Fall foliage is the beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves we see covering trees in the autumn months. These vibrant colors come about as the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down due to the changes in daylight and temperature. It’s considered peak season for fall foliage when 50 to 75% of trees in an area have turned a shade of red, orange, or yellow.
Peak fall foliage is truly a sight to see in many areas across the U.S. and makes for a lovely trip. Here are some of our top travel destinations to see fall foliage at its peak.
Cedarburg, Wisconsin
This destination will be showcasing peak foliage in early October. There are also a number of autumnal activities for you to enjoy while you visit. There is the Wine & Harvest Festival, the Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour, and Oktoberfest, where you can enjoy some fall fun.
Cedarburg also has a number of hiking trails that are great for getting the best view of fall foliage. Consider visiting the Ozaukee Interurban Trail or the trail at Pike Lake State Park when you visit.
Duluth, Minnesota
Prime time for seeing the fall foliage in Duluth generally runs from September 21st to the 28th . Duluth is packed with a variety of different ways to enjoy the foliage as well. They have a scenic train ride, a number of hiking paths, and a gondola ride to take in the sights.
Hood River, Oregon
Just one hour outside of Portland is Hood River, Oregon, where you can take in some of the most stunning fall foliage. This area is known for having a lot of scenic bikeways you can travel along to see the fall foliage. They also advertise agritourism, a way to check out a number of agricultural groups or activities. See what they have to offer and plan yourself a trip focused on the environment.
Leavenworth, Washington
If you are looking for an autumn adventure, then Leavenworth may be the perfect place for you. Leavenworth has a large number of hiking and mountain biking trails that are perfect for taking in the fall foliage of the area.
However, if you want somewhere to just sit and relax, Lake Wenatchee is a great option. You will even get the chance to see the foliage reflecting on the water to create even more beautiful scenery.
Wakefield, Massachusetts
Thirty minutes north of Boston you will find Wakefield, Massachusetts. The whole city celebrates the fall foliage they experience in this gorgeous area. Their local new stations even ask for submissions of fall foliage photos so they can share the beauty with the community. If you visit this town, be sure to share your pictures!
Aspen, Colorado
As a city named after a tree with glimmering gold leaves, it makes sense that Aspen, Colorado, would be a great destination to view fall foliage. Did you know that Maroon Bells is the most photographed mountain range in North America? If you visit Aspen, you will be able to take a trip to this legendary vista for a fantastic view of the fall leaves.
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
This gorge shoots straight through Pennsylvania’s Tioga State Forest and is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East Coast.” The area is known to become full of bright colors as the leaves change and the fall foliage reaches its peak.
There are a number of state parks you can hike, such as Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. If you would rather take in the views on a bike ride, there is the Pine Creek Rail Trail that goes straight through the canyon.
Chuckanut Drive, Washington
If you are visiting Seattle in the fall, you have got to make some time to do the Chuckanut Drive. Located on State Route 11, Chuckanut Drive is actually Washington’s first scenic byway. It is a winding road, lined with trees, making it a perfect destination to see fall foliage.
As you turn each corner, you will be introduced to new shades of leaves from vivid oranges and pastel yellows to some clinging vibrant greens. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this cozy drive through Washington’s fall foliage.
Stowe, Vermont
From early September through late October, Stowe, Vermont is lit up by the vibrant colors of their iconic fall foliage. Stowe is actually considered to be the number one travel destination for fall foliage.
There are a number of scenic routes you can drive along to get the best view of these bright trees. Stowe also offers guided tours through their local breweries as the warm fall foliage outside surrounds them. You can enjoy a beer and learn more about the city, all while taking in the sights nature has to offer.
National Parks
Visiting a national park is an excellent way to take in fall foliage in all of its glory. Not only will you get to experience the beauty of the leaves changing, but also national parks often have a variety of activities to keep you busy. You can plan a trip to one convenient location, with everything you want to do in one place.
From September to November, these are some of the best national parks to visit and experience fall foliage:
- Great Smoky National Park in North Carolina
- Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
- Arcadia National Park in Maine
- Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
- Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio
- Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
- Denali National Park in Alaska
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina
Explore These Top Travel Destinations for Fall Foliage Today
There is no better way to start the autumn season than to take in spectacular views of some beautiful fall foliage. There are many options listed above, but take some time to research where you live as well. You may be surprised by what you can find right in your own city.
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