Discover the Best Fall Foliage Destinations in the U.S.

It’s a universal truth: the turning of the fall foliage is one of the world’s most enchanting natural phenomena. In the United States, it presents itself in various captivating ways.

You can drive beneath the amber canopies of New England, witness fiery maples adorning the northern midwest, or marvel at the golden aspens contrasting against the rocky peaks of the west. However, determining peak leaf-peeping season isn’t an exact science; color windows vary across the country due to weather patterns, elevation, and sometimes pure chance. Fortunately, here are some favorite fall destinations and tips on when to catch the colors at their brightest.

1. Stowe, Vermont

Renowned as a premier destination for autumn lovers, Stowe offers spectacular palettes of reds, oranges, and yellows. With numerous mountain roads and hikes, it provides access to the highest points in Vermont’s photogenic Green Mountains. Stowe’s fall foliage season generally lasts from early September through late October, with peak colors occurring around mid-October.

2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

This expansive park encompasses nearly 100 miles of central Appalachian views, making it one of the most accessible and scenic fall destinations in the eastern U.S. Drive along the famous Skyline Drive for breathtaking autumnal vistas or explore trails within Virginia’s beautiful deciduous forests. Fall colors in Shenandoah typically start to emerge in October, peaking in mid to late October.

3. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Picture a large, serene river framed by misty mountains and forested shores, all graced by explosions of gold and orange. This picturesque scene comes alive in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, recognized as one of the best leaf-peeping spots on the West Coast. Oregon’s fall colors typically reach their peak in late October.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

When visiting Zion in the fall, you will find vermillion maples and yellow cottonwoods adorning the striking red rock landscape. The park’s diverse elevations mean that color changes vary: higher elevations peak around mid-October, while lower elevations maintain vibrant foliage until mid-November.

5. Tennessee/North Carolina State Line

This region is captivating year-round, but in the fall, the mountain forests transform into a tapestry of warm hues. Explore the enchanting Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests, hike up Roan Mountain for a breathtaking view of golden valley floors, or discover the beauty of southern Appalachia at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fall colors in this area depend on elevation, with higher elevations showcasing colors earlier in October and lower peaks hitting their stride by late October and early November.

6. West Virginia

Often overlooked, West Virginia is a hidden gem for foliage enthusiasts. With dense forests scattered across the state, it offers a unique leaf-peeping experience that rivals more famous locations. Experience the vibrant colors colliding with waterfalls and the rugged peaks of the Potomac Highlands starting in late September, peaking in mid-October.

7. Northwestern Wyoming

Wyoming’s mountainous west becomes especially dramatic in the fall, as aspens, cottonwoods, willows, and black hawthorns add a colorful contrast to the towering Tetons and winding Snake River. Autumn colors typically peak from late September to early October, particularly at higher elevations.

8. Wisconsin Northwoods

The Wisconsin Northwoods, with its sprawling boreal forests and glacial lakes, immerses visitors in true autumn glory. Drive through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest or enjoy fishing beneath the vibrant canopy. The fall foliage transformation begins in September, culminating in early October.

9. Northern Nevada

Often associated with deserts, Nevada’s mountainous north presents a surprising array of fall foliage. Visit Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains to witness golden treetops against rocky peaks. In October, the colors emerge, usually peaking at the end of the month.

10. Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas

This scenic 35-mile route traverses the Boston Mountain Range, taking you through two national forests and showcasing the lush countryside’s autumn foliage. The fall color changes start appearing in late September or early October, with peak colors in late October to early November.