All photos used with permission.

We have picked out 27 of the top rated travel destinations all over the US for pristine fall foliage, and included the peak weeks of foliage so you know the ideal timeframe to head out there. This fall, take advantage of the natural beauty of the outdoors. It is worth going out of your way to see the magnificent fall colors!

Best Destinations To See Fall Foliage

Photo credit: GoBreck / Liam Doran

Breckenridge, Colorado

At nearly 10,000 ft of elevation, Breckenridge is one of the first towns in Colorado to show off fall colors. Due to the town’s high elevation, the area's splendid groves of aspen trees begin their annual transformation to brilliant gold earlier than other parts of the country. Come for Breckenridge’s fall colors, and stay for one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the Rocky Mountains!

Considered one of the premier fall drives in the country, Boreas Pass was originally a narrow-gauge railroad that was converted into a road in 1952. With views of the Blue River Valley and Tenmile range, drivers will see unparalleled displays and tunnels of golden aspens.

Peak foliage in Breckenridge

Early to mid-September

Photo credit: Delaney Van

Lost Maples State Park, Texas

Lost Maples is an autumn oasis in the Texas hill country east of San Antonio. The maple trees turn reliably red, orange and yellow from the last week in October through the first two weeks of November. The best places for pictures in Lost Maples is along the trail where the East and West trails merge which tends to have the most fall colors and is a short hike perfect for all skill levels.

Peak foliage in Lost Maples

Late October to Early November

Photo credit: Sean Oblizalo

Aspen, Colorado

Experience autumn at 8000ft in the sky, in the autumn capital of Colorado! A year-round favorite destination, Aspen is already stunning with its wild and rugged mountainous landscape. Now add the supreme beauty of a golden wave of aaspens turning yellow together! Aspens have a slight, delicate beauty that leaves you silent and awestruck as you wander among them. Postcard perfect views of snowcapped ridges, clear blue skies, and vividly golden aspen trees are waiting for you in Aspen, CO!

Peak foliage in Aspen

Late September to Early October

Photo credit: Visit Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

There are numerous spots to enjoy the supreme colors in Winston-Salem in the fall, including Old Salem, Reynolda Mile, and Yadkin Valley. Winston-Salem is a spectacular backdrop for leaf peeping with the added bonus of a historical district and award-winning vineyards.

Fun Fact: The colors last about two week longer in Winston-Salem than anywhere else in the Carolina’s due to their location/nestled in between the mountains.

Peak foliage in Winston-Salem

Early October to Early November

Photo credit: Visit Sevierville

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

You can’t beat the Great Smoky Mountains National Park come autumn time. The much-beloved landscape lights up as reds, oranges, and yellows spread over the rolling mountains like wildfire. A naturally lush and green place most of the year, the Smokies take fall foliage to another level. Driving the highways of the national park will be a treat and a stroll down Gatlinburg’s old-time downtown in the fall makes for an amazing autumn trip!

Peak foliage in the Smokies

Mid October to Early November

Photo credit: Woodstock Inn & Resort

Woodstock, Vermont

Vibrant fall hues, fresh air, wide open spaces, and outdoor activities make Woodstock, Vermont the ideal autumn destination. The area’s variety of pursuits and vibrant foliage appeal to many travelers seeking outdoor activities, couples looking for a romantic getaway, and city dwellers seeking an escape. The Harvest Celebration at the Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock showcases a variety of 19th century harvest activities and demonstrations that you’ll surely enjoy.

Peak foliage in Woodstock

Mid-September through mid-October.

Photo credit: Ryan Salm

North Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada)

Lake Tahoe is famed for its outdoor beauty and recreational access, and its potential for leaf peeping can be added to its list of attributes. Try a drive up Blackwood Canyon on the west shore for views of granite peaks and majestic pines. Bike along the Truckee River Trail for a riverside fall foliage experience, or take a hike around Spooner Lake for a beautiful two-mile loop among colorful aspens, cottonwoods and mountain ash trees. 

Peak foliage in North Lake Tahoe

Mid to Late October

Photo credit: Delaney Van

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, a popular North Carolina town, is home to one of the longest fall color seasons in the nation. The area’s highest elevations begin to turn colors in the last week of September and its lower elevations change colors through the end of November. Enjoy the fall season in the city at the North Carolina Arboretum and the Biltmore Estate or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway for panoramic views, hikes, and waterfalls.

Peak Foliage in Asheville

Late September to Late November

Photo credit: White Mountains Attractions

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains are another year-round favorite, known for their fantastic hiking and other outdoor recreation, but the other seasons can check themselves at the door once it is leaf-peeping season! Visitors come from all over the country and world to experience the bright colors of foliage in the White Mountains. New Hampshire turns into a wonderland come September!

