As summer wanes and the days grow shorter, a magical transformation sweeps across the United States. Leaves, once lush and green, transition into a breathtaking display of color. No matter where you wander in the US this fall, there’s a colorful adventure waiting to be discovered.
If you dream of classic autumn scenery, head north to New England. You’ll be greeted by postcard-worthy vistas of colorful forests, charming towns adorned with pumpkins and hay bales, and crisp air that begs for a scenic hike or a relaxing drive. But the beauty isn’t limited to the Northeast. The Great Smoky Mountains in the South or the breathtaking aspen groves of Colorado will leave you equally breathless with their own unique displays of fall magic.
The peak season for fall foliage varies by region, offering extended opportunities to witness this natural spectacle. Even better, it’s also a great time to find amazing deals and less crowds.
If you’re planning a fall vacation, consider these 15 best states featuring breathtaking fall foliage, charming towns, and unique seasonal activities.
➡️FIND BUDGET-FRIENDLY FALL FOLIAGE TOURS IN THE WORLD
#1 Vermont
Don’t miss: The Vermont Maple Festival and the Shelburne Museum.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October
Vermont’s fall foliage season is the longest in the United States, starting in early September and ending around late October. The fall colors are celebrated with the popular Plymouth Cheese & Harvest Festival and Fine Wine & Food festivals. Enjoy an unforgettable autumn getaway that provides ample opportunities to savor Vermont’s famous maple products, fish in the local waters, and enjoy a round of golf in the lush greens. You can also experience Vermont as part of a New England Fall Foliage tour.
#2 New Hampshire
Don’t miss: The Mount Washington Cog Railway and Franconia Notch State Park.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October.
New Hampshire‘s White Mountains offer some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country. The Kancamagus Highway, stretching for 34.5 miles, is a renowned scenic route that offers unparalleled views of the vibrant foliage. North Conway and Lincoln provide a perfect base for exploring the area’s natural beauty, with options for hiking, biking, and even taking a scenic train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad.
#3 Maine
Don’t miss: The Fryeburg Fair and the Maine Fall Foliage Festival.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October.
Besides being famous for its delicious lobster and iconic lighthouses, Maine is also home to stunning nature. A hidden gem of New England, the state’s Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful coastal parks in the world. By September the summers crowds will have all but faded out, leaving the roadways clear. If you love fall foliage, then October is the perfect month for leaf peeping among the many new orange and yellow colors. Try a 3-day tour of Maine from New York City that includes many of the state’s top attractions.
#4 Massachusetts
Don’t miss: The Salem Witch Museum and the Norman Rockwell Museum.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October.
Massachusetts is a paradise for outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and canoeing, especially with the backdrop of the beautiful fall colors. The fall foliage along the roads leading to Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and the popular Mohawk and Jacob’s Ladder Trails display rare hues of the fall colors. The scenic countryside and pretty villages rich with history and culture, makes it one of the best autumn vacation getaways. Even if you only have a weekend to spend here, you can still enjoy a tour package to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.
#5 Colorado
Don’t miss: The Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Maroon Bells.
Best time to visit: Late September to early October.
Colorado‘s Rocky Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for fall foliage. Aspen trees turn a brilliant gold, creating a stunning contrast with the evergreens and rugged peaks. Aspen, Telluride, and the San Juan Skyway are popular destinations for experiencing the state’s vibrant fall colors. The clear, crisp mountain air enhances the autumn experience.
#6 New York
Don’t miss: The Finger Lakes Wine Festival and the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October.
The fall colors of maple, oak, and birch transform the landscape of this already charming city, making it more appealing. The historic towns of upstate New York light with alluring shades, the Hudson Valley adorned with vibrant colors, and the celebration of autumn with harvest festivals and pick-your-own fruit events, autumn in New York is certainly not be missed. But even if your vacation goes no further than the city, you can experience plenty of beautiful fall colors. Be sure take a walk through Central Park during its most beautiful time of year.
#7 Virginia
Don’t miss: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Luray Caverns.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October.
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is a prime spot for fall foliage. The Skyline Drive offers 105 miles of scenic views, perfect for a leisurely drive through the autumn landscape. History buffs will enjoy visiting Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate, which are surrounded by beautiful fall colors.
#8 Michigan
Don’t miss: The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Mackinac Island.
Best time to visit: Late September to early October.
Michigan‘s Upper Peninsula is known for its stunning fall colors and numerous outdoor activities. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a highlight, offering picturesque waterfalls surrounded by vibrant foliage. The charming town of Marquette and the Porcupine Mountains provide additional scenic views and recreational opportunities.
