17 Road Trip Destinations for the Best Fall Foliage in the USA
Article originally published by Jacob Fu on Local Adventurer
The fall season is upon us and we couldn’t be more excited. Forget the PSLs! People living in big cities have easy access to some of the countries most beautiful fall foliage. Besides the obvious like New England or Blue Ridge Parkway, here’s a list of lesser known fall destinations that deserve a visit this season.
1. PORTLAND, OREGON
Portland’s beautifully lush landscape is easily rivaled by the colors of autumn. Not only do you get to enjoy the sites, but many of the city’s top restaurants feature the fall harvest. You can also take a short drive out to the Columbia River Gorge to admire waterfalls amongst the fiery colors.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
2. BOARDMAN, OREGON
One of the best spots for fall colors is the Boardman Tree Farm. It’s about 2.5 hours away from Portland, but there is plenty to see in the Columbia River Gorge along the way.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
3. LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style town just over 2 hours from Seattle. It’s a great place to visit in the fall because it’s one of the best locations in the state to catch the foliage. Head to Lake Wenatchee to see the bright yellow trees reflected in the water and enjoy the colors of the Cascade Mountains.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
4. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA
The most popular viewing spot here is Skyline Drive, which gives you 105 miles of scenic byways to see the brilliant colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They also hold an annual Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival where you can pick from 11 different rides to enjoy the views.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
5. MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this island in Lake Huron is the perfect spot for you. It’s filled with Victorian architecture and because no cars are allowed on the island, you are literally forced to slow down. The resort on the island is also a National Historic Landmark.
Local Tip: If you can’t make it to the island, you should try to check out Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. If you visit late September/early October, you’re sure to find beautifully vibrant reds, oranges, and gold. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a great place to explore and there are a ton of waterfalls here too.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
6. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, TENNESSEE
The Great Smoky Mountains has one of the longest fall foliage seasons. They can appear as early as mid-September and can run all the way to mid-November, although October is the best time to visit. You get the whole range of colors in the park since there are over 100 species of trees, and the Blue Ridge Parkway puts them on the map for one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Local Tip: Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the state and a great place to see an endless ocean of color.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
7. DENVER, COLORADO
You have a bunch of different options to see fall foliage in the Denver area. The resort towns outside of the city will start to see the color first before it heads into the city.
Local Tip: For a truly magnificent showing, head to Rocky Mountain National Park where you can see the golden canopies of the quaking aspens.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
8. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE
The beautiful hues of autumn can be found in Acadia National Park contrasted by the deep blue sea. Head up to Cadillac Mountain for the area’s best overview or hike along one of the many trails to explore.
Local Tip: If you have extra time, you can make the 3 hour drive over to Portland, Maine as well. Bradbury Mountain is a popular spot for foliage, and you can get your fill of lobster and lighthouses.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
9. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
NYC may come as an odd choice for fall foliage, but Central Park completely transforms. Whether you want to head up to the Top of the Rock for an aerial view, hunt down Central Park secrets, or enjoy a nice dinner at one of the restaurants nearby, you should absolutely make time for it if you find yourself in the city.
Local Tip: Don't limit yourself to the southern side of the park. It's the busiest and more touristy area. Head north to explore deeper into the park and find a quiet spot for yourself.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
10. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Fall is actually a slower time for visitors in Salt Lake City, which means you’ll find lower prices and fewer people in the area. Head to the Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons to see the fall foliage or enjoy the fall festivals, like the Utah State Fair.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
11. CLAYTON, GEORGIA
Clayton is a small town in the foothills of Black Rock Mountain. Not only can you enjoy the autumn colors of the Appalachian Mountains, you can also white-water down the Chattanooga River for a unique vantage point.
Image courtesy of The City of Clayton, GA
12. MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
Head to the twin cities for double the action in Fall. Locals are out and about soaking in the last of the great weather before winter hits and there are a ton of ways to enjoy the outdoors while taking in the fall colors. Two of the most popular races happen in the fall: the Minneapolis Bike Tour, which offers multiple routes, and the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, which is one of the prettiest urban marathons.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
13. LENOX, MASSACHUSETTS
Picture lakes, farms, meadows, and mountains as the backdrop to the brilliant colors of fall. The Berkshires attracts leaf peepers from all over each year. Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway is one of the more popular stretches of road to drive.
Image courtesy of Federal House Inn / Corey A. Edwards
14. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Visit a city steeped in history and education. The local campuses are filled with students, and Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum is one of the best spots in the city to enjoy the foliage.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
15. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Anchorage is one of the few Alaska towns that doesn’t close up shop at the end of summer. Early fall means the prices have lowered, the cruise-ship tourists have disappeared, and there is still plenty of beauty to enjoy. Take the Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna for the best fall foliage and you may even spot a moose through the thinning trees. While at night, you could get lucky enough to spot the northern lights.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
16. TAOS, NEW MEXICO
Taos is a popular spot for artists, which you’ll see through the many galleries in town. As you stroll through the artwork, you’ll notice that the fall season is one of the most popular subjects. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loop takes you through some of the most spectacular fall foliage you’ll find in the southwest. Aspens are the main attraction here, but keep an eye out for eagles, elk, and black bears too.
Image coutesy of Tripping.com
17. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
This park has a wide variety of deciduous trees, which makes it a great spot to visit between mid-September to mid-October. Among all the trees, the park is famous for its deciduous pine, which turns bright yellow before all the needles fall. Drive along the scenic roads or hop onto one of the trails near Lake McDonald.
