chattanooga, but not many people have ever heard of it.

To reach the best spot to see fall foliage, you first have to drive to the top of a mountain. That’s where you’ll find the gardens, a hidden waterfall, and even a clifftop cave filled with fairies and rainbow glass. Naturally-formed pathways cut through giant boulders and give the appearance of streets or tunnels that have been carved into the rock. If you follow these paths, you’ll eventually cross a suspension bridge and find the 90-foot waterfall. It looks especially beautiful when surrounded by the golden yellow and vibrant red colors of fall in Georgia.

To get an even better view of the fall leaves, follow another pathway to the top of the falls where you’ll find a viewing platform that overlooks the forest below. When visibility is great, you can even see seven U.S. states while standing in this exact spot. There’s truly no other place that compares to this one, so if you’re looking for one of the best USA places for fall leaf peeping, definitely add Rock City to your list!

Charlottesville, Virginia

Contributed by Julie McCool of Fun in Fairfax, VA

A beautiful destination for fall leaf-peeping, Charlottesville Virginia is also home to fascinating history, excellent food, and outdoor fun. Fortunately, you can see the fall foliage while you enjoy the best things to do in Charlottesville VA. For example, at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello visitors can tour the former President’s home surrounded by colorful views of the surrounding countryside. 

After your tour, head to nearby Carter Mountain, a great stop for families with kids, for apple-picking, and more of those lovely Charlottesville foliage views. Or relax on the other side of Monticello at Jefferson Vineyards where you can sip tasty Virginia wine and soak up the scenery.

Pretty trees also dot the downtown area near the restaurant-lined pedestrian mall and the University of Virginia. Take a walk on the historic UVA lawn to admire the Rotunda surrounded by pops of color. If you’re staying in town, request an upper floor at the Residence Inn Downtown and you’ll wake up to a colorful view. 

More dense forests of fall foliage are just a short drive out of town. One of the best places to enjoy the foliage in the Charlottesville area is at nearby Crabtree Falls. This popular hike follows a beautifully cascading waterfall to a truly stunning viewpoint that is a leaf-peeper’s dream.

California’s San Bernardino Mountains

Contributed by Jenifer of The Evolista

California’s San Bernardino Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the country. Every year, visitors from all over come to see the stunning displays of color. 

The color hits the higher elevations first, so Big Bear sees the initial burst of color. You can walk through town filled with colorful trees but the best leaf peeping is on one of the many hikes in the area. The Castle Rock Trail is bursting with yellow leaves and culminates in gorgeous lake views at the top.

Next up, there are so many fun things to do in Lake Arrowhead to experience fall foliage and autumn fun. The Heart Rock hike is filled with beautiful colors. You can also get a bird’s eye view of all the autumn hues around the lake from McCay park. Finish your fall leaf peeping with kid activities at Skypark, a seasonal beer at Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company or the Oktoberfest celebration at Lake Arrowhead Village.

The leaves begin to change color in early October, and by mid-October, the mountains are ablaze with reds, oranges, and yellows. The best time to see the foliage is late October when the leaves are at their peak. 

After that, the colors will begin to fade as the leaves start to fall from the trees. So if you’re looking for a breathtaking display of fall color, plan a trip to Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear for an unforgettable fall getaway!

Deep Creek Lake, VA

Contributed by Merry Allison of Virginia Vacation Guide

Deep Creek Lake is located in the Allegheny Mountains of western Maryland, which makes it an excellent destination for fall leaf peeping. The lake winds its way through Garrett County and the town of McHenry, Maryland. It is the largest inland body of water in the state. It is easily accessible by car and located not far off Interstate 68 and US-48. 

Deep Creek Lake is a popular resort destination, with ski slopes, golf courses, kayaking, boating, hiking, fishing, and much more, attracting visitors who are anxious to escape the nearby cities of Pittsburgh to the north and Washington, D.C., and Baltimore to the east. 

