Fall in Love With These Gorgeous Leaf-Peeping Destinations
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Is it any wonder that fall is one of Ree Drummond's favorite times of the year? It's a time for pumpkin spice and everything nice—including wearing cozy fall sweaters and celebrating the beauty of the season with pumpkin and apple picking. But one of the most beloved fall activities of all is leaf-peeping! Luckily, some of the world's best places to see fall foliage are right here in the United States.
Of course, New England is famous for glorious autumnal displays of color (and The Berkshires prove that it's a reputation well deserved!). Less well known, though, are the vibrant leaf-peeping locales across the rest of our vast country. Anyone visiting the Southeast should admire the changing leaves from an incredible suspension bridge in Georgia's Tallulah Gorge. Head north, and you can reach the stunning views from a scenic railroad winding through Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This list of sight-seeing gems also includes Arkansas' vibrant orange trees in the backwaters of Lake Conway, the brilliant gold larch trees in Montana's Glacier National Park, and more!
There are so many ways to take in fall foliage, including scenic drives, mountain hikes, and boat cruises. Want to plan the ultimate leaf-peeping trip? Check out all the best places to see fall foliage right here. And if these swoon-worthy leafscapes end up leaving you speechless, check out our list of the best fall Instagram captions to inspire your posts!
Northeast Kingdom in Vermont
Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is known as one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in the country. It even has an annual fall foliage festival and a Colors of the Kingdom Autumn Festival. Sign us up!
Saranac Lake, New York
The Adirondacks have one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the Northeast, lasting from mid-September through mid-October. Visit this picturesque village for some of the region's best leaf peeping, plus plenty of beautiful lakes, mountains, and hiking trails.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
Between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, you'll find a beautiful landscape featuring several waterfalls. There's even a scenic railroad that winds throughout it, so you can simply sit and soak in the views. Check out nearby Sagamore Hills in October if you want to see the best colors.
Traverse City, Michigan
Though leaves can change as early as September, peak foliage is mid-October in this northern town on the shore of Lake Michigan. Stroll through all the popular orchards and vineyards while you're at it!
North Conway, New Hampshire
Revel in the rugged White Mountains by taking a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which offers more than 34 miles of breathtaking scenery and fall foliage. Or, take a vintage train from North Conway through the Mount Washington Valley and over the rugged Crawford Notch for a unique and laid-back leaf-peeping experience.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Nestled at the bottom of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is a treasure trove for fall color, but one of the best spots to check out the fall foliage is Shenandoah National Park. Another way to soak up is the scenery is by visiting one of Charlottesville's beautiful vineyards, like the one seen here.
McKenzie Pass, Oregon
Take the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway for the most gorgeous autumnal drive. If you've got the time, you can spend three to five hours on this 82-mile loop and see the largest lava flow in the Northwest, red and yellow maples, aspen stands, pines and firs, snowy volcanic peaks, and more.
Franklin, Tennessee
This small city just south of Nashville is home to plenty of civil war history, antique shops, and, come early November, beautiful fall foliage. After exploring the city, head out for a country drive and make sure you pass over the double arch bridge on Natchez Trace Parkway—the view of the trees from that height is spectacular.
Taos, New Mexico
Bounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this small New Mexico town offers a prime Southwest experience. Visit the town's many local galleries and historic adobe buildings, then adventure out and walk along the Rio Grande for plenty of leafy views. The trees may not change as dramatically as in New England, but that doesn't make them any less pretty.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Stockbridge is the quintessential charming New England town. It's home to the Norman Rockwell museum, cute inns, and plenty of scenic rural drives. October is peak fall foliage season in the Berkshires (famous for the glorious, vibrant hues), and travel guides recommend driving U.S. Route 7, which runs between several pretty towns.
Palisades Cliffs, New Jersey
Can you believe this view is available just minutes from midtown Manhattan? One of the best ways to admire New Jersey's Palisades Cliffs is actually from the New York shore! Begin Jersey-side by exploring the Palisades state park. Once you've gotten your fill, head across the river to Hastings-On-Hudson to enjoy a sweeping view of the cliffs.
Eastern Shore, Maryland
The Eastern Shore of Maryland contains so much beauty that it's difficult to narrow it down to one location. Inland you can find Elk Neck State Park, known for its gorgeous fall hikes. Reeds and tall grasses along the wetlands begin to dry out and fade to beautiful red, tan, and orange hues that match the surrounding trees.
Cheaha State Park in Alabama
Alabama is always beautiful, but especially in the fall. What better place to view the season's glittering yellow poplars, scarlet dogwoods, orange maples, and golden hickories than from the highest point in the state? Add beautiful Cheaha State Park to your fall bucket list, ASAP!
Tallulah Gorge in Georgia
Visit one of the Southeast’s most popular canyons, where you can hike on trails overlooking breathtaking waterfalls and surrounded by glimmering yellow oaks and red-tinted maple trees.
Lake Conway in Arkansas
Backwaters never looked so beautiful! During late November, the already stunning landscape of Lake Conway in Central Arkansas transforms into the vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow you see here.
Glacier National Park in Montana
Every fall, the larch trees in Montana's Glacier National Park turn a dazzling, luminescent yellow. Local tip: The best road for viewing the larches is on Highway 2 around the southern boundary of the park.
Horseshoe Curve in Pennsylvania
One of the most unique ways to enjoy Pennsylvania's autumn spectacle is by taking a train ride along the famous Horseshoe Curve in Altoona. You can also take in the gorgeous view by riding the funicular at the Railroaders Memorial Museum.
Calistoga, California
Trade in mulled apple cider for wine this fall with a visit to Napa Valley. Enjoy the changing colors of the vineyards while you sit and sip.
Camden, Maine
This picturesque seaside town was voted one of the best places in New England to view fall foliage by Frommer’s and Travel and Leisure. You can admire the spectacular fall color palette while on a boat cruise at Camden Harbor.
Mount Washington in New Hampshire
Take in the multicolored beauty of New Hampshire's White Mountains in the fall by cruising down the Kancamagus Highway. Don't worry, there are plenty of stops for photo-ops!
The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway boasts 469 miles of stunning scenery, parkland, and mountains. It's also home to more than 100 different species of trees that take on all the magical colors of fall in late October.
Multnomah Falls in Oregon
Multnomah Falls is one of Oregon's most iconic natural wonders, and a beautiful sight to behold at any time of year—but these striking scarlet leaves are making a strong case for a fall visit.
Manti-La Sal National Forest in Utah
The La Sal Mountains rise above brilliant yellow fall foliage for an unforgettable view. The trees might even be dusted with powder from an early snowfall, like in this pretty photo.
Red Bud Isle in Austin, Texas
You can take your pup off the leash at this 13-acre dog park on Austin's Lady Bird Lake. Each fall, the island's trees turn brilliant shades of orange and yellow. You won't want to miss it!
Oxbow Bend in Wyoming
Located in Grand Teton National Park, Oxbow Bend boasts a picture-perfect view of Mt. Moran, complete with golden Aspen trees reflecting in the Snake River.
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