Planning a fall vacation to go leaf-watching? When the air starts to chill and autumn arrives, nature celebrates with a last burst of color that turns the whole outdoors into a vibrant canvas of color in red, orange, yellow and gold.
If you have a passion for leaf-watching, fall is the perfect time of year for a getaway – and we’ve got the low-down on the best destinations. Our top picks for leaf-watchers around the country include:
New England: The Classic Autumn Wonderland
Who doesn’t think of New England when it comes to leaf-watching? The region offers some of the most iconic and breathtaking autumn leaf displays in the world. With its charming small towns, historic sites and remote landscapes, New England is a leaf-peeper’s paradise when you go to:
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Vermont: One of the top spots for leaf-watchers, Vermont offers miles of rolling hills, scenic byways and classic rural architecture set against a backdrop of fiery autumn leaves. Try Smuggler’s Notch for mountain views and Route 100 for valleys, farms and tons of quaint little towns.
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New Hampshire: The White Mountains in New Hampshire provide stunning views of fall foliage, especially along the famous Kancamagus Highway – or check out the famous Bretton Woods or Portsmouth for the perfect late-season vacation spots.
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Maine: Head to Acadia National Park to see the bright autumn hues reflecting off crystal-clear lakes and ocean views all at once. Bar Harbor, Camden and Kennebunkport are all great spots to vacation during the fall season.
The Great Smoky Mountains: A Southern Leaf-Watcher’s Dream
From Tennessee to North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for many things – including incredible displays of fall foliage that last for weeks because of the range of elevations involved. Along the way, you’ll find more than 100 species of native trees and a showcase of colors, including rich yellows, deep purples and scarlet reds at places like:
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Clingmans Dome: The highest peak in the Smokies offers panoramic views of the surrounding foliage. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles of wild forest!
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Cades Cove: Take in the views while driving, hiking or even biking around this historic cove, and stay in nearby Townsend for a peaceful and relaxing autumn getaway.
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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: This one-way loop near Gatlinburg takes you through dense forests, tons of trails and waterfalls where you can leaf-watch to your heart’s content!
The Adirondacks, New York: A Fall Lover’s Fantasy Land
The Adirondack Mountains are thrilling during any season – but six million acres of wilderness is especially compelling in the fall. If you want to lose yourself in the autumnal experience, try:
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Lake Placid: This charming town is surrounded by mountains that glow with autumn hues in the fall. From there you can try Whiteface Mountain for sweeping views of the Adirondack foliage.
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The High Peaks Scenic Byway: This scenic route takes you through some of the most colorful terrain in the area. It’s an ideal road trip for leaf-peeping, with plenty of spots to stop, shop, hike or walk.
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Saranac Lake: Looking for a place where people think outside the box and live life to the fullest? You’ll love leaf-watching in this community known for its uniqueness.
Blue Ridge Parkway: A Colorful Route Through Appalachia
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway runs from the Shenandoah National Park to Cherokee, North Carolina – both of which are fabulous fall destinations in their own right. Other premier destinations for leaf-watching along the way include:
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Blowing Rock, North Carolina: This is a beautiful little resort town with tons of upscale boutiques, restaurants and wellness retreats where you can happily watch the leaves turn colors in luxury.
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Roanoke, Virginia: If you’re a history buff or a mystery fan, you’ll love Roanoke – and you won’t regret going there for leaf-watching, either.
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Travelers Rest, South Carolina: This is one of the best spots in the state to watch the leaves change. If you’re headed that way, check out the Fall Bluegrass and Harvest Market while you’re there!
Upper Peninsula, Michigan: Wilderness, Waterfalls and Wild Colors
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) offers some of the most fabulous fall landscapes in the United States – and it’s a perfect retreat for folks who love nature but aren’t so fond of crowds. If you’re looking for a more remote fall experience, try:
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: This stretch of shoreline along Lake Superior is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs and vibrant autumn colors – and you can even go on fall leaf-watching tours.
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Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Known as “the Porkies,” this remote park offers 60,000 acres of forest that are bursting with fall color – and about 100 miles of trails that you can wander.
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Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Famous for its massive waterfall, the contrast between the golden and orange leaves in this ancient hardwood forest and the stone cliffs and rushing waters makes it one of Michigan’s most beautiful autumn destinations.
Indiana: Hidden Fall Gems in the Heart of the Midwest
If you want to stay closer to home right here in the Midwest, Indiana boasts a variety of fantastic fall foliage-watching spots that rival some of the more famous places around the country, including:
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Brown County State Park: Just an hour south of Indianapolis, this park is often called the “Little Smokies” due to its sweeping hills and dense forests where the trees turn shades of red, gold and orange every fall. If you like a challenge, try Trail 10 for some stunning fall views, and visit the nearby artist community in Nashville during your stay.
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Turkey Run State Park: This central Indiana gem is famous for its sandstone cliffs, canyons and old-growth forests with a mix of sugar maples, oaks and hickories that contribute to the riot of color in the fall. The nearby town of Rockville is also known for its culinary offerings, boutique shops, a winery and more.
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Hoosier National Forest: There are 204,000 acres of hills, trails and roads to explore – so, do we really need to say more? You can camp, get a cabin or find a nearby hotel with ease – or check out the famous French Lick Resort nearby for a luxury experience.|
Who says you must grieve summer’s end? If you’re fond of cooler weather and want to experience all the splendor of nature, autumn offers a lot more than pumpkin spice and cornfield mazes. Whether you’re drawn to iconic landscapes or small-town charms, any one of these destinations can be the trip of a lifetime for travelers in the fall.
