The days are becoming shorter and colder, yet the new season ushers in one of nature’s most beautiful cycles: the changing of the leaves. We’ve compiled a list of the greatest spots to see fall foliage around the United States because it’s time for sweater weather, hot apple cider, and, best of all, seeing the leaves transform from lush summer greens to vivid golds, oranges, and reds of October. Each state will see fall in a different way throughout the coming months. Some of these locations, where you may appreciate and photograph the beauty of fall, will be well-known, while others are less well-known. Below are a few of the best places to watch fall foliage.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Aerial view of Bar Harbor, Maine.
It’s well known that the fall foliage in Maine has some of the most breathtaking colors. Mid-September through the first two weeks of October is typically when the Bar Harbor area has its peak foliage. It makes sense why US News Travel says that fall is the ideal time to visit Bar Harbor. Fall brings a sharp decline in tourism as children return to school and the days grow shorter and chillier.
Stowe, Vermont
Aerial view of Stowe, Vermont and the Green Mountains with autumn colors.
The perfect place to view fall foliage in the US is Stowe, Vermont. The best time to go leaf-peeping in this town will soon arrive, providing the ideal scenery for one’s autumn visit to Green Mountain Inn. People have been coming to Stowe for more than a century to take in the stunning mountain views and vibrant fall foliage. This region has earned a reputation as one of the best places to watch foliage during the fall season, which runs from September through late October. Fall in Stowe is all about the atmosphere of warm fires, filling dinners, and a community that is eager to greet you.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Fall colors at Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
The Berkshires, which are 123 miles west of Boston and encircled by mountains, are among the most picturesque locations in Massachusetts to watch fall foliage. The Berkshires have a peak fall color in October when trees change to stunning hues all month long. The fall season usually begins in late September and peaks in the middle of October. The Berkshires has some of the most spectacular fall foliage with colors of amber, auburn, red, and russet. While exact timing can vary, in this lovely location, trees often turn throughout the entire month, so there is always time to enjoy the color.
Catskill Mountains, New York
Aerial view of fall foliage along the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York along Five State Lookout.
The Catskills’ location alone is one of the best fall attractions. The Catskill Mountains become a multicolored work of art when the leaves change. One of the most traditional autumnal pleasures is leaf-peeping. The Catskills are home to a distinctive terrain that is ideal for experiencing the changing leaves, from mountaintops to rolling hills. The hillsides are ablaze with vibrant hues. Warm flannels keep you warm in chilly, wintery conditions. Picking apples directly from the tree delights your nostrils with the aroma of fresh cider. The air that surrounds you has an almost palpable warmth. The Catskills region’s fall foliage normally reaches its peak during the second week of October. However, the exact location, altitude, and weather are what determine the peak hues.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Trump Winery Vineyard Albemarle Estate in autumn fall foliage in Charlottesville, Virginia. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com
The return of crisp, cool days and chilly, pleasant evenings in Charlottesville mark the arrival of fall foliage, which is one of the finest things ever! Later in the season, once those chilly evenings have had time to do their job, Charlottesville is a treasure trove for fall colors. Most of the year, Charlottesville is framed in gorgeous blue by the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, as autumn approaches, the cool-toned blue of the mountains gives way to warm tones of red, orange, and yellow.
Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois
Overlook of the Illinois River Valley from Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois.
This 8,000-acre state park is located close to Grafton, Illinois, at the meeting point of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The Pere Marquette State Park is a haven for nature lovers, where the visitors can take advantage of observing the breathtaking fall foliage in addition to taking in the stunning views of the Illinois River and its backwaters from many locations atop the bluffs.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Autumn colors at Shohola Falls State Park in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
There are many breathtaking picturesque panoramas for travelers to discover in the Pocono Mountains region, which spans four counties and 2,400 square miles of northeastern Pennsylvania’s lovely hills, forests, lakes, and rivers. One of the loveliest seasons to visit the Poconos is autumn. Vibrant crimson and orange tones that accompany the shifting of the leaves paint the mountains, undulating hills, and ridges in a riot of color. In the Poconos, you can peep the leaves from your car. Backroads abound in the area for a leisurely trip across the countryside. The leaves that line the roadways in the fall make every journey memorable and incredibly delightful.
Taos, New Mexico
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in Taos, New Mexico.
The best way to see fall foliage in New Mexico is along this winding scenic road. It might be difficult to select the best way to view the fall foliage as October approaches, despite the Land of Enchantment’s abundance of stunning vistas. In addition to being the ideal site to observe the leaves change color, this gorgeous byway is a beautiful way to visit some of New Mexico’s most picturesque communities and tourist destinations. The perfect way to watch the leaves change color and see the deserts, mountains, and everything in between from a road up high is to take this peaceful meandering road, which passes by historic antique pueblos, Spanish communities, and a low road along the Rio Grande.
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Aerial view of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Golden prairie grasslands on the high plains and bright autumnal hues from the quaking aspens are two of Cheyenne’s most beautiful seasonal sights. Additionally, the trees lining the streets downtown provide a spectacular array of reds, oranges, and yellows; the ideal viewing period for these starts in late September and often peaks by mid-October. The High Plains Arboretum, which has 60 different tree and shrub species, and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens both have even more vibrant foliage.
Savannah, Georgia
View of old oak trees with spanish moss forming an alley in Savannah, Georgia.
Fall in Savannah is calmer and colder than summer and serves as the perfect time for tourists to visit this picturesque Georgian city. As the beautiful fall hues start to blend with the Live Oaks’ lush green backdrop, Savannah really comes to life. Of course, as those vivid hues turn brown and fall to the ground, it also means a lot more raking.
Franklin, Tennessee
Tennessee Highway 96 as seen from Double Arch Bridge at Natchez Trace Parkway near Franklin, Tennessee during fall.
One of the most magnificent seasonal experiences might be a Tennessee fall. You won’t want to miss out on spending some time in Franklin, Tennessee, with its lush autumnal foliage, mild breezes, and a host of other attractions. Poplar, maple, oak, and hickory trees in the region give the town its vibrant color. Leaf chasers would benefit from a brisk stroll around the historic downtown or along the Natchez Trace Parkway. With a mild climate that allows for various outdoor activities and Franklin’s vast, gently sloping hills serving as the perfect background, you’re sure to find something enjoyable here.
Before winter arrives, the temperature variations provide a kaleidoscope of colors as chilly mornings give way to warm afternoons. One will undoubtedly enjoy the breathtaking fall foliage at these locations, and one’s trip will be the best it can be.
