In the US, the fall season is a time of change. As the summer heat fades, bright reds, golds and oranges cover the country. The best time for people who love nature and travel to see the most beautiful places in the country is in the fall. From the high mountains of New England to the rolling hills of the Midwest, the U.S. has some of the most beautiful fall leaves in the world. These places promise beautiful fall scenery and fun things to do, whether you’re going for a weekend or a longer trip.
Vermont
People think of Vermont when they see fall leaves. The state’s charming little towns, covered bridges and maple trees make it a great place for people who like to look at leaves. In the fall, Route 100, which is also called the “Skier’s Highway,” becomes a path of bright red and gold colors. People like to go to Stowe and Woodstock to see the leaves while they drink coffee or shop for local crafts.
New Hampshire
The fall leaves in New Hampshire are some of the prettiest in the country. People like the White Mountains area a lot because it has a mix of rough mountains and green valleys. You have to drive on the Kancamagus Highway because it is so beautiful. It has beautiful views of colorful trees and rivers that sparkle.
Michigan
You might not think of Michigan as a place to see fall leaves, but its mix of Great Lakes views and thick forests makes for beautiful autumn views. The Upper Peninsula and the areas around Traverse City have some of the most colorful displays, especially from late September to early October.
Colorado
The high-altitude views in Colorado make for beautiful fall leaves. Aspen groves are famous for their golden leaves, which stand out against the rough mountain peaks. People say that in the fall, Maroon Bells near Aspen is one of the most photographed places in the country.
North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous scenic drives in the US. Fall is the best time to go. The Parkway is 469 miles long and has a lot of views, hiking trails and cute little towns along the way. Asheville is a center for culture, art and getting to the mountains.
New York
New York is just the Big Apple in the fall. The Hudson Valley, Catskills and Adirondacks have some of the most beautiful drives through fall leaves in the Northeast. A perfect fall experience includes mountains, rivers and old villages all at the same time.
Massachusetts
If you like fall, Massachusetts is a great place to visit. Visitors can see beautiful leaves, old towns and nice inns on the inland routes from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. The Mohawk Trail is a very popular scenic road in the western part of the state.
Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another great place to see leaves change color in the fall. The park’s different heights keep the leaves on the trees longer, so it’s a great place to visit in the early or late fall. You can easily get to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge from the park and other attractions in the area.
Oregon
People often think of Oregon as a great place to visit on the coast, but the state also has beautiful fall leaves. The Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains are home to a mix of deciduous trees that turn bright colors in the fall. Portland is a great place to start your exploration of the city and the nearby forests.
Washington
Washington State has a unique fall foliage experience because it has a mix of forests, mountains and the ocean. The Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Yakima Valley are all great places to see bright fall colors. The state also has a lot of farmers’ markets and fall festivals.
Here are some things to remember when planning a trip to see the fall leaves:
It depends on where you are and how high up you are when the leaves change color. Before you make plans, look at local foliage trackers.
- Scenic Drives: You can see a lot of the best fall colors from your car. Make sure your routes have a lot of places where you can stop and take pictures.
- Food from the area: The tastes of fall are everywhere. Enjoy seasonal treats like pumpkin spice goodies and apple cider.
- Reservations: Make them as soon as possible, especially in places with a lot of fall leaves, since this is a busy time of year for travel.
- Hiking and other things to do: Check out the trails, waterfalls and rivers to make the most of the season.
You can see fall leaves in the US in a lot of different ways. There is a place for every traveler, from the beautiful scenery of New England to the rough Rocky Mountains and the Midwest and Pacific Northwest’s hidden gems. These are the best places in the U.S. to see fall colors, whether you like to take pictures, hike or just enjoy the bright colors of fall. Bring your camera, plan your scenic drives and enjoy the beauty of fall as the country changes into a rainbow of colors.