Best Fall Foliage Destinations to Add to Your Autumn Adventure List
Published by Allie Hochman
As temperatures start to cool down and the trees flourish with glorious shades of red, orange, and yellow, that can only mean one thing - fall is in the air. From scenic mountain roads and forested hiking trails to charming towns surrounded by peak foliage, fall is the perfect time to get outside and start exploring somewhere new. Whether you’re hitting the road for a dedicated leaf-peeping trip or looking for a weekend escape closer to home, these fall foliage destinations offer countless ways to experience the essence of fall at its most beautiful.
Your Guide to Leaf-Peeping and Fall Foliage in New England
It’s no secret that when it comes to fall foliage, New England is hard to beat. There’s nothing like seeing the mountains, forests, and small ski towns transform into a whimsical autumn landscape, creating the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, scenic drives, and exploring before the snow arrives.
Kancamangus Highway, New Hampshire
While New Hampshire’s Kancamangus Highway acts as the gateway to various ski destinations, during the fall months, this area is known for showcasing picturesque foliage, as the elevation combined with the leaves, water, and crisp air work in unison to create true magic. Trust us, you won’t want to forget your camera during this magnificent drive, especially during the first couple of weeks in October. Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer something short and sweet, like the three-mile loops at Champney Falls, there are options for adventurers of all levels.
While Loon Mountain isn’t yet ready for snow season, they welcome visitors to hop aboard the gondola for a scenic ride up the mountains, or strap in and swing through the trees on one of many ziplining courses for a whole new view of the peaks. Come early evening, you’ve got to make your way to the Pemigewasset Overlook for a sunset like no other. And with so many potential stops to make along the way, for activities like hiking, fishing, and so much more, many find themselves cozying up under the stars at one of many campsites.
Woodstock, Vermont
Vermont is full of charm all year round, and the fall months are certainly no exception. Come early October, the magical town is lined with red, orange, and gold leafy trees, serving as the perfect welcome to autumn. For the active, outdoorsy types, there’s nothing quite like taking in the panoramic views of the foliage through a hike up Mount Tom or Mount Peg, or exploring the numerous history-filled bridges. There’s no shortage of farmers' markets and festivals in Woodstock, making for the perfect combination of community, delicious local foods, live music, and so much more.
Animal lovers are encouraged to visit Billings Farm & Museum, home to cows, goats, pigs, chickens, and even a few horses. Plus, it's a great way to get a deeper look into local farm life, as the site has served as a Vermont staple for so many years. And with the water temperatures dropping, get ready to cast your line, because fall fishing is perhaps the best all year.
Boston, Massachusetts
While many cities are known for blocks of high-rise buildings, skyline views, and trendy restaurants, Boston checks these boxes, however, there’s so much scenery, history, and hidden secrets that make it the perfect fall escape. Nothing compares to a stroll through the Public Garden as the bright leafy trees line the serene park, guiding you towards activities like swan boats, bike rides, and endless walking tours.
To get in full fall mode, just outside the city, there are plenty of apple orchards, like Honey Pot Hill and Lookout Farm, where you can pick your perfect bunch, indulge in cider donuts, pick pumpkins, and make family memories to last a lifetime. If you’re craving some ocean air, there are numerous boat rides, which serve as excellent ways to see the city. Including a whale watch, as May through October is peak season to observe humpback, finback, and minke whales along the coast.
Where to Chase Fall Foliage Beyond New England
Adirondack Mountains, New York
With towering peaks, sparkling lakes, and miles of tree-lined trails, the Adirondacks offer endless ways to take in the magic of fall. Starting with the historic Adirondack Park, comprised of six million acres of protected land and adventures ranging from climbing Cascade Mountain to kayaking Moose River or simply strolling through the charming town of Lake Placid. Or, take a gondola ride up some of the epic ski terrain before the snow starts to fall for a whole new perspective of these mystical mountains.
The Adirondacks have no shortage of outdoor dining destinations for the whole family to enjoy, and for those looking to sample some local sips, there’s nothing like biking along the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail to visit the area’s finest vineyards and cider mills.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
When it comes to fall foliage, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a bit of everything. Sitting on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this iconic park truly shines as the fall colors move from higher elevations towards the valleys, making an ideal destination for scenic drives, hiking, and good old exploring on foot. For an unforgettable car ride with enough views to last a lifetime, head to the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road. This Tennessee valley is home to numerous historical sites, like charming cabins filled with endless stories, to stop at along the way.
On North Carolina’s side, you’ll find Cataloochee Valley, which is a must-visit site for peak foliage photography, given the multi-colored mountain ridges, rustic barns, and so much more. For the animal lovers, Autumn is the best time to admire the herds of elk in their natural habitat, as it’s peak breeding season. Just be sure to keep a safe distance, of course! To stay active, check out Cataloochee Valley’s various hiking trails, with options to take a relaxing stroll along the stream or conquer one of the challenging uphill trails.
Rocky Mountains, Colorado
One of the most magical places to spend a night under the stars is the Rocky Mountains, where dozens of campsites offer a front-row seat to Colorado’s breathtaking backdrop. Inside Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll find Timber Creek Campground, an extra special destination as its west side location makes it quieter than other sites, so visitors can truly disconnect and take in the beauty around them.
To make the most of the magnificent Colorado sunshine, you can never go wrong hitting some of the country’s most iconic ski mountains before snow season. Breckenridge, Vail, and plenty of other legendary resorts open their mountain terrain to hikers and bikers of all levels, even giving those looking for a more relaxing activity the opportunity to take a scenic lift ride and simply take in the views.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
For an autumn adventure that feels a bit more off the beaten path, Upper Peninsula, Michigan has just what you need to enjoy fresh air, lakeside activities, and a slower pace without the crowds or tourists. Visit Tahquamenon Falls to experience peak foliage, hike the terrain at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and for a deeper dive into the history and significance of the surrounding land, stop by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point.
There’s also plenty of beauty to take in from the road, too, starting with Michigan's most scenic byway, Brockway Mountain Drive, where you’ll catch a panoramic view of Lake Superior from above Copper Harbor. For a quintessential U.P. experience, be sure to make your way to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where you’ll have access to Lake Superior beaches, sandstone cliffs, and forested trails - ideal for kayaking, hiking, camping, and more.
Hudson Valley, New York
Commonly known for its rolling hills, mountain landscapes, and focus on farm-to-table dining, Hudson Valley makes for a magical fall getaway. From countless autumn harvest festivals to waterfall walks on a sunny day, there are endless ways to embrace the season’s colors, local culture, and sunny air in this New York gem. For the history buffs, you’ve got to check out the West Point Foundry trail, a 97-acre outdoor museum, allowing you to absorb a piece of history while embarking on a leisurely hike.
And what better way to end the day than relaxing at a local winery? Benmarl, which happens to be America’s oldest vineyard, lies on a 37-acre estate and is known for producing unique small-batch wines, all with their very own story to tell. Indulge in a wine tasting with friends, attend one of the Grape Stomping Festivals for an immersive experience, or even bring the little ones and take a family-friendly hayride through the property.