22 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United States

Picture it: bright, crisp days and cool nights, hot apple cider and doughnuts, and, best of all, leaves in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red.

Fall foliage is often associated with the Northeast, and no list of where to see the changing leaves would be complete without classics like Stowe, Vermont, or North Conway, New Hampshire, within the White Mountain National Forest. But there are plenty of other places to see spectacular fall foliage throughout the United States, from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington all the way southeast to Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. We've selected prime leaf-peeping destinations around the country.

• Best tourist destination: Stowe, Vermont
• Underrated hidden gem: Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
• Best for families: Plum Orchard Lake, West Virginia
• Best for couples: Catskill Mountains, New York
• Best for solo travelers: Aspen, Colorado

Read on for the rest of our recommended fall foliage hot spots.

Stowe, Vermont

It's no wonder Stowe is called "Fall's Color Capital." One of the best small towns in the U.S. to see fall foliage, the charming spot typically showcases dazzling hues from mid-September through mid-October. Plus, Stowe is home to some of the finest hotels in Vermont. The surrounding area is a fun place to hike and bike, with trails of varying levels of difficulty. And if the weather gets chilly, you can still take a scenic drive along the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road.

Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia

Amicalola Falls State Park is home to Georgia's tallest waterfall. At 729 feet, it can be seen from many different trails along the park; the bottom of the falls gives visitors a beautiful view of maple and oak trees, which turn red, yellow, and orange in autumn. The park is about a 90-minute drive from Atlanta, and you can stop in one of the nearby small towns like Dahlonega for lunch.

Plum Orchard Lake, West Virginia

Take in a gorgeous panorama of fiery fall foliage from a boat on 202-acre Plum Orchard Lake. If fishing is your thing, this is a popular spot for catching channel catfish and largemouth bass. Otherwise, you can bring your own kayak or rent a rowboat, then paddle out onto the lake for perfect photos of the red, orange, and yellow-leafed trees reflected in the glassy water.

Catskill Mountains, New York

New York State boasts some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the U.S., and the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York are practically the perfect fall landscape. Take in the scenery on a hike, drive, or bike ride before checking out great restaurants, cideries, and breweries in towns like Livingston Manor and Woodstock. You'll also find stylish hotels in this neck of the woods — another reason the Catskills are ideal for a fall getaway.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado, is named for its gorgeous aspen trees that turn the perfect yellow-gold in fall. Before the ski season sets in — and when accommodation costs are far lower in Aspen than they are in winter — visitors can partake in all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy the gorgeous views. Biking and hiking are most popular, especially up to the Maroon Bells, two peaks that overlook gorgeous, reflective Maroon Lake.

Bar Harbor, Maine

In mid-October, Bar Harbor is a hotbed of activity for tourists who are itching to get their fill of salty sea air while also seeing the gorgeous colors of autumn. There are quaint shops to browse downtown, and since fall is one of the best times to visit Acadia National Park, many visitors head to the coastal green space to soak up the scenery from a kayak or hiking trail.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, may be a popular summer destination, but leaf-peepers can enjoy its autumnal charms. Check out a cranberry bog or go pumpkin picking and see the beautiful changing colors of the Northeast. Some years there's even overlap in fall foliage and beach weather, so pack your swimsuit just in case.

Franklin, Tennessee

In early November, bright fall colors come in full force to Tennessee. The area's poplar, maple, oak, and hickory trees make the city come alive with color. A brisk walk in Franklin's tree-lined, 16-block downtown historic district or a drive along the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway is perfect for leaf chasers.

Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Ozark National Forest has more than 1.2 million acres of spectacular scenery. Fall foliage is at its peak during October, inviting you to stroll among trees filled with leaves in hues of gold, orange, and red. Plus, there are plenty of mountains, springs, rivers, and breathtaking vistas to photograph.

