Fall Foliage Bucket List: 6 Best Places to Visit in the Fall in the US
Published August 8, 2023, Updated September 27, 2024
As the air gets colder and the leaves start to shift from green to every shade of red, orange, and yellow, you know fall is here! And from coast to coast, the best places to visit in the fall in the US offer unforgettable experiences.
It’s my favorite time of year! Autumn is filled with vibrant colors, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced delights. But one of the best parts is the foliage.
Whether you love hiking through golden forests, enjoying scenic drives, or cozying up in a cabin with a view, fall is the perfect time to discover these stunning destinations.
From the iconic New England foliage to the lesser-known gems in the Midwest, the country is brimming with destinations that have become synonymous with the fall season!
If you’re seeking the best places to witness the transformation of summer to fall, look no further. Here’s my bucket of fall travel destinations in the US, perfect for every leaf-peeping enthusiast and lover of cooler climates.
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6 Best Fall Destinations in the US
Stowe, Vermont
Often referred to as Fall’s Color Capital, Stowe just might be the best place to see fall foliage in the US.
It’s famous for its vibrant autumn foliage that paints the rolling New England landscape in shades of red, orange, and gold.
For ultimate leaf-peeping activities, check out the excellent hiking trails in and around town. Sunset Rock Trail offers especially charming views of Stowe with peaked roofs and a white steeple rising above the foliage!
Afterward, enjoy a cozy afternoon in town, sampling local cider, exploring charming shops, and indulging in the season’s harvest at the local farmers’ market.
Definitely take a scenic drive along Route 100, as well. This will be a highlight of your trip, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Green Mountains.
Estimated Peak Fall Foliage: If you’re looking for the best place to visit the United States in October, this is it! Typically, the peak time to view the fall colors in Stowe is during the first 2 weeks of October.
How to Get to Stowe, Vermont
The closest airport to Stowe is Burlington International Airport (BTV). From BTV, Stowe is about a 40-minute drive (35 miles).
At the Burlington airport, you can find car rentals from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
If you’re on a budget, Albany International Airport (ALB) occasionally has better deals. But keep in mind that it’s a 3-hour drive to Stowe.
Where to Stay in Stowe, Vermont
For the campers, Smugglers’ Notch State Park offers basic amenities for rustic tent camping in the woods. Or for lots of modern amenities, check out Gold Brooke Campground.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Stowe, the Trapp Family Lodge is absolutely charming with its old-world feel. The Lodge at Spruce Peak does not disappoint with its mountain views and luxury perks. And the boutique Outbound Stowe is perfect for any solo traveler, with a modern style and warm atmosphere.
Yosemite National Park, California
Heading to the West Coast, I have to mention Yosemite National Park.
While the park is more famous for its towering cliffs and waterfalls, you don’t want to miss out on a chance to see Yosemite in all its autumnal glory!
It’s one of the best places to visit in the fall in the US for a crisp fall hike. Or you can take a scenic drive along Tioga Road and stop at lookouts.
This is your chance to see iconic park landmarks, like Mirror Lake and Cook’s Meadow. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the leaves changing against the backdrop of El Capitan and Half Dome.
Fall is one of the best times to visit Yosemite National Park, not only because of the cooler temperatures but also fewer crowds. Plus, wildlife is more active this time of year, so your chances of seeing them are higher.
Estimated Peak Fall Foliage: Mid-October to early November. And don’t forget that if you’re visiting the park up to the end of October, you’ll need to make reservations in advance and book your passes!
How to get to Yosemite National Park in California
The nearest airport to Yosemite National Park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is a minimum of 90 minutes (64 miles) away from Yosemite’s South Entrance.
From the airport, the best way to get to the park is to rent a car and take Highway 41, which leads directly to Yosemite’s South Entrance.
Where to Stay
If you’re up for the challenge of reserving a camping spot in Yosemite National Park, you won’t be disappointed!
Just make sure you’re ready when reservations become available every month on the 15th. You’re able to book up to 5 months in advance, too.