Peak foliage in the White Mountains

Late September to Mid October

Photo credit: Brantley Ussery

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville is ideally located near Shenandoah National Park, where you can drive both the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning fall foliage. Charlottesville makes a terrific autumn destination for its mountainous panorama, historic sites like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, top-notch wineries, and a vibrant historic downtown.

Peak foliage in Charlottesville

Mid to Late October

Photo credit: Maura BIelinski

Flagstaff, Arizona

If you want to see autumn in the Southwest, set your sights on northern Arizona. The town of Flagstaff was made for autumn. Residents stroll around with steaming coffees and flannels, savoring the crisp, dry mountain air.  Mt. Humphrey, towering over Flagstaff, lights up with color, and enormous aspen forests turn golden.

Peak foliage in Flagstaff

Early to Late October

Photo credit: Smyth County Tourism Association

Smyth County, Virginia

Smyth County, Virginia, sits prettily in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. A popular destination amongst fly fisherman and biking enthusiasts, Smyth County is also home to beautiful woodlands, lakes, parks, and scenic vistas. You will fall in love with some of the country’s best fall foliage here!

Peak foliage in Smyth County

Early October

Photo credit: Mark & Kristen Morgan

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe claims national recognition for being one of the most popular and beloved sites for leaf-peeping. Over the years, tourism has built around this popularity, and now there are wineries, tours, gondolas, and more every year to accommodate leaf-peepers. Take a drive along Route 100 to feast your eyes on the heaven-sent splash of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Peak foliage in Stowe

Early October

Photo credit: Maura Bielinski

New River Gorge, West Virginia

West Virginia is not to be left behind in the run for the best fall colors in the country! The New River Gorge is jaw-dropping during peak foliage. The New River flows rapidly far below, its valley sides lined by lusciously-colored forest. Make sure to stop at the famous New River Gorge Bridge, and try the 3-mile Long Point Trail for stunning views.

Peak foliage in New River Gorge

Late October

Photo credit: Alisha McDarris

Door County, Wisconsin

For outdoor lovers, look no further than fall in Door County, Wisconsin. The slow-paced area contains five state parks, the famous Jens Jenson Road to Skyline Road to Door County Coastal Byway drive, and quaint small towns. With cooler nights in the fall, outdoor lovers can camp, hike, and visit local breweries and wineries, all while taking in the breathtaking fall colors.

Peak foliage in Door County

Late September to mid-October

Photo credit: Adirondacks USA/ the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism

Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondacks is a 6-million acre park in northern New York hosting forests of deciduous and coniferous trees. Maples produce vibrant reds, birches showcase yellow gold leaves, and beeches turn deep orange. This vast area of New York is home to the tallest mountains and some of the most beautiful wild locations in the entire state!

Peak foliage in the Adirondacks

Late September

Photo credit: Carol Guttery

Eastern Sierras, California

California's Highway 395 sits atop the tall spine of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Thick forests spill down steep canyon sides before thinning out on the dry desert floor, and in the fall, you will not regret witnessing the area burst into color.

Peak foliage in Eastern Sierras

Mid September to Mid October

Photo credit: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Located 90 minutes north of busy Atlanta off Interstate-575, Blue Ridge, Georgia, is the perfect place to escape city life and indulge in quiet countryside. Scenic views on the Benton MacKaye Trail, which spans nearly 300 miles through the Appalachian Mountains. Considered the Trout Capital of Georgia, visitors can fish, kayak, and boat, all while taking in the views of fall foliage.

Peak foliage in Blue Ridge

Mid to Late October

Photo credit: Ogden Gigli

Berkshires, Western Massachusetts

The famous Berkshires are located just a few hours from NYC and Boston, boasting numerous cultural attractions, quaint New England towns, lush natural landscapes, and unique year-round recreational activities. The area prizes its longstanding farm-to-table cuisine that has always been a part of the local food culture, way before “Berkshires” was a national buzzword.

Peak foliage in Berkshires

Late September to Early October

Photo credit: Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau

Seattle, Washington

Fall is a great time to enjoy the vibing city of Seattle, with its crisp, clean air and fresh harbor views. Getting outside of the city, the highways wind through breathtaking mountains aflame with fall foliage. The best time to see fall colors in Seattle is early to mid October. From Seattle, you can jump to Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, or cute little towns like Leavensworth, where they celebrate Oktoberfest in this Bavarian-themed village! You could also experience a quieter Pacific Northwestern fall by taking a ferry out to an island such as  Bainbridge Island.

