This Is the Best Place to See Fall Foliage in Your State

Posted on : 09/17/2020
This Is the Best Place to See Fall Foliage in Your State
Travel 



Slide 1 of 52: Changing fall colors bring out leaf peepers each autumn as deciduous trees ditch their green leaves and take on new hues like red, yellow, orange, purple, pink, and brown. The tourism industry can thank a green pigment called chlorophyll for the stunning foliage each year. When the days shorten in the fall, the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, revealing other pigments like xanthophyll (yellow), beta-carotene (orange), and anthocyanin (red). Different types of deciduous trees like maples, oaks, and aspen will put on a multicolored show before dropping their leaves in preparation for winter. The exact dates for peak fall foliage change every year depending on weather patterns, but generally the leaves transition in October and November, starting in the north and moving south. Check local tourism websites before planning your trip to ensure you catch the best and brightest colors. Hotels and campsites can also fill up during this popular season, so make reservations early on. You can also plan your visit for a weekday instead of a weekend to escape the leaf-peeping crowds. Whether you book a flight cross-country or plan to hit up your local state park, here are the top destinations to see fall color this autumn.
Slide 2 of 52: Where to go: Check out Cheaha State Park just over an hour outside of Birmingham. The park includes the highest point in the state. When to go: Late NovemberShop Now
Slide 3 of 52: Where to go: Make the trek to Denali National Park during the shoulder season to see the reds, yellows, and greens of the tundra in all their glory. When to go: SeptemberShop Now
Slide 4 of 52: Where to go: The red rock formations in Sedona look especially stunning in contrast with yellowing foliage.When to go: Late OctoberShop NowRELATED: 50 American Food Facts You Didn't Know

Slide 5 of 52: Where to go: Lake Conway in Central Arkansas features 452 miles of shoreline and cypress trees that turn a stunning red each autumn. When to go: Late NovemberShop Now
Slide 6 of 52: Where to go: It's always a good time of year to embark on a Napa Valley wine tour, but the changing colors of the vineyards in the fall will make your tasting that much sweeter. When to go: Late October or Early NovemberShop Now
Slide 7 of 52: Where to go: The Maroon Bells — two 14,000-foot peaks in the Elk Mountains — draw photographers from near and far, but this spot is easily accessible (10 miles!) from Aspen. When to go: Late OctoberShop NowRELATED: The Best Sites and Apps for Finding Last-Minute Travel Deals
Slide 8 of 52: Where to go: Connecticut's Litchfield Hills include plenty of antiques shops, cute inns, and a section of the Appalachian Trail. See yellow ash, aspen, and maple trees; red oaks and dogwoods; and orange maples and sumacs. When to go: Mid- or Late OctoberShop Now
Slide 9 of 52: Where to go: The Ashland Covered Bridge in New Castle County was built circa 1860, but the lattice woodwork framing the fall foliage looks practically made for Instagram. When to go: Late OctoberShop Now

Slide 10 of 52: Where to go: Our nation's capital is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, but try taking a walk down the National Mall or along the Potomac this autumn for a different kind of fun. When to go: Late OctoberShop Now
Slide 11 of 52: Where to go: Everglades National Park starts its dry season at the end of November, when migratory birds come from all over the country for warmer weather (and mosquitoes begin to disappear). When to go: Late NovemberShop NowRELATED: 50 Stunning Animals From Our National Parks
Slide 12 of 52: Where to go: Tallulah Gorge in North Georgia is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Take in the yellow oaks and red maples from trails overlooking the rim, rapids, and waterfalls. When to go: Mid-NovemberShop Now
Slide 13 of 52: Where to go: The Big Island hosts the Ironman World Championship triathlon every year in October. Competitors race across deep blue waters and a black lava desert — two very different kinds of fall colors. When to go: Mid-October Shop Now
Slide 14 of 52: Where to go: Sun Valley usually hosts skiers in the winter, but an autumn visit here or nearby Sawtooth National Forest will impress adventure seekers with miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, and orange and yellow aspen trees.When to go: Mid- or Late OctoberShop Now

