24 Destinations for The Best Fall Foliage Across the United States

The U.S. is full of natural beauty, with national parks and hidden gem towns whose forests turn fiery red, golden orange and amber yellow in autumn. However, with so many options you may be wondering which destinations are the right ones to go with. So let’s discover where to find the best fall foliage in the United States.

Whether you’re a photographer, a hiker or just want to take in the views, all regions of the country have fall leaves to take your breath away. New England is the hottest destination for the vibrancy of its maple trees, but you may be surprised to find just how many other options there are in the Southeast, Midwest and West. 

We’ve rounded up the top destinations to see the best fall foliage in the U.S., including:

Below, we’ll cover each destination, what to see there and the best time to catch the colors at their peak.

Typical fall peak season: Early October-early November 

The Northeast is the most popular destination for leaf peepers in the US. Whether you go camping or take a fall road trip through New England, you’ll be met with stunning views and vibrant foliage. New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont have peak colors in early October. Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New York peak a bit later in the month. 

Stowe, Vermont, is one of the nation’s best-known destinations for fall colors. Surrounded by mountains, valleys and hardwood forests, Stowe has unbeatable views. Fall in Stowe means a plethora of outdoor activities like harvest festivals, hiking, rock climbing, ziplining and camping. You also won’t want to miss the scenic byway through Smugglers’ Notch, one of New England’s most scenic drives. 

Mid-October is the best time to visit Stowe. That’s when the sugar maple, yellow birch, beech and aspen trees start to turn their brilliant shades of yellow, red, orange and gold. However, the timing of the leaves varies each year, so make sure to check an updated fall foliage map before you plan your trip. 

Nestled in the Green Mountains, Woodstock, Vermont, is a sweet and cosy town surrounded by historic farms and plenty of maple trees. The Ottauquechee River, Vermont Scenic Byway and rolling hills situate Woodstock in the perfect place for autumn scenery. 

In early to mid-October, you can enjoy peak fall colors while staying at a bed and breakfast. You can also take in the autumn hues while doing activities like apple picking, sampling maple syrup, carriage rides and, of course, hiking. 

For dramatic autumn views of lakes, forests and rugged beauty, you’ll want to visit the gorgeous mountain pass that is Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire. Driving through White Mountains National Forest, you’ll find Franconia Notch offers views of the mountains, whose trees turn a breathtaking golden yellow in the fall. 

From mid-September to late October, you won’t want to miss hiking down the renowned Flume Gorge, swimming at Echo Lake or riding the Cannon Mountain tramway for aerial views of the stunning autumn palette.

The Kancamagus Highway, affectionately known as “The Kanc,” is a scenic drive that stretches for 34.5 miles through the White Mountains National Forest in New Hampshire. A favorite for leaf peepers, this iconic drive takes you straight through the fiery red and golden orange foliage, giving you views of mountain passes, scenic overlooks and waterfalls. Recognized as a National Scenic Byway, the 34.5-mile drive offers places to park for panoramic views along the way.

Early to mid-October is the best time to go. Along The Kanc, you’ll find campgrounds as well as stunning views of Rocky Gorge, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls and Lower Falls. 

Acadia National Park is located on the coast of Maine and covers 47,000 acres across Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. Views of ocean cliffs paired with breathtaking forests that turn radiant colors make this a top destination for fall scenery.

We recommend visiting in mid-October. Stay nearby in Moody, Maine and hike or drive the massive Cadillac Mountain to get views from the park’s highest point. Then kayak on Jordan Pond and hike the scenic Ocean Path to watch the waves crash at Thunder Hole inlet. 

Baxter State Park in Maine includes 50 trails to mountain summits, ponds and breathtaking views of rich fall colors. One of the biggest draws is hiking Mount Katahdin, the largest mountain in Maine. 

Early to mid-October is the best time to see the brilliant red, yellow and orange leaves. This is also a great time to spot wildlife such as moose, deer, caribou and beavers. 

Typical fall peak season: Mid-October to early November

The Southeast has its own dazzling display of fall colors when the air turns crisp. North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee are popular destinations for fall leafing in this part of the country. 

Known as America’s favorite drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. In the fall, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway will provide breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains covered in a kaleidoscope of warm leaves. 

Generally, mid-to-late October is the peak time to see fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because it spans a diverse range of climates, you’ll want to check a foliage map before you visit for a day outing or multi-day road trip. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park and one of the best national parks to see fall colors. Along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, you’ll find diverse plant life, like vibrant sugar and red maple, sweetgum, scarlet oak and hickories, that turn brilliant shades of copper and rust in the fall.

