As summer turns to fall, travel plans also transition from the beach to leaf-peeping hot spots. But during peak color times, many of those places are often teeming with people.
If you’d rather enjoy nature than hordes of other people, this list is for you.
We’ve picked 11 lesser-known fall foliage destinations to visit between late September and late October. From idyllic U.S. towns to stunning Croatian national parks and even a prime northern lights spot, these are the best places to see fall foliage without the big crowds.
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Pine Creek Gorge extends 1,450 feet down at its deepest point. Pine Creek flows through the gorge — often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania — and tree-covered, rolling hills flank each side.
The gorge runs for about 47 miles, with the deepest point near the southern end in Waterville in northern Pennsylvania, about a four-hour drive northwest of Philadelphia. Pine Creek Gorge offers plentiful opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding or a scenic drive.
Climbing the Barbour Rock Trail in Tioga State Forest is a must for memorable views of the gorge. In the fall, those views include a veritable rainbow of autumn leaves, made even more vivid by the evergreen trees that dot the landscape.
TPG tip: Toward the northern end of the gorge, you’ll find locally owned bed-and-breakfasts, inns and campgrounds. If you want to use your points, there’s a Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in Lock Haven, a 20-minute drive south of Waterville. Rates start at $116 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in October.
Dubuque, Iowa
In the fall, bushy trees in varying hues against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds make Dubuque, Iowa, look like something out of a Bob Ross painting.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape from the top of the Fenelon Place Elevator, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Known as the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway, the 296-foot-long railway takes passengers on one-way or round-trip tours from Dubuque’s Fourth Street to Fenelon Place.
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From the top, you can view downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and thousands of “happy little trees.” Riding the Fenelon Place Elevator requires a small fee ($2 one-way or $4 round-trip), and you must pay in cash. Children under the age of 5 are free.
TPG tip: Use your IHG One Rewards points at the Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, just a five-minute walk from the elevator. Rates start at $107 or 22,000 IHG One Rewards points per night in October.
Finnish Lapland
If you thought the best time to visit Finnish Lapland was in the winter, think again. If you visit in mid-to-late September, you’ll be treated to a fiery prism of leaves and the rare opportunity to see the northern lights. The aurora is typically visible beginning as early as late August, and is often most active around the fall and spring equinoxes.
During the day, you can enjoy autumn activities like berry picking, mushroom foraging and hiking in scenic spots like the Vikakongas hiking trail and the Auttikongas waterfall and nature trail.
Related: Best hotels to see the northern lights
TPG tip: You don’t have to give up the gorgeous outdoor views when you book a stay at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel via World of Hyatt. The property has 60 private suites and villas, including its namesake treehouse suites with panoramic windows. Rates start at $332 or 22,125 World of Hyatt points per night this September.
Lexington, Kentucky
When you think of Kentucky, horse racing and bourbon probably come to mind. You’ll find both in Lexington, along with vibrant fall colors. View the fall leaves on foot with a 3.8-mile hike along the Kentucky River Palisades Trail in Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve, or take to the skies with a treetop canopy zip line tour with Boone Creek Outdoors. To explore by car, go for a drive along the Old Frankfort Pike Scenic Byway’s rolling hills.
For the full Kentucky experience, try a picturesque horseback ride at Kentucky Horse Park, followed by a visit to Keeneland’s fall racing meet. If you want to combine urban exploration and leaf-peeping, check out the Town Branch Trail. The mixed-use trail links downtown to Lexington’s Distillery District, where you’ll find dining, shopping and, of course, bourbon.
TPG tip: The Sire Hotel is in the historic Gratz Park neighborhood, only a short walk from downtown Lexington and less than 10 miles from both Keeneland and Kentucky Horse Park. Rates in October start at $167 or 55,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Katy Trail State Park, Missouri
Katy Trail State Park is home to the country’s longest recreational rail trail, which can be traversed by foot, bike or horse. The trail follows the path of the Missouri River between the towns of Machens, just north of St. Louis, and Clinton, in western Missouri, offering many opportunities to take in the fall scenery along the way.
There are more than 26 trailheads along the 240-mile-long trail, many close to bike rental facilities, dining and camping.
If you want to see the sights without doing the legwork, seasonal tram tours are available on two Tuesdays monthly in May, June, September and October.
TPG tip: Along the trail, choose from historic inns, vacation rentals, basic points hotels and camping options for accommodations. After a long hiking or cycling trip, pamper yourself at the spa at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Rates in early November — when peak foliage is predicted for Missouri — start at $479 or 49,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
If your fall travels take you to the Buckeye State, Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s vivid orange and yellow foliage will stop you in your tracks. The park has a scenic railway, hundreds of miles of trails and access to the Cuyahoga River so you can experience the sights at your own pace.
