Fall can feel like a magical time to travel. Temperatures are cooler, there are less crowds, and across the Northern Hemisphere, the leaves are putting on a show. Whether you’re dreaming of colorful maple forests in New England or golden larch trees in the Alps, Fall offers a scenic backdrop that’s truly hard to beat.
Not sure where to go?
We’ve rounded up some of the best places to catch peak fall foliage, along with some travel tips to make the most of your autumn getaway.
1. Classic U.S. Foliage Destinations
New England Highlights
When it comes to fall foliage, New England is about as iconic as it gets. Picture winding roads lined with crimson maples, covered bridges framed by golden leaves, and small towns celebrating the season with cider doughnuts and harvest festivals (Gilmore Girls, anyone?).
Vermont stands out for its dense forests and charming countryside. Route 100 is especially scenic and is often called “Vermont’s Main Street.” It’s dotted with quaint inns and farm stands.
In New Hampshire, the Kancamagus Highway offers one of the best foliage drives in the country, weaving through the White Mountains with sweeping views everywhere you look. For a slower pace, ride the Conway Scenic Railroad for a nostalgic trip through the trees.
Maine adds a coastal twist to the mix. You’ll still get the brilliant reds and oranges but paired with lighthouses and rocky Atlantic shorelines.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching through Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a drive, it’s an experience. You get miles of uninterrupted mountain views, tunnels through multi-colored forests, and easy pull-offs for hiking or picture-taking.
Mid to late October is usually prime time, and the elevation changes mean you’ll see a layered palette of fall color depending on where you are. Peaks of Otter, Mabry Mill, and Craggy Gardens are top stops along the route.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains are home to over 100 species of native trees, making the foliage incredibly diverse and colorful. What’s special here is the long season. Color begins to change in late September at higher elevations and continues into early November in the valleys.
Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap are two of the best viewpoints, while Cades Cove offers a mix of fall color, historic cabins, and potential wildlife sightings (like black bears and deer).
2. Underrated U.S. Spots for Fall Color
These scenic destinations might not get the same attention as Vermont or the Smokies, but they deliver when it comes to vibrant foliage, and they often come with fewer crowds.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula comes alive with color in late September through early October. The region’s dense hardwood forests (especially around Porcupine Mountains, the Keweenaw Peninsula, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore) make for incredibly scenic drives. M-28 is a standout route, with stretches of road surrounded by blazing red and orange trees, plus lake views along the way.
What makes it especially appealing is its sense of remoteness. You’ll find charming small towns, peaceful hiking trails, and plenty of space to explore without feeling like you’re in a tourist funnel.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Located just east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge combines fall foliage with some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. While it’s popular in spring for waterfall hikes, autumn adds bursts of yellow, red, and gold to the lush green backdrop of the gorge.
Early to mid-October is the best time for leaf-peeping here, and the Historic Columbia River Highway offers a scenic route that weaves past waterfalls, viewpoints, and trailheads with relatively light traffic compared to more mainstream national parks.
And if you’re lucky, you might catch some morning mist rising over the river for an even moodier fall feel.
Aspen, Colorado
While it’s best known for skiing, Aspen also puts on a stunning show in the fall, especially thanks to the region’s namesake trees. By late September, the aspen groves light up the mountains in golden yellow.
It’s a short-lived but breathtaking window that’s especially noticeable along Maroon Creek Road, near the iconic Maroon Bells. Fall is technically the off-season here, so you’ll find fewer crowds, better lodging availability, and a quieter vibe before winter tourism kicks off.
3. International Leaf-Peeping Adventures
Temples, Trails, and Autumn Festivals in Japan
Japan’s fall season hits a little later than the U.S., typically peaking from late October into November. Kyoto is especially beautiful, with golden ginkgo trees and deep red maples framing temples, shrines, and quiet gardens. Nikko, a mountainous area just north of Tokyo, is another favorite for leaf-peeping and hot springs.
Bonus: fall is less touristy than cherry blossom season, making it a great time to visit.
Fall in the Bavarian Alps, Germany
In southern Germany, the Bavarian Alps offer a dramatic setting for autumn. Forested hills light up with color, and traditional villages look like something out of a storybook. You can combine scenic drives with castle visits (like Neuschwanstein), hikes, and late-season beer gardens. Fall brings fewer crowds and cooler, pleasant weather that’s perfect for exploring.
French Charm and Maple Forests in Canada
Eastern Canada is another great option if you want to stay closer to home but still go international. Quebec City in the fall is cozy and colorful, with tree-lined streets, crisp air, and a European feel. If you’re more outdoorsy, Ontario’s Algonquin Park is full of hiking trails, lakes, and some of the brightest red and orange leaves you’ll find anywhere in North America.
Timing Your Trip for Peak Fall Color
Catching fall foliage at its peak can be tricky. It changes each year depending on weather patterns, elevation, and latitude. Go too early and you’ll see mostly green; too late and you’ll get bare trees. The sweet spot varies by region.
In general, northern areas (like Vermont or Michigan’s Upper Peninsula) hit peak color in late September to early October. Southern spots (like North Carolina or Tennessee) tend to peak mid-to-late October, sometimes even into early November.
Just remember that elevation matters too. In the mountains, color shows up earlier at higher elevations and gradually works its way down. So, if you’re heading to places like the Smokies or Colorado, plan your hikes or drives accordingly.
To help time things just right, use a foliage tracking map. SmokyMountains.com offers one of the most popular interactive maps for U.S. foliage, updated annually with predictions by region and week. It’s a great tool to check before you book or hit the road.
Don’t Let Your Fall Trip Take a Fall
Autumn trips are full of beauty, but they can also come with a few trip hazards, literally and figuratively!
Slippery trails, surprise storms, and seasonal closures can throw a wrench in your plans, and that’s where travel insurance can help.
Trip delay or cancellation coverage can help you recover costs if weather or illness changes your plans. And if you do happen to take a real fall while hiking those colorful trails, emergency medical coverage can save you from hefty bills, especially if you’re far from home.
It’s a small cost for a big sense of relief, especially if your autumn trip includes remote areas, international flights, or nonrefundable stays.
Compare affordable policies at TravelInsurance.com so you can enjoy the crisp air, golden leaves, and scenic roads without worrying about what happens if something goes wrong.
Compare and Buy Travel Insurance
Compare and buy travel insurance plans from top rated insurers