The foliage is at its brightest from mid-October to early November. The park has no shortage of things to do, from popular hikes like Alum Cave Trail and Sutton Ridge Overlook to waterfalls like Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls and scenic drives like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 

Every fall, people flock to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to see the chestnut, red oaks, ash, birch, maple and poplar trees turn fiery colors. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah has many hiking trails with beautiful views. Popular hikes include Hawksbill Summit, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Stony Man Loop and the challenging-but-worth-it Old Rag.

Visit from late September to mid-November for the best fall foliage. Skyland Drive, which stretches 105 miles through the park, offers scenic views of the trees and gives you access to many of the trailheads. If you want to see more of the state, you can then take Virginia’s historic Colonial Parkway road trip.

Grayson Highlands State Park is located near Virginia’s two highest mountains: Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain. Covering 4,502 acres, this smaller, hidden gem of a park offers beautiful views of fall foliage via hikes and camping. 

Visit in mid to late October for peak scenery. Hike popular trails like Twin Pinnacles Trail, the Massie Gap and Wilburn Ridge Loop. You might even spot one of the wild ponies that live there! 

Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s most popular state parks in autumn for a reason. The park’s many waterfalls, cascades and streams are surrounded by deciduous trees that alight in brilliant yellows, oranges and reds in mid to late October. 

Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. This waterfall is the star of the show, but there are plenty of other waterfalls to see and hiking trails to explore. Take a day trip from Nashville, which is only a two-hour drive away. 

Chattanooga is a fun city with excellent local restaurants, a growing craft beer scene, farmers’ markets and a lovely riverwalk on the Tennessee River. It’s also a nature-lover’s paradise, especially in the fall. 

The leaves are most colorful in Chattanooga from late October to early November. For the best views, catch the sunset at Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain, hike Signal Point or swim in Rainbow Lake. The city’s many trails and nearby scenic spots are also popular destinations for cyclists and rock climbers. 

Typical fall peak season: October

The upper Midwest has beautiful fall scenery that rivals that of New England destinations. Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois have some of the best fall foliage destinations, with picturesque views and jewel-like amber, red and golden leaves. 

Gooseberry Falls, located in Minnesota on the shore of Lake Superior, has beautiful waterfalls, a river gorge and plenty of wildlife to behold. Enjoy the views of autumn leaves during a trail hike or while relaxing on Agate Beach or the Picnic Flow, an ancient lava flow on the North Shore. 

The area has two fall color seasons: the maples turn vibrant from the end of September to mid-October, while the birch and poplar trees start yellowing in the first weeks of October. 

Jay Cooke State Park in Minnesota offers spectacular views of the Saint Louis River. A swinging suspension bridge stretches above the river and is a popular spot for visitors. The Thomson Dam gorge and historic Thomson Pioneer Cemetery are other great areas to explore. 

From mid-September to early October, the vibrant colors of the hardwood forests become a stunning backdrop for the Jay Cooke State Park’s rugged rock formations and valleys. 

Madison, Wisconsin, is surrounded by lakes, state parks and scenic nature-viewing spots. Some of the top places to view fall colors in Madison include the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, San Damiano Park, the Yahara River Area and the UW Arboretum. 

Nearby state parks include Devil's Lake and Governor Nelson State Park. Visit in late September through mid-October to get the best of the city’s seasonal colors. 

Devil’s Lake State Park is located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. From the park’s 500-foot quartzite bluffs, you can overlook Devil’s Lake for stunning views of both the water and gorgeous fall colors. The park has 30 miles of hiking trails as well as places to picnic, swim and paddle. 

From the end of September to mid-October, the park’s maple trees start to change colors, first around the north shore, followed by the east, west and south bluffs. Popular trails during this time include the Grottos Trail and Johnson Moraine Trail. 

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park or “the Porkies,” is Michigan’s largest state park. It’s a popular destination for fall foliage viewing thanks to its 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, plus views of the shoreline of Lake Superior, waterfalls, trails, chairlift rides and rivers.

Places with the best views in the park include the Lake of the Clouds, the Presque Isle River and the Summit Peak observation tower. If you’re taking a road trip in the Great Lakes region, check out one of the scenic drives you can take in the park, like South Boundary Road and 107th Engineers Memorial Highway.

The Tunnel of Trees, a 20-mile drive between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, Michigan, takes you right through the heart of the forest. The drive offers unparalleled views of the autumn canopy and glimpses of the coast of Lake Michigan. The road winds through the gorgeous foliage, past lovely homes and charming small towns. 

