The days are getting shorter, sweater weather is around the corner, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at Starbucks stores across the globe. September signifies the time for all of our favorite fall things, but nothing marks the change of seasons quite like fall foliage.
Though New England is synonymous with the best fall foliage in the world, so many destinations in the United States put on an insanely gorgeous show that rivals those of the Northeast.
If you’re planning your autumn travels around Mother Nature’s most magnificent phenomenon — and you want to avoid the crowds in states like Maine and Vermont — here are seven of the best places to see fall colors in the USA (that aren’t New England).
- The Adirondacks, New York
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Upper Peninsula, Michigan
- Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
- Aspen, Colorado
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, South Carolina/Tennessee
- Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Travel guidelines are continually changing, so be sure to check with any attractions or destinations for their specific safety measures prior to visiting.
1. The Adirondacks, New York
- When to go: From the end of September to mid-October
Encompassing more than six million acres (yes, you read that right) of rugged forest, mountains, lakes, and valleys — along with hundreds of distinct communities — this boundless wilderness area bursts into a dazzling display of vibrant colors toward the end of September.
And, even better, you can experience the spectacular fall foliage in so many different ways here: hop in a canoe and paddle across one of the park’s pristine lakes, take a scenic drive through the mountains, or hike to a panoramic lookout point.
Regardless of which region you choose to explore in the Adirondacks, you can rest assured knowing you’ll constantly be surrounded by jaw-dropping vistas everywhere you turn.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
- When to go: Early October
While the dramatic landscapes of Glacier National Park are sensational year-round, they’re even more extraordinary in fall, covered in swaths of fiery foliage. Plan to visit the park in early October, when maple and aspen trees trade their green hues for shades of bright yellow, burnt orange, and shimmering gold.
Leaf-peeping is the main event in autumn, but it’s also a great time of year to take advantage of all the outdoor activities on offer here, from hiking to camping, wildlife viewing and more. Most of the tourist hordes disperse by the end of September, so you can enjoy the sweeping autumn views almost entirely to yourself.
3. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
- When to go: From mid-September to mid-October
If you’re looking for a fall getaway destination where you can spend a weekend leaf-peeping, wine tasting, and immersing yourself in a unique natural setting along the shores of three Great Lakes, look no further than Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
More than 100 different species of trees can be found throughout the region’s densely-forested state parks — including birch, maple, oak, and sycamore — and the entire area puts on a display of extraordinary color that peaks around the last two weeks of September and the first week of October.
4. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
- When to go: Between mid-September and early to mid-October
With three fall foliage color zones and more than 100 varieties of trees in the area, the vibrant scenery in this mountainous region is nothing short of stupendous come autumn.
Cruising along Route 507 near Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the most popular ways to take in the striking scenery, but there are so many other unique and exciting ways to experience the region’s fall foliage, from picturesque train rides to kayak tours and hiking trails.
Plus, there are loads of fun things to do in this region for all ages, including classic autumn activities like apple picking.
5. Aspen, Colorado
- When to go: Between mid-September and early October
Winter may be Aspen’s most popular season, but it’s worth making a trip to this ski resort town in autumn, when the surrounding mountainous landscape is blanketed in a beautiful spectrum of gold and yellow.
These vivid golden tones make for a stunning contrast against a backdrop of evergreens and snow-capped peaks — and hitting one of the city’s many hiking trails is the best way to take it all in.
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee
- When to go: From early October to early November
As the heat of summer begins to wane, vibrant shades of crimson, gold, yellow, and amber spread across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making for some remarkable fall colors.
Native trees here range from birch to hickories, sugar maples and sweetgums — all of which put on a spellbinding display that will impress even the most enthusiastic foliage-lovers.
The best way to scope out the splendor is to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or hike the Appalachian Trail.
7. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
- When to go: Late September to mid-October
Starting 48 kilometers (30 miles) east of Portland, this gloriously scenic stretch comes alive with shades of deep red, vivid yellow, and everything in between during September and October as maples, twisted pines, and cottonwoods start their fall spectacle.
Leaf-peepers can discover the best of the region’s impressive autumnal panoramas while driving along the Columbia River Highway, tackling a local hiking trail, or kayaking down the mighty Columbia River.
What are your top picks for the best places to see fall colors in the USA?