#9 North Carolina
Don’t miss: The Biltmore Estate and the Nantahala National Forest.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October.
North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are a top destination for fall foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides stunning vistas and access to numerous hiking trails. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border with Tennessee, offers some of the most beautiful fall scenery in the Southeast. Asheville is an excellent base, known for its vibrant arts scene and craft breweries.
#10 Oregon
Don’t miss: The Hood River Fruit Loop and the Silver Falls State Park.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October.
Oregon’s fall season is marked by diverse landscapes and stunning scenery. The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its waterfalls and colorful trees. The Willamette Valley is known for its vineyards and quaint towns, making it perfect for a leisurely fall getaway. Crater Lake National Park offers breathtaking vistas and serene autumn scenes, ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
#11 Washington
Don’t miss: The North Cascades Highway and Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October.
While much of the state is beautiful in autumn, Washington’s Olympic National Park is perhaps the most stunning place to visit during this season. The huge maple trees explode in a bright array of fall colors. It’s also a great time to glimpse elk bugling away at all hours. Even better, Olympic National Park is just a short distance from Seattle. Enjoy a 4-day tour from Seattle that includes this breathtaking park and also visits some of the states top highlights including Mount Rainier, Leavenworth and Snoqualmie Falls.
#12 Tennessee
Don’t miss: The Dollywood Harvest Festival and the scenic drives through Cades Cove.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October.
One of the best kept secrets of the East Coast, Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains is another fall foliage hot spot outside of New England. Late September is the start of fall season here as the colors steadily descend from the highest peaks down throughout the park. Peak season for foliage is usually about mid-October to early November.
If you’re traveling with family make sure to head to the Cataloochee Valley or the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to spot elk grazing in their natural habitat. Or, hop in a classic hayride for a leisurely excursion through the fall landscape. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a great way to experience a panoramic view and discover the full breadth of this majestic national park.
#13 Pennsylvania
Don’t miss: The Gettysburg National Military Park and the scenic drives through Lancaster County.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October.
Pennsylvania offers a diverse fall experience with its historic sites and scenic countryside. The Pocono Mountains are a top destination, known for their vibrant foliage and outdoor activities. Lancaster County provides a glimpse into Amish culture amid beautiful autumn scenery. Philadelphia and Gettysburg also offer historical attractions framed by fall colors.
#14 Wisconsin
Don’t miss: The Great River Road and the scenic drives through the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October.
Wisconsin‘s Door County is a premier destination for fall foliage, with its picturesque lighthouses and charming villages. The state is also home to numerous state parks that offer beautiful autumn scenery, such as Devil’s Lake State Park. The Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River, provides stunning views of the fall colors.
#15 Minnesota
Don’t miss: The scenic drives through Itasca State Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Best time to visit: Late September to early October.
Minnesota’s North Shore, along Lake Superior, is a top destination for fall foliage, with its rugged cliffs and vibrant forests. The state is also home to numerous lakes and parks that offer beautiful autumn scenery, such as Itasca State Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Minneapolis and St. Paul provide urban escapes with vibrant fall colors in their many parks and green spaces.
For more amazing fall experiences around the world, read: Best Fall Foliage in the World.
FAQs about Fall Vacation in the United States
Q: What are the best states to visit for fall foliage?
Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Colorado are renowned for their stunning fall foliage, offering vibrant displays of red, orange, and gold.
Q: Which states have the longest fall season?
Vermont and New Hampshire are known for having some of the longest fall seasons in the United States, thanks to their diverse landscapes and favorable climate conditions.
Q: Are there any states with fall weather year-round?
While no state has fall weather year-round, places like Washington and Oregon may experience cooler temperatures for longer periods, creating a prolonged fall-like atmosphere.
Q: When is the best time to visit these states for fall foliage?
Late September to mid-October is generally the best time to experience peak fall foliage in these states. However, exact timing can vary slightly depending on weather conditions each year.
Q. What are some popular activities to do during the fall season in these states?
Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along famous routes like the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire or the San Juan Skyway in Colorado. Outdoor activities such as hiking, apple picking, and attending local fall festivals are also popular.
Q: Where can I find the best fall festivals in the US?
States like Vermont, Maine, and North Carolina host numerous fall festivals celebrating everything from apple cider to pumpkin carving. Cities such as Asheville, NC, and Stowe, VT, are particularly known for their lively fall events.
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