Spirit of the Season: Enjoy the Color Show
There’s something restless about fall. As the year winds down and the wind kicks up in the northern hemisphere, many people want to get out of the house before settling down for the winter and before the first snow falls. What better reason than to go leaf-peeping? That’s the informal term for traveling to see brilliant displays of fall leaves.
Whether you’re saying goodbye to summer reluctantly or embracing autumn with joy, it’s hard to ignore the beautiful colors of the first leaves turning red, orange and yellow.
Why Travel for Fall Foliage?
Traveling for autumnal foliage offers more than just pretty views; it’s about experiencing the peacefulness and calm of nature for a moment during its most vibrant season. The invigorating sights of fiery reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges lining roads, rivers, and mountaintops can inspire a sense of wonder. If you catch the right moment when swirling brilliant leaves are falling around you, it can be an experience never to forget.
It’s also a chance to explore charming towns, cozy up in a cabin, and breathe in the fresh, cool air that signals the arrival of fall.
When to Go: Timing Your Trip
Deciding when to go is about more than having a free weekend—doing some research will pay off in ensuring that you don’t miss the best views. Since leaves change color at different times depending on the region, you’ll want to plan your trip based on the peak foliage in the area you’re visiting, so you don’t arrive when most of the leaves are already on the ground.
Typically, the weeks from mid-September to late October are prime time for leaf-peeping across much of the United States, though this can vary. By November, most leaves have already fallen.
- Northeast: States like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine generally see peak foliage in early to mid-October.
- Midwest: The upper Midwest, such as Michigan and Wisconsin, hits peak color from late September to mid-October.
- South: In the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, peak color tends to happen in mid to late October.
The weather can also play a role: A warm early September can delay the color show to a little later than usual.
SmokeyMountains.com offers a great interactive map that can help you plan your trip. Slide the circle at the bottom of the map to see the predicted leaf show move across the country at different dates.
Places to Visit
If you want to get a closer look at some of the best foliage in the country, here are four top places to go:
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
This nearly 56-kilometer stretch of backcountry is known as the “Kanc” to locals. Spend one or two days winding your way through gorgeous dense forest land.
Algonquin Park, Ontario
Start planning your visit to this huge Ontario provincial park early in the season because leaves change earlier so far north.
Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
In addition to stunning fall colors, this historic route (it was once a Native American trading trail) also offers views of both the Berkshires and Taconic mountains.
Saint John River, New Brunswick
Follow the river as it snakes through hills, valleys, and mountains and gawk at the canopy of fiery fall trees.
Tips for the Best Fall Foliage Experience
- Plan Your Route: Research scenic byways and roads known for their foliage. Many states have specific routes dedicated to showcasing fall colors, so map out your journey in advance to avoid missing prime spots.
- Go Early: Fall foliage season can get busy, especially in popular areas. To beat the crowds, consider traveling on weekdays or early in the morning when roads are less congested, and the lighting is perfect for photos.
- Stay Flexible: Weather and temperature can cause leaves to change earlier or later than usual. If you can, keep your plans flexible so you can adjust your trip based on the foliage reports.
- Pack Smart: Autumn temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day, so be prepared for chilly mornings and warm afternoons. Bring layers, a cozy scarf, and comfortable shoes for walking or hiking.
- Embrace Small Towns: One of the joys of traveling to see fall foliage is exploring small towns along the way. Stop for apple cider at local farms, visit autumn festivals, or simply wander through charming town centers filled with local shops and eateries.
Capture the Magic
To fully capture the beauty of fall foliage, keep a camera (or your smartphone) ready to snap photos of the brilliant colors around you. Consider experimenting with different angles, shooting against the light to make the colors pop, or including nearby lakes and rivers for stunning reflections.
Back home
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Originally published October 2019, updated October 2024.
