The air is getting chilly, folks are gathering around fire pits, and pumpkin-spice everything is back in stock. That can only mean one thing: Fall is here, and it’s time to go peep some leaves. If you’re looking for the best places to view fall foliage in the United States, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of 10 amazing destinations that will take your breath away with their autumn beauty.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is located on the coast of Maine and is known for its stunning fall foliage. The park is home to a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, and birches, that turn a beautiful array of colors in the fall. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking amid the colorful leaves.
Shenandoah National Park, Va.
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The park is home to more than 100 species of trees, including maples, oaks, and hickories. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding amid the colorful leaves. In addition to its scenic beauty, Shenandoah National Park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and foxes.
Peak fall foliage: mid-October
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn./N.C.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It spans the two states and is home to a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, birches, and tulip poplars. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, biking, and camping.
Peak fall foliage: late September through early November
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is home to a variety of trees, including aspens and pines. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, biking, and climbing. One of the best ways to experience the park is by driving Trail Ridge Road: This scenic route winds its way through the park, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys below. Along the way, there are several trailheads that lead to hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park on foot.
Peak fall foliage: late September through mid-October
Yellowstone National Park, Wyo./Mont./Idaho
Yellowstone National Park is located on the border of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and the park is home to a variety of trees, including lodgepole pines and quaking aspens. Visitors can also enjoy seeing wildlife, such as elk and bison.
Peak fall foliage: late September through mid-October
White Mountains, N.H.
The White Mountains are located in New Hampshire and is one of the best places in New England to see fall foliage. The region is home to a variety of trees, such as maples, oaks, and birches. Visitors can ride the historic cog railway, go hiking, biking, take scenic drives, and sample some of the region’s famous maple syrup.
Peak fall foliage: end of September through mid-October
Adirondacks, N.Y.
The Adirondacks are located in upstate New York and the region is home to maples, oaks, and birches. The cooler temperatures also make it a great time to enjoy some of the region’s famous breweries and wineries.
Peak fall foliage: mid-September to early October
Green Mountains, Vt.
The Green Mountains are located in Vermont and are home to a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, and birches. The area is home to a number of small towns, each with its own unique character.
Peak fall foliage: mid-September to early October
Pocono Mountains, Pa.
The Pocono Mountains are located in northeastern Pennsylvania and are home to a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, and birches. The region is also home to historic sites, including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Peak fall foliage: late September to early October
Berkshires, Mass.
The Berkshires are located in western Massachusetts and is home to a variety of trees, including maples and oaks. Other events and activities to enjoy include apple-picking, pumpkin-carving, hayrides, and corn mazes. There’s also great hiking in the area.
Peak fall foliage: late September through mid-October.