Where to Experience the Best Fall Foliage in the USA — and When to Go!

Grab your cozy scarves and cameras, it’s time to go leaf peeping! The best fall foliage in the USA is spread all around the United States – from California to New England… though New England is definitely best known for the beautiful changing colors of autumn.

This US Fall Foliage guide will reveal what we use to figure out the best time to see fall foliage across the country and provide a list of where to find amazing fall foliage scenery too – it’s definitely one of the best things to do in September/October.

Depending on the location and the types of trees, the brightly colored leaves of fall can make an appearance any time between August and November. The more north you go the earlier in the season you need plan to make your way outside.

To make sure you see the beautiful fall foliage at its peak, I highly recommend using a fall foliage map. Over at O. Christine, we’ve been using one for years for photography and road trip planning during the fall (it’s free!)

The below map is from SmokyMountains.com and has been used as a “predictive fall foliage map for nearly a decade”. Just toggle the slider below the map to see where the leaves change according to each autumn week.

Is the fall foliage map accurate? SmokyMountains.com says, “we are quite confident in our data sources, process, and algorithm. Our experience combined with a scheduled mid-season update has us especially confident about this year’s predictions.”

For 2025, SmokyMountains.com reports color changes in:

● Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes (mid-October)
● Mid-South and central US (late October)
● Deep South, Southern Plains, and Florida (early to mid-November)

Wondering where to find the best states to enjoy nature’s changing colors so you can plan amazing fall vacations in the US?

Whether you’re looking for small towns or beautiful mountain ranges, here are 17 states that offer amazing autumn views and some of the best fall foliage in the USA (and our top suggestions for where to go in each state.)

1. New England States

When thinking of the best fall foliage in the USA, New England is undoubtedly the first place that comes to mind. Typically, this region’s peak leaf peeping time is from mid-September to mid-October (northern New England peaks early October).

Leaf Peeping in Vermont

Undoubtedly, one of the best fall vacations in the US is a getaway to Vermont. This state is widely known as the most beautiful place to go leaf peeping in the USA. Stowe, the Green Mountain Byway, and Manchester are just a few of the best spots to go for fall foliage in Vermont.

You could also pair a Vermont leaf peeping adventure with an epic trip to Burlington and bike the Greenway along Lake Champlain—you won’t regret it!

Leaf peeping in New Hampshire

Right next door to Vermont is the lovely state of New Hampshire. While Vermont is more well-known for its autumn leaves, New Hampshire is no less stunning. Check out Kancamagus Highway and White Mountain National Forest.

Leaf peeping in Massachusetts

Of all of the spots to see fall foliage in Massachusetts, the Berkshires is definitely the most popular. While there, drive the Mohawk Trail, hike part of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and take loads of pictures!

Leaf peeping in Maine

There are so many great ways to experience Maine during autumn; its size alone encompasses half of New England! Head over to Acadia National Park early October for near-peak fall foliage, or plan a fall foliage road trip in Western Maine along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway loop.

Leaf peeping in Connecticut

If you’re planning a fall trip to Connecticut, you won’t be disappointed. In addition to numerous fall festivals, you’ll also get to see loads of autumn leaves!

The small town of Litchfield Hills is where you can get the best leaf peeping experience in the state.

Leaf peeping in Rhode Island

I don’t know about you, but I think fall leaves are particularly beautiful when they’re contrasted with a body of water. Luckily, one of the best places to see fall foliage in Rhode Island is in the Blackstone River Valley!

While there, you can admire both the fire-colored leaves and the flowing Blackstone River.

2. New York

The ideal time to see fall foliage in New York is mid-October. And this robust state has quite a few noteworthy, leaf-filled spots to check out.

First, there’s the Catskills, where you can hike, bike, drive, train, or zipline your way through the autumn leaves. If you’d prefer to hang out in Northern New York, you can hike the many trails of the Adirondack Mountains.

Then, there’s Letchworth State Park in the west, where the beauty of the fall foliage is combined with a handful of magnificent waterfalls, hot air balloons, and beautiful autumn hikes.

3. Virginia

Some of the best fall foliage in the USA is in Virginia – or more specifically, Shenandoah National Park.

While you can certainly hike or bike your way through the leaves, the most popular way to see this brightly colored phenomenon is by driving the 105-mile Skyline Drive. Stop at the caverns along the way for a unique activity—Luray is an O. Christine favorite!

4. North Carolina

Like Skyline Drive, one of the most well-known fall road trips in the USA is Blue Ridge Parkway. This road also reaches its peak fall foliage in the middle of October.

The Blue Ridge Parkway actually winds its way from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and all the way into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

In other words, you’ll get to experience the autumn beauty of two national parks in one drive!

If you’d prefer a small-town fall experience, you won’t regret a trip to Asheville, North Carolina. Even without the red, orange, and yellow leaves, the charm of Asheville will draw you in. But the fiery leaves of fall just make this small town even more magical.

5. Tennessee

Nature knows no borders, so it is no surprise that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t just in North Carolina. It’s also in Tennessee!

While the famous Blue Ridge Parkway ends in North Carolina, there are other ways to experience the fall foliage in Tennessee, like the Foothills Parkway scenic drive.

The peak fall foliage in Tennessee takes place from the middle to the end of October. To catch a glimpse of it, I recommend hiking one of the many trails in the area, such as the Sugarland Mountain Trail or the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail.

6. California

Since California is such a large state, it only makes sense that fall sticks around a little longer there, depending on the reason.

Peak leaf peeping season in California runs from the middle of October to the beginning of November! The best fall foliage spot in the state is definitely the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

7. Washington

While most people think of New England as the center of fall foliage, the Pacific Northwest is surprisingly breathtaking as well, thanks to its lush greenery.

Washington specifically boasts many fall foliage spots, including Mount Rainier, Leavenworth, and Olympic Peninsula. These all reach their peak in the middle of October. 

8. Oregon

Speaking of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is definitely one of the best places to experience fall in the USA. While there are stunning spots all throughout the state, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area may be the most incredible.

With both fall leaves and cascading waterfalls, the landscape looks like it was plucked right out of a fairytale!

9. Missouri

While the Ozark National Forest grows in four states, the majority of it is in Missouri. That means Missouri can claim one of the best fall foliage spots in the USA! Its peak takes place in the middle of October.

At that time, you can drive along the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop or hike to the Hawksbill Crag to see all of the fall colors.

10. Michigan

Nestled amongst the Great Lakes, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is definitely one of the places where you can see the best fall foliage in the USA. Its peak takes place earlier in the season, as it occurs at the end of September.

While a scenic hike in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will definitely fulfill your autumn wanderlust, the most incredible thing to do is drive through the famous Tree Tunnel!

11. New Mexico

Last but certainly not least, there’s New Mexico. This state flaunts its fall colors from the middle of October to the middle of November, though you might see patches of changing colors earlier, as a surrounding backdrop for Albuquerque’s hot air balloon festival.

To see the best of New Mexico’s bright colors in action, head to Carson National Forest or Santa Fe National Forest.

12. Colorado

The state of Colorado is an epic destination year-round for outdoor scenery (from winter activities to summer adventures), and autumn is no different.

Visit Aspen, the San Juan Mountains, Maroon Bells, or Rock Mountain National Park for not only some of the best hikes in the world, but amazing destinations for fall foliage!

Which destinations do you think have the Best Fall Foliage in the USA?

Of course, there are a few other places that boast some of the best fall vacations in the USA. Glacier National Park in Montana and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming are just a few other noteworthy fall foliage spots.

Which US fall vacation destination would you choose? Regardless, you’re bound to have a fantastic time during fall in the USA!

Enjoy!

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