Fall starts relatively early in the mountainous region around the lake. The leaves begin changing color as early as mid-September, and peak fall colors usually occur by mid-October. This also marks the annual “Autumn Glory Festival” at Deep Creek Lake, which includes fall foliage driving tours, craft shows, a grand parade, and more. 

Also, don’t miss the “No-Hands Ice Cream Eating Contest”, plus the opportunity to get half-price ice cream at the excellent Lakeside Creamery to mark the occasion! It’s an annual tradition as part of the Autumn Glory Festival. 

The Wisp Ski Resort is a popular place to stay when visiting the area. It is also conveniently located near many shops and restaurants in town. 

Whitefish Dunes State Park, Door County, WI

Contributed by Lindsey Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel

Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County, Wisconsin is a hidden gem for amazing fall colors in the US. The colors here are incredible, and there are many wonderful activities to participate in in the Door County area during fall.

When hiking in Whitefish Dune State Park, the Red Trail is a beautiful (and easy) way to enjoy the fall colors and see some spectacular views of Lake Michigan. The Red Trail is only 1.2 miles long and is usually combined with the Yellow Trail to make a 3.6-mile loop. It’s a great hike no matter how experienced of a hiker you are.

If that isn’t enough hiking and fall colors for you, though, the Black Trail begins at the Nature Center (which is where you will end your Red + Yellow Trail hike) and this trail will take you to Cave Point County Park for more spectacular fall colors and some stunning stone bluff views. The Black Trail is also a loop and is only about 2 miles.

The fall colors begin appearing by the end of September and typically peak in mid-October. When planning where to stay in Door County, there are cabins to rent that are on the border of Whitefish Dunes State Park and many nearby towns (such as Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, and Egg Harbor) that feature quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Contributed by Sarah & Matt of Two Outliers

Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places to go leaf-peeping in the United States! The gently rolling mountains blanketed in bright shades of orange, red, yellow, and green are truly a spectacular sight. 

The amount of moisture an area receives is one of the most important factors that affect the vibrance of fall colors. The Great Smoky Mountains see one of the highest levels of rainfall per year in the United States, which causes an especially vibrant fall season! Additionally, the Smokies are home to a huge diversity of plant life, including over 100 species of trees, which show off a stunning spectrum of colors during the fall. 

Fall colors in the Smoky Mountains typically reach their peak around early to mid-October. However, peak season varies from year to year depending on temperatures and recent weather conditions. Additionally, the timing of fall colors in the Smokies varies a good deal throughout the park, as areas at higher elevations tend to begin changing colors earlier in the year.
The best way to experience the fall colors of the Great Smoky Mountains in all their glory is to hit the trails and go for a hike. One of the best hikes for seeing fall foliage in the Smokies is Mount LeConte, a challenging 11-mile round trip hike to the third tallest peak in the park. To visit the tallest waterfall in the park and explore a beautiful old growth forest, the 8-mile round trip hike to Ramsey Cascades is another can’t miss. If you have less time in the area, check out Clingman’s Dome, an observation tower built at the tallest point in the park that features sweeping 360-degree views.

North Cascades National Park, WA

Contributed by Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler

Beyond just having some of the most dramatic mountainous landscapes on the planet, the autumnal colors here feel completely immersive- in addition to its deciduous trees turning vibrant colors, there’s coniferous alpine trees, called larches, that explode into a golden hue and even the shrubs and wildflowers carpeting its meadows turn brilliant hues of scarlet and burnt orange. 

One of the best places in the park to experience this foliage is along the Heather Maple Pass Loop trail, which will lead you past countless groves of golden larches and fields of colorful scarlet paintbrush and elderberries to atop a mountain ridge, where you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks of the Cascades. 

Alternatively, the Blue Lake trail is another excellent option, where you’ll meander under a cathedral of colorful maple and aspen trees to a turquoise alpine lake, surrounded by larches and beyond, a craggy mountain soaring above.

For a lower impact option, you can drive along the North Cascades Scenic Highway, where you’ll snake past some of the most impressive vistas of the rugged mountains and the colorful trees and wildflowers blanketing their slopes. One of the most unmissable overlooks along the road is Washington Pass, where you’ll get 360-degree views of the towering Cascades surrounding you.

