As the crisp air moves in and the last signs of summer fade away, we begin to look towards the comforts of the fall season. One distinct visual is the brilliant red, yellow, and orange colors that begin to surround us.
In every corner of the country, leaf-peepers set out to find the best fall foliage Mother Nature has to offer. A kaleidoscope of fall colors is on view from September through November. It just depends on where you’re looking.
Whether you want to catch early mountain colors or chase the late-season coastal leaves, this list of the 15 best places for fall foliage in the USA will help you plan the ultimate autumn road trip.
Peak Foliage at a Glance
- Late September – Early October
- Rocky Mountain National Park, CO: Golden alpine aspen groves.
- Kancamagus Byway, NH: 34 miles of pure mountain wilderness.
- Early to Mid-October
- Vermont (Route 100): Saturated maples and historic covered bridges.
- Pocono Mountains, PA: Three distinct regional foliage peaks.
- Catskill Mountains, NY: Crisp mountain hiking and local farm orchards.
- Columbia River Gorge, OR: 90+ waterfalls framed by gold maples.
- North Shore, MN: Unique double-peak shoreline colors.
- Mid to Late October
- Acadia National Park, ME: Park Loop Road and coastal ocean views.
- The Berkshires, MA: Charming historic towns and the Mohawk Trail.
- Blue Ridge Parkway, NC/VA: High-elevation ridges and the iconic viaduct.
- Cuyahoga Valley, OH: Scenic train rides through dense hardwoods.
- Late October – Early November
- Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC: Scenic autumn valleys and panoramic tower views.
- Ozark National Forest, AR: Towering sandstone formations and river canyons.
- Yosemite National Park, CA: Late-season valley oaks and dogwoods.
- Shenandoah National Park, VA: A two-month long changing color season.
1. Catskill Mountains New York
The Catskill Mountains is the place in New York to experience fall foliage.
Enjoy some of the best fall colors in the USA from the comfort of your car on a scenic drive. Or better yet, taking hikes through the mountains is a real treat.
Beyond the leaves, the Catskills has everything that makes autumn such a magical season in New York.
Here you can taste the freshest apples of the season, pick your own pumpkin, or enjoy a cold one at a local brewery while also enjoying the best fall foliage in New York.
- Best Scenic Drive: The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway (Route 28), winds through historic mountain hamlets and offers sweeping views of the colorful slopes.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform. A short walk (.3 miles) leads to a beautiful two-stage waterfall framed by a tapestry of autumn colors.
- Fall Activity: Grab an outdoor table at West Kill Brewing or Woodstock Brewing and enjoy the taste of locally crafted autumn beers with stunning, panoramic mountain views.
- Pro Tip: Weekends in October bring heavy traffic from NYC. Plan your mountain hikes for early weekday mornings to enjoy the trails with fewer visitors.
When to visit: Late September through October.
First time visiting New York? Check out my top picks for Things to Do Alone in New York City for first-timers.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Imagine viewing the fall foliage from high above. At Kuwohi Observation Tower (formerly known as Clingman’s Dome) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) you can do just that. You can’t get much higher than 6,600 feet above it all on the dome’s observation tower. If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able to see up to 100 miles of glorious fall colors. For more, read my list of best things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains.
With a season that lasts from mid-September to early November the Great Smokies has fabulous foliage no matter where you go in the park. I’ve also included GSMNP on my list of best places to visit in November in the USA.
- Best Scenic Drive: Newfound Gap Road (US 441) for a majestic mountain drive, or the historic Cades Cove loop for wildlife viewing amongst autumn colors.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Observation Tower for panoramic views above the treetops.
- Fall Activity: Walk the short trail to Laurel Falls early in the morning to beat the big autumn crowds.
- Pro Tip: Autumn traffic in Gatlinburg can cause major delays. Enter the park via the Townsend, Tennessee entrance for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
When to visit: Mid-September to early November
3. The Berkshires Massachusetts
The Berkshires are known for having some of the best fall foliage on the east coast.
Specifically, a drive along Route 7 will take you through this gorgeous area.
You’ll love to make stops at Lenox, Pittsfield, and Stockbridge. And you’ll love the drive so much that you can easily continue to North Adams.
These lovely towns offer a lot to do like visiting small museums, antique shops, and staying at charming B&Bs.
Best Scenic Drive: The Mohawk Trail (Route 2) The wild Hairpin Turn near North Adams will reward you with a magnificent view of the colorful valley below.
Must-Visit Photo Spot: The grounds of MASS MoCA in North Adams, or the historic, tree-lined Main Street in Stockbridge, which feels stepping directly into a Norman Rockwell painting.
Fall Activity: Visit Hilltop Orchards in Richmond to hike the scenic trails, pick fresh apples, and enjoy a glass of locally made hard cider.
