These Are the Most Stunning Places to See Fall Foliage Across the U.S.

Peak Season: late September through mid-to-late October

Is there ever a bad season in New England? The region, filled with rom-com-worthy small towns, is especially serene in the fall when red, orange, and yellow trees adorn the illustrious Monument Mountain. The historic highlands are a premier destination for hiking, scenic drives, and, of course, leaf peeping.

Peak Season: mid-October through early November

Nestled between California and Washington State, the Columbia River Gorge combines forest and beach landscapes, making for one of the most unique locations on our list. A mystical fog wafts through the 80-mile river canyon as iconic bigleaf maple trees frame Multnomah and Horsetail Falls. Even more, the Hood River Fruit Loop offers a 35-mile scenic drive sure to stun even the most devoted indoorsman.

Peak Season: the third week of October

The “Jewel of the Maine Coast” combines mountain and harbor views in a breathtaking landscape. Here, vibrant autumn hues shine against the rich, dark blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean as you hike up Mount Battie’s 800-foot peak. If you’d rather relax and take in the sweeping sights, hop on the Snow Bowl chairlift for a bird’s-eye view of the rolling landscape.

Peak Season: late September through mid-October

Another New England escape is Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest. It’s a favorite for winter sports, but Vermont’s autumn can be just as charming. Spanning about 400,000 acres, the region is widely regarded as a hiker’s dream, with an abundance of trails of varying difficulties, each boasting stunning foliage.

Peak Season: late September through the first two weeks of October

North Conway is known for its outdoor recreation scene. The White Mountains village is famous for its hiking trails to Diana's Baths, a natural showcase of small waterfalls and prime foliage drives. While those routes are sure to please, the best way to take in the fall colors is a trip on the scenic railroad, where a vintage train meanders through historic stations and mountain notches under the gold-and-rust tree canopy.

Peak Season: late September through the first two weeks of October

Encompassing much of upstate New York, the Adirondacks are a must-see for foliage seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. There are tons of spots across the range to take in the gorgeous gradients, but very few match the vibrancy of Lake Placid. Visitors can take in the sights driving or biking along the five-mile-long Whiteface Mountain Veterans' Memorial Highway, or hop on the Cloudsplitter Gondola for an even better view of the leaves and mountain peak.

Peak Season: mid-to-late October through early November

Sugar maples and river birch make up some 5,000 trees in Roger Williams Park, a premier spot for urban leaf peeping. With over 400 acres, the historic park offers winding paths for folks to walk or bike along and is home to a series of lakes. If you’re feeling especially reflective, a Japanese garden also awaits.

Peak Season: last week of October through the first week of November

It can be hard to come by fall foliage in the Southwest, but thanks to the elevation of the Guadalupe Mountains, Texans can still enjoy the joys of changing foliage. The trails at Guadalupe tend to hit capacity most weekends, so planning is essential if you want to catch the autumn leaves. According to locals, the best views require a longer, more difficult hike to “The Notch,” where you can peer down into South McKittrick Canyon’s abundance of trees.

Peak Season: mid-September through early November

Rumored to have the most stunning displays of fall foliage in the American West, Bishop Creek Canyon’s North Lake is famous for reflecting bold gold and orange aspens along the water’s edge. If you’d rather not walk, a drive along the South Fork offers picturesque sights of high-elevation aspen groves.

Peak Season: late September through mid-October

Great Basin is filled with trails, but you’ll want to consider two if you’re hoping for prime leaf peeping. The Lehman Creek Trail takes hikers on a six-mile trip straight through aspen groves that turn golden at their fall peak, while Baker Creek Loop trades miles for stunning lake views with a three-mile trek along placid lakes reflecting the autumn colors.

Peak Season: mid-October through early November

Nestled between Georgia and Tennessee is arguably the prettiest spot in the Blue Ridge range to catch the foliage. The warmer temperatures to the south mean you’ll hike in a milder climate without losing the vibrancy of autumn’s changing leaves. While there is no shortage of trails or byways for taking in the views, if you’re searching for the perfect spot, look no further than Hogpen Gap. Already the highest point on the route, this stop is also a crossing point on the Appalachian Trail. Even more, Hogpen offers the best view of Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia’s range.

Peak Season: early October through early November

Tennessee also shares the Smoky Mountains with North Carolina, where the fall foliage is regarded as some of the best in the country. Prime viewing sites include Newfound Gap Road, which bisects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and connects Cherokee, North Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Uphill, Cades Cove is surrounded by towering mountains and doubles as a great spot to take in local wildlife. If you’re game for a more intense hike, Kuwohi is a must-visit spot. Clocking in at 6,643 feet, Kuwohi is the highest peak in the Smokies and offers stunning 360-degree views.

Peak Season: late September through the first week of October

The Porcupine Mountains might not be one of the most well-known spots for prime leaf peeping, but it’s certainly one of the dreamiest. The range is home to “Lake of the Clouds.” When the alpine lake is viewed from above, low-rolling fog makes it seem as if clouds are rolling over the water’s surface. In the fall, the dramatic valley and rocky-faced ridges are surrounded by bright rust, yellow, and orange leaves.

Peak Season: mid- to late October through early November.

With over 16,000 acres of changing trees, there’s no shortage of gorgeous views in Brown County State Park. For those traveling on foot, you’ll want to check out Aynes Loop, which offers roughly four miles of trail through the park’s dense hardwood forests. For those planning on a scenic drive, Indiana’s State Road 46 is ripe with scenic views and hilltop pull-offs.