I suggest Tuolumne Meadows Campground for a convenient location near Tioga Road with great views and RV hook ups. Or stay at the Upper Pines Campground in the infamous Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite is also home to some quality lodges with amazing locale, like the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Or for a bit more space, stay at the luxurious Tenaya at Yosemite, located just outside the park, a few miles south of the Southern Entrance.
Is glamping on your bucket list? Check out my post on the top glamping sites in Southern California!
Aspen, Colorado
Did you know that Aspen, Colorado is literally named after the aspen trees that turn a golden hue in the fall?
This iconic mountain town is known for more than its popular winter sports. It’s also said to be one of the best October vacations in the USA.
Why? You could say that the Maroon Bells are the stars of the show in Aspen and a brisk fall hike to see them should be a priority!
These twin towering peaks in the Elk Mountains provide a stunning backdrop against the vibrant fall colors.
Hiking, mountain biking, and simply soaking in the alpine beauty are popular activities in Aspen during the season.
But don’t miss out on the prestigious restaurant scene in Aspen and all the shopping along Main Street as well.
Estimated Peak Fall Foliage: Late September to early October. This is when the aspen trees turn brilliant gold! The sight of entire mountainsides covered in shimmering yellow leaves mixed with dark evergreens is breathtaking.
How to Get to Aspen, Colorado
You can fly directly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). From there, it’s about a 10-minute drive (3 miles) to reach downtown Aspen.
Where to Stay in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen’s located inside the White River National Forest, and you have plenty of options for campsites.
Go with Difficult Campground for great privacy and quiet surrounded by forest and mountains. Or for Maroon Bells views, Silver Bell Campground is ideal (just book well in advance, as this is a popular campground).
For Aspen hotels, consider The Little Nell or the St. Regis Aspen Resort, both of which offer access to hiking trails, ski lifts, spa amenities, and the best restaurants in town.
Another great option is the historic Hotel Jerome. With a fabulous Main Street address and stunning rooftop views of the surrounding mountains, it’s a no-brainer for your fall getaway.
Great Smoky Mountains (TN and NC)
If you’re looking on the East Coast, I think the best place to visit in the fall in the US is the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The park runs along both sides of the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.
It’s one of the most visited national parks in the country, produces an incredible display of fall colors, and offers a variety of accessible ways to appreciate the views.
The park has over 800 miles of scenic trails, historic buildings, and diverse wildlife, like deer and black bears. You can camp there or go on a day hike.
But one of the best ways to take in the fall foliage here is by car. The scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road (US-441) is a must, winding over 30 miles through the heart of the park and offering stunning panoramic views.
The route offers plenty of pull-offs so you can stop and take photos.
Estimated Peak Fall Foliage: Mid-October to early November. The good news is that the diverse range of elevations means that foliage changes colors progressively throughout the season, ensuring a longer window for viewing!
But keep in mind that at higher elevations, where it gets colder faster, leaves can start turning as early as mid-September.
The middle and lower elevations, which include many of the most popular viewpoints and hiking trails, see peak colors in late October to early November.
How to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee is the primary airport for the region. It’s around an hour’s drive to the park’s entrance.
For those coming from far away, sometimes flying into a larger airport like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Georgia might yield more affordable fares. Still, it’s a longer drive, roughly 4-4.5 hours to the Smoky Mountains or 3.5 hours from BNA (Nashville).
Where to Stay in the Smokey Mountains
I suggest looking around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which are popular destinations to access the Smokies.
Elkmont Campground and Cades Cove Campground are both top-notch choices for camping within the park.
Both campgrounds offer an amazing experience for campers, making them very popular. However, beware that they’re usually booked 6 months in advance!
Craving a hotel stay? Don’t hesitate to enjoy the full treatment at Margaritaville Island Hotel or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, both in Pigeon Forge.
There’s also the Park Vista DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Gatlinburg, which offers a more reasonable price without compromising on the experience.
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin offers a coastal autumn experience that easily makes it what I think is one of the best places to visit in the fall!
Situated on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, you have every iconic fall experience you can dream of in one place.
The area is dotted with charming lighthouses, rustic barns, and orchards offering apple picking and homemade cider. Towns celebrate the season with festivals, hayrides, and corn mazes.
A drive or hike through Peninsula State Park provides panoramic views of the multicolored landscape against the blue waters!