Pro Tip: The Berkshires are a big arts and culture hub. Combine your leaf-peeping with an afternoon at The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, where the galleries look out onto autumn landscapes.
When to visit: The second and third week of October
4. Acadia National Park Maine
Fall is a magical time in Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Maine.
This is when the crisp fall air begins to take over and change the entire scene from glorious green to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Acadia is known for scenic drives any time of year, but especially in autumn. Remember that if you want to drive Cadillac Summit Road you’ll need a reservation (May 20th to October 25nd).
Another way to enjoy the New England fall foliage is through the hiking trails at Acadia and afterwards pay a visit to Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers.
Dreaming about a fall road trip? Read more about planning a road trip to Maine in fall and turn your dreams into a real autumn escape.
- Best Scenic Drive: The 27-mile Park Loop Road, offering views of the rugged coastline and blue ocean colors in contrast to the scenic fall colors.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The summit of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise or sunset (remember to secure your vehicle reservation early!).
- Fall Activity: Hike the Jordan Pond Path, then reward yourself with those famous hot popovers at the Jordan Pond House.
- Pro Tip: Many shops and lobster shacks in nearby Bar Harbor begin closing for the season by late October, so double-check dining hours in advance.
When to visit: The second and third week of October
5. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina & Virginia)
The best way to see the colors change on the Blue Ridge Parkway is to take a long drive so that you get the full scope of the area and the changing colors.
You can begin your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip from either Waynesboro, Virginia or from Asheville, North Carolina. Plan on spending at least three days driving the 469 miles that make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most extraordinary road trips in the United States.
Leaves begin to change in higher elevations, at lower levels, and in the valleys they change later. So, as the road travels over the mountains, it’ll be more likely you’ll catch glorious yellows, oranges, and reds.
- Best Scenic Drive: The section spanning Milepost 290 to 360 near Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, offers some of the parkway’s most dramatic overlooks.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304), where the road hugs the curves of Grandfather Mountain.
- Fall Activity: Hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail (Milepost 364.1) for an easy 20-minute walk to jaw-dropping 360-degree canopy views.
- Pro Tip: High elevations can peak up to three weeks before the valleys. If a ridge looks bare, just drive down into the lower levels where you’ll find the fall colors.
NOTE: Always check the National Park Service website for Ridge Parkway road closures before traveling in the area.
When to visit: Mid- to late October
6. The Poconos Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains are the best place in Pennsylvania to see the fall foliage.
And the best part? The Poconos is such a large area (2,400 square miles) that it has not one but three different foliage peaks.
That’s right, so if you miss one, don’t worry, you can try to make it to the mountains for the second or third.
Leaves start to change in early September here and continue through October.
- Best Scenic Drive: Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack, which offers gorgeous, mirror reflections of the red and gold tree-lined shoreline.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The overlook at Lehigh Gorge State Park or the wondrous Raymondskill Falls—the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, surrounded by brilliant autumn color.
- Fall Activity: Hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in the historic town of Jim Thorpe for an old-fashioned train ride that winds directly through the colorful canyon.
- Pro Tip: Because of the three distinct zones, the Northern Poconos (Wayne and Pike counties) peak first in early October, while the Southern Poconos (Monroe and Carbon counties) peak up to two weeks later. Check local foliage trackers to target the best zone for your trip dates.
When to visit: Late September to mid-October
7. In Vermont Fall Foliage is Everywhere
Pick only one place in Vermont for fall foliage? Can’t do it! There’s too many amazing places for fall colors in Vermont.
Knowing that Vermont got its name for its luscious green mountains, it’s no wonder this is one of the best places to visit for fall foliage in New England.
It seems that everywhere you go in the state has breathtaking autumn scenery.
To experience Vermont, get off the interstate highways and take the scenic roads through historic towns.
Places like Stowe, Woodstock, Manchester, and Middlebury are not only the perfect places to see the leaves, they’re also Vermont at its finest.
Burlington is on my list of best weekend getaways on the East Coast.
- Best Scenic Drive: Scenic Route 100 (specifically the stretch between Stowe and Ludlow) features picturesque covered bridges amid the mountains.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The iconic Sleepy Hollow Farm in Woodstock for classic New England barns framed by gorgeous autumn colors.
- Fall Activity: Grab fresh apple cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury.
- Pro Tip: Vermont lodging gets booked months in advance; base yourself in Burlington and take day trips if small town B&Bs are fully booked.
When to visit: First two weeks in October
8. White Mountains New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is the perfect way to experience fall foliage in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s also on my list of best scenic routes in the USA!
Locals refer to it as “the byway” or “the Kanc”. This road will take you through a beautiful mountain region.
Along the way you can stop to enjoy Sabbaday Falls, pumpkin picking, or shopping for antiques.
