Best places in the US to See Fall Foliage

 

Best Fall Foliage

Fall is a magical time of the year that allows you to grab a camera and travel to gorgeous spots. The turning of leaves is one the most spectacular displays offered by nature. Here is a guide of the best places in the US to view fall foliage at its best.

Bar Harbor, Maine

The Bar Harbor is a hotbed for tourists and allows you to see the gorgeous colors of autumn. If you want to have the best views, you should go to Frenchman Bay. You can enjoy fiery colors but be sure to bring a waterproof camera.

For those looking for breathtaking views of fall, you can hop aboard to soar above the foliage colors. Alternatively, you can pedal around the foliage roads.

The Cadillac mountain shadow also gives a snap view. If you’re in the presence of your family, the Great Trail Head offers amazing views of the pink granite cliffs. Don’t forget to share your fall foliage photos with your friends.

Lenox, Massachusetts

Lenox boasts of gorgeous river valleys and lofty peaks during the fall foliage season. And because this area has many natural colors, you can discover the hotspots like the Woods Pond and Bartholomew’s Cobble. There are endless trails in the area that meets the needs of every hiker. If you’re looking for something more challenging, you can go to Monument Mountain. Other ways of getting the best views of the foliage are by:

  • horse
  • bike
  • car

For equestrian enthusiasts, all kinds of riders are welcome. The gorgeous victorious farm offers a diverse landscape and has over 150 acres of land. And you don’t have to overexert yourself to get the best views – there are so many roads that will give spectacular views of fall foliage. The colorful scenery will give a memorable experience.

Ozark National Forest

Ozark offers more than 1.2 acres of beautiful scenery. The common fall colors here are orange, red, and gold. The best time to experience the magical experience is late October and late November.

You can also go through turns and twists to experience rugged terrain. When you head to the west, you can pass through valleys and mountain streams. The forested part of the Ozark Mountains gives the best settings for fall foliage.

Catskill Mountains, New York

The Catskill Mountains offer a scenic drive before checking the local breweries. If you want unforgettable fall foliage, you should try the Great Northern Catskills. Be sure to come here early in the sunset and get a double dose of beauty.

Bridle Farms is another great spot to see the colors of fall foliage. Be sure to ride through the woods for the most beautiful experiences. After you explore the area, you can enjoy your favorite cuisines at Catskills Hotels.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe offers beautiful views of fall foliage for outdoor enthusiasts. The bright red, yellow, and orange colors will give an unforgettable experience. If you want to capture the most brilliant colors, you should visit Stowe around September or November. Here, you’ll get the best views of vegetation like:

  • Poplar
  • Elm
  • Birch
  • Redbud
  • Hickory

While there, you can peep the color spotted mountainside.

Poconos, Pennsylvania

Poconos offers different varieties of shrubs and trees. This region spans over 2400 square miles and allows you to catch fall colors at once. The air is crisp, and the leaves turn to the shades of green, orange, and yellow. Whether you want a luxury drive or scenic hike, you’ll admire the landscape throughout the year.

But what makes Poconos unique is the ideal weather – not too hot or cold. If you want to leaf peep, you can lead your way through the hardwood forest. Another way to go through the views is by driving to the scenic routes. Some of the safest driving routes are:

  • Route 84
  • Route 209
  • Route 611
  • Route 390
  • Route 715

It’s worth mentioning that the Bushkill Falls add brilliance to the fall colors. The fall foliage begins from mid-September to mid-October.

Talkeetna Alaska

Alaska offers pink fireweed that turns red to golf color during fall. The best place to start is the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum. You will find balsam and aspen trees in September. And the scrub vegetation turns yellow during fall, making an impressive vista.

When you visit Alaska, timing is everything. The plants start to change colors in mid-august to early September. Why go to Alaska for the fall season? Some of the reasons are:

  • There are fewer people
  • Normally cheaper for lodging
  • You’ll experience different types of fall
  • You have more chances for local interaction

Long Island

Long Island offers some of the greatest scenes to see fall foliage. Before you get there, you should carry a few snacks and wear some hiking shoes. The splendid foliage comes in reds, yellows, and ranges.

One of the best hiking trails in Bethpage State Park. It offers biking and hiking trails, and you can enjoy many picnic trails.

Another way of catching the best view of the fall foliage is a visit to the LIU Post Community Arboretum. The self-guided walking trails give the best view and are open 7 days a week.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge is home to 50 waterfalls and offers incredible scenery of fall foliage. And the season is magical – from the rainbow of wildflowers to white snow. To ensure you have the best experience, you should dress for the cozy weather.

The best time to view the fall foliage is the months of September to October. You can go for a forest hike by strolling yellow and red leaves. If you want to catch the sun rays, you should proceed to the Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins. No matter the location you want to see the foliage, you can be sure of the best experience. If you’re looking for less strenuous activity, you can try horseback riding.

North Conway, New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers colorful foliage at the end of September. When you head further north, you’ll see Crawford Notch and Franconia Notch state park. You can also explore the Squam to get a glimpse state’s picturesque. While there, you should capture some points of interest like:

  • The sabbaday falls
  • Cannon Mountain
  • Lost river gorge
  • The rocky gorge scenic area
  • Antique shopping

Conway is a popular destination to see fall foliage, but you should combine it with some outdoor exploration.

