6 Places to See Fall Colors in the USA

Many people love the fall season thanks to trees putting on a spectacular show for the changing colors of leaves. Fall colors are stunning in destinations around the USA like Vermont, Colorado, and Maine, inspiring many people to travel to take in the view.

If you thought your traveling experiences finished with the summer, think again, the fall season brings unique leaf-peeping options, and now you have no excuse to plan your next trip. So if you are wondering where to witness the changing leaves this autumn, here are some of the most lovely places to glimpse fall foliage in the USA. And, to make your planning even more manageable, each area includes accommodation advice to ensure you have the best visit.

Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina

Many people enjoy the fall because of the chilly, crisp weather that starts the leaf-color display on Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, which lasts for several weeks. On Grandfather Mountain, the earliest fall foliage appears in mid-to-late September. Typically, early October marks the peak of the color approaching the top. Mid-October marks the peak for the park’s lower reaches. Through late October, there are glimpses of color in the lower valleys. Although the views from the hilltop are spectacular, you can also see the bear and elk habitats well. Wildflowers, plants, shrubbery, and mushrooms can be seen on the trails. Fall can be a busy season. Thus it is advised that you reserve your access and tickets in advance. Booking a luxurious condo at Chetola Resort or a charming cabin rental with spectacular mountain views can also help you to upgrade your experience.

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Utah

When autumn rolls around in Utah, one of the best drives is along Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. This picturesque byway is one of Utah’s most well-known mountain driving roads, and it spans 42 miles along state Route 150, passing close to popular tourist spots, including Salt Lake City and Park City. Compared to the vast majority of mountain ranges in North America, this one travels east to west rather than north to south. The road is usually available to regular traffic from around the middle of May to around the middle of October. While in the area, reserve a room at one of the numerous hotels or vacation rentals with breathtaking mountain views listed on VisitUtah.com.

Stowe, Vermont

If you want to witness the leaves change colors, the first week of October is the time to visit Vermont. Stowe, Vermont, is a beautiful hamlet that has gained national attention for its abundance of sugar maples in the fall. Stowe simplifies the entire autumn foliage experience, whether you’re hiking, biking, or driving (early September to late October). First, visit the Stowe Recreation Path on a crisp autumn day to take in breathtaking vistas of the river and mountains. Fall golfing in Stowe is a great way to enjoy the town’s natural splendor. Then, take the Gondola SkyRide to the peak of Mount Mansfield, where hiking trails lead to picturesque scenery, and enjoy the outdoors in style. In Stowe, book your stay at The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe a one-of-a-kind mountain resort with an Austrian-inspired design.

Mount Agamenticus, Maine

Mount Agamenticus, which spans over 10,000 acres in York, is a year-round destination for pleasure and beauty in “The Pine Tree State.” Autumn is the perfect moment of the year to visit Mount Agamenticus in Maine. The pathways on the mountain provide lots of opportunities to explore on foot or by bike, and the hemlocks, black gums, maples, and oaks are striking standouts in a spectacular forest coastline. Its diverse topography is home to various plant and wildlife species all year, and you may see the annual hawk migration in the fall. Furthermore, red-tails, Northern Goshawks, Peregrine falcons, and even eagles fly over Mount A on their route south. Book a water-view suite with Dockside Guest Quarters to round out your visit to Maine.

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

This Virginia park is one of the best places in the country for leaf peeping. Shenandoah National Park’s regular fall season lasts from September to October. Visitors come from all over to see what Shenandoah National Park offers when the leaves change from green to red, orange, and yellow.

You can go leaf peeping by driving, hiking, or even scheduling a guided horseback trip. If you choose to drive, Skyline Drive, a National Scenic Byway in Shenandoah National Park, is 105 miles long and offers spectacular views from 75 viewpoints. Are you looking to go hiking? The Old Rag circuit trail is a favorite site for leaf peeping because of the 360-degree views. While in the Shenandoah Valley, stay at the Joshua Wilton House, a bed and breakfast in Harrisonburg’s Old Town historic district. If you prefer a more private location for a large family vacation, consider renting a vacation home in Massanutten Resort.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride’s autumn colors begin around the middle of September, reach their peak the last week of September, and start to fade by the second week of October. Visit Bear Creek trail, a well-known hiking route, to see the aspen trees in all their autumn glory and take in the Colorado Rockies’ breathtaking scenery. And if you want to see everything from above, hop aboard the Telluride Gondola. In just 13 minutes, you may take in breathtaking panoramas of the San Juan Mountains and the brilliant fall foliage of the aspen trees. When planning to visit this beautiful town, you can start by booking your stay in the Telluride Lodge.