Cape Cod, MA

Contributed by Rachel Schulze of Wanderu

Cape Cod, the gorgeous sandy peninsula in Massachusetts, is a perfect getaway for enjoying fall leaves. Due to the mild climate on Cape Cod, the season is a bit later than in other parts of the county- the fall colors reach their peak from mid-September through late October. 

The best place to appreciate the fall colors is on the Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s comprised of a huge swath of protected beaches, dunes, and marshland, meaning that you can get the gorgeous contrast of fall foliage with the moody Northeastern ocean. The National Seashore stretches from Chatham to Provincetown and has miles of walking trails lined with red maple, oak, and beech trees, so there’s no shortage of options! 

Historic Route 6A is another fantastic option if you want to stay in your car. Originally a Native American trail, the road now meanders through richly colored trees, white-steepled churches, cozy inns, and eclectic boutiques. Although, it’s very easy to get to Cape Cod without having to rent a car.

The Knob in Woods Hole is another fantastic pedestrian option, with a paved, mile-long path through the park. Enjoy the gorgeous colors as you walk, and, at the end of the hike, you’ll find panoramic views of Quissett Harbor and Buzzards Bay- another truly unique, beautiful Cape Cod scene.

Sedona, AZ

Contributed by Dee of Vanilla Papers

Sedona’s towering Cathedral Rock is brilliant in the fall when its red sandstone is matched by brilliant yellow foliage and blue skies. 
The stunning butte is one of the most photographed sites in the Southwest – and the fall months give the red rocks and trees a special brilliance. 
Head to Crescent Moon Ranch and hike down a narrow pathway lined with berry bushes. The Arizona weather is cool and mild in the fall – and it’s a perfect time to visit away from the heat waves and tourist crowds. 
Cathedral Rock gradually comes into view, reflected in the waters of the sparkling Oak Creek. It’s Sedona’s most iconic view – brilliant at golden hour when the setting sun illuminates the red rocks and yellow leaves. If you’re a photographer, it’s best to arrive an hour or two before sundown to capture that glow. 
The cottonwood trees have leaves that change into a brilliant yellow and illuminate the landscape. It’s a dazzling blend of the changing seasons set against the backdrop of this centuries-old sandstone butte. 
Oak Creek is a photographer’s dream for postcard-perfect shots of Cathedral Rock. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Sedona – especially for families. 
And the hike is short, easy and accessible to hikers of all levels. There’s also a Crescent Moon Picnic Area with incredible views and lots of space to unwind or have a picnic. 

Kancamagus Highway, New England

Contributed by Mark and Kristen Morgan of Where are those Morgans?

New Hampshire’s ultra-popular Kancamagus Highway is undoubtedly one of New England’s premier leaf-peeping destinations each Fall around the first two weeks of October. The Kancamagus Highway – or simply “The Kanc” – is a spectacularly scenic 35-mile drive through New Hampshire’s picturesque White Mountain National Forest.

Driving The Kanc between the small mountain towns of Lincoln and Conway NH any time of year is going to put your smartphone storage capacity in danger of overfilling, but in Fall when the colors change you will need to bring every camera in your arsenal so you can capture unforgettable photos of rolling hills covered in an ocean of Autumnal color.

The Kanc is not just any old drive along a scenic byway. There are a dozen wonderful stopping points as the highway cuts through White Mountain National Forest. Some of the best stops on the Kancamagus Highway include far-reaching vistas, ornate covered bridges, and family-friendly waterfall hikes.

The best part? The Kancamagus Highway is suitable for all visitors. You could simply drive straight through in less than an hour, or you could spend the entire day hiking short trails to waterfalls, snapping countless photographs, and sitting out for a picnic with a view.

Peak colors along the Kancamagus Highway road trip in Fall are typically around the first two weeks of October but even in the few days around peak, this is a drive you won’t forget in a hurry.