A cross-country journey through a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows awaits leaf-peepers this autumn. It's a magical time of year when the air turns crisp and a familiar landscape is reborn with fiery beauty, inviting us to slow down and witness nature's grand finale before the quiet of winter.
From the vibrant sugar maples of New England that set entire valleys ablaze to the golden aspens that shimmer like coins across the Rocky Mountains, each state offers a unique and breathtaking display of fall's artistry. The experience can be a winding scenic drive, or a hike through a rustling forest. This guide pinpoints the premier location in every US state to witness the spectacular transformation of the season, helping you plan the perfect adventure to capture the ephemeral beauty of fall.
Oak Mountain State Park: Just south of Birmingham, this expansive park offers a beautiful mix of hickory, oak, and maple trees that burst into color. The scenic drives and numerous hiking trails provide ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the warm hues of a southern autumn.
Denali National Park and Preserve: Witness a dramatic and early fall as the tundra turns into a sea of fiery reds and oranges against the backdrop of snow-dusted peaks. The park's vast landscapes offer an unparalleled and wild foliage experience, best viewed from the park road or on a brisk hike.
Oak Creek Canyon: Nestled between Sedona and Flagstaff, this stunning canyon is renowned for its vibrant display of red maples and golden oaks set against the dramatic red rock formations. A scenic drive along State Route 89A is the perfect way to take in the views.
Ozark National Forest: With its rolling hills and deep valleys, the Ozark National Forest is a prime destination for fall color. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers breathtaking vistas of a forest painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Eastern Sierra Nevada (Highway 395): This scenic byway is famous for its stunning groves of golden aspens. The brilliant yellow leaves create a striking contrast with the rugged granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada, offering picture-perfect landscapes at every turn.
Maroon Bells: Near Aspen, the iconic Maroon Bells are arguably the most photographed peaks in North America, and for good reason. In the fall, the surrounding aspen groves turn a brilliant gold, creating a truly unforgettable scene that reflects in the tranquil waters of Maroon Lake.
Litchfield Hills: This picturesque region in the northwestern corner of the state is a quintessential New England fall destination. A drive along Route 7 will take you through charming towns, past covered bridges, and alongside rolling hills ablaze with the colors of sugar maples and oaks.
Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway: Winding through the rolling hills of northern Delaware, this scenic drive is lined with historic estates and lush forests. In the fall, the landscape transforms with the vibrant colors of tulip poplars, oaks, and maples.
Torreya State Park: While Florida isn't known for its fall foliage, this park in the panhandle offers a rare glimpse of autumn color in the Sunshine State. The high bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River are home to a unique mix of hardwood trees that display shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: For a unique perspective on Georgia's fall foliage, take a ride on this historic railway. The train winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains cloaked in the brilliant hues of autumn.
Haleakalā National Park, Maui: While not traditional fall foliage, the high-altitude landscapes of Haleakalā offer a different kind of seasonal beauty. The native ʻāhinahina (silversword) plants and the changing colors of the volcanic terrain at sunrise and sunset create a stunning and otherworldly spectacle.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area: The jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the golden hues of the aspen groves that dot the landscape. A drive along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway or a hike to one of the many alpine lakes will reward you with breathtaking autumn scenery.
Starved Rock State Park: Located along the Illinois River, this park is famous for its canyons and seasonal waterfalls. In the fall, the surrounding forests of oak, hickory, and maple create a beautiful tapestry of color that contrasts with the sandstone cliffs.
Brown County State Park: Often referred to as the "Little Smokies," this park is Indiana's premier destination for fall foliage. The rolling hills and scenic viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of a landscape painted in rich tones of red, orange, and gold.
Pikes Peak State Park: Situated on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, this park offers some of the most spectacular fall views in the state. The trails along the clifftops provide stunning panoramas of the river valley and its brilliantly colored bluffs.
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway: Experience a different kind of fall beauty in the Flint Hills. The vast tallgrass prairies turn a rich golden-red hue in the autumn, creating a unique and serene landscape that is quintessentially Kansas.
Red River Gorge Geological Area: Located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, this rugged area is known for its natural stone arches and sandstone cliffs. In the fall, the surrounding forest erupts in a riot of color, making it a paradise for hikers and photographers.
Kisatchie National Forest: The best place to experience fall color in Louisiana is in the rolling hills of this national forest. The mix of hardwoods among the pines provides splashes of red, orange, and yellow, offering a subtle but beautiful southern autumn display.
Acadia National Park: This coastal gem offers a stunning combination of vibrant fall foliage and rugged ocean scenery. The views from atop Cadillac Mountain at sunrise are particularly breathtaking, with the colorful landscape stretching out to the sea.
Deep Creek Lake: In the mountains of Western Maryland, the area around Deep Creek Lake is a fall foliage hotspot. The brilliant colors of the surrounding forests reflect in the clear waters of the lake, creating a picture-perfect autumn scene.
The Berkshires: This scenic region in western Massachusetts is a classic New England fall destination. A drive along the Mohawk Trail will take you through picturesque towns and offer stunning views of the rolling hills covered in a vibrant quilt of autumn colors.
Upper Peninsula: The entire Upper Peninsula is a fall foliage paradise, but a drive along the shores of Lake Superior, particularly in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, offers some of the most spectacular and remote autumn scenery in the country.
North Shore Scenic Drive: This iconic drive along the coast of Lake Superior offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains. In the fall, the landscape is ablaze with the colors of aspen, birch, and maple trees.
