The Best Fall Foliage in the United States: 20 Scenic Spots to Visit

As summer transitions into fall, natural landscapes feature vibrant orange, red, and gold hues, creating breathtaking scenery across the United States. From coast to coast, countless destinations offer prime opportunities for leaf peeping—a cherished activity where travelers revel in the beauty of Fall foliage.

Whether you seek panoramic mountain vistas, serene lakeside retreats, or winding scenic drives, the United States boasts a collection of spectacular locations to witness the magic of fall. Join us on a journey through the top 20 places renowned for their stunning fall leaf displays, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park's rugged coastline and dense forests transform into a kaleidoscope of colors each fall. Drive the Park Loop Road for panoramic ocean views framed by fiery fall foliage, or hike up Cadillac Mountain for sweeping views of Mount Desert Island painted with autumn hues.

2. Green Mountain Byway, Vermont

Vermont's Green Mountain Byway, particularly Route 100, winds through quaint villages and rural landscapes adorned with sugar maples and oak trees. The charming towns of Stowe and Waterbury offer ideal settings for leaf peeping and sampling local maple syrup.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Known for its diversity of plant life, Great Smoky Mountains National Park bursts into a symphony of colors each fall. Drive the Newfound Gap Road or hike the Appalachian Trail for breathtaking views of mist-covered mountains blanketed in Fall foliage.

4. Aspen, Colorado

True to its name, Aspen, Colorado, dazzles visitors with golden aspen groves set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Take a scenic drive along Independence Pass or hike the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness for unparalleled views of shimmering fall colors.

5. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington

The Columbia River Gorge offers a dramatic landscape of cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and towering cliffs adorned with vibrant fall foliage. Explore scenic viewpoints along the Historic Columbia River Highway or hike the Multnomah Falls Loop Trail for stunning vistas of autumn beauty.

6. Door County, Wisconsin

Nestled along Lake Michigan, Door County transforms into a picturesque landscape of crimson maples and rustic farmland each fall. Drive the Door County Coastal Byway or embark on a wine-tasting tour amidst vineyards blanketed in golden hues.

7. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires in western Massachusetts are renowned for their charming towns, rolling hills, and vibrant fall foliage. Explore picturesque villages like Stockbridge and Lenox, or hike Mount Greylock for panoramic views of the Berkshire Hills bursting with autumn colors.

8.Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive offers 105 miles of scenic beauty, showcasing the Blue Ridge Mountains in a tapestry of red, yellow, and orange leaves. Stop at overlooks like Marys Rock or Old Rag Mountain for breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley with stunning fall foliage.

9. Lake Placid, New York

Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking fall leaf viewing. Take a scenic drive along the Olympic Byway or hike Whiteface Mountain for breathtaking vistas of mirror-like lakes and vibrant forests with autumn colors.

10. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

Connecticut's Litchfield Hills offers a tranquil retreat amidst rolling hills, historic villages, and winding country roads lined with maple and oak trees. Explore scenic drives like the Connecticut Route 7 or hike the trails of Macedonia Brook State Park for panoramic views of fall foliage.

11. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Ozark National Forest in northwest Arkansas boasts rugged terrain, scenic rivers, and dense forests beaming with fall colors. Drive the Pig Trail Scenic Byway or hike the Ozark Highlands Trail for breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains decorated in gold, red, and orange foliage.

12. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park offers a dramatic landscape of alpine meadows, towering peaks, and shimmering aspen groves in fall. Drive the Trail Ridge Road or hike to Dream Lake for panoramic views of the Rockies washed in golden autumnal hues.

13. North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota

Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive follows the rugged coastline of Lake Superior, offering stunning views of maple and birch forests with autumn shades. Explore state parks like Gooseberry Falls or hike the Superior Hiking Trail for dazzling vistas of the world's largest freshwater lake framed by vibrant foliage.

14. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park's jagged peaks and pristine lakes provide a stunning backdrop for fall leaf viewing. Drive the Teton Park Road or hike the Cascade Canyon Trail for unparalleled views of the Teton Range adorned in golden aspens and cottonwoods.

15. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering 469 miles of scenic beauty and vibrant fall foliage. Drive through tunnels of trees featuring reds and yellows, or stop at overlooks like Craggy Gardens or Mount Pisgah for sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in autumn splendor.

16. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Surrounded by rolling hills and crystal-clear waters, Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri offers a picturesque setting for fall leaf viewing. Take a scenic drive along the Lake of the Ozarks Scenic Highway or hike Ha Ha Tonka State Park for stunning views of oak and hickory forests.

17. White Mountains, New Hampshire

New Hampshire's White Mountains boast rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests. Drive the Kancamagus Highway or hike Mount Washington for spectacular views of the Presidential Range enveloped in red, orange, and gold foliage.

18. Mammoth Lakes, California

Nestled in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Mammoth Lakes offers a captivating contrast of lakes and towering peaks framed by golden aspen groves in fall. Drive the June Lake Loop or hike the Mammoth Crest Trail for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada filled with autumnal hues.

19. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada boasts ancient bristlecone pines, rugged desert peaks, and alpine lakes set against a backdrop of vibrant fall foliage. Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive or hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail for breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak and the Great Basin ablaze with autumn colors.

20. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park's pristine wilderness and towering glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop for fall leaf viewing. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road or hike the Highline Trail for sweeping views of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests adorned in hues of gold, red, and orange.

Plan Your Next Adventure

From Maine's rugged coastlines to Montana's towering peaks, the United States offers a remarkable assortment of landscapes to experience the magic of fall foliage. Whether you prefer scenic drives, leisurely hikes, or exploring quaint towns nestled amidst autumn colors, each destination on this list promises a memorable and enchanting experience. As you plan your fall leaf-viewing adventure, consider the unique charms and natural beauty of the locations on this list, where nature's vibrant palette transforms ordinary landscapes into extraordinary vistas. Embrace the crisp air, the rustling of leaves underfoot, and the breathtaking beauty of autumn—a season that invites us to pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature.