8 Highly Recommended Spots For Viewing Fall Foliage In The United States

When summer fades and autumn arrives, nature puts on one of its greatest shows. Leaves transform from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating landscapes that look almost magical.

Across America, certain places become absolute must-see destinations during fall, offering views that will make your jaw drop and your camera work overtime. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a full vacation, these eight spots promise unforgettable autumn memories.

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Picture this: fiery red maples meeting the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Acadia delivers that exact combo, making it a photographer’s dream come true.

Cadillac Mountain offers sunrise views that’ll have you forgetting how early you woke up. The park’s 27 miles of historic carriage roads wind through forests ablaze with color, perfect for biking or leisurely walks.

Peak season hits mid-October when the whole park looks like it’s on fire (the good kind, obviously).

2. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

If road trips were superheroes, the Kancamagus Highway would be the Avengers. This 34-mile stretch through the White Mountains doesn’t have a single stoplight or gas station, just pure, uninterrupted autumn glory.

Multiple overlooks let you pull over and soak in views that belong on postcards. Late September through early October transforms the route into a kaleidoscope of colors.

Pack snacks beforehand since services are nonexistent along this wilderness corridor.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina And Virginia

America’s favorite drive stretches 469 miles of pure scenic bliss. However, you don’t need to tackle the whole thing to experience fall magic here.

Milepost 364 near Graveyard Fields offers hiking trails through autumn wonderlands. The parkway’s high elevation means cooler temps start the color change earlier than surrounding areas, typically peaking mid-October.

Though crowds gather at popular overlooks, countless pullouts offer equally stunning views with way fewer people.

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee And North Carolina

Where else can you see fall colors at different stages all at once? The Smokies’ varying elevations create a six-week color show from mid-September through early November.

Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap Road provide epic mountain vistas. Cades Cove’s loop road lets you spot wildlife among golden fields and forests.

Just saying, this park attracts millions annually, so weekday visits beat weekend chaos every time.

5. Smugglers Notch And Mount Mansfield, Stowe, Vermont

Vermont practically invented fall foliage tourism, and Stowe is where that magic happens strongest. Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak, becomes a patchwork quilt of reds, oranges, and golds come late September.

Smugglers Notch’s narrow, winding road closes in winter but offers jaw-dropping autumn drives. Charming downtown Stowe adds covered bridges and classic New England vibes to your leaf-peeping adventure.

Did you know? Stowe inspired the song “White Christmas.”

6. Maroon Bells, Colorado

How does Colorado do fall? With golden aspen groves that shimmer like treasure beneath snow-dusted peaks. The Maroon Bells, two of Colorado’s most photographed mountains, become absolutely legendary in late September.

Maroon Lake’s mirror-like surface doubles the beauty by reflecting those iconic peaks. A shuttle bus system protects this fragile area during peak season while ensuring everyone gets their Instagram moment.

Arrive early because parking fills faster than concert tickets.

7. Letchworth State Park, New York

They call it the Grand Canyon of the East, and autumn proves why that nickname fits. Three major waterfalls thunder through a gorge surrounded by forests that explode with color each October.

Over 66 miles of hiking trails wind through this 14,000-acre wonderland. Middle Falls offers the most dramatic photo ops, especially when framed by fiery maples and oaks.

Though Western New York seems off the beaten path, Letchworth rivals any New England destination.

8. Peninsula State Park, Door County, Wisconsin

Midwest fall colors deserve way more hype than they get. Peninsula State Park sits on a thumb of land jutting into Lake Michigan, offering 3,776 acres of autumn perfection.

Eagle Bluff provides 180-degree views of Green Bay waters framed by blazing maples and birches. Skyline Road winds through the park’s most colorful sections, peaking around early October.

If leaf-peeping makes you hungry, nearby Fish Creek serves legendary Door County cherry pie year-round.