The best time to experience fall foliage in the White Mountains is September and October. When I drove this route in late September 2022, it was too early for fall colors, but each year is different. Notably, these magnificent mountains have been known to start changing as early as late August.
- Best Scenic Drive: The entire 34-mile stretch of Route 112 (The Kancamagus Highway) between Conway and Lincoln, which climbs to an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The Sugar Hill Overlook or the historic Albany Covered Bridge, where you can photograph a classic New Hampshire bridge framed by autumn leaves.
- Fall Activity: Take the short, easy walk to Sabbaday Falls to see the stunning waterfall rushing through a narrow canyon surrounded by bright foliage.
- Pro Tip: The Kancamagus Highway is a protected scenic byway with no gas stations, hotels, or restaurants for the entire 34-mile stretch so fill up your gas tank beforehand. Also, no cell service, so download offline Google Maps in advance.
When to visit: Late September to early October
9. Shenandoah National Park
At Shenandoah National Park you’ll find the longest season for fall colors in the USA.
The right mix of environmental factors means that colors have been known to begin changing in mid-September and last until mid-November.
Two months of change is a treat for leaf-peepers who can travel to Virginia at nearly any time during the autumn season to experience the wonders of mother nature.
Sounds like a perfect fall long weekend getaway spot!
- Best Scenic Drive: Skyline Drive—especially the Central District (between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap), which features the highest density of panoramic overlooks.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The summit of Stony Man or Hawksbill Mountain (the highest peak in the park) for sweeping views of the colorful Shenandoah Valley below.
- Fall Activity: Hike the Dark Hollow Falls Trail to see a gorgeous 70-foot cascading waterfall framed by bright yellow birch and orange oak leaves.
- Pro Tip: Because Skyline Drive runs along the crest of the mountains, the high ridges peak weeks before the valley floor. If you arrive early in the season, focus on the mountain trails; if you arrive late, focus on the lower valley scenic overlooks.
When to visit: October to early November
10. Columbia River Gorge Oregon/Washington
Fall foliage is really great throughout the Pacific Northwest.
But a trip to the Columbia River Gorge from mid- to late autumn will give you some of the best color change in the nation.
With the bright yellows and oranges standing out against the evergreens, it’s a memorable sight.
With 90 waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge, it’s a wonderful place most any time of year. During the fall it’s a great escape into nature.
Spend a few days in Portland Oregon as your home base to explore the area.
- Best Scenic Drive: The Historic Columbia River Highway (Route 30), is a narrow, winding historic road that takes you past spectacular cliffs and directly to the area’s top waterfalls.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: Vista House at Crown Point for an amazing panoramic view of the gorgeous river canyon glorious golden leaves.
- Fall Activity: Visit Multnomah Falls or hike the trail at Latourell Falls to capture the brilliant yellow maple trees against the dark rockface and rushing water.
- Pro Tip: The Multnomah Falls timed-entry permit during peak season is not required after Labor Day, while Latourell Falls has a $12 daily permit fee for out-of-state residents ($10 for in-state residents) unless you walk, bike, or take public transportation, or have a valid hangtag from a current Oregon State Park camping reservation or a current 12 or 24-month parking permit.
When to visit: Late September to mid-October
11. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado
As the leaves of aspen trees change, beautiful yellows and golds paint the landscape in the Rocky Mountains National Park.
Between late August and late September the entire park transforms into a magical landscape you must see to believe.
You can hike through the mountains or drive scenic roads like Bear Lake Road. Either way you do it you’ll experience one of the best national parks for fall foliage in the US.
- Best Scenic Drive: Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved highway in North America, which takes you on a 48-mile dramatic drive up to 12,000 feet above sea level with simply stunning views.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: Bear Lake or Sprague Lake (particularly at sunrise), where you can capture the glowing yellow aspens perfectly reflected in the calm, glassy water.
- Fall Activity: Hike the Alberta Falls Trail for a relatively short walk that brings you right in the middle of dense, golden aspen groves.
- Pro Tip: Autumn is the annual elk rut (mating season). You will likely hear the eerie sound of bull elk bugling and see herds gathering in Moraine Park at dusk. Keep a safe distance of at least 75 feet from wildlife. Bull elk can be highly aggressive during this time and you don’t want to mess with a bull elk!
When to visit: Mid- to late September
12. North Shore Lake Superior Minnesota
The North Shore shines with color from early September through the beginning of November. This makes it one of the best places in the Midwest to visit in the fall.
In this special place fall foliage happens twice.
That’s right, twice.
The first is when the maple trees turn on the peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains. You can drive the four linked trails of the Sawtooth Mountains fall colors tour. Late September to early October is your best chance to see peak fall colors.
The second round is when the aspen and birch trees on the lake’s edge change.