And don’t forget about the adorable small towns in Door County! There’s Egg Harbor, where you’ll find cute shops and great local dining.
Sister Bay has a great marina (they offer tours, too) and lovely waterfront parks.
Baileys Harbor is another gem, offering a quieter, laid-back vibe with access to hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Estimated Peak Fall Foliage: One of the best places to visit in October USA, the foliage in Door County is typically at its peak around mid-October.
How to get to Door County, Wisconsin
Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is your best bet for cost and distance. Door County is about a 1-hour drive (60 miles) from GRB.
You can find a variety of rental cars at the airport, which I recommend in the Midwest over getting a car service.
Where to Stay in Door County in the Fall
Peninsula State Park is ideal for camping in Door County in the fall, with a variety of campgrounds open year-round.
Alternatively, Newport State Park offers a quieter experience, located at the end of the peninsula. Plus, if you have visiting a Dark Sky Park on your bucket list, Newport holds this designation!
If you prefer to stay at a hotel, you have some quality choices in Door County, Wisconsin. Stay at Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort in Sturgeon Bay for lake views and local wineries.
For an adults-only experience, go with The Ashbrooke Hotel in Egg Harbour. Or book a room at the gorgeous Landmark Resort for all the amazing amenities.
Catskill Mountains, New York
While the Catskill Mountains are on the East Coast, they are truly one of the best places to see fall colors in the US. The rolling hills and forests burn with reds, oranges, and yellows each autumn.
One of the most popular things to do in the Catskills is take a hike on iconic trails like the ones at Kaaterskill Falls or Overlook Mountain. Or you can take a scenic drive along the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway to soak in the colors.
And there are so many charming towns that you can visit! Woodstock and Phoenicia are great choices. They’re great for finding cozy spots to grab a bite, browsing local shops, and visiting art galleries.
There’s also Hunter, a ski town that’s popular all year for outdoor activities. In the fall, you can go zip-lining or ride the ski lift for a panoramic view of the foliage!
Estimated Peak Fall Foliage: One of the best vacation spots in October in the US, you’ll find that Catskills foliage tends to hit its peak between the beginning of October and the middle of the month.
How to Get to the Catskills
The nearest major airport is Albany International Airport (ALB), about 90 minutes to 2 hours away, depending on your destination.
At the airport, you’ll find a variety of rental car options, including Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, and Hertz.
Where to Stay in the Catskill Mountains, New York
You can go camping all over the Catskill Forest Preserve, but suggest looking into North-South Lake Campground, right off the Kaaterskill Falls hike.
Or for something with less traffic, check out Kenneth L. Wilson Campground, about 5 miles south of Woodstock.
For the perfect fall getaway in the Catskills, you could also book a stay at the elegant Emerson Resort & Spa. Or for a unique stay that’s equal parts stylish and whimsical, enjoy the experience that is the Roxbury at Stratton Falls!
Got the hiking bug? Read my post on the world’s best hiking trails!
Tips for Seeing Fall Foliage
While you’re planning your ideal autumn retreat to one of the best places to visit in the fall in the US, take some of my time-tested advice:
- Fall is a popular travel season, so plan ahead and book accommodations early. This is especially true if you plan on making camping reservations at a state or national park.
- The weather can affect peak foliage windows every year. Check local foliage reports to time your visit perfectly. (This is a great map!)
- If you’re driving to higher altitudes, especially near the end of October/beginning of November, do your research. This time of year, the weather can change very quickly. Be certain you and your vehicle are ready for the unexpected.
- Dress in layers and wear good shoes. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared. You can always take layers off!
- Exploring less crowded areas offers a more serene experience, but make sure someone always knows where you’re going to be.
Wrap Up on the Best Places to Visit in the Fall
As the autumn leaves blanket the ground and the air grows crisp, these iconic American destinations invite travelers to revel in the magic of fall foliage.
Whether you’re sipping cider in Door County, hiking the vibrant trails in Stowe, or taking in the serene ambiance of the Great Smoky Mountains, every location offers a unique experience.
As the season unfolds, let these fall foliage destinations inspire your next autumn adventure. You’ll be guaranteed memories that will last a lifetime!
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