10 Best Places to See Leaves Change in the Fall

🍁 10 Best Places to See Leaves Change in the Fall

As summer fades and temperatures cool, nature puts on one of its most breathtaking displays: fall foliage. From fiery reds to golden yellows, the changing leaves offer a spectacular seasonal experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a scenic road trip, these are the 10 best places in the U.S. to see fall colors at their peak.

1. Stowe, Vermont

Why go: Often called “Fall’s Color Capital,” Stowe is a postcard-perfect New England town nestled among the Green Mountains.
Best time: Late September to mid-October
Don’t miss: A drive up Mount Mansfield or a walk along the Stowe Recreation Path.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

Why go: This scenic highway winds through the Appalachian Highlands with endless overlooks and hiking trails.
Best time: Early to mid-October (southern sections peak later)
Don’t miss: Linn Cove Viaduct and Mabry Mill for iconic views.

3. Aspen, Colorado

Why go: Golden aspen trees glow against dramatic mountain backdrops. It’s a whole different kind of fall magic.
Best time: Mid to late September
Don’t miss: Maroon Bells — the most photographed mountains in North America.

4. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Why go: Rolling hills, classic New England towns, and charming bed & breakfasts.
Best time: Late September to mid-October
Don’t miss: The Mohawk Trail scenic drive.

5. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina

Why go: With over 100 species of trees, this national park lights up with an explosion of fall color.
Best time: Mid-October to early November
Don’t miss: Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove.

6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Why go: Waterfalls, rivers, and forested cliffs combine for unforgettable fall scenery.
Best time: Mid-October
Don’t miss: Multnomah Falls and the Historic Columbia River Highway.

7. Door County, Wisconsin

Why go: A peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County offers coastal charm and vibrant forests.
Best time: Late September to mid-October
Don’t miss: Peninsula State Park and the Door County Wine Trail.

8. Adirondack Mountains, New York

Why go: Over 6 million acres of forest turn into a patchwork of color.
Best time: Late September to early October
Don’t miss: Lake Placid and a drive through High Peaks Scenic Byway.

9. Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Why go: Dense forests, rocky cliffs, and pristine lakes — this area is fall’s hidden gem.
Best time: Late September to early October
Don’t miss: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Porcupine Mountains.

10. Leavenworth, Washington

Why go: A Bavarian-style village set against the Cascade Mountains, it’s one of the Pacific Northwest’s best fall towns.
Best time: Early to mid-October
Don’t miss: The fall foliage festival and waterfront park trails.

🍂 Our Take:

No matter where you go, timing is key. Check local foliage maps and webcams to catch peak color — and don’t forget your camera!