15 Stunning Destinations for Fall Foliage

Note: Please remember to be smart, safe, and respectful when visiting new places. Be sure to check ahead of time for any state specific or regional travel restrictions and regulations. We want everyone to have fun on new adventures while keeping health and safety a top priority. Also be sure to check for specific road and trail closures in advance, especially due to seasonal conditions. 

Fall is the most ideal time to lace up your hiking boots and get your camera ready. With cooler and more comfortable climates, getting active and working up a sweat becomes more bearable in the outdoors. The air feels fresher and you start to sense a change in the environment around you. In the blink of an eye, the foliage becomes alive with deep and luxurious reds, oranges, and yellows. 

Even if you don’t live in a state that experiences the Fall time in full force, you may be surprised by the abundance of opportunities to enjoy Fall foliage across the US. From New Hampshire and Vermont to Georgia and Tennessee, check out this list of places to witness the magic of leaves changing color in the Fall.

Storm King Mountain, New York

Soak in incredible views of the Hudson Valley on this fairly easy hike with multiple viewpoints located in Cornwall, New York.

Anthony’s Nose, New York

This iconic Bear Mountain hike on a stretch of the Appalachian Trail features captivating views of the Hudson River and the surrounding terrain.

Cadillac Mountain, Maine

This hike to the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard offers panoramic views overlooking Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay located in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire

Mount Monadnock is known to be the most prominent mountain peak in southern New Hampshire and a very popular mountain to climb for the most spectacular display of treetops changing colors.

Mount Mansfield, Vermont

Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in Stowe, Vermont with unique and delicate flora along the way.

Mount LeConte, Tennessee

Mount LeConte, located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, is the third highest peak in the park with breathtaking mountainous views. 

Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

Located in northwest Georgia, Cloudland Canyon State Park offers hiking trails that feature waterfalls, creeks, and scenic vistas that spring to life with vibrant colors in the Fall.

Aspen Vista, New Mexico

This is a scenic alpine hike to the summit of Tesuque Peak in Santa Fe, New Mexico that's great all year round, but boasts miles of pristine Fall foliage when the time comes.

Inner Basin Trail, Arizona

On this hike near Flagstaff, Arizona during the Fall, you'll experience the splendor of golden Aspen trees all around you while breathing in the crisp fresh air. 

Note: Roads leading up to the trailhead are subject to seasonal closure.

Arizona Trail, Arizona

Dreamy alpine meadows with brightly colored Aspen trees in Autumn makes this the perfect place for a head clearing hike or walk in nature.

Note: Check for closures on certain sections of this trail due to border wall construction and damage from wildfires. Plan accordingly.

Schwabacher Landing, Wyoming

This quiet hike in Moose, Wyoming will give you some of the best views of the Grand Tetons and is located along the beautifully reflective Snake River.

Note: Please be informed that as of late, part of the trail has been closed for restoration. Check online for more updated information. Though some of the trail may be blocked off, it is still a great spot for those looking for stellar photo opportunities.

Guardsman Pass, Utah

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, this scenic drive is an easy and memorable way to access and photograph impressive mountain peaks and an abundance of vegetation spewing Fall colors. There are plenty of places to stop to take photos as well as to hike and camp in the area.

Stoneman Bridge, California

This is a perfect stopping place in Yosemite Valley to snap pictures and to explore! The Stoneman Bridge has the iconic Half Dome as the backdrop with the Merced River flowing under it, creating amazingly vibrant reflections of the surrounding environment. It's known as a more quiet destination in the park.

Kebler Pass, Colorado

In Crested Butte, Colorado, see Fall colors at their absolute finest- delightful amber and yellow leaves on every treetop. You'll see the largest grove of Aspens on Earth. 

Note: This pass is typically closed from November to May due to harsh winter conditions.

Bowman and Quartz Lake, Montana

A lesser known treasure in Glacier National Park, Montana, Bowman's Lake is practically empty come the Fall. This makes visiting at this time a surreal and peaceful experience. Reaching the shores of Quartz Lake is sure to take your breath away.

Cover Photo: Mike Fennell