Fall is a magical time of year when the trees put on a spectacular show of vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves. If you love the beauty of autumn and want to experience it at its finest, the United States offers many incredible spots to witness the fall foliage. From the mountains of New England to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, here are 21 of the best places to see fall foliage in the U.S.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the top spots for fall foliage in the U.S. The park’s rugged coastline, mountains, and lakes make for stunning views, especially when the leaves turn vibrant colors. The scenic drive along Park Loop Road offers some of the best views, as does the summit of Cadillac Mountain, which provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.
2. Vermont’s Green Mountains
Vermont is famous for its fall foliage, and the Green Mountains are at the heart of it all. The state’s rolling hills and charming small towns are surrounded by vibrant forests that come alive with color each fall. The Marlboro Scenic Byway and Route 100 offer some of the most beautiful drives in the state.
3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a top destination for fall foliage. The Skyline Drive, which runs along the crest of the mountains, provides breathtaking views of the colorful leaves below. With over 200,000 acres of forest, you’ll find a wide variety of trees, including oak, hickory, and maple, all showing off their fall colors.
4. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are a fall foliage paradise. The park is home to over 100 species of trees, so you’ll get to see a wide range of colors as you hike or drive through the park. Popular spots for foliage viewing include Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and Clingmans Dome.
5. Catskill Mountains, New York
The Catskill Mountains in New York are famous for their picturesque fall landscapes. The region’s winding roads, waterfalls, and peaks make it the perfect place to enjoy fall foliage. Kaaterskill Falls and North-South Lake are particularly stunning during the fall months.
6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge is known for its dramatic waterfalls and breathtaking views. During fall, the trees along the gorge burst into vibrant shades of red and yellow, making it an excellent spot for foliage viewing. The Historic Columbia River Highway offers some of the best views, along with a number of hiking trails.
7. White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains in New Hampshire are a must-see during fall. The area is known for its stunning mountain views and colorful forests. You can enjoy fall foliage by driving along the Kancamagus Highway, one of the most scenic routes in New England, or by hiking up Mount Washington for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape.
8. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
The Lake of the Ozarks region offers a unique blend of fall foliage and lake views. The rolling hills around the lake turn vibrant colors, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and scenic drives. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a popular spot for leaf peeping.
9. The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondack Mountains are another iconic fall destination in New York State. The region is home to dense forests of maple, birch, and oak trees, which transform into a dazzling display of color in the fall. Take a drive on Route 73 or explore the High Peaks Wilderness for incredible foliage views.
10. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is a year-round destination, but its fall colors are truly something special. The park’s meadows, forests, and alpine lakes are all surrounded by trees that turn a vibrant mix of red, yellow, and orange in the fall. Popular spots to see the foliage include Paradise and Sunrise.
11. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular places to see fall foliage in the U.S. The park’s high-altitude terrain makes for a stunning contrast of golden aspens against the deep blue sky. Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road offer some of the best views.
12. Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
The Smoky Mountains in North Carolina are a perfect fall foliage destination. Mingo Falls and Glen Falls are surrounded by beautiful trees that turn vibrant colors each fall. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to experience some of the best foliage in the state.
13. Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region in New York is a beautiful place to see fall foliage, with vineyards, forests, and rolling hills that turn brilliant shades of red and gold. Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake are particularly scenic, and you can enjoy the foliage while taking a boat tour or hiking around the lakes.
14. Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania offer a beautiful array of colors in the fall. With over 2,400 square miles of forests, lakes, and waterfalls, the Poconos are perfect for enjoying the fall foliage. Promised Land State Park and Delaware Water Gap are great spots to see the colors.
15. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park may not be the first place you think of for fall foliage, but the park’s desert landscapes turn surprisingly colorful during the fall months. The park’s red rock formations are complemented by the vibrant yellow and orange leaves of cottonwood trees along the rivers.
16. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique rock formations, but in the fall, the contrast between the red rocks and the golden aspen trees is breathtaking. You can hike along the Navajo Loop Trail to see the best fall foliage views.
17. The Ozarks, Arkansas
The Ozarks in Arkansas are full of vibrant colors during the fall season. The region offers stunning landscapes with rolling hills, lakes, and forests of oak, hickory, and maple trees. Popular spots for fall foliage include Petit Jean State Park and Lake Ouachita.
18. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone is a year-round destination, but fall is an especially good time to visit. The park’s aspen and cottonwood trees turn beautiful shades of gold and orange, creating stunning views against the backdrop of the park’s iconic geothermal features. Drive along the Grand Loop Road for some of the best fall foliage views.
19. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” stretches through the Appalachian Mountains and offers some of the best fall foliage in the country. The drive takes you through forests of oak, maple, and hickory, all turning vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange.
20. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod offers beautiful fall scenery with its quaint villages, lighthouses, and rolling dunes surrounded by colorful trees. The Cape Cod National Seashore is particularly beautiful in the fall, with trees and shrubs turning golden and crimson.
21. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is known for its wine, but it’s also a great place to see fall foliage. The vineyards turn a beautiful golden color during the fall, and the surrounding hillsides are filled with colorful trees. Take a scenic drive along Highway 128 to enjoy the views.
End Note
The U.S. is home to many breathtaking destinations for fall foliage. Whether you’re looking for mountains, lakes, forests, or even desert landscapes, there’s a place to experience the beauty of autumn. From the iconic spots in New England to the hidden gems in the West, these 21 destinations are perfect for anyone who loves the magic of fall. So grab your camera, pack your bags, and head out to enjoy some of the most stunning fall colors the country has to offer!