Local Tip: Know before you go. If you plan on doing some hiking, be prepared. There are a lot of wild animals and you should know what to expect.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
1. PORTLAND, OREGON
Portland’s beautifully lush landscape is easily rivaled by the colors of autumn. Not only do you get to enjoy the sites, but many of the city’s top restaurants feature the fall harvest. You can also take a short drive out to the Columbia River Gorge to admire waterfalls amongst the fiery colors.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
2. BOARDMAN, OREGON
One of the best spots for fall colors is the Boardman Tree Farm. It’s about 2.5 hours away from Portland, but there is plenty to see in the Columbia River Gorge along the way.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
3. LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style town just over 2 hours from Seattle. It’s a great place to visit in the fall because it’s one of the best locations in the state to catch the foliage. Head to Lake Wenatchee to see the bright yellow trees reflected in the water and enjoy the colors of the Cascade Mountains.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
4. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA
The most popular viewing spot here is Skyline Drive, which gives you 105 miles of scenic byways to see the brilliant colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They also hold an annual Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival where you can pick from 11 different rides to enjoy the views.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
5. MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this island in Lake Huron is the perfect spot for you. It’s filled with Victorian architecture and because no cars are allowed on the island, you are literally forced to slow down. The resort on the island is also a National Historic Landmark.
Local Tip: If you can’t make it to the island, you should try to check out Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. If you visit late September/early October, you’re sure to find beautifully vibrant reds, oranges, and gold. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a great place to explore and there are a ton of waterfalls here too.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
6. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, TENNESSEE
The Great Smoky Mountains has one of the longest fall foliage seasons. They can appear as early as mid-September and can run all the way to mid-November, although October is the best time to visit. You get the whole range of colors in the park since there are over 100 species of trees, and the Blue Ridge Parkway puts them on the map for one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Local Tip: Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the state and a great place to see an endless ocean of color.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
7. DENVER, COLORADO
You have a bunch of different options to see fall foliage in the Denver area. The resort towns outside of the city will start to see the color first before it heads into the city.
Local Tip: For a truly magnificent showing, head to Rocky Mountain National Park where you can see the golden canopies of the quaking aspens.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
8. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE
The beautiful hues of autumn can be found in Acadia National Park contrasted by the deep blue sea. Head up to Cadillac Mountain for the area’s best overview or hike along one of the many trails to explore.
Local Tip: If you have extra time, you can make the 3 hour drive over to Portland, Maine as well. Bradbury Mountain is a popular spot for foliage, and you can get your fill of lobster and lighthouses.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
9. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
NYC may come as an odd choice for fall foliage, but Central Park completely transforms. Whether you want to head up to the Top of the Rock for an aerial view, hunt down Central Park secrets, or enjoy a nice dinner at one of the restaurants nearby, you should absolutely make time for it if you find yourself in the city.
Local Tip: Don't limit yourself to the southern side of the park. It's the busiest and more touristy area. Head north to explore deeper into the park and find a quiet spot for yourself.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
10. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Fall is actually a slower time for visitors in Salt Lake City, which means you’ll find lower prices and fewer people in the area. Head to the Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons to see the fall foliage or enjoy the fall festivals, like the Utah State Fair.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
11. CLAYTON, GEORGIA
Clayton is a small town in the foothills of Black Rock Mountain. Not only can you enjoy the autumn colors of the Appalachian Mountains, you can also white-water down the Chattanooga River for a unique vantage point.
Image courtesy of The City of Clayton, GA
12. MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
Head to the twin cities for double the action in Fall. Locals are out and about soaking in the last of the great weather before winter hits and there are a ton of ways to enjoy the outdoors while taking in the fall colors. Two of the most popular races happen in the fall: the Minneapolis Bike Tour, which offers multiple routes, and the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, which is one of the prettiest urban marathons.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
13. LENOX, MASSACHUSETTS
Picture lakes, farms, meadows, and mountains as the backdrop to the brilliant colors of fall. The Berkshires attracts leaf peepers from all over each year. Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway is one of the more popular stretches of road to drive.
Image courtesy of Federal House Inn / Corey A. Edwards
14. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Visit a city steeped in history and education. The local campuses are filled with students, and Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum is one of the best spots in the city to enjoy the foliage.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
15. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Anchorage is one of the few Alaska towns that doesn’t close up shop at the end of summer. Early fall means the prices have lowered, the cruise-ship tourists have disappeared, and there is still plenty of beauty to enjoy. Take the Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna for the best fall foliage and you may even spot a moose through the thinning trees. While at night, you could get lucky enough to spot the northern lights.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
16. TAOS, NEW MEXICO
Taos is a popular spot for artists, which you’ll see through the many galleries in town. As you stroll through the artwork, you’ll notice that the fall season is one of the most popular subjects. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loop takes you through some of the most spectacular fall foliage you’ll find in the southwest. Aspens are the main attraction here, but keep an eye out for eagles, elk, and black bears too.
Image coutesy of Tripping.com
17. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
This park has a wide variety of deciduous trees, which makes it a great spot to visit between mid-September to mid-October. Among all the trees, the park is famous for its deciduous pine, which turns bright yellow before all the needles fall. Drive along the scenic roads or hop onto one of the trails near Lake McDonald.
Local Tip: Know before you go. If you plan on doing some hiking, be prepared. There are a lot of wild animals and you should know what to expect.
Image courtesy of Jacob Fu / Local Adventurer
