10 Great Places for Peak Fall Foliage Viewing — That Aren’t in New England! Chris Osburn September 25, 2018 Destinations, Top US Destinations, Travel Guide This post was last updated on September 8, 2023 Ahhh, there’s nothing like the fall. Hot drinks in the cool weather, the scent of a wood fireplace coming from a far-off chimney, and the gorgeous colors of changing leaves. That last one is quintessential fall, but where can you go in the U.S. to see the best display of autumn leaves? Yes, of course, New England is undeniably beautiful during fall. But the region doesn’t hold the patent on fall foliage. There are loads of other areas of the U.S. where Mother Nature puts on a fiery festival of colors to admire before winter sets in. Here’s a look at 10 fall foliage destinations that are NOT in New England! Northeastern Alabama The hilly and rural far northeastern corner of Alabama is a lovely place to visit during the autumn months. DeSoto State Park, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and the Lookout Mountain Parkway are just a few of the best spots for leaf peeping. A homey base for your time is the tiny little mountain town of Mentone – the highest elevated incorporated town in the state. An ideal time to go is late fall, so aim for October for the most vibrant foliage displays. California’s National Parks With a range of elevations, some of the U.S.’s biggest national parks and expanses of wilderness run from the southern border to the northwest coast of California. California offers “leaf lookers” loads of scenery to admire. Hardwoods around June Lakes and Mammoth Lakes start to turn as early as mid-September. Later, Yosemite National Park glows with gold and orange foliage. Either way, you can’t go wrong with spending autumn in Cali. Colorado They don’t call this mountain state Colorado for nothing! The giant Rocky Mountains and vast untouched Aspen forests beckon nature lovers to behold the scenic wonder. Among Colorado’s best beauty spots to visit in September and October are Rocky Mountain National Park and the San Juan Skyway. Don’t forget to bring your camera for lots of photo opps! Boise, Idaho Late September and early October are great times to explore the unspoiled lands of Idaho. The “City of Trees,” as Boise is often called, is as pretty an urban area as you’re likely to find in the fall. It gets even more gorgeous in Sun Valley and farther north along the Selkirk Loop. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery, scenic hikes, and bracing outdoor activities that the city and its surroundings have to offer. Upper Michigan Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is perfect for vibrant shoreline drives during early October. The state has millions of acres of forests and friendly small towns to visit along the way. You’ll never run out of things to do in Michigan. And, there’s no time like fall to take advantage of all Michigan has to offer. Northeast Minnesota Mid-September to mid-October is when you want to be in Minnesota to see the leaves turn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Arguably the most resplendent displays are along Highway 61 near the north shore of Lake Superior around early October. Try the “All American Drive” from Duluth to Grand Portage and marvel in the accompanying lake views, wild rivers, waterfalls, and panoramas. If you love being in nature, especially during the fall, then you’ll certainly love Minnesota. Santa Fe, New Mexico The mountains around Santa Fe – and indeed, even the city itself – are an excellent example of pretty fall foliage in the Southwest. Santa Fe National Forest has more than a million and a half untouched acres to explore. Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, is a majestic setting from which to survey all the colors of autumn. So head on down to Santa Fe for a fall you won’t forget! The National Parks of North Carolina North Carolina is home to the largest chunk of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (the rest is in Tennessee). It’s also possibly the prettiest place for fall foliage in the Southeastern United States. Mid-October to early November is the right time to visit for the most spectacular show of colors, and Asheville is a pleasant and welcoming base. Beyond the Smokies, you’ll find the Nantahala National Forest, the Pisgah National Forest, and the Cherokee National Forest to give you a thrilling sense of all that fall has to offer. Eastern Tennessee Eastern Tennessee – in particular its section of the Smoky Mountains and its border with North Carolina – is another southern state that likes to put on a show before winter settles in. Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee and is a fun town to check out in the fall, especially if you’re into college football. The family-friendly resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge make the most of the season. All throughout September, October, and November, you’ll find tons of festivals and events to celebrate the autumn season. You may also enjoy: Drink Beer, Leaf Peep, and Dance the Tango: 5 Must-See Spots This September Virginia Red Virginia creeper, golden-hued hickory, and a bold palate of fall colors shine in the Shenandoah Valley, the Roanoke Valley, and across much of Virginia. Mid-October is usually a prime time for leaf spotters. The 100-mile Skyline Drive, running the length of the Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is one of the top seasonal drives in the country! Plus, the area is only around an hour outside of Washington, D.C., so there’s plenty for you to do in the nation’s capital as well. Where do you go for nature’s best color show come autumn? We’d love to read your recommendations for awesome autumn travels.