Mississippi River Valley, Minnesota

Pack a picnic and take a drive along the mighty Mississippi, backed by hillsides packed with ash, oak, and maple trees in shades of gold, orange, and red. The colors tend to peak between mid-late September and early October. Pull off at one of the area's two state parks, Frontenac or Great River Bluffs, for their scenic overlooks. Frontenac has easy hiking routes, like the Sand Point Trail, and a calm, sandy beach; Great River Bluffs has a nearby winery, Bluff Top Vineyard.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Forming the border between Washington and Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge is home to more than 90 waterfalls. They're lovely in summer, but during October and November, the area's rolling green hills and mountains become a symphony of fall colors. Hike or bike your way along the trails to get incredible views and great foliage shots.

Eastern Shore, Maryland

Surrounding Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula is Maryland's Eastern Shore. Take a relaxing walk around Elk Neck State Park to see the gorgeous colors before (or after) chowing down on some Maryland crabs.

Huntington, New York

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, on a peninsula extending into the Long Island Sound, has more than 1,500 acres and an extensive multiuse trail system. Maples, tulips, hickory, sassafras, and dogwoods are some of the trees in this beautiful area, making it an exciting place to hike as the leaves change.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Tucked within the White Mountain National Forest is the Kancamagus Highway, more than 34 miles of roadway on which leaf peepers can enjoy beautiful vistas starting in early October. New Hampshire has some of the prettiest fall foliage, but that's not its only attraction; when you're done hiking, biking, or rock climbing, retreat to one of the area's cozy restaurants.

Lenox, Massachusetts

Hike or bike to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary around mid-October to see the beautifully vivid colors of this Massachusetts town. The Berkshires are a charming New England alternative to New Hampshire or Vermont. Culture-rich towns like Lenox put you in the heart of the action and have plenty of charming small hotels in which to stay.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains stretch around gently winding roads that are perfect for fall foliage chasers. Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack makes a wonderful road trip for anyone looking for relaxing, autumnal views. Leaves begin to turn in mid-September and peak in October.

Taos, New Mexico

While most people associate leaf peeping with the Northeast, the Southwest deserts also have seasonal colors. New Mexico's landscape is a must-see in the fall, especially along one of America's most scenic drives: The Enchanted Circle. This 84-mile drive connects the towns of Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa — and it contains some spectacular views.

New York City

There are plenty of places around NYC's urban jungle to immerse yourself in vivid foliage. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers beautiful woodland, with maple, tulip, beech, oak, and hickory trees lining the paths. If you're heading to the city's coolest borough, take in the colors of fall at the 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden. From around mid- to late October, be dazzled by the yellow leaves of the Ginkgo Allée and the vivid red and orange maples of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden.

Cape May, New Jersey

This Victorian-era seaside resort town turns into an autumn haven starting in mid-October and through November. The historic lighthouses of the area give visitors the perfect view of the changing fall colors, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and Cape May Point State Park.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Along the Wisconsin River is a strikingly beautiful, glacier-formed gorge known as the Wisconsin Dells. During the fall, the Dells are particularly peaceful, which is ideal for leaf peepers who want to snag the perfect shot of the changing foliage without crazy crowds. Boat tours, river walks, and sightseeing in Devil's Lake State Park are some of the most popular attractions there.

Massapequa Preserve, New York

The Massapequa Preserve on Long Island is one of the best places to experience fall foliage without trekking too far from New York City. This is also a nice place to ride bikes with kids — a section of the 13.4-mile Bethpage Bikeway cuts through the preserve. Late October into early November is the best time to enjoy the vibrant foliage here.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

When it comes to leaf peeping, who isn't going to be drawn to somewhere with "maple" in the name? The foliage along the Lake Ann/Maple Pass Loop Trail in the enormous Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (a cool 3.8 million acres) peaks in mid-October. Be dazzled by gorgeous forests of yellow, red, and orange leaves, with glittering Lake Ann as a fantastic backdrop to this autumnal view.