Peak foliage in Seattle (& Surrounding Areas)

Early to Mid October

Photo credit: Lazar Gintchin

Lake City, Colorado

Colorado is well-known for hosting the best fall leaves in the USA, and you can’t go wrong with putting Lake City at the top of your list. Lake City’s crowning jewel, Uncompahgre Peak, towers at 14,308 feet and is the sixth highest mountain in the state. During the fall, the mountain shows off its splendor of golden aspen trees.

Peak foliage in Lake City

Early October

Photo credit: Shannon Shipman

Lake Placid, New York

For leaf-peepers looking to be immersed in nature, Lake Placid offers a variety of popular outdoor recreation possibilities such as hiking, biking and fishing. Or, simply enjoy the expansive views that make Lake Placid the perfect fall getaway.

Peak foliage in Lake Placid

Mid to Late September

Photo credit: Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce

Ellijay, Georgia

Northern Georgia makes it easy to escape into the wilderness. Ellijay is a supreme autumn destination, fondly heralded as “Georgia’s Apple Capital.” Join the Georgia Apple Festival held each year in October, and enjoy a visit to a you-pick apple orchard!

Peak foliage in Ellijay

Late October to Early November

Photo credit: Courtesy of Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau and Travel Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Don’t underestimate autumn in the Midwest! This area is thickly wooded among rolling hills, lakes, and meadows. The tree colors turn insanely vibrant for a brilliant week, then quickly drop away, making those precious days very special. Wisconsin Dells is also the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” so now you have two reasons to check this place out!

Peak foliage in Wisconsin Dells

Mid October

Photo credit: James Morden on Unsplash

Brasstown Bald, Georgia

Mother Nature does the world a favor when autumn foliage arrives in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Driving to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point of elevation, will be the scenic drive of your life. People from the region flock to this area to witness the unobstructed views of Brasstown Bald fall colors.

Peak foliage in Brasstown Bald

Mid to Late October

Photo credit: Mark & Kristen Morgan

Letchworth State Park, New York

An immaculate fall getaway awaits you in this popular park located in upstate New York. Letchworth also has won the Number One State Park in America from USA TODAY, so adding fall foliage into the equation makes this park a standout! The waterfalls and beautiful terrain glow under the influence of deep reds, bright oranges, and brilliant yellows come fall time! 

Peak foliage in Letchworth State Park

Mid to Late October

Photo credit: Niagara Falls USA

Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls, New York

Located just 90 minutes from Letchworth State Park and 10 minutes away from Niagara Falls, Whirlpool State Park offers recreation options for all skill levels and unmatched views of the Niagara Gorge. There are sensational multi-use recreational trails to experience some of the best fall colors in the US. 

Peak foliage in Whirlpool State Park

End of October

Photo credit: Lars Gesing Fine Art Nature Images

Boreas Pass, Colorado

A top-notch scenic drive and Colorado fall foliage destination, Boreas Pass was originally a narrow-gauge railroad that was converted into a road in 1952. With views of the Blue River Valley and Tenmile range, you will see unparalleled displays and tunnels of golden aspens as you drive this awe-striking highway.

Peak Foliage at Boreas Pass

Early to Mid September

Photo credit: Visit Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine

The East Coast is undoubtedly home to some of the country’s best fall foliage, and if you are willing to make a trip to the distant shores of Maine, you will never forget it. Bar Harbor is a charming seaside town that lights up in the fall. The wonderful sea air, rustic local charm, and radiant foliage in nearby Acadia National Park sets Bar Harbor apart from the rest.

Peak Foliage in Bar Harbor

Late September to Early October

Photo credit:  Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Ozark Mountains, Arkansas

Northwestern Arkansas will take you by surprise in the autumn with its glorious fall foliage. The Ozarks are lush with rivers, valleys, and forests that offer a beautiful getaway into Nature, and the fall is the perfect time of year to experience it!

Peak Foliage in the Ozarks

Late October

Photo credit: Michael Hawkins

Taos, New Mexico

If you are looking for an autumntime getaway destination in the Southwest, Taos can provide a wonderful experience. It is a historic, diverting town with great outdoors access and unique Southwestern flair. Drive the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway for a gorgeous leaf-peeping road trip, and enjoy the Sangre de Cristo mountains at their best! 

Peak Foliage in Taos

Early to Mid October

Enjoy! Peak weeks of fall foliage varies every year so be sure to double check your destination’s prime foliage time as the time of your trip approaches! Enjoy your leaf peeping this year!