Slide 15 of 52: Where to go: Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby features more than a dozen sandstone canyons, like this bandshell-shaped formation called Council Overhang. See vivid gold and yellow foliage on about 13 miles of marked trails throughout the park. When to go: Late October or Early NovemberShop Now
Slide 16 of 52: Where to go: Cataract Falls in Central Indiana are the state's largest waterfalls, and they look all the more impressive surrounded by glorious fall color.When to go: Early NovemberShop NowRELATED: The Best Pumpkin Patch in Every Single State
Slide 17 of 52: Where to go: The Maquoketa River is popular with paddlers and fishermen alike. Walnut, ash, oak, elm, and maple trees throughout the state turn bright yellow, rusty red, bronzy orange, and reddish-purple. When to go: Mid-OctoberShop Now
Slide 18 of 52: Where to go: Take in the gold, red, and brown hues of the plains by going on a fall drive along the Gypsum Hills or Flint Hills Scenic Byways.When to go: Early or Mid-NovemberShop Now
Slide 19 of 52: Where to go: Daniel Boone National Forest is packed with geological treasures. In fact, Kentucky has more natural stone arches than any other eastern state. Expect to see dogwoods turning crimson, sugar maples going scarlet, and ashes transitioning to dark purple.When to go: OctoberShop Now
Slide 20 of 52: Where to go: The bayou's bald cypress trees turn tan, cinnamon, and fiery orange in autumn before dropping their needle-like leaves. Try visiting Barataria Preserve just outside of New Orleans.When to go: Late NovemberShop NowRELATED: 30+ Best Family Vacations That Will Please Travelers Young and Old Alike
Slide 21 of 52: Where to go: Acadia National Park offers stunning views of both the Atlantic and turning trees, like this view from Otter Point on top of Gorham Mountain. You can also drive along the Black Woods Scenic Byway to see the blueberry barrens turn scarlet (and eat lots of pie). When to go: Mid- or Late OctoberShop Now
Slide 22 of 52: Where to go: Less than an hour from D.C., downtown Frederick includes a charming tree-lined "creek walk" or stop by Garrett's annual Autumn Glory Festival in the western part of the state. When to go: Mid- or Late OctoberShop Now
Slide 23 of 52: Where to go: The Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts ranks among the best places to go leaf peeping. The view from Mount Sugarloaf includes the charming town of South Deerfield, the Connecticut River, and brilliant yellow, amber, and gold foliage. When to go: OctoberShop Now
Slide 24 of 52: Where to go: The undisturbed hardwood forests in the Upper Peninsula's Porcupine Mountains do not disappoint. An overlook view of the hemlocks and maples bursting into color alongside the Lake of the Clouds will satisfy your fall fix. When to go: Late OctoberShop NowRELATED: 50 Most Underrated Attractions in Every State
Slide 25 of 52: Where to go: The Superior National Forest – including this view of Oberg Lake from Oberg Mountain — offers scenic vistas as sugar maples, tamaracks, and birches start transitioning. Try following this Sawtooth Mountains Fall Color Tour for a scenic drive.When to go: Early OctoberShop Now
Slide 26 of 52: Where to go: Tombigbee State Park in Tupelo hosts the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile recreational road with picturesque hiking trails and a rainbow of changing hardwoods. When to go: Mid- or Late NovemberShop Now
Slide 27 of 52: Where to go: The Ozark National Scenic Riverways features brilliant fall colors along its creeks, falls, and springs. Check out Klepzing Mill — a 1928 sawmill house — and other local treasures. When to go: Mid-OctoberShop Now
Slide 28 of 52: Where to go: The larch trees — deciduous conifers that lose their needles — in Glacier National Park turn a brilliant gold each October, and more wildlife appears as the animals prepare for winter hibernation. When to go: Mid- or Late OctoberShop NowRELATED: The Best Airlines in the World Will Make You Love Flying Again
Slide 29 of 52: Where to go: The Niobrara National Scenic River includes dramatic 300-foot bluffs, rolling sandhills, and impressive waterfalls. Three types of forests converge here — ponderosa pine, eastern deciduous, and northern boreal — so you'll see a large variety of color. When to go: Early or Mid-NovemberShop Now
Slide 30 of 52: Where to go: A winding scenic byway carves through Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains, or you can travel by foot along the Ruby Crest trail for views of glacial lakes and valleys. When to go: Early or Mid-NovemberShop Now
Slide 31 of 52: Where to go: When it comes to fall foliage, it's hard to beat New Hampshire's White Mountains. The Kancamagus Highway cuts through the multicolored national forest with plenty of pull-offs for photo-ops. When to go: Mid-OctoberShop NowRELATED: 15+ Road Trip Games to Play on Your Next Family Vacation
Slide 32 of 52: Where to go: Visit the High Point Monument in Sussex and you're treated to views of the Poconos and Catskills ablaze with copper, orange, and crimson.When to go: Late OctoberShop Now
Slide 33 of 52: Where to go: The desert isn't exactly full of trees, but visit Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to see a rainbow of color fill the sky instead. More than 500 hot air balloons take flight in the stunning annual festival. When to go: Early OctoberShop Now
Slide 34 of 52: Where to go: New York City's Central Park features purplish oaks, yellow tulip trees, and maples in classic fall hues — just check out this stunning sunset view of Belvedere Castle. Or you can take a ride through Hudson Valley on Amtrak's Adirondack train, which pulls along a special leaf-peeping "Dome Car" on select dates. When to go: Mid-OctoberShop NowRELATED: 20+ Fall Quotes That Will Get You Excited for Sweater Weather