Taking you along M-119, the Tunnel of Trees is one of the most beautiful roads in the U.S. Make sure to go in mid-October to experience the trees at their peak. 

Typical fall peak season: late September and early October

Out West, California, Colorado and Washington have must-see locations for prime leaf viewing. Before winter sets in, the world-famous aspen trees turn golden, creating picture-perfect scenery. 

Yosemite National Park is simply stunning in the fall. The bigleaf maple, black cottonwood and aspen trees become pops of bright yellow, the black oaks grow golden and dark orange and the dogwoods turn red and pink. 

Peak leaf season is in mid-to late-October. For scenic views, drive Glacier Point Road or Tioga Road. Explore the serene Yosemite Valley by wandering through its meadows and gazing at the granite outcrops. Viewpoints like Glacier Point will let you look far over the mountaintops. Mariposa Grove lets you walk through the forest of giant sequoias. 

Hope Valley is a must-see stop during a Northern California road trip to see fall colors. This remote area is famous for its unspoiled beauty, with a low population and little to no human development. Located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Hope Valley is full of hiking trails, lakes and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. 

The valley is close to Lake Tahoe but has plenty of its own alpine lakes to enjoy. It’s a popular spot for hikers and fishermen. Popular spots to view the foliage include Crater Lake and Scotts Lake. 

If you want to see the terrific yellows of Colorado’s largest aspen grove, you’ll need to drive along Kebler Pass. This high-mountain pass cuts through Gunnison National Forest and the West Elk Mountains. The aspens make it one of the most photographed places during fall. It’s a great day trip if you’re staying in Vail. 

To see the aspens at their peak, plan your visit between mid-September and the first week of October. Kebler Pass spans 30 miles, beginning and ending at Crested Butte. If you drive the pass, there are areas where you can pull off and take pictures. At the summit, you’ll be at 10,007 feet in elevation, with a breathtaking view of the aspens. 

The Maroon Bells are famously the most photographed mountains in America. And in the fall season, surrounded by the bright yellow aspens, they’re at their most stunning. These 14,000-foot mountains tower over Maroon Creek Valley, reflecting in the lake below. 

Close to the town of Aspen, these purple-colored mountains are surrounded by hiking trails, wildflower fields and fishing spots. Visit in September to mid-October to catch the aspens at their peak. 

Washington’s North Cascades National Park offers breathtaking, rugged terrain against a watercolor of reds and yellows when the air starts to chill. With glaciers, mountains and crystal-blue lakes, this park won’t disappoint. 

The alder, larch and maple trees in this park also create a rich contrast with the deep green evergreens. Make this park a stop on your next Pacific Northwest road trip. Popular in summer and winter, autumn in this park actually has fewer crowds and a more tranquil experience. 

Mount Rainier stands a staggering 14,410 feet above sea level and its lower slopes are blanketed in forest. The mountain offers spectacular views of its stunning larch, vine maple, cottonwoods, willows, elderberry, aspen and huckleberry in the fall.

Peak season at Mount Rainier National Park is mid-October to early November. Some of the best places to see the foliage are the Reflection Lakes, Knapsack Pass, the Moraine Trail and the Grove of the Patriarchs.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best places to see fall colors. 

Outside of the U.S., some of the best places for fall foliage include Japan, South Korea, Germany and Canada. In particular, Kyoto and Nara, Japan, South Korea’s Seoraksan National Park, the Bavarian Alps in Germany and Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario are some of the best places in the world to see bursts of autumn colors. 

While all of New England is renowned for its fall colors, Vermont is typically awarded the title of the best state for vibrant foliage. That’s because 78 percent of the state is forest and 20 percent of it is sugar maple, which turns especially vibrant in the fall. 

One of the best road trips for fall colors is driving from upstate New York to New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine to see the best of New England’s foliage. Some other scenic drives include the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, Skyland Drive in Shenandoah National Park and Kebler Pass, Colorado. Make sure to use a fall foliage tracker to time your road trip perfectly during peak season wherever you go.

The best fall foliage spot could be anywhere across the United States, waiting for you to discover it. Remember, since many of these locations are extremely popular fall destinations, you’ll want to plan well ahead to avoid the crowds and make your trip as seamless as possible. 

Need help planning your fall foliage road trip? AAA Travel can help you find the best vacation packages and travel guides. Plus, take advantage of roadside assistance and shopping, dining and entertainment discounts with a AAA Membership.