Aspen Colorado

Aspen offers striking views of Colorado. The fall foliage offers gently ticking leaves that turn to gold. But the best months to experience the aspen spectacle is September. In most cases, the color only lasts for a week. The best strategy is to select the travel dates early.

Your first destination should be the Maroon Bells. It’s one of the most photographed mountains and an ideal spot to capture the fall color. Besides, you can drive to Maroon Reserve Lake to photograph the amazing view of the golden trees frame.

Another stunning place to capture the foliage is the Grand Junction. Be sure to stretch as far your eyes can see. You can begin your journey from Ridgeway town up to Colorado 62. Here, you’ll find an impending view of aspen trees. And as you drive through the dense grooves, be sure to stop at Wilson Peak.

At Colorado 133, you can head to the northern part towards the McClure pass. If you choose the south-central Colorado route, you can explore areas like:

  • Cottonwood Pass
  • Collegiate Peaks
  • Mt. Princeton

If you want the best views, you may want to arrive early.

Acadia National Park

If you want to capture the beautiful fall foliage, you should visit the Acadia National Park in October. During this time, the crowds are light, and the weather is crisp. Generally, fall foliage peaks for a week, and then the tourists leave.

Amicalola Falls State Park

If you happen to be in Georgia, you can’t afford to miss the Amicalola Falls State Park. This is the time the leaves start to take the shape. The park is surrounded by leaves of different colors like yellow, orange, red, amber, and more. But the yellow color is the one that welcomes autumn.

Those who have been here stated the fall foliage colors are a pure haven on earth. The falls clock in at 729 feet, so it is one of the biggest in the state. When you get closer, you can practically walk to the roaring water. But if you want to explore the hikes afterward, over 800 acres are waiting for you.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack offers breathtaking views of fall foliage. This mountain not only has the longest fall foliage season but also offers the best getaway for hikers and leaf peepers. The vegetation bursts to the colorful array of oranges, yellows, and reds. And there’s something for every visitor- from fright nights to corn mazes.

If you love leaf-peeping, you can be sure you’ll capture the most stunning views of the mountains. You can ride across a pristine lake or take a scenic hike to the mountain.

Another way of getting the best views is taking hot air balloon hikes. This is the perfect spot for a family that wants the best Adirondack vacation or couples who desire a memorable fall date. The best times to see the foliage fall in the Adirondack Mountains are:

  • The first week of September
  • The second week of October
  • Last week of October

Staten Island Greenbelt, NY

Staten Island offers you an opportunity to experience the colorful spectacle of nature. Whether you choose to take a scenic drive or hike the trails, you can be sure to enjoy some of the sweetest spots.

The most spectacular place that gives stunning views is High Rock Park. It’s surrounded by trees and allows for heavy traffic. Best of all, you can’t hear the city life – no winds or birds. This park is wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly.

Another popular spot for fall foliage is Blue Heron Park. It boasts of 200 acres of woodland and meadows and offers nice loop trails. Still, you can explore Rockwood Avenue and take a scenic drive to watch colorful foliage. But because this area experiences heavy traffic throughout the day, you ought to drive early at sunrise. There’s also a mile trail located at the Greenbelt Nature Center.

Lilydale Regional Park

If you want to have an unforgettable experience exploring fall foliage, Lilydale Regional Park is a sure bet. The main road takes you through trails and is curved to deter speeders. After you enjoy the spectacular views, you can head to the city or relax at the shores of the Mississippi River.

Amicalola National Park (2)

The Amicalola National Park is a breathing place that allows you to experience the best foliage to the fullest, which can be done by hiring a arborist expert witness. If you are planning to go to Georgia, this is a place that ensures you explore the park.

This is a hot spot for travelers who want to experience natural foliage. The yellow, orange and red colors make the forest look like a one-in-a-time experience.

The park offers accommodation facilities, so you can choose what suits you best. And when you wake up in the morning, you can enjoy the enchanting landscape. The campsite allows for RV and tent campers.

Before you leave the park, don’t forget to make memories at the maple. You can explore the local cuisines and taste perfectly prepared cocktails. Amicalola National Park is filled with events the whole year like:

  • Christmas open house
  • Numerous weddings
  • Countless holiday parties
  • Thanksgiving meal

Wisconsin Dells

If you want to enjoy your next fall foliage in Wisconsin, this can the perfect place. Upon arriving at the Chula Vista Resort, you should prepare yourself for the adventures that lay ahead the next day. But the most amazing thing about this resort is that you can watch the leaves change the colors. You should expect to see the change of colors in September and October.

During the fall, the Dells is quiet and attracts visitors who want to steal a few shots of the changing foliage. While there, you can take a boat tour or walks and proceed to the Devil’s State Park. Don’t forget to grab a bite at Kaminski’s chophouse.

Minnesota North Shore

The North Shore is without a doubt one of the best stunning places in America. It spans from Duluth and Lake Superior – all in a tall waterfall. You can watch the foliage colors as a rainbow that reflects on the choppy waters. You may want to taste your favorite beer after the adventure.

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