Slide 35 of 52: Where to go: The Blue Ridge Parkway showcases over a hundred different species of trees that turn deep red, bright yellow, vivid orange, russet, and maroon (plus verdant evergreens). Drive along it the famous Linn Cove Viaduct hugging Grandfather Mountain or hike to an overlook from the nearby visitor center. When to go: Late October Shop Now
Slide 36 of 52: Where to go: The striped canyons and changing prairie of the Little Missouri Grasslands house tons of wildlife, including elk, antelopes, whitetail and mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, greater prairie chickens, eagles, falcons, and prairie dogs. When to go: Mid-OctoberShop Now
Slide 37 of 52: Where to go: The Berea Falls in the Rocky River Reservation are just a stone's throw from Cleveland. Come see willows, sycamores, and cottonwoods dot the massive shale cliffs.When to go: Late OctoberShop Now
Slide 38 of 52: Where to go: The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge includes forested areas with post oak, blackjack oak, and eastern red cedar, but venture into the grasslands to see fall wildflowers like these purple asters. When to go: Mid-NovemberShop NowRELATED: 30+ Amazing Vacation Spots for When You Really Need to Escape
Slide 39 of 52: Where to go: Brilliant red and scarlet leaves frame the uber-popular Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (30 minutes outside Portland).When to go: Late October or Early NovemberShop Now
Slide 40 of 52: Where to go: Watch trains travel along the famous Horseshoe Curve in Altoona by riding the funicular at the Railroaders Museum. The local Allegheny Mountains turn ablaze with color each autumn. When to go: Late October Shop Now
Slide 41 of 52: Where to go: The manicured fruit trees and bushes in Colt State Park in Bristol offer stunning photo-ops when they turn a vibrant orange. The park also borders the Narragansett Bay, so you'll see the marshy shoreline turn a brilliant gold. When to go: Late October Shop Now
Slide 42 of 52: Where to go: If you're looking for classic fall scenery, Campbell's Covered Bridge in Greenville County is the state's only remaining covered bridge. Paris Mountain State Park (30 minutes away) also provides plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities. When to go: Early NovemberShop Now
Slide 43 of 52: Where to go: You'll miss the summer crowds at Mount Rushmore by timing your Black Hills vacation to the fall foliage. Golden aspen and birch trees line the roads as you cruise through the surrounding national forest. When to go: Late October or Early NovemberShop Now
Slide 44 of 52: Where to go: A vast variety of deciduous trees — including sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and hickories —fill Smoky Mountains National Park. Take in the red, greens, yellows, and oranges by cruising along the Blue Ridge Parkway, an iconic American drive. When to go: Mid-October and Early NovemberShop Now
Slide 45 of 52: Where to go: Red Bud Isle in Austin sits smack-dab in the middle of the Colorado River and the island's trees turn brilliant orange and chartreuse each fall. Bring your pup because dogs can run off-leash at this 13-acre urban haven.When to go: NovemberShop NowRELATED: The Dallas Arboretum Uses 100,000 Pumpkins to Build Its Annual Fall Village
Slide 46 of 52: Where to go: The Wasatch Mountains are home to canyon maple, quaking aspen, scrub oak, Douglas hawthorn, serviceberries, and evergreens. Make your way along the Mt. Nebo National Scenic Byway or book reservations for Snowbird's highly attended Oktoberfest. When to go: Early October Shop Now
Slide 47 of 52: Where to go: Vermont's Northeast Kingdom comes alive as the leaves take on vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, but you can't go wrong visiting any region of the state. A full calendar of harvest festivals celebrate artisan crafts, all things pumpkin, and of course seasonal food. (Sign us up for the Cabot Apple Pie Festival, please.)When to go: Early OctoberShop Now
Slide 48 of 52: Where to go: See scarlet, maroon, and golden bronze hues carpet the Shenandoah Valley. There's always the popular Skyline Drive in national park, or head over to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests on the West Virginia border. When to go: Early NovemberShop Now
Slide 49 of 52: Where to go: Evergreens dominate North Cascades National Park, but two species of conifers here actually drop their leaves. The golden needles of the larch trees – plus changing deciduous species and shrubs — characterize autumn in this refuge three hours from Seattle. When to go: Mid-October Shop Now
Slide 50 of 52: Where to go: The rocky plateau of the Dolly Sods Wilderness appears more similar to Canada than the nearby forests. The unique habitat features bog and heath species that take on intense red and gold hues each autumn.When to go: Early NovemberShop Now
Slide 51 of 52: Where to go: The St. Croix River on the Minnesota border is dotted with state parks plus antique and gift shops, but you can also view the scenery by boat if you rather put your feet up. When to go: Mid-October Shop NowRELATED: The Weirdest Town Names in Every State
Slide 52 of 52: Where to go: Grand Teton National Park is abuzz with activity each autumn as deer, moose, and bears prepare for winter and cottonwoods, aspens, and willows change from green to gold. When to go: Late SeptemberShop Now