If you love having options, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad sells an Explorer Pass, which allows you to ride the train in one direction and hike, run, kayak or bike to your starting point.
The foliage peaks near Brandywine Falls in mid-October. Follow the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Loop trail to see red sugar maples pop against the dark brown leaves of the white oaks and the white foam of the 60-foot waterfall.
TPG tip: The national park is just a 30-minute drive south of downtown Cleveland. Check in to the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade, located in a historic 1890 shopping mall in the heart of downtown. Rates in October start at $129 or 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Greenville County, South Carolina
While everyone else is heading to the Blue Ridge Mountains, in-the-know travelers will head to the mountain range’s foothills to visit Greenville, South Carolina. While downtown Greenville has the expected shopping and dining, you might be surprised that you don’t need to leave downtown to experience the area’s fall colors.
The best way to see the area’s waterfalls, river and sweeping green spaces is on the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy, located downtown. The uniquely shaped, curved pedestrian bridge spans 345 feet and has panoramic views of the changing foliage.
TPG tip: Located within the park, the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection has rooms with views of the falls. Rates start at $283 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night this October.
Killarney National Park, Ireland
There’s no shortage of natural beauty in Killarney National Park’s 26,000 acres of tranquil lakes, craggy mountains and lush forests, but the history of this area of southwest Ireland makes it even more alluring. You can visit a 4,000-year-old prehistoric settlement, a castle and abbey built in the 15th century, and centuries-old grand estates.
Trails range from wheelchair accessible to a “very difficult” trail that leads to the summit of Torc Mountain. In addition to fall’s fiery, red-hued leaves, you can try and spot the country’s last indigenous herd of red deer.
TPG tip: Just outside the park, Killarney Glamping offers glamping suites, luxury lodges and private cabins, all with en suite bathrooms and heating. The resort’s sauna, set on the banks of the River Flesk, is available to guests. Rates start at $280 per night in October.
Use your Hilton Honors points at the Cahernane House Hotel, an SLH hotel, a late-19th-century manor home between the national park and the town of Killarney. October rates start at $275 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Grizedale Forest, England
Grizedale Forest, named for the Grizedale Hall estate that once stood on the grounds, is in Northwest England’s Lake District. Forestry England manages the land, which provides ample opportunities for visitors to explore the area on foot, horseback, bike or a high ropes course.
The blanket of green trees that covers the hills and valleys in spring and summer gives way to a kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow hues in the fall.
While enjoying the colorful leaves painted by Mother Nature, you can also visit a sculpture trail with pieces forged from natural materials, a children’s playground and a cafe. If you are visiting with kids, don’t miss the Gruffalo orienteering course for a bit of educational fun.
At night, go stargazing at the Grizedale Observatory and Planetarium, which opened in 2025.
TPG tip: The Swan Hotel & Spa is a 20-minute drive from Grizedale Forest. It offers standard rooms and private cottages starting at $147 per night in October.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Opened in 1949, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s oldest and largest national parks, but the forces that carved the park’s caves and water features are much older. Over the course of thousands of years, water flowing over the park’s rocks created unique, multilevel lakes and waterfalls that flow between them. Plitvice Lakes’ year-round dreaminess is further heightened in the fall when the turquoise waters contrast dramatically with the autumn leaves.
There is a fee to enter the park, but admission includes access to sightseeing boats and train tours. You can also hike from the parking lot to see the lakes (and leaves) on foot.
TPG tip: Hotel Jezero is just next to the park entrance and offers perks like free parking and complimentary transportation to select locations inside the park. When you book the Plitvice Lakes Autumn Charms Package (from $110 per night in October), you’ll also get park entry for the length of your stay and complimentary breakfast.
Eryri National Park, Wales
Within Eryri National Park, also known by its English name Snowdonia, you’ll find Yr Wyddfa — the highest mountain in Wales. Luckily, you don’t have to hike 3,560 feet to the summit to see the brilliant fall foliage (unless you want to). There are hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails to suit all levels, as well as paved paths that are accessible for wheelchairs.
If you visit in mid-to-late October, you’ll enjoy an array of orange and yellow leaves across the mountainous peaks.
TPG tip: If you want to fully immerse yourself in Wales’ fall beauty, there are hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and campsites in the park. The Grapes is a cozy family-owned hotel and pub in the village of Maentwrog, bookable via Chase Travel. Rates in October start at $142 per night.
Bottom line
Whether you plan to travel a short distance to look at the leaves on a crisp autumn day or fly to another continent for a full fall-iday, you’ll find what you seek — without the crowds — in these destinations.
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