Here’s Where To See Fall Foliage Across The United States

Fall foliage can be experienced across much of the United States in various ways and locations. While New England maintain an autumn stronghold, other parts of the country hold their own for autumn splendors. This seasonal phenomenon can encompass parts of the Midwest, the Northern Pacific and the Southeast and Southwest. Their color schemes might differ in amounts and schedules but they still shine.

Here's a list of some top fall foliage sites, by state. Check with local sources on current conditions.

Alabama

The Alabama Fall Color Trail usually comes into effect from early October through early November and begins in North Alabama. It encompasses Alabama’s state parks, nature preserves and covered bridges plus its portion of The Natchez Trace Parkway.

Alaska

From mid to late September, The Seward Highway offers one of Alaska’s most scenic fall drives. This designated scenic byway has many pull-offs to stop for photos, with chances to spot beluga whales in the water, Dall sheep along the mountainsides, and eagles soaring above.

Arizona

Flagstaff’s Leaf-ometer tracks fall foliage at popular sites such as the Inner Basin Trail or The Arboretum at Flagstaff or Oak Creek Canyon within the Coconino National Forest.

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Arkansas

Buffalo National River has scenic driving options and is a great spot for fall wildlife watching and birding. Its Boxley Valley is home to a resident elk herd that is consistently seen during the fall rut at dawn and dusk.

California

South of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley in Alpine County contains dense aspen groves displaying golds, oranges and reds, typically in peak from mid-October to mid-November. Start your drive from the west on Highway 88 in Jackson or Pioneer, then wind your way uphill until topping out at Carson Pass; a sharp descent plunges you into Hope Valley. Aspens border both sides of the highway, but they’re especially vibrant near Red Lake and Wylder Hope Valley Resort.

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park sees its leaves turning gold, orange, red and brown. Autumn also marks the fall elk rut—aka mating—season, where the park will enforce meadow closures to protect these creatures. Purchasing a timed entry reservation for visitation at certain daytimes now through late October is required.

Connecticut

Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden is a densely forested mountain with trails leading to various parts, all with stunning views. Two miles of traprock mountaintop physically resemble a “Sleeping Giant,” which is how the park got its famous name.

Delaware

Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington has over 14 miles of trails and various types of trees along with views of rolling hills, wooded areas, and serene meadows.

Florida

In the Panhandle, Torreya State Park in Bristol has high bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River. Torreya trees and other hardwood species put on a display of reds, oranges and yellows.

Georgia

Georgia State Parks’ “Leaf Watch 2024” tracks fall colors as they move across the Peach State. This website highlight areas of trees offering a kaleidoscope of colors and promotes state parks such as Victoria Bryant, James H. Floyd and Watson Mill Bridge.

Hawaii

As a tropical destination, Hawaii does not have the usual fall foliage. However, Waimanalo Country Farm on Oahu opens up their pumpkin patch and sunflower fields, giving off a sense of the fall season. Also try Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a, as the trail is surrounded by native plants and trees, and has breathtaking views.

Idaho

International Selkirk Loop connects multiple north Idaho cities, including Priest River, Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint. Take in views of the Selkirk Mountains and the shores of the Lake Pend Oreille.

Illinois

Illinois has three fall guides - Illinois Fall Colors Trip Planner, Fall Color Reports, and the new "Outdoor Adventures in Illinois" - to point visitors and locals in the right direction.

Indiana

Brown County State Park, often called the "Little Smokies," has overlook points such as Hesitation Point providing panoramic views of the diverse canopy. It’s a mountain biking trail spot and has 70 miles of bridle trails on horseback.

Iowa

Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry is not only engulfed with a bright display of red, yellow, and orange colors. It also includes prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, dating from 500 B.C. to 1300 A.D., on 2,500 acres of forested land along the Mississippi River.

Kansas

Carved by ancient glaciers, the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway runs through a distinct landscape named for the rolling hills and the rock-strewn valleys. The receding ice left behind a beautiful landscape and highly fertile farmland that flourishes in the fall.

Louisiana

Based in Bastrop, in Northern Louisiana, Chemin-A-Haut State Park is a scenic bayeau with the cypress trees along the water that shine in autumn.

Maine

Camden Hills State Park leads to stunning views of the town's harbor and the sea beyond. With hiking trails for all levels, walk through the forest's changing landscape to the summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of Penobscot Bay.

Massachusetts

Robinson State Park in Agawam contains over 800 acres of woodlands and scenic trails along the Westfield River. It's a popular spot for walking and biking in the fall.

Michigan

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the upper falls of Tahquamenon Falls State Park stand out with their copper color, bursting with orange, red, and yellow hues.

Mississippi

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park holds massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices that are said to be found nowhere else in Mississippi.

Missouri

Ha Ha Tonka State Park has a series of trails such as the rugged Colosseum Trail that winds through a sinkhole and beneath a natural bridge. Other trails provide views of geologic features including a massive stone arch, rock bluffs, glades and Missouri’s 12th largest spring, along with the remains of a 1905 European-style stone castle.

Montana

In Southwest Montana, the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway is aligned with several aspen stands that are stunning in the fall. Cliff and Wade Lakes are gorgeous as well as the Georgetown Lake area.

Nebraska

Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue is made up of 1,500 acres of land and 17 miles of maintained trails. At this National Natural Landmark and a National Historic District, visitors will encounter a wide range of ecosystems including a deciduous forest, an oak savanna, a prairie and wetlands.

Nevada

The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive in Great Basin National Park sees sagebrush-covered slopes turn into vibrant displays of fall foliage. This 12-mile drive leads up to an elevation of 10,000 feet, with a stunning transition from Pinyon Pines to Curleaf Mountain Mahogany and the ancient Bristlecone Pines that the park is renowned for.

New Hampshire

Weeks State Park in Lancaster is said to be a great spot to beat the leaf-peeping crowds. Take the auto road to drive to the top of Mount Prospect or climb up the stone fire tower to see overhead views.

New Jersey

The virtual Jersey State Parks Passport features 40 participating state parks that shine in fall. Participants include Wharton State Forest, the largest in the state, Liberty State Park, Hopatcong State Park, and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, all of which showcase shades of red, yellow, and orange.

New Mexico

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway blends outdoor adventure, arts, and culture along an 84-mile loop connecting Taos, Red River, and Angel Fire. Begin in Taos, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains’ vibrant aspen groves, and enjoy a light hike on El Nogal trail. Other highlights include Wheeler Peak and explore Red River and perhaps end your journey in Angel Fire with a scenic chairlift ride.

New York

New York has many places to see fall foliage, ranging from parks in New York City, to the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Hudson Valley. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is home to waterfalls and plunging gorges. Special spots range from the Gorge Trail and the Autism Nature Trail, a mile-long loop with eight sensory stations.

North Carolina

From its perch on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pounding Mill Overlook frames a 180-degree view of scenic landmarks within the layered mountain vista. Looking Glass Rock, a 3