It's that time of the year again! Fall has just arrived in the Northern Hemisphere. And I love the feel of autumn, the crispness in the air and the colorful and captivating turning of the leaves. I happen to live in a place where the changing colors of the leaves have a cult-like following. I'll be sharing a few of the top-rated places where to see the stunning fall colors in Colorado. But our list doesn't stop there. We've compiled an awesome gallery of places across the US where you can take in the magic of fall foliage.
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From New England to the Pacific Northwest, there are many beautiful places that put on a spectacular show of autumn color. Leaf-viewing is a popular activity in the US. Also referred to as "leaf-peeping," the arrival of fall inspires thousands of people to get on the road and travel to witness and photograph the magnificent display of golden yellow, burnt orange, and scarlet hues of autumn foliage.
When to see fall colors will depend on location, but the lush green leaves of summer will begin to change color roughly from the beginning of September through November. A most important thing to consider when planning your travels is weather. Keep an eye on local and regional weather forecasts, as precipitation, temperature, and amount of sunlight will actually affect how intense (or not) the fall colors will be, and how long they will last. We hope our gallery inspires you to go out and check out some awesome spots!
The Berkshires, Massachusetts, are nothing short of stunning in autumn.
The Berkshires are known to provide the perfect escape from city life for those in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, especially in the fall, when gorgeous colors begin to appear in late-September and peak mid-October.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts: A place of grandeur.
Imagine yourself driving along narrow winding roads, taking in the fall foliage, and hopping from one village to the next with scattered stops here and there along the way to photograph the magnificent forests blanketed in yellow and red. I'd say that is a perfect fall day!
Boreas Pass, Colorado: A Rocky Mountain beauty.
While you're visiting Breckenridge, which is a top spot for fall foliage viewing, consider taking the scenic road of Boreas Pass. This is a sweet detour, which offers stunning scenery. The road climbs from downtown Breckenridge to over 11,400 feet!
Boreas Pass, Colorado. Always take the scenic route!
There's a tunnel of aspen trees along Boreas Pass that is mesmerizing. Aspens shimmer with just the slightest of breezes. This particular effect is the result of the heart shape and color of the leaves. How cool is that?!
Bozeman, Montana: It is known as the "Treasure State" for good reason.
The gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman is a picturesque college town that boasts big, brilliant colors in fall. This is a great time to visit because the summer crowds have left, which gives you a little more elbow room!
Bozeman, Montana. Fall is the perfect time to visit.
Breathe in the crisp fall air and take in the beautiful hues of the season. Aspen and cottonwood trees will become golden yellow. Maple and birch will give you a gorgeous mix of orange and red. The best time to take in fall foliage in Bozeman is usually early October to early November.
Breckenridge, Colorado, looks like a painting in the fall.
This is another famous skiing town that turns golden usually at the beginning to mid-September, depending on weather conditions.
Breckenridge puts on a real show of color.
From the city of Denver, the most scenic route to Breckenridge is up Highway 285 South. You'll find yourself stopping many times to take photos along this highway. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and deer!
Columbia River Gorge: The "Largest Scenic Area" in America.
There is no question that this area, which forms a natural border between southern Washington and northern Oregon, is stunning. The gorge is just 30 minutes outside the awesome city of Portland, and the fall foliage is absolutely breathtaking. To see the best fall colors, you should go during peak time, which usually takes place late September to mid-October.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon: Multnomah Falls in autumn are spectacular.
Also, do not miss the opportunity of visiting the spectacular Multnomah Falls at the gorge. It is one of the most magnificent falls in the US. At 611 feet tall, this natural beauty is a particularly stunning backdrop to the golden, bronze, and red hues of the big-leaf maples, firs, cottonwoods, and Oregon ash.
Glacier National Park, Montana, is known as "The Crown of the Continent."
Glacier National Park is located on the US-Canada border in the northwest corner of Montana. Without a doubt, this is one of the most spectacular parks in the US.
Glacier National Park, Montana. Don't miss this wild beauty.
One of the most popular ways to soak up the brilliant fall colors of red and gold is to take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun road. Crossing the Continental Divide, this 50-mile road offers views of pristine lands, mountains, and lakes. And, of course, what cannot be missed is viewing the spectacular glaciers for which this park was named.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Boasting more than 100 species of deciduous trees, the show of color here will cause you to drop your jaw, seriously. With so many kinds of trees, you'll see colors ranging from gold, to crimson, to scarlet and purple. It is one of the easons this is one of the most visited parks in the US.
Great Smoky Mountains: Don't miss Cades Cove.
One of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove, a gorgeous valley surrounded by mountains; this is the perfect place to appreciate fall colors and spot wildlife. Conveniently, there's a 22-mile one-way loop that allows visitors to circle the cove and take in the scenery.
Guanella Pass, Colorado. This is high country.
This pass climbs to a breathtaking 11,670 feet, taking you through a succession of distinct environments, with beautiful aspen groves on both sides, as you drive along the lower elevations.
Guanella Pass, Colorado, is a favorite among locals.
From Denver, this is an easy drive either up scenic Highway 285 South or the more direct, Interstate 70 West. Whichever route you take, you will not be disappointed. Also, make sure you visit the historic mining town of Georgetown, which is stunning in the fall.
Independence Pass in Colorado is the highest paved mountain pass in North America.
At its highest point, this road elevates you to an incredible 12,095 feet above sea level. You'll feel like you're on top of the world! Just under four hours from Denver and on the way out from Aspen, this trip is a must.
Independence Pass, Colorado, is a must-see.
The scenery along this route is some of the most spectacular in all of the state of Colorado. The road is open for only half the year, opening just before Memorial Day (weather permitting) and closing the first week (or just before) of November.