Changing fall colors bring out leaf peepers each autumn as deciduous trees ditch their green leaves and take on new hues like red, yellow, orange, purple, pink, and brown. The tourism industry can thank a green pigment called chlorophyll for the stunning foliage each year. When the days shorten in the fall, the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, revealing other pigments like xanthophyll (yellow), beta-carotene (orange), and anthocyanin (red). Different types of deciduous trees like maples, oaks, and aspen will put on a multicolored show before dropping their leaves in preparation for winter.

The exact dates for peak fall foliage change every year depending on weather patterns, but generally the leaves transition in October and November, starting in the north and moving south. Check local tourism websites before planning your trip to ensure you catch the best and brightest colors. Hotels and campsites can also fill up during this popular season, so make reservations early on. You can also plan your visit for a weekday instead of a weekend to escape the leaf-peeping crowds. Whether you book a flight cross-country or plan to hit up your local state park, here are the top destinations to see fall color this autumn.

Alabama

Where to go: Check out Cheaha State Park just over an hour outside of Birmingham. The park includes the highest point in the state.

When to go: Late November

Shop Now

Alaska

Where to go: Make the trek to Denali National Park during the shoulder season to see the reds, yellows, and greens of the tundra in all their glory.

When to go: September

Shop Now

Arizona

Where to go: The red rock formations in Sedona look especially stunning in contrast with yellowing foliage.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

RELATED: 50 American Food Facts You Didn’t Know

Arkansas

Where to go: Lake Conway in Central Arkansas features 452 miles of shoreline and cypress trees that turn a stunning red each autumn.