Enjoy a Superior fall color experience in Minnesota!
- Best Scenic Drive: The North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61), which hugs Lake Superior for 154 miles from Duluth all the way to Grand Portage at the Canadian border.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: Split Rock Lighthouse, where the historic beacon sits atop a rugged cliff surrounded by a sea of golden birch trees and mesmerizing blue of the lake.
- Fall Activity: Hike a section of the Oberg Mountain Loop on the Superior Hiking Trail for panoramic viewpoints of maple forests and Lake Superior.
- Pro Tip: Because the water of Lake Superior holds onto summer warmth, it delays the leaf color change near the shoreline. For the maple peak, head a few miles inland early in the season; for the aspen/birch peak, stick right to the lake highway later in the season.
When to visit: Mid-September to mid-October
13. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Throughout the entire month of October Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio is alive with the best fall colors.
With a variety of trees in the park, there are many opportunities to experience the glory of fall foliage.
Trails are the perfect way to explore the beautiful landscape.
Picture perfect views can also be found at the Everett Covered Bridge and the Hale Farm & Village. Ledges Overlook gives a view of the entire Cuyahoga Valley.
- Best Scenic Drive: Riverview Road, which parallels the Cuyahoga River and the historic canal, cutting directly through the heart of the park’s dense hardwood forests.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: Ledges Overlook at sunset, where you can watch the entire valley canopy light up in deep golds and rust reds from the giant rock plateau.
- Fall Activity: Buy a ticket for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad‘s autumn excursions to relax in a vintage train car while winding through the colorful river basin.
- Pro Tip: The Everett Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in the county and gets very busy with family portrait photographers on October weekends. Visit on a weekday morning for the best chance of having fewer people around.
When to visit: Mid- to late October
14. Ozark National Forest Arkansas
The Ozark National Forest is a delight in the South.
There’s so much to explore, but a best bet is to take a drive through the Ozark Mountains on Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway.
Between Harrison and El Dorado are some of the best views and delightful places to stop, like Arkansas Grand Canyon.
You’ll even pass over the Buffalo National River—a photo op you don’t want to miss.
For a cool hiking experience try out Pedestal Rock Loops Trail and Kings Bluff for amazing fall scenery.
The best time to see the Ozark leaves change is typically between late October and early November.
- Best Scenic Drive: The northern stretch of the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway between Harrison and Jasper, which winds along high ridges and drops into colorful valleys.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The Buffalo National River bridge or the overlook at the Arkansas Grand Canyon just south of Jasper, where the autumn morning fog often sits beautifully over a canopy of color.
- Fall Activity: Hike the Pedestal Rock Loop Trail to see unique, towering sandstone formations surrounded by deep reds and oranges of the oak and hickory trees.
- Pro Tip: The fall foliage in the Ozarks moves strictly from north to south. If you visit in late October, focus your trip on the northern sections near Harrison and the Buffalo River; if you arrive in early November, head further south toward Hot Springs for peak colors.
When to visit: Late October to early November
15. Yosemite National Park
Filled with evergreens, some people overlook Yosemite National Park as a prime fall foliage location. But they would be mistaken.
There are great displays of fall colors from trees like the big-leaf maples, black oaks, and Pacific dogwoods. These typically have the most color change in mid-October.
Scenic roads like the Glacier Point Road are a perfect way to explore fall foliage in the park before the winter snow closures set in.
- Best Scenic Drive: Tioga Road (Highway 120) for high-country yellow aspens early in the season, or the loop around Northside and Southside Drive directly through Yosemite Valley later in autumn.
- Must-Visit Photo Spot: The historic Yosemite Valley Chapel, this wooden chapel is the oldest man-made structure in Yosemite National Park and a highly sought after wedding venue. In autumn it is a beauty!
- Fall Activity: Stroll across Sentinel Bridge or Cooks Meadow in the late afternoon to see the golden oaks and cottonwoods against the backdrop of Half Dome.
- Pro Tip: Yosemite’s autumn foliage starts high and ends low. The yellow aspens along Glacier Point and Tioga roads peak first in October; if you arrive closer to November, stick with the Valley floor where the dogwoods and oaks will show off their deep orange and red tones.
When to visit: October
Summary: Best Fall Colors Destinations Across the USA
Now you have the perfect bucket list of fall foliage spots in the USA, from the Catskills to the Ozark Mountains; from Virginia to California; and everything in between. Pretty much wherever you are in the country, you can find spectacular places for fall colors in the United States. Remember to pack for fall weather and plan on wearing layers for warm, sunny days that later transform into crisp, chilly evenings. So far, I’ve done fall road trips to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Acadia National Park, the Poconos, and Shenandoah National Park and traveled around Maine and Vermont during fall foliage season. Fall is fleeting, so plan your adventure now; you won’t regret it!
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