21 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United States

There might be a lot of people out there who are not ready for summer to end, but it's not all bad news. It's time for sweater weather, hot apple cider, and best of all, seeing the leaves change from the lush greens of summer to the bright golds, oranges, and reds of autumn, so we've rounded up the best places to see fall foliage around the country.

 The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England

Over the next few months, each state will experience its own unique view of fall. While many people associate watching the leaves change with weekend getaways to the Northeast, there are plenty of places to see the stunning seasonal views throughout the country. Classic leafy views in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York are always a great go-to, but you can also find amazing leaf-changing action in states like Georgia and New Mexico.

 More fall vacation ideas

Oak, ash, maple, and hickory trees transform before your very eyes all over the United States. And every landscape looks like a perfect postcard.

The crisp fall winds are already starting to blow, so it's no wonder people are itching to get in their cars for some scenic driving. Luckily, peak leaf-peeping season is coming sooner than you might think.

 14 Fall Road Trips for Seeing the Best Fall Foliage — and a Whole Lot More

Perhaps it's time to start packing the binoculars, strapping on the hiking boots, and firing up the Instagram feeds for some autumn adventures.

Bar Harbor, Maine

In mid-October, Bar Harbor is a hotbed of activity for tourists who are itching to get their fill of salty sea air while they see the gorgeous colors of autumn. There are quaint shops to visit downtown, and many visitors can also kayak or go bird and whale watching in Acadia National Park.

Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Ozark National Forest has more than 1.2 million acres of spectacular scenery. During October, fall foliage is at its peak, and you can find yourself strolling through the beautiful fall hues of gold, orange, and red. Plus, there are plenty of mountains, springs, rivers, and breathtaking parks to photograph.

Catskill Mountains, New York

The Catskill Mountains are practically the perfect fall landscape. Take in the scenery on a hike or scenic drive before checking out the local cideries and breweries as well as the culture of the Catskills towns like Livingston Manor, Woodstock, and New Paltz.

Huntington, New York

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve has more than 1,500 acres and 30 multi-use trails. Maples, tulips, hickory, sassafras, and dogwoods are some of the trees in this beautiful area, making it an exciting place to hike as the leaves change.

Stowe, Vermont

It's no wonder Stowe is called "Fall's Color Capital." With so many plants turning varying shades of yellow, red, orange, and brown from September through mid-October, it's a spectacular place to hike and ride. Even if the Vermont weather gets chilly, you can take a scenic drive along the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Columbia River Gorge, forming the border between Washington and Oregon, is home to more than 90 waterfalls, but the fall months are the most special times to visit. During October and November, Mount Hood becomes a symphony of fall colors that are perfect for hiking, biking, and taking amazing pictures.

Eastern Shore, Maryland

Surrounding Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula is Maryland's Eastern Shore. While you chow down on some Maryland crabs, be sure to take plenty of walks around Elk Neck State Park to see the gorgeous colors.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Tucked within the White Mountain National Forest is the Kancamagus Highway, more than 34 miles of roadway for leaf peepers to enjoy the beautiful vistas in early October. When you're not hiking, biking, and rock climbing, retreat to one of the area's cozy restaurants.

Lenox, Massachusetts

Hike or bike to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary around mid-October to see the beautifully vivid colors of this Massachusetts town. The Berkshires are a charming New England alternative to New Hampshire or Burlington, Vermont — with small, culture-rich towns like Lenox putting you in the heart of the action.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains are stretched around gently winding roads that are perfect for fall foliage chasers. Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack makes a wonderful road trip for anyone looking for a relaxing, autumnal view. Leaves begin to turn in mid-September and peak in October.

Taos, New Mexico

While most people associate leaf peeping with the Northeast, the Southwest deserts also have seasonal colors. New Mexico's landscape is a must-see in the fall, especially along one of America's most scenic drives: The Enchanted Circle. This 84-mile drive connects the towns of Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa — and it contains some spectacular views.

Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia

Amicalola Falls State Park is home to Georgia's tallest waterfall. At 729 feet, it can be seen from many different trails along the park, and the bottom of the falls gives visitors a beautiful view of Georgia's colorful maple and oak trees in autumn.

Franklin, Tennessee

In early November, bright fall colors come in full force to Tennessee. The area's poplar, maple, oak, and hickory trees make the town come alive with color. A brisk walk in Franklin's tree-lined, 16-block downtown historic district or a drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway is perfect for leaf chasers.

Staten Island Greenbelt, New York

City dwellers don't need to go far to get to one of New York's most beautiful forests, located right within the five boroughs in Staten Island. Maple, tulip, beech, oak, and hickory trees make up a varied and beautiful hike for leaf peepers who can't get away every weekend.

Cape May, New Jersey

This old, seaside resort town turns into an autumn haven in mid-October and through November. The historic lighthouses of the area give visitors the perfect view of the changing fall colors, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and Cape May Point State Park.

Brooklyn, New York

Urbanites can simply jaunt over to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to get their fall foliage fix. With 52 acres of space, paved pathways, themed gardens, specialty plant pavilions, and native species of plants from all over the world, the colors of fall are in full "bloom" right in the city, especially in mid-to-late October.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, may be a popular summer destination, but leaf-peeping tourists are also well aware of its autumnal charms. Visitors can check out a cranberry bog or go pumpkin picking as well as see the beautiful changing colors of the Northeast.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado, is named for its gorgeous aspen trees that turn the perfect yellow-gold in the fall. Before the ski season sets in, visitors can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy the gorgeous views, especially stopping over at Maroon Bells to take in the scenery.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Along the Wisconsin River is a strikingly beautiful, glacier-formed gorge known as the Wisconsin Dells. During the fall, the Dells are particularly peaceful, which is ideal for leaf peepers who want to snag the perfect shot of the changing foliage. Boat tours, river walks, and sightseeing in Devil's Lake State Park are some of the most popular attractions there.

Massapequa Preserve, New York

Massapequa Preserve on Long Island is one of the best places to experience fall foliage without trekking too far from NYC. Late October into early November is the best time to enjoy the vibrant views.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

Naturally, leaf peepers are going to be drawn to anything with "maple" in the name. The Lake Ann / Maple Pass Loop Trail peaks in mid-October and develops a gorgeous pattern of yellow, red, and orange. Lake Ann offers a fantastic backdrop for the fall view.

By Andrea Romano
 Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan