Nothing marks the transition between summer to autumn quite like the leaves changing from green to bright red, orange, and yellow. For Americans, leaf peeping fall colors around the country is often a seasonal tradition – along with hot cider and doughnuts at the best fall food festivals, of course. But where to see fall foliage? What is the best week for foliage? And what are the best scenic fall foliage trips in the US?
You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Below, we’ve rounded up 8 great fall foliage destinations to experience the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. So, kick your plans for fall closet cleaning to the curb, gas up – or charge up – the car, pack your best cardigans and scarves, and get ready to be impressed with these beautiful locations for your next fall foliage road trip.
- New England
- New York
- The Berkshires
- Acadia National Park
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Aspen, Colorado
- Ozark National Forest
1. Enjoy the Natural Fall Beauty of New England
New England is one of the best places to see fall foliage and might be the undisputed champion of fall foliage road trips. While we’ll go into more detail about a few specific areas in the region farther along in the article, really any spot in New England is going to afford natural beauty to suit all your leaf peeping needs on your fall foliage trip. For awesome views of fall foliage reflected in lakes, the editors at New England Magazine recommend New Hampshire foliage drives. For those looking for a bit more rural, pastoral flavor, you can take a Maine foliage drive where the “landscape of fields and forests, pastures, bogs, and sandpits” is a sure win. You also can’t lose with the “farm coast” of Rhode Island, which is only an hour from Boston, Providence and Newport and presents the most beautiful landscapes Southern New England has to offer.
2. Soak in the Fall Foliage Paradise That is New York
If you’re looking for a great fall foliage destination, New York should be near the top of your list. Many consider upstate New York to be a fall foliage paradise. If you decide to visit, you and your family could spend days exploring the Hudson Valley, home to countless state parks, preserves, and arboretums – not to mention fabulous dining, lodging, and shopping. We recommend kicking off your road trip in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown – home to Washington Irving and the Headless Horseman himself. From there, head through Saratoga Springs towards the Adirondacks (Lake Placid or Lake George are both great places to stop by) and plot a scenic route from there to your ultimate fall foliage destination. Sign up for the I love NY newsletter for advice on the best places to go and when to do it for maximum appeal (most often, the first week in October).
Already living in the Big Apple? Check out our 7 best road trips from NYC!
3. Drive Through Picturesque Autumn Towns in The Berkshires
If you’re wondering, “Where to see fall foliage in New England?” we’re here to tell you, the Berkshires are truly the undisputed king of fall foliage. Simply start on Route 7 in the southeast (or northeast) corner of the state and follow driving Route 7 through all of Massachusetts Berkshires picturesque towns including Williamstown, North Adams, Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington. You’ll want to stop at any number of antique shops and art museums (don’t miss Mass MOCA), along with quaint cafés and downtown areas that look like they’re straight out of Norman Rockwell’s paintings – because they are!
4. Hike Through the Fall Foliage at Acadia National Park
One of the best places to see fall foliage is the jewel of Maine, Acadia National Park. This gorgeous park offers road trippers the 40-mile Acadia All-American Road (an All-American Road is the topmost designation of National Scenic Byways). It’s also definitely worth getting out of the car to explore the more than 120 hiking trails that cross the Acadia National Park Carriage Roads, not to mention the great restaurants and shopping of Bar Harbor. If you want to extend your stay, and who wouldn’t, navigate to the 29-mile Schoodic National Scenic Byway, renowned for its beautiful coastal villages.
5. Take a Beautiful Fall Drive in Blue Ridge Parkway
We’ve recommended the nearly 500-mile Blue Ridge Parkway in our 10 summer road trips to get your motor running and can vouch that it’s just as beautiful in the fall. Known as “America’s favorite drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great fall foliage destination that connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, offering fall foliage views for days, along with camping, hiking, and biking options to suit all types of travelers. Leaves along the higher elevations stop producing chlorophyll first (generally towards the end of September and very beginning of October), while mid-October through early November provides the best general leaf peeping along most of the Parkway as well as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Can’t get enough of the outdoors? Check out our article for the best cities for outdoor enthusiasts!
6. See the Array of Fall Colors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you don’t have time to do the entire parkway on your fall foliage trip, you’ll be well-served to focus on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to VisitMySmokies.com, the best time to come for fall colors depends on the elevation, but the entire park is generally covered in fall colors between mid-October and early November. The Smoky Mountains offer almost 400 miles of paved and gravel roads for exploring, along with a number of scenic byways to anchor your trip. Cades Cove Loop Road, Cataloochee Valley, and the Newfound Gap Road are just some of the routes to check out, but the best choice for fall foliage will depend on when you visit – and how far you want to travel!
7. Look to the Western Mountains in Aspen, Colorado For Stunning Fall Views
If you’re looking for one of the best places to see fall foliage, don’t miss out on Aspen. While most fall foliage destinations are on the east coast, we’d be remiss not to mention the beauty of the western mountains – and their bright yellow Aspens. The town of Aspen is about 3 ½ hours – or more – from Denver International Airport. Once you’re there, Maroon Creek Road, Castle Creek Road, and Independence Pass are the most recommended fall foliage road trip routes. You’ll probably want to get out of your car to take a few hikes, including the gorgeous Maroon Bells in the Elk Mountains, which offers views you’re probably more used to seeing on scenic calendars.
8. See the Wildlife in Ozark National Forest
Last but certainly not least, the Ozark National Forest spans 1.2 million acres in the Ozark mountains of northern Arkansas. The 35-mile Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway is the route to take for fall colors, which generally peaks in late October to early November. Keep an eye out for white-tail deer, black bear, bald eagles, and wild turkey as you drive. Be sure to stop by the Ozone Recreation Area for hiking and camping, though get there early – it’s first come, first served.
Be sure to do your research about when to travel for your fall foliage trip to see the best fall colors and make your reservations early. The routes recommended in this guide can get pretty busy, as can the lodging options, so plan early, be flexible, and don’t forget to send postcards!
Looking to store your outdoor gear once you’re back from your fall foliage road trip? Find a storage location near you!