When to go: Late November

Shop Now

California

Where to go: It’s always a good time of year to embark on a Napa Valley wine tour, but the changing colors of the vineyards in the fall will make your tasting that much sweeter.

When to go: Late October or Early November

Shop Now

Colorado

Where to go: The Maroon Bells — two 14,000-foot peaks in the Elk Mountains — draw photographers from near and far, but this spot is easily accessible (10 miles!) from Aspen.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

RELATED: The Best Sites and Apps for Finding Last-Minute Travel Deals

Connecticut

Where to go: Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills include plenty of antiques shops, cute inns, and a section of the Appalachian Trail. See yellow ash, aspen, and maple trees; red oaks and dogwoods; and orange maples and sumacs.

When to go: Mid- or Late October

Shop Now

Delaware

Where to go: The Ashland Covered Bridge in New Castle County was built circa 1860, but the lattice woodwork framing the fall foliage looks practically made for Instagram.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

District of Columbia

Where to go: Our nation’s capital is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, but try taking a walk down the National Mall or along the Potomac this autumn for a different kind of fun.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

Florida

Where to go: Everglades National Park starts its dry season at the end of November, when migratory birds come from all over the country for warmer weather (and mosquitoes begin to disappear).

When to go: Late November

Shop Now

RELATED: 50 Stunning Animals From Our National Parks

Georgia

Where to go: Tallulah Gorge in North Georgia is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Take in the yellow oaks and red maples from trails overlooking the rim, rapids, and waterfalls.

When to go: Mid-November

Shop Now

Hawaii

Where to go: The Big Island hosts the Ironman World Championship triathlon every year in October. Competitors race across deep blue waters and a black lava desert — two very different kinds of fall colors.

When to go: Mid-October

Shop Now

Idaho

Where to go: Sun Valley usually hosts skiers in the winter, but an autumn visit here or nearby Sawtooth National Forest will impress adventure seekers with miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, and orange and yellow aspen trees.

When to go: Mid- or Late October

Shop Now

Illinois

Where to go: Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby features more than a dozen sandstone canyons, like this bandshell-shaped formation called Council Overhang. See vivid gold and yellow foliage on about 13 miles of marked trails throughout the park.

When to go: Late October or Early November

Shop Now

Indiana

Where to go: Cataract Falls in Central Indiana are the state’s largest waterfalls, and they look all the more impressive surrounded by glorious fall color.

When to go: Early November

Shop Now

RELATED: The Best Pumpkin Patch in Every Single State

Iowa

Where to go: The Maquoketa River is popular with paddlers and fishermen alike. Walnut, ash, oak, elm, and maple trees throughout the state turn bright yellow, rusty red, bronzy orange, and reddish-purple.

When to go: Mid-October

Shop Now

Kansas

Where to go: Take in the gold, red, and brown hues of the plains by going on a fall drive along the Gypsum Hills or Flint Hills Scenic Byways.

When to go: Early or Mid-November

Shop Now

Kentucky

Where to go: Daniel Boone National Forest is packed with geological treasures. In fact, Kentucky has more natural stone arches than any other eastern state. Expect to see dogwoods turning crimson, sugar maples going scarlet, and ashes transitioning to dark purple.

When to go: October

Shop Now

Louisiana

Where to go: The bayou’s bald cypress trees turn tan, cinnamon, and fiery orange in autumn before dropping their needle-like leaves. Try visiting Barataria Preserve just outside of New Orleans.

When to go: Late November

Shop Now

RELATED: 30+ Best Family Vacations That Will Please Travelers Young and Old Alike

Maine

Where to go: Acadia National Park offers stunning views of both the Atlantic and turning trees, like this view from Otter Point on top of Gorham Mountain. You can also drive along the Black Woods Scenic Byway to see the blueberry barrens turn scarlet (and eat lots of pie).

When to go: Mid- or Late October

Shop Now

Maryland

Where to go: Less than an hour from D.C., downtown Frederick includes a charming tree-lined “creek walk” or stop by Garrett’s annual Autumn Glory Festival in the western part of the state.

