Best Fall Vacations: Places to Visit in the Fall for Stunning Foliage
When the fall season arrives, the air cools, leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and small towns and picturesque drive across the country transform into a traveler’s dream. For anyone looking for the best fall vacations, the United States offers countless destinations filled with vibrant fall foliage, charming festivals, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you want to take a leisurely scenic drive or hike through a national park, this guide covers some of the best places to enjoy an unforgettable fall getaway.
Vermont – Classic Autumn Beauty
No list of the best fall foliage spots would be complete without Vermont. Known for its fiery maples and charming villages, Vermont is the perfect place to visit if you love crisp mornings, cozy cafés, and small-town charm.
Perfect Place to Go for a Fall Vacation
- Explore the Kancamagus Highway and nearby backroads for unbeatable greenery views.
- Late September through late October is the perfect time to visit when the fall colors reach their peak.
- Stop in small towns where local orchards offer apple cider and pumpkin spice treats.
Vermont is also home to fall festivals and craft fairs that highlight local art, food, and traditions, making it one of the favorite places for travelers.
Explore Vermont foliage updates
New Hampshire – Mountains and Crisp Air
For travelers searching for places to go in New England, New Hampshire provides unforgettable greenery and mountain views. The crisp air and cooler temperatures make it the perfect time to explore the White Mountains.
Best Fall Road Trip and Fall Foliage
- Drive along the scenic Skyline Drive or take a fall road trip into the mountain passes.
- Trails like Franconia Notch offer some of the best hiking trails to see peak foliage.
- Enjoy ghost tours in charming towns for a seasonal twist.
In October, the fall festivities bring live music and community parades that perfectly capture the autumn spirit.
Shenandoah National Park – Virginia’s Mountain Gem
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is a great area to visit during peak fall. The rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains come alive with deep reds and oranges, offering a beautiful fall escape.
Beautiful Drives and Perfect for Hiking
- Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive for stunning overlook views.
- October is the peak season, when the park’s fall scenery is unmatched.
- Hiking trails range from easy walks to strenuous climbs, perfect for all levels.
For those who enjoy fall festivals, nearby towns of Luray and Harrisonburg host events with local food and crafts. This makes Shenandoah a perfect time to visit destination in the fall in the United States.
Learn more from the National Park Service
Hudson Valley, New York – Classic Apple Picking Country
When it comes to apple picking in the fall, few regions rival New York’s Hudson Valley. Just a short road trip from New York City, this area is known for its rolling hills, river views, and some of the most iconic orchards in the fall in the United States.
Apple Picking and Fall Fun
- Spend the day at orchards like Fishkill Farms or Wilklow Orchards, where you can go apple picking and enjoy fresh cider doughnuts.
- Many farms feature a pumpkin patch alongside their orchards, creating a perfect stop for families.
- With fall festivals scattered across the valley, you’ll also find live music, hayrides, and local craft markets.
Hillsides along the Hudson River turn bright shades of orange and red, making the backdrop for your orchard adventure especially memorable. The region’s small towns – from Beacon to Rhinebeck – are filled with local shops, cozy cafés, and plenty of places to stay for a full weekend escape.
Acadia National Park – The Coast of Maine
On the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park delivers one of the most exciting times to experience fall colors by the ocean. The mix of granite cliffs, evergreens, and colorful hardwoods creates dramatic contrasts that every visitor will remember.
Autumn Adventures
- Take a breathtaking road to see Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain.
- October is the perfect time to visit, when the leaves paint the landscape with a crisp fall palette.
- Fall festivities in nearby Bar Harbor feature food and wine festivals, live music, and boat tours.
With its combination of fall scenery and Atlantic coastline, Acadia stands out as one of the best fall vacations in the national parks system.
Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado’s Majestic Peaks
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is a dream fall vacation spot for those who want dramatic mountain viewspaired with golden aspens. As the autumn chill sets in, the high country turns into a painter’s palette of yellows, oranges, and reds.
Scenic Overlooks and Hiking Trails
- Drive Trail Ridge Road for spectacular overlooks across the Rockies.
- Walk along Bear Lake for some of the most beautiful fall reflections in the U.S.
- A hiking trail here can lead you past meadows, lakes, and wildlife.
The national park is also known for elk bugling during the fall season, making it a place to see natural beauty and animal activity.
Plan your visit with the National Park Service
Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming’s Scenic Beauty
Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most iconic fall foliage views in the West. With jagged peaks and clear lakes, the park is a perfect time to explore destination in autumn.
Fall Getaway and Outdoor Fun
- Capture the foliage along Snake River Overlook for postcard-worthy shots.
- Spot moose and other wildlife against the stunning backdrop.
- A fall getaway here is ideal for hikers, photographers, and families.
Nearby Jackson Hole adds to the experience with fall festivals and local orchards, where you can sip cider after a day of exploring.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Scenic Drives Through the South
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous picturesque drives in America, stretching from Virginia into North Carolina. It’s often called “America’s Favorite Drive” and is a perfect time to visit destination for leaf-peepers.
Parkway Adventures and Fall Festivals
- The Blue Ridge Mountains showcase fall foliage that glows with reds and golds.
- Stop for orchard visits and enjoy regional harvest fairs.
- Fall festivals along the route often feature live music and local crafts.
With dozens of overlooks and state parks nearby, this is one of the best fall vacations in the South.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws millions of visitors every year to experience its unmatched fall foliage. Located along the Tennessee–North Carolina border, this national park offers a perfect area to visit during the fall in the United States. In North Carolina, the Smokies also connect with Pisgah National Forest, giving visitors even more ways to enjoy the fall landscape.
Hiking Trails and Fall Colors
- The Smokies are home to some of the best hiking trails, ranging from short strolls to long backcountry treks.
- Visit Clingmans Dome for a 360-degree view of the fall scenery.
- The park is a place to see diverse trees, from maples to oaks, creating endless colorful views.
Nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge bring added charm with fall festivities, pumpkin decorations, and seasonal treats.
West Virginia – Underrated Autumn Destination
West Virginia often surprises visitors with its brilliant fiery foliage and welcoming small towns. Known as “Almost Heaven,” this state is filled with rolling hills, rivers, and hidden gems that shine during the autumn months.
Scenic Drives and Orchards
- Explore New River Gorge for scenic views and outdoor adventure.
- Visit local orchards for cider tasting and a classic pumpkin patch stop.
- Fall is the perfect time to visit for crisp mornings and many fun things to do outdoors.
With its fall festivals and fall road trip routes, West Virginia is a great place to visit if you’re seeking a less crowded destination full of fall colors and authentic charm.
The Best Places to Visit in Fall for the Best Fall Vacations
The United States offers countless places to go when chasing the magic of autumn. From the rocky overlooks of Colorado to the ocean views of Maine, each fall vacation highlights a different kind of seasonal beauty. Whether you’re planning a road trip, looking for a cozy lodge, or hoping to join a lively fall festival, there are endless ways to enjoy the fall foliage and make memories that last a lifetime.
Not every fall trip has to be about chasing crisp mountain air. Some travelers love extending summer just a little longer. In places like Rhode Island, the summer heat has faded but the coast is still warm enough to enjoy ocean breezes, lighthouses, and seafood festivals surrounded by plenty of fall charm. Inland destinations also deliver unique autumn beauty – Falls State Park offers rugged trails and waterfalls framed by fiery leaves. Together, these spots remind us that fall’s magic can be coastal, mountainous, or anywhere in between.
So grab your jacket, sip some cider, and go apple picking or explore a beautiful winding road – because the fall season is truly the perfect time to explore the outdoors.
