11 Best Places in the USA to see Fall Foliage

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Are you looking for a spot here in the U.S. to travel and enjoy the fall colors?

The northeastern and midwest regions of the country are packed with fall colors you will remember for a lifetime.

These 11 best places in the U.S. to see fall foliage will knock your socks off.

Be sure to take along your camera while you visit these amazing spots.

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

Maine is known for its stunning foliage.

Bar Harbor becomes a tourist hotspot in mid-October as the leaves takes on their peak color.

Go for a kayak ride, spend some time whale watching, or simply take a stroll through the shops downtown to make the most of your trip here while enjoying the beautiful view and salty sea air.

While in town don’t forget to try some of the best seafood in the states.

2. The Catskill Mountains, New York

The stunning sights here are well worth the travel time.

Go for a hike or simply a scenic drive to enjoy this spot. T

ravel through the towns along the Catskill mountains to enjoy great food, shopping, and entertainment as you make your way through to enjoy their views.

For those that love fall colors, this is a must visit hot spot.

3. Huntington, New York

New Your is really a fall color hot spot.

Swing by Huntington and visit the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve with over 1,600 acres of land and 27 scenic trails you are bound to find stunning fall views worth visiting for.

Maple, hickory, and dogwood trees are predominant helping to add a variety to the colors you will see.

4. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

If you are a fan of fall camping you should book a spot in the Ozark National Forest to take advantage of the studding fall foliage.

The breathtaking sights span far and wide in the 1.2 million-acre national forest.

Even if camping is not your thing you can stay at a local hotel and head in for hiking, kayaking, and other great outdoor activities while you enjoy the view. 

Be sure to take your camera along to capture the view.

5. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe in Vermont

Stowe, Vermont is perhaps one of the best-known places to visit and explore fall colors at their best. 

This picture-worthy town is stunning and full of color in all directions from September to mid-October. 

The chilly weather is the perfect backdrop to a ride down the toll road with a hot coffee or cocoa, brave the wilderness to explore the hiking trails available, and take in the view of the town from a distance for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

READ MORE: 10 Incredibly Romantic getaways in Vermont with jacuzzi

6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Want to see a beautiful waterfall surrounded by fall leaves?

Columbia River Gorge is an amazing view you don’t want to miss with popping fall colors and over 50 waterfalls to explore as you hike the many trails offered.

The fall leaves take hold in a rainbow of color from October to November allowing you to enjoy the views even a bit late in the season.

READ MORE: 9 Best Small Towns in Oregon to visit

7. Maryland’s Eastern Shoreline

The eastern shoreline of Maryland offers many amazing views of the fall colors.

Stop by the Chesapeake Bay to enjoy fresh seafood, take a hike around Elk Neck State Park, and simply take a cruise down the shoreline for breathtaking fall colors and ocean views.

Swing by during peak season from mid to late October.

The historical sites in the area are well worth a visit while the leaves are in full glory.

8. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

Cruise along the Kancamagus Highway with more than 34 miles of brightly colorful wooded forest.

This fall drive is worth going out of your way for. Stop in the park for fun activities like hiking and rock climbing or stop at a nearby city for shopping and great food while you enjoy the stunning art only nature can create.

This area peaks in early October making it perfect for enjoying before the weather turns too cold.

9. The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The stunning views along these mountains are sure to take your breath away.

Take route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack in late September to mid-October to make the most of this view.

These gently winding roads here are perfect for a road trip visit and if you are simply passing through the area you won’t regret taking a moment to look around.

Stop in the local towns for shopping, food, and entertainment to make the most of your fall foliage viewing trip.

10. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Located at the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the prettiest places to see in the US during the fall.

Due to the difference in elevation, the fall colors can be seen around the Smoky Mountains during several weeks.

It starts in September in the higher regions and then reaches mid-range areas such as Blue Ridge Parkway by mid-october.

If you are planning on visiting a bit later, you’ll be pleased to know that you can still enjoy the fall colors until the beginning of November.

The Smoky Mountains are home to many species of tree including sugar maples, sweetgum, scarlet oaks and red maples. All of these have beautiful and big leaves which makes the foliage even prettier!

Things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains during the fall: 

  • Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. It takes place at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge during the month of October. It’s a must-do for everyone who loves both Dolly Parton and fall activities.
  • Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Gatlinburg is another cute town to visit during the fall. In October, they organise a great craft fair. You’ll find beautiful pieces of art as well live music.
  • Hiking in the Smoky Mountains. To truly enjoy the fall colors, the best thing you can do is to go hiking. The best trails to see the fall foliage are Gregory Bald (11.6 miles), Andrews Bald (3.5 miles), Alum Cave (4.4 miles) and Mt Cammerer (11.9 miles).

11. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

This stunning fall view is one that will make memories that last a lifetime.

With beautiful and memorable views of Lake Superior in full fall splendor, this location is a great spot to visit on a chilly fall day.

Bring your hiking boots to explore the fall canopy and beautiful waterfalls for a day to remember.

This favorite location of rock collectors and photographers should be on any fall foliage hunters list.

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