Fall is unlike every other season in U.S. Brisk, cold mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons, and the falling temperatures produce a kaleidoscope of hues as the leaves change before winter arrives. Color displays vary across the United States, but they are all dazzling during leaf-peeping season.
The peak leaf season varies by location and year, depending on the weather, so verify with local sources before going. Many of the greatest places to see autumn foliage offer leaf and foliage maps and trackers, allowing you to follow local forecasts and current conditions and arrive just in time for the season’s peak.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park encompasses over 50,000 acres along Maine’s rugged shoreline. Located roughly 160 miles northeast of Portland, the park showcases the rich natural beauties of the Atlantic coast, including breathtaking mountains. Acadia’s peak leaf season generally occurs around mid-October. This is when you’ll witness the most colorful displays of oranges, reds, and yellows, particularly along the Acadia All-American Road, which is one of the most beautiful drives for seeing the autumn colors.
While visiting Acadia, stay at the adjacent seaside town of Bar Harbor, which is considered the park’s entryway. Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, located along the scenic Frenchman Bay, is an excellent choice for an overnight stay.
McKenzie River Scenic Byway, Oregon
The 34-mile McKenzie River Scenic Byway connects the wineries of the Willamette Valley to the woods of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, providing visitors and roadtrippers with vistas of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most magnificent scenery. Plan your visit during peak season, when the golds and reds are at their most bright, which is normally in mid- to late October.
The McKenzie River has some of the greatest fly fishing in Oregon, so anglers should cast out for native redside rainbow and cutthroat trout along the way. Other attractions include visits to local farm stalls and the Goodpasture Bridge in Vida, the state’s second-longest covered bridge.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires, located around 130 miles west of Boston and surrounded by mountains, are one of New England’s most attractive spots to observe fall foliage. The leaves start turning around the end of September, but the peak season begins in mid-October. Colors will range from brilliant yellow to vibrant orange to deep crimson. If you enjoy hiking, tackle the Stony Ledge trek from the Williamstown side of Mount Greylock, Massachusetts’ highest peak at over 3,500 feet. This path provides one of the nicest views of the greenery from halfway up the mountain.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville, located in central Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, offers stunning beauty that is enhanced by the vibrant colors of fall. The most stunning red, orange, and yellow leaves are often seen around mid-to-late October, although the colors can last until early November, depending on the weather. Some of the greatest viewing areas with spectacular vistas are found along the adjoining Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive in nearby Shenandoah National Park.
When you’re not leaf peeping, plan a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the former house, gardens, and grounds of the third US president. Along the Monticello Wine Trail, you may experience some of Virginia’s award-winning vintages at vineyards including Michael Shaps Wineworks, Barboursville Vineyards, and Jefferson Vineyards.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Bucks County’s scenic rural roads and covered bridges provide an ideal environment for observing fall’s vibrant colors. Bucks County, in southeastern Pennsylvania, is surrounded by New Jersey and the Delaware River to the east. It has a significant Revolutionary War history and is noted for its flourishing culture and artistic sector. Peak leaf season normally begins in mid-October, bringing vivid yellows, oranges, and reds to the area.
Make arrangements at The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, a luxury bed and breakfast in Holicong, for a picturesque getaway in Pennsylvania’s countryside. Spend your crisp fall days browsing the shops and restaurants in New Hope, or visit Peddler’s Village nearby Lahaska for the annual Scarecrows in the Village show.
French Lick West Baden, Indiana
French Lick West Baden, located in southern Indiana, is a resort city set in the hills of Hoosier National Forest and home to some of Indiana’s top leaf-peeping locations. Yellows, oranges, and reds are normally the most vibrant from mid-October forward, with peak hues emerging around the end of the month. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are all energetic experiences amid the vivid environment. You may also take a train trip through the forest on the French Lick Scenic Railway. On a Fall Foliage Wine Cruise on Patoka Lake, you may unwind and enjoy wine while admiring the scenery.
The historic French Lick Resort has three hotels, including the newest, the 71-room Valley Tower Hotel. The West Baden Springs Hotel’s magnificent atrium is a must-see regardless of the resort you pick. This technical marvel, which spans 200 feet wide and was built over a century ago, was formerly dubbed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” You may enjoy all of the resort’s attractions, which include three golf courses, two spas, and a Vegas-style casino.
The Mississippi River Valley, Minnesota
The Mississippi River Valley region in southern Minnesota is known for its colorful forested bluffs, steep slopes, and small river villages, all of which are best appreciated on a leisurely drive. The roughly 90-mile road from Red Wing to La Crescent on U.S. road 61 has spectacular vistas, including two must-see stops at Great River Bluffs and Frontenac state parks. This trip along the Mississippi River, part of the 3,000-mile Great River Road that begins in Minnesota and travels south through ten states before ending in Louisiana, celebrates peak fall colors from late September to mid-October.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge, located 9,600 feet above sea level in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is one of the first sites in Colorado to see the magnificent shifting of the leaves. While the aspen trees’ golds, reds, and oranges often peak in late September, the season can last until early October. Plan to travel the 22-mile Boreas Pass, which starts in Como and goes north to Breckenridge, for the best foliage viewing.
While visiting, spend brisk fall days hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or fly-fishing in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. If you’re in town in mid-September, grab your best ski gear and join the fun at Breckenridge Oktoberfest. Make reservations at The Lodge at Breckenridge for an extended stay with a view.
Hudson, New York
Hudson is a tiny town located in Columbia County’s Hudson River Valley, approximately 120 miles north of New York City. It has a distinct food, arts, and farming culture. There is also a distinct history to discover, particularly in terms of architecture: Hudson, known as a “dictionary of architectural history,” is home to several well-preserved structures from nearly every important period in American history. The area’s abundance of trees produces magnificent red, orange, and gold hues beginning in late September, with best viewing around mid-to-late October.
Take a designated driver and arrange a road trip across the Hudson Valley Wine and Craft Beverage Map, which includes over 100 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. After the journey, explore the town’s boutiques and antique stores before staying at The Hudson Whaler Hotel, a wonderfully restored hotel in the center of downtown.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Fall is harvest season in the Willamette Valley, and it is one of the greatest seasons to visit the well-known wine area. The days are bright and cool during peak foliage, which usually occurs around mid-October. Leaf peepers should expect to see vibrant yellow, orange, and red against the deep green shade of Oregon’s state tree, the evergreen Douglas fir. Willamette Valley is home to over 700 wineries, many of which produce internationally recognized vintages, so consider hiring a private tour to tailor your itinerary around the greatest wines and vistas.
McMinnville is located in the center of wine country and is an excellent base for exploring the area.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, located at the base of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, is one of New England’s most scenic settlements. It’s also one of the greatest spots to see the yearly autumn spectacular, with colors shifting from early September until the end of October. Vermont is over 80% wooded and has many sugar maples, so fall visitors may enjoy brilliant displays of red, gold, and yellow leaves across the state. One of the most beautiful routes to enjoy the foliage is via the Smugglers’ Notch Pass across the Green Mountains in Smugglers’ Notch State Park.
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Bretton Woods, located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is one of the state’s finest autumn foliage viewing sites. Leaf-peeping season begins in mid-September and lasts until late October, when the most bright yellows, oranges, reds, and even purples cover the surrounding mountains. Because of the variety of tree types in this region, peak foliage can be difficult to forecast, but you’ll probably have the best results during the second week of October.
Make reservations at the Omni Mount Washington Resort if you want to experience the show across multiple days. This historic residence is located at the base of the Northeast’s tallest mountain, providing guests with front-row seats to the spectacle.