When to go: Mid- or Late October

Shop Now

Massachusetts

Where to go: The Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts ranks among the best places to go leaf peeping. The view from Mount Sugarloaf includes the charming town of South Deerfield, the Connecticut River, and brilliant yellow, amber, and gold foliage.

When to go: October

Shop Now

Michigan

Where to go: The undisturbed hardwood forests in the Upper Peninsula’s Porcupine Mountains do not disappoint. An overlook view of the hemlocks and maples bursting into color alongside the Lake of the Clouds will satisfy your fall fix.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

RELATED: 50 Most Underrated Attractions in Every State

Minnesota

Where to go: The Superior National Forest – including this view of Oberg Lake from Oberg Mountain — offers scenic vistas as sugar maples, tamaracks, and birches start transitioning. Try following this Sawtooth Mountains Fall Color Tour for a scenic drive.

When to go: Early October

Shop Now

Mississippi

Where to go: Tombigbee State Park in Tupelo hosts the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile recreational road with picturesque hiking trails and a rainbow of changing hardwoods.

When to go: Mid- or Late November

Shop Now

Missouri

Where to go: The Ozark National Scenic Riverways features brilliant fall colors along its creeks, falls, and springs. Check out Klepzing Mill — a 1928 sawmill house — and other local treasures.

When to go: Mid-October

Shop Now

Montana

Where to go: The larch trees — deciduous conifers that lose their needles — in Glacier National Park turn a brilliant gold each October, and more wildlife appears as the animals prepare for winter hibernation.

When to go: Mid- or Late October

Shop Now

RELATED: The Best Airlines in the World Will Make You Love Flying Again

Nebraska

Where to go: The Niobrara National Scenic River includes dramatic 300-foot bluffs, rolling sandhills, and impressive waterfalls. Three types of forests converge here — ponderosa pine, eastern deciduous, and northern boreal — so you’ll see a large variety of color.

When to go: Early or Mid-November

Shop Now

Nevada

Where to go: A winding scenic byway carves through Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains, or you can travel by foot along the Ruby Crest trail for views of glacial lakes and valleys.

When to go: Early or Mid-November

Shop Now

New Hampshire

Where to go: When it comes to fall foliage, it’s hard to beat New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The Kancamagus Highway cuts through the multicolored national forest with plenty of pull-offs for photo-ops.

When to go: Mid-October

Shop Now

RELATED: 15+ Road Trip Games to Play on Your Next Family Vacation

New Jersey

Where to go: Visit the High Point Monument in Sussex and you’re treated to views of the Poconos and Catskills ablaze with copper, orange, and crimson.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

New Mexico

Where to go: The desert isn’t exactly full of trees, but visit Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to see a rainbow of color fill the sky instead. More than 500 hot air balloons take flight in the stunning annual festival.

When to go: Early October

Shop Now

New York

Where to go: New York City’s Central Park features purplish oaks, yellow tulip trees, and maples in classic fall hues — just check out this stunning sunset view of Belvedere Castle. Or you can take a ride through Hudson Valley on Amtrak’s Adirondack train, which pulls along a special leaf-peeping “Dome Car” on select dates.

When to go: Mid-October

Shop Now

RELATED: 20+ Fall Quotes That Will Get You Excited for Sweater Weather

North Carolina

Where to go: The Blue Ridge Parkway showcases over a hundred different species of trees that turn deep red, bright yellow, vivid orange, russet, and maroon (plus verdant evergreens). Drive along it the famous Linn Cove Viaduct hugging Grandfather Mountain or hike to an overlook from the nearby visitor center.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

North Dakota

Where to go: The striped canyons and changing prairie of the Little Missouri Grasslands house tons of wildlife, including elk, antelopes, whitetail and mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, greater prairie chickens, eagles, falcons, and prairie dogs.

