50+ Best Places to See Beautiful Fall Foliage Colors Across America
If fall colors are your thing, these are the top leaf-peeping locations in each state.
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There are so many things to love about fall. Chillier temps, warm apple cider, trips to the pumpkin patch and the never-ending holiday-themed family activities to name a few. The best part of all, though? The bright red, orange, yellow and gold fall colors. Even states that don't have "traditional" autumn weather still see Mother Nature's magic come alive September and October.
No matter if you live on the East Coast, West Coast or somewhere in the middle, every state has a peak fall foliage spot that wows year after year. With this 50-state (plus D.C.!) guide, you'll learn where the best places to see the fall foliage near you are located. Since the exact days for peak foliage fluctuate depending on weather patterns, make sure to check your local tourism websites before embarking on a family fall road trip and heading out to snap some stunning pics for Instagram. Happy leaf-peeping, America!
Alabama
Where to go: Located about an hour outside of Birmingham, you'll find Cheaha State Park. The park includes the highest point in the state.
When to go: Late September through early October
Alaska
Where to go: Make the trek to Denali National Park during the shoulder season to see the reds, yellows, greens and golds of the tundra in all their glory.
When to go: Late August through early September
Arizona
Where to go: The red rock formations in Sedona look especially stunning in contrast with yellow foliage.
When to go: Late September through Mid-October
Arkansas
Where to go: Arkansas’ tallest mountain Mount Magazine stands at 2,753 feet and offers stunning views of trees that turn a stunning red-orange each autumn.
When to go: Late October through early November
California
Where to go: A fall foliage trip that also features wine sounds like the perfect trip. It's always a good time of year to embark on a Napa Valley wine tour, but the changing colors of the vineyards in the fall will make your tasting that much sweeter.
When to go: Early November
Colorado
Where to go: The Maroon Bells — two 14,000-foot peaks in the Elk Mountains — draw photographers from all over. The spot is easily accessible (just 10 miles!) from Aspen.
When to go: Mid- to late September
Connecticut
Where to go: Connecticut's adorable Litchfield Hills include plenty of antiques shops, cute inns, and a section of the Appalachian Trail. See yellow ash, aspen and maple trees, as well as red oaks, dogwoods, orange maples and sumacs.
When to go: Late September through October
Delaware
Where to go: The Ashland Covered Bridge in New Castle County was built circa 1860, but the lattice woodwork framing the fall foliage looks like it was made to be the perfect Instagram backdrop.
When to go: Mid- to late October
District of Columbia
Where to go: Our nation's capital is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, but try taking a walk down the National Mall or along the Potomac this autumn for a different kind of view.
When to go: Late October
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Florida
Where to go: Everglades National Park starts its dry season at the end of November, when migratory birds come from all over the country for warmer weather (and mosquitoes begin to disappear).
When to go: Early November
Georgia
Where to go: Tallulah Gorge in northern Georgia is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Enjoy the stunning view full of yellow oaks and red maples from trails overlooking the rim, rapids and waterfalls. A great way to get some exercise and see some autumn hues.
When to go: Mid-October through early November
Hawaii
Where to go: The Big Island hosts the Ironman World Championship triathlon every year in October. Competitors race across deep blue waters and a black lava desert — two very different kinds of fall colors.
When to go: Mid-October
Idaho
Where to go: Sun Valley is both a popular location for skiers in the winter and a must-see spot for leaf peepers during autumn, especially the nearby Sawtooth National Forest. The forest will impress adventure seekers with miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas and orange and yellow aspen trees.
When to go: Early through Mid-October
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Illinois
Where to go: Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby features more than a dozen sandstone canyons, like this bandshell-shaped formation called Council Overhang. See vivid gold and yellow foliage on about 13 miles of marked trails throughout the park.
When to go: Late October through early November
Indiana
Where to go: Cataract Falls in Central Indiana are the state's largest waterfalls, and they look all the more impressive surrounded by glorious shades of red and orange.
When to go: Mid-October
Iowa
Where to go: The Maquoketa River is popular with paddlers and fishermen alike. Walnut, ash, oak, elm, and maple trees throughout the state turn bright yellow, rusty red, bronzy orange and reddish purple.
When to go: Mid-October
Kansas
Where to go: Enjoy the the gold, red and brown hues of the plains by going on a fall drive along the Gypsum Hills or Flint Hills Scenic Byways during sunset.
When to go: Mid- to late October and November
Kentucky
Where to go: It almost looks too pretty to believe it's a real place. Daniel Boone National Forest is packed with geological treasures. In fact, Kentucky has more natural stone arches than any other eastern state. Expect to see dogwoods turning crimson, sugar maples going scarlet and ashes transitioning to dark purple.
When to go: Late October through early November
Louisiana
Where to go: The bayou's bald cypress trees turn tan, cinnamon, and fiery orange in autumn before dropping their needle-like leaves. Try visiting Barataria Preserve just outside of New Orleans.
When to go: Late October through early November
Maine
Where to go: Acadia National Park offers stunning sights, like this view from Otter Point on top of Gorham Mountain. You can also drive along the Black Woods Scenic Byway to see the blueberry barrens turn scarlet — and of course eat lots of pie.
When to go: Mid-October
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
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