Skip to main content

Fall Foliage: Top Places to Visit for the Best Pictures

Every fall, people from all over the globe flock to forested areas to view the splendorous sight of fall foliage shedding their chlorophyll green hue and revealing their true colors. An exceptional event, these leaf peepers must plan their trips perfectly. The magical transformation of leaves turning from green to red, yellow, and orange is quick—it can be as short as three to five days—and only happens when conditions align seamlessly—not too much rain and enough sun. Here, we’re calling out the top leaf-peeping destinations so you can have the ultimate fall foliage experience.

ASPEN, COLORADO

Small pond surrounded by autumn trees near Aspen Colorado

To fully surround yourself in a land of leaves, head to the Maroon Bells southwest of Aspen. Highly photographed, these mountains showcase a majestic display of fall foliage. We recommend arriving early, as its beauty attracts many people, making it a popular place to capture your next wallpaper photo. To get the best views, choose one of the following ways:   

  • By foot: Select a trail and savor the most fantastic fall foliage walk.  
  • By bicycle: Rent a bike for the day and enjoy riding on trails like the Rio Grande trail, Maroon Bells, or, for experts, the Independence Pass.   
  • By car: Take a scenic drive and feel the cool breeze while viewing Colorado’s best fall foliage.   
  • By water: Kayak on the Roaring Fork or Colorado River to immerse yourself in the colors of autumn via water.   

Trees that wow: Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Narrowleaf Cottonwood, Quaking Aspen 

Colors to behold: Greenish-blue, forest green, mustard yellow, bright yellow 

When to go: Third or fourth week of September 

THE OZARKS, ARKANSAS 

A small cabin near a forest colored in autumn hues

With over 4,000 acres of parkland, 60 miles of trails, and three beautiful lakes, The Ozarks are ideal for catching the season's magnificence at your own pace. A preferred place to see autumn colors is at Eureka Springs. Fish, bike, or hike through the Ozarks to completely appreciate Mother Nature's shining moment.   

Trees that wow: Blackgum, Sweetgum, Sassafrass, Maple, Oak  

Colors to behold: Gold, red, black, wine, orange, yellow, white 

When to go: Late September – End of October 

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA

 Trees in the Sierra Nevadas during fall time

The exact timing for when the leaves change color varies and depends on many factors. Luckily, Lake Tahoe and the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains offer an expansive area to—metaphorically—follow the rainbow of seasonal hues as the foliage transitions shades. Spooner Lake and Marlette Lake are leaf-peeping hot spots. 

Trees that wow: Quaking Aspen, Cottonwood, Pine, Fir 

Colors to behold: Gold, orange, deep green, light green, red 

When to go: September – Late October 

NORTH SHORE LAKE SUPERIOR, SOUTHERN MINNESOTA 

Trees in different autumn hues on top of a cliff next the crashing waves of Lake Superior

One of the best road trips in the United States, the drive from Duluth to Grand Portage hugs Lake Superior’s Minnesota shoreline and features fall’s splendor in its most vivid form. Make overnight reservations along the route at Beaver Bay or Grand Marais. Make plans well in advance and schedule a midweek trip to avoid the hustle and bustle of this autumnal destination.  

Trees that wow: Maple, Oak, Birch, Aspen, Pine, Aspen 

Colors to behold: Scarlet, yellow, brown, white, blue, red, green, orange 

When to go: Late September – Mid-October 

NEW ENGLAND 

A small town in Vermont surrounded by a lot of trees of yellow orange and red

A region comprised of six states in the northeastern United States—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—touring New England during the fall is the quintessential leaf-peeping experience. Travel & Leisure considers Bar Harbor, ME, the top town for fall colors. 

Trees that wow: Maple, Aspen, Oak, Beech  

Colors to behold: Vivid Orange, deep red, yellow, sandy brown 

When to go: Mid-September – Early November 

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON 

Vineyard in Willamette Valley during autumn and a cloudy day

Home to Eugene, Portland, and Salem, the Willamette Valley is centrally located, and its lower elevation, lush forestry, and ideal temperatures make it an optimal site for both winemakers and leaf peepers alike. Dubbed Pinot country, you can enjoy breathtaking fall foliage views and top-rated Pinot noirs from the comfort of a local vineyard.  

Trees that wow: Big-Leaf Maple, Cottonwood, Ash, Twisted Pine, Douglas Fir, Deciduous Conifer Larch, Oak, Pacific Dogwood 

Colors to behold: Purple, red, yellow, bright orange, sandy brown, vibrant green 

When to go: October – early November 

Autumn Calls for Fall Maintenance Around the House 

After going on your leaf-peeping escapade and seeing the beauty of fall foliage across the nation, ensure your house is in tip-top shape for winter. The seasonal transition from fall to winter brings challenges, from dropping temperatures to weather-related issues. Our fall maintenance checklist takes you step-by-step through everything you need to do around the house to preserve the comfort and safety of your home.