When to go: Mid-October

Shop Now

Ohio

Where to go: The Berea Falls in the Rocky River Reservation are just a stone’s throw from Cleveland. Come see willows, sycamores, and cottonwoods dot the massive shale cliffs.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

Oklahoma

Where to go: The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge includes forested areas with post oak, blackjack oak, and eastern red cedar, but venture into the grasslands to see fall wildflowers like these purple asters.

When to go: Mid-November

Shop Now

RELATED: 30+ Amazing Vacation Spots for When You Really Need to Escape

Oregon

Where to go: Brilliant red and scarlet leaves frame the uber-popular Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (30 minutes outside Portland).

When to go: Late October or Early November

Shop Now

Pennslyvania

Where to go: Watch trains travel along the famous Horseshoe Curve in Altoona by riding the funicular at the Railroaders Museum. The local Allegheny Mountains turn ablaze with color each autumn.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

Rhode Island

Where to go: The manicured fruit trees and bushes in Colt State Park in Bristol offer stunning photo-ops when they turn a vibrant orange. The park also borders the Narragansett Bay, so you’ll see the marshy shoreline turn a brilliant gold.

When to go: Late October

Shop Now

South Carolina

Where to go: If you’re looking for classic fall scenery, Campbell’s Covered Bridge in Greenville County is the state’s only remaining covered bridge. Paris Mountain State Park (30 minutes away) also provides plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities.

When to go: Early November

Shop Now

South Dakota

Where to go: You’ll miss the summer crowds at Mount Rushmore by timing your Black Hills vacation to the fall foliage. Golden aspen and birch trees line the roads as you cruise through the surrounding national forest.

When to go: Late October or Early November

Shop Now

Tennessee

Where to go: A vast variety of deciduous trees — including sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and hickories —fill Smoky Mountains National Park. Take in the red, greens, yellows, and oranges by cruising along the Blue Ridge Parkway, an iconic American drive.

When to go: Mid-October and Early November

Shop Now

Texas

Where to go: Red Bud Isle in Austin sits smack-dab in the middle of the Colorado River and the island’s trees turn brilliant orange and chartreuse each fall. Bring your pup because dogs can run off-leash at this 13-acre urban haven.

When to go: November

Shop Now

RELATED: The Dallas Arboretum Uses 100,000 Pumpkins to Build Its Annual Fall Village

Utah

Where to go: The Wasatch Mountains are home to canyon maple, quaking aspen, scrub oak, Douglas hawthorn, serviceberries, and evergreens. Make your way along the Mt. Nebo National Scenic Byway or book reservations for Snowbird’s highly attended Oktoberfest.

When to go: Early October

Shop Now

Vermont

Where to go: Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom comes alive as the leaves take on vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, but you can’t go wrong visiting any region of the state. A full calendar of harvest festivals celebrate artisan crafts, all things pumpkin, and of course seasonal food. (Sign us up for the Cabot Apple Pie Festival, please.)

When to go: Early October

Shop Now

Virginia

Where to go: See scarlet, maroon, and golden bronze hues carpet the Shenandoah Valley. There’s always the popular Skyline Drive in national park, or head over to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests on the West Virginia border.

When to go: Early November

Shop Now

Washington

Where to go: Evergreens dominate North Cascades National Park, but two species of conifers here actually drop their leaves. The golden needles of the larch trees – plus changing deciduous species and shrubs — characterize autumn in this refuge three hours from Seattle.

When to go: Mid-October

Shop Now

West Virginia

Where to go: The rocky plateau of the Dolly Sods Wilderness appears more similar to Canada than the nearby forests. The unique habitat features bog and heath species that take on intense red and gold hues each autumn.

When to go: Early November

Shop Now

Wisconsin

Where to go: The St. Croix River on the Minnesota border is dotted with state parks plus antique and gift shops, but you can also view the scenery by boat if you rather put your feet up.

When to go: Mid-October

Shop Now

RELATED: The Weirdest Town Names in Every State

Wyoming

Where to go: Grand Teton National Park is abuzz with activity each autumn as deer, moose, and bears prepare for winter and cottonwoods, aspens, and willows change from green to gold.

When to go: Late September

Shop Now

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