Kenosha Pass, Colorado is another gem.
Kenosha Pass is definitely at the top of my list for a beautiful drive outside of the city of Denver. At an altitude of 9,997 feet above sea level, you get a combination of both stunning mountains and aspen trees as far as the eye can see.
Kenosha Pass in Colorado is a showstopper in the fall.
This is also one of my top favorites because it's easily accessible from the metropolis of Denver, and the colors are simply stunning. Plus, there's a pond where you can practice reflection photography. From here, you can also hike along the famous Colorado Trail.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
Known as one of the best recreational lakes in the US, Lake of the Ozarks is at full capacity in the fall. And for good reason. Set against the backdrop of the shimmering lake, the hardwood forests transform from lush green to a multicolored palette of shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Lake of the Ozarks is a recreational paradise, especially in the fall.
Fall foliage puts on a show from mid-September through early November. To experience this beautiful time of the year, you can take a scenic driving tour, cruise on the lake, or hike the state parks. Whatever you do, just make sure you bring your camera, as you’ll be in for a treat during fall.
Maine is especially popular during autumn.
Right around mid-October, locals and tourists alike travel throughout the state to soak up the beauty of fall foliage. The wonderful variety of trees like black ash, birch, sugar maple, and oak, among others, put on a stunning show of yellows, reds, and even purple colors!
Maine: The ultimate fall road trip.
Color progresses from north to south, with northern Maine seeing peak or near peak colors during the last week of September into the first week of October. If you'd like to check out the postcard-perfect coastal area, leaf colors are at peak or near peak conditions around mid-October.
Maroon Bells, Aspen: A place to stop and reflect.
Known as the one of the most photographed mountains in North America, Maroon Bells are an incredible spot in Colorado. Only about 10 miles from the famous skiing town of Aspen, this is a place you must really try hard to see!
Maroon Bells are pure gold.
The Maroon Bells are within the White River National Forest, a hiker's paradise where you can admire pristine National Forest lands and explore the glacial valley while surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks.
North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer spectacular fall foliage scenery.
Have you been to the Blue Ridge Mountains? If not, I urge you to go and take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in the fall colors, which are not to be missed. From North Carolina to Virginia, the 469-mile highway offers many opportunities to view fall foliage.
North Carolina: Asheville is an experience to remember.
When visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains, make sure to visit the outstanding city of Asheville, which is one of North Carolina’s gems. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the heart of Asheville, so making a stop there is mandatory!
New York: The Catskills, a multi-color masterpiece in autumn.
It is easy to fall in love with the Catskills, especially during autumn when you are treated to a painting-like scenery of yellow, orange, and red trees. Whether you take a scenic drive, stay at a cozy cabin with a fabulous view, or embark on an epic hike, this is a fall destination that doesn't disappoint.
New York: The Catskills in the fall are so worth your time.
Fall in the Catskills means beautiful and colorful scenery, festivals, food, and fun. Schedule your fall foliage vacay to coincide with the many festivals occuring in autumn, like Oktoberfest, Harvest Festival, and Taste of the Catskills.
New York City: Central Park is a classic.
It cannot be denied that Central Park is one of the most amazing city parks in the US. During autumn, the park attracts visitors from all over the world. How to see the park? Just start walking. There are many spots from where to see the beautiful colors of fall perfectly framed by the remarkable city skyline.
New York City: Central Park.
One of the most beautiful and striking sections of the park is "The Mall," not to be confused with any shopping destination. No, The Mall is a stunning 1/4-mile pedestrian walkway flanked by American elm trees, whose branches form a cathedral-like canopy over the entire path. This is one of the park's most photographed spots, and you cannot miss seeing it in the fall.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is truly magical in the fall.
Santa Fe's architecture, with its distinctive adobe houses, is a photographer's and artist's paradise in the fall. From Santa Fe, you can also take an easy drive to Cimarron Canyon State Park to enjoy beautiful fall foliage framed by rocky cliffs.
Santa Fe, New Mexico offers a photo op at every turn.
New Mexico offers many beautiful autumn scenic drives, where you can take in the stunning golden colors of the aspen trees. A spectacular drive is the High Road from Santa Fe to Taos, two of the most enchanting places to visit in New Mexico.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan: Take a drive on the wild side.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the "UP" as it is known, is a vast area, mostly untouched, offering pure and wild landscapes. Fall puts on an incredible show of colors here, from subtle yellow to brilliant red.
Upper Peninsula of Michigan is not to be missed during fall foliage.
Massive Lake Superior offers a perfect backdrop for fall foliage in the UP. Locals say the best time to view fall colors are the last two weeks of September through the first or second week of October. But again, it's all dependent on weather. When planning your trip, make sure you tune in to local weather reports and forecasts.
Vail, Colorado, is a world-class destination.
The drive from Denver along the I-70 West corridor to Vail offers spectacular views of the mountains, with many awe-inspiring aspen groves along the highway.
Vail, Colorado: Visiting here is an all-around experience.
Vail is a gorgeous town with lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and perfect spots for photography. The town was modeled after a Bavarian village and it draws tourists from all over the world.
Vermont is a world-famous destination for viewing fall foliage.
With three-fourths of the state covered in forests, plus having the greatest concentration of maple trees in the US, it is easy to why this is a world-class destination for taking in the magnificent colors of autumn.
Vermont: Take a scenic ride on Green Mountain Byway.
Pack a picnic basket, grab your camera, and take a drive along Green Mountain Byway, one of Vermont's most beautiful and scenic drives any time of year, but especially so during fall. Maple trees abound, and the colors are simply spectacular.
