September is the perfect time to see fall colors change across the US. From yellow to red to orange, witnessing the changing of seasons with the changing of colors is truly a delightful sight to behold. There are so many beautiful places to experience this fall foliage for yourself. So, it you’re trying to decide where to take your fall foliage trip, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get into the Travel to Some Places list of the best places to see the changing colors in the US this autumn.

Door County, Wisconsin: A Lakefront Fall Experience

Located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County offers charming small towns and breathtaking fall scenery. With over 300 miles of shoreline, the mix of water and colorful trees creates a stunning fall landscape.

• Top Spots:
  • Peninsula State Park: Offering hiking and biking trails with views of the bay and fall foliage.
  • Cave Point County Park: Known for its limestone cliffs, this park is a unique spot to admire the fall colors.
  • Washington Island: A quiet, serene island accessible by ferry, with beautiful fall views.

Aspen, Colorado: The Golden Aspen Trees

For golden hues unlike any other, Aspen, Colorado is the place to be. The town is named after the aspen trees that dominate the area and transform into a sea of gold during fall. The Rockies add a breathtaking backdrop, making the scene even more surreal.

• Top Spots:
  • Maroon Bells: These iconic twin peaks are surrounded by groves of golden aspen trees.
  • Independence Pass: A high-elevation road that offers stunning views of the fall landscape.
  • Castle Creek Road: A scenic drive lined with brilliant aspen trees in full fall splendor.

New England: The Quintessential Fall Foliage Destination

New England is renowned for its dramatic fall foliage. The states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, in particular, offer some of the most iconic autumnal scenes in the country. Peak season typically occurs from late September to mid-October.

• Top Spots:
  • Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire: A 34.5-mile scenic drive with incredible vistas.
  • Stowe, Vermont: A picturesque town with hiking trails offering panoramic views of the fall landscape.
  • Acadia National Park, Maine: Rugged coastlines and forests that burst into color during the fall.

Great Smoky Mountains: A Southern Fall Paradise

Stretching across North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains provide one of the most diverse displays of fall colors in the South. Thanks to the range of elevations, the park offers an extended fall season, allowing visitors to see colors from mid-September to early November.

• Top Spots:
  • Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the park, offering sweeping views of fall foliage.
  • Cades Cove Loop Road: A scenic loop perfect for a leisurely drive through vibrant landscapes.
  • Newfound Gap Road: A road that crosses the park, showcasing different elevations and foliage zones.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest is known for its lush greenery, but fall brings an entirely different spectacle. The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon becomes a canvas of yellows, oranges, and reds as the season changes. The waterfalls and rivers in the region make it a photographer’s dream.

• Top Spots:
  • Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s most famous waterfall, framed by vibrant autumn leaves.
  • Historic Columbia River Highway: A scenic route filled with views of the gorge, waterfalls, and forests.
  • Rowena Crest Viewpoint: A breathtaking overlook perfect for viewing the fall colors along the river.

The Upper Peninsula, Michigan: A Midwest Gem for Fall Colors

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers some of the most stunning and underrated fall foliage in the Midwest. The combination of forests, lakes, and waterfalls makes for a serene autumn experience.

• Top Spots:
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Spectacular cliffs paired with a palette of fall colors.
  • Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Miles of hiking trails surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage.
  • Tahquamenon Falls: These massive waterfalls are a must-see, particularly when surrounded by fall colors.

Blue Ridge Parkway: The Ultimate Scenic Fall Drive

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from Virginia to North Carolina and is considered one of the best drives for fall foliage. The changing colors of the Appalachian Mountains make this 469-mile road trip an unforgettable autumn adventure.

• Top Spots:
  • Peaks of Otter, Virginia: A picturesque area with trails and lake views.
  • Craggy Gardens, North Carolina: Known for its panoramic mountain views, especially during fall.
  • Mount Mitchell State Park: The highest peak east of the Mississippi, offering unbeatable views of the surrounding fall landscape.

Plan Your Fall Foliage Trip

From the East Coast to the West Coast, and everywhere in between, the United States offers diverse and beautiful spots to see the fall colors change. Whether you prefer mountain vistas, scenic drives, or lakeside views, there’s a perfect autumn destination for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and experience the magic of fall in the U.S.!