Natchez Trace Parkway: This historic parkway offers a peaceful and scenic drive through a variety of landscapes. In the fall, the sections through northern Mississippi are particularly beautiful, with the hardwood forests displaying a lovely array of autumn hues.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways: The clear, spring-fed rivers of the Ozarks are even more beautiful when framed by the vibrant colors of fall. A float trip down the Current or Jacks Fork Rivers offers a unique and immersive way to experience the autumn foliage.
Glacier National Park: The golden larches of Glacier National Park offer a unique and stunning fall spectacle. These deciduous conifers turn a brilliant gold in the autumn, creating a striking contrast with the evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks.
Niobrara National Scenic River: The valley of the Niobrara River is a hidden gem for fall foliage in Nebraska. The mix of eastern and western tree species creates a diverse and colorful display along the riverbanks, best enjoyed on a canoeing or kayaking trip.
Great Basin National Park: The high-altitude groves of aspen in this remote national park turn a brilliant gold in the fall. The scenic drive up to Wheeler Peak offers stunning views of the colorful foliage against the backdrop of the rugged mountains.
Kancamagus Highway: This legendary scenic byway in the White Mountains is one of the most famous fall foliage drives in the world. The road winds through a pristine forest of maple, birch, and beech trees that create an unforgettable tunnel of color.
High Point State Park: As its name suggests, this park offers some of the highest and most expansive views in the state. From the top of High Point Monument, you can see a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape ablaze with the colors of fall.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway: This scenic loop in northern New Mexico circles Wheeler Peak, the state's highest point. The drive offers spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the golden aspen groves that cover their slopes.
Adirondack Mountains: The vast wilderness of the Adirondacks is a fall foliage paradise. A drive through the Keene Valley or a hike to one of the many scenic lookouts will reward you with breathtaking views of a landscape painted in every shade of red, orange, and yellow imaginable.
Blue Ridge Parkway: This world-renowned scenic drive offers some of the most spectacular and long-lasting fall foliage displays in the country. The varying elevations mean that the colors change over several weeks, providing ample opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in autumn.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: The badlands of North Dakota offer a unique and starkly beautiful backdrop for the colors of fall. The golden cottonwood trees along the Little Missouri River create a vibrant ribbon of color through the rugged landscape.
Hocking Hills State Park: This park is famous for its stunning gorges, cliffs, and waterfalls, which are even more beautiful when framed by the vibrant colors of fall. The hiking trails offer numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in the autumn scenery.
Talimena National Scenic Byway: This scenic drive winds through the Ouachita National Forest in southeastern Oklahoma, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the fall, the hardwood forests explode in a riot of color, making it one of the premier foliage destinations in the region.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: The waterfalls and dramatic cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge are even more stunning in the fall. The mix of evergreen and deciduous trees creates a beautiful contrast of colors, with the vine maples adding brilliant splashes of red and orange.
Pine Creek Gorge: Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania," this deep gorge offers spectacular views of the surrounding Allegheny National Forest. In the fall, the hillsides are covered in a vibrant tapestry of autumn colors.
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park: This historic area offers a lovely combination of natural beauty and industrial heritage. The walking and biking trails along the Blackstone River are lined with trees that display a beautiful array of fall colors.
Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway: This scenic drive in the upstate of South Carolina offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the fall, the rolling hills are covered in a mix of hardwoods that create a lovely and colorful landscape.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: Located in the Black Hills, this scenic drive is renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs and beautiful waterfalls. In the fall, the canyon is filled with the golden hues of birch and aspen trees, creating a truly magical scene.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: As one of the most biodiverse parks in the national park system, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a stunning and long-lasting display of fall color. The views from Clingmans Dome or a drive along the Cades Cove Loop Road are not to be missed.
Lost Maples State Natural Area: This park in the Texas Hill Country is home to a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples, which put on a spectacular display of red and orange in the fall. The park is a popular destination for hikers and leaf-peepers from across the state.
Scenic Byway 12: This All-American Road offers a stunning journey through some of Utah's most spectacular landscapes, including Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. In the fall, the golden aspens and cottonwoods create a beautiful contrast with the red rock formations.
Stowe: This charming Vermont town is the quintessential New England fall destination. A drive up the scenic Toll Road to the top of Mount Mansfield or a walk along the Stowe Recreation Path will surround you with some of the most vibrant fall colors you'll ever see.
Shenandoah National Park: The Skyline Drive, which runs the length of this national park, is one of the most iconic fall foliage drives in the country. The numerous overlooks offer breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains ablaze with autumn color.
North Cascades National Park: The larch trees in the North Cascades offer a spectacular and unique fall display. These deciduous conifers turn a brilliant gold in the autumn, creating a stunning contrast with the evergreen forests and rugged, snow-capped peaks. A hike to the Blue Lake or Cutthroat Pass trails is a must-do for larch seekers.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: The deep canyon of the New River is a stunning sight in any season, but it is particularly beautiful in the fall. The overlooks along the rim of the gorge offer breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding forests painted in the vibrant colors of autumn.
Door County: This picturesque peninsula on Lake Michigan is a popular fall getaway for good reason. The scenic coastal drives and charming towns are surrounded by a beautiful mix of hardwoods that create a stunning display of autumn color.
Grand Teton National Park: The golden aspens of Grand Teton National Park create a truly iconic autumn scene. The brilliant yellow leaves against the backdrop of the jagged Teton Range is a sight that will take your breath away. Oxbow Bend is a classic spot to capture the reflection of the mountains and foliage in the Snake River.
