As the crisp air sweeps in and the days grow shorter, one of nature’s most spectacular transformations begins to unfold across the United States—fall foliage. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that paint the landscape make autumn a magical season. From the New England countryside to the mountain ranges of the West, these destinations offer some of the best views of the changing leaves. If you’re looking for the most breathtaking spots to witness the splendor of fall foliage, here are 21 of the best places to see fall foliage in the United States.
1. The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondack Mountains are famous for their vibrant fall colors, with maple, oak, and birch trees transforming into brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Lake Placid and Saranac Lake are popular spots in the Adirondacks, offering stunning views of the foliage reflected in their pristine lakes. The High Peaks Region offers scenic drives, hikes, and breathtaking panoramas of the colorful landscape.
2. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places to experience fall foliage in the southeastern U.S. With over 100 species of trees, the park boasts an incredible variety of color. Take the Newfound Gap Road for panoramic views or explore the Alum Cave Trail for a more immersive experience. The mountain mist combined with vibrant colors creates a stunning autumn atmosphere.
3. White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a favorite fall foliage destination in New England. The Kancamagus Highway, a 34.5-mile scenic route, is famous for its sweeping views of fiery red and yellow foliage. The Franconia Ridge offers exceptional hiking opportunities with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. The region is perfect for a scenic drive or an active outdoor getaway.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina (Cont.)
The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” stretches for 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The fall foliage along this route is simply stunning, with vibrant colors and breathtaking mountain views. Linn Cove Viaduct is one of the most photographed spots, offering panoramic views of the changing leaves. Visitors can also stop at overlooks, explore hiking trails, and enjoy the charming mountain towns along the way, such as Blowing Rock and Asheville.
5. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Located just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers a stunning display of fall colors. The Skyline Drive, which runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the best ways to take in the fall foliage. With over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, you’ll find numerous hiking trails and overlooks that provide dramatic views of the valley below, especially during the peak of autumn.
6. The Catskills, New York
The Catskill Mountains offer a picturesque setting for autumn leaf-peeping. The region is less crowded than other parts of the Adirondacks but equally stunning, with its dense forests of maples, oaks, and birches. The Kaaterskill Falls area is a prime location for hiking, and the Hunter Mountain Skyride provides an aerial view of the colorful landscape below. Enjoy the foliage from the quaint towns of Woodstock or Phoenicia.
7. Aspen, Colorado
Known for its ski resorts, Aspen is also a premier fall foliage destination. The stunning golden aspen trees that blanket the Rocky Mountains in the fall are a sight to behold. The Maroon Bells, two of the most photographed peaks in North America, offer some of the best views of autumn colors in the area. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just driving around, Aspen’s fall foliage is truly unforgettable.
8. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, offers some of the best fall foliage views in Vermont. The town and surrounding areas are full of vibrant colors, from the hillsides to the lakefront. Drive through the Mount Mansfield State Forest or visit the Stowe Mountain Resort for spectacular views. Vermont’s iconic sugar maples turn brilliant orange and red in the fall, creating an ideal landscape for scenic drives.
9. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge is a dramatic canyon carved by the Columbia River. In the fall, the area is transformed with bright colors, thanks to its abundant forests of oak, maple, and cottonwood. The Historic Columbia River Highway provides scenic viewpoints along the river, and the surrounding area is dotted with waterfalls like the famous Multnomah Falls, making it an enchanting location to visit during autumn.
10. Zion National Park, Utah
Although Zion is known for its rugged red rock landscapes, fall brings a unique beauty to the park. The cottonwood trees along the Virgin River turn golden yellow, creating a stunning contrast against the park’s dramatic red cliffs. Kolob Canyons and the Canyon Overlook Trail are two popular areas to enjoy fall foliage while taking in Zion’s magnificent scenery.
11. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the best places to experience fall foliage along the eastern seaboard. With its rugged coastline, sparkling lakes, and towering mountains, Acadia offers a stunning backdrop of vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves. Drive along the Park Loop Road, visit Cadillac Mountain for sweeping views, or hike along the Jordan Pond Path for a more intimate experience of the autumn colors.
12. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park offers breathtaking landscapes that are especially beautiful during the fall. The park’s vast wilderness, with its lakes, rivers, and jagged peaks, is complemented by colorful aspen groves and evergreen forests. The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers incredible panoramic views of the changing foliage, as well as access to hiking trails and wildlife sightings.
13. The Ozarks, Arkansas
The Ozark Mountains in Arkansas are home to dense forests of hardwood trees that turn brilliant colors in the fall. Ozark National Forest and Buffalo National River offer some of the best fall foliage viewing spots. Petit Jean State Park is another great place to visit, with scenic trails that provide sweeping views of the colorful Ozark landscape.
14. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
While Lake Tahoe is known for its ski resorts, the region also offers stunning fall foliage. The Lake Tahoe Basin is surrounded by mixed forests, including aspen, cottonwood, and pine, which create an array of fall colors. Drive along Mount Rose Highway or hike through Emerald Bay State Park for breathtaking views of both the lake and the surrounding autumn landscape.
15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a hidden gem in Ohio, offering lush forests, waterfalls, and picturesque views. The fall season transforms the park into a vibrant landscape, perfect for hiking or taking a scenic train ride along the Cuyahoga River. The colorful foliage, combined with the park’s historic sites like the Brandywine Falls, creates a unique autumn experience.
16. Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood provides an ideal backdrop for fall foliage, with its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and colorful forests. The nearby Timberline Lodge offers spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. Hike along the Timberline Trail for a truly immersive experience, or simply drive through the Mount Hood Scenic Byway to see the brilliant fall colors.
17. Letchworth State Park, New York
Letchworth State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is one of the top fall foliage spots in New York. The park is known for its stunning gorge, waterfalls, and dense forests, all of which come alive in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows during autumn. Drive along the Gorge Trail or take a hike through the park’s scenic landscapes for the best views of the foliage.
18. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most spectacular fall colors in the southeastern U.S. With more than 100 species of trees, the park features diverse colors during the autumn months. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the park and provides panoramic views of the vibrant foliage. The drive along Newfound Gap Road is particularly stunning, offering sweeping vistas of the mountains and valleys.
19. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires in western Massachusetts are an idyllic place to enjoy fall foliage. The region is home to rolling hills, charming small towns, and dense forests that burst with color in the fall. Mount Greylock State Reservation provides the highest point in the state, offering sweeping views of the surrounding foliage. The area is also home to scenic driving routes and quaint farm-to-table restaurants.
20. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor and the surrounding Acadia National Park are spectacular in the fall. The town itself is charming, with boutique shops and seafood restaurants, while the surrounding park offers scenic drives and hikes that showcase the changing leaves. Visit Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of the coastline dotted with brilliant fall foliage, or enjoy the quiet beauty of Jordan Pond.
21. The Palouse, Washington
The Palouse region in eastern Washington is known for its picturesque rolling hills and expansive farmlands. During the fall, the landscape comes alive with vibrant colors, as fields of wheat and other crops are complemented by colorful trees and shrubbery. The small town of Pullman offers a unique experience for those seeking fall foliage in a more rural and peaceful setting.
End Note
The United States offers some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the world, from the rugged mountains of the Northeast to the tranquil forests of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a quiet hike, or a charming small town to explore, these 21 destinations provide the perfect backdrop for witnessing nature’s vibrant autumn display. No matter where you go, the brilliant colors of fall will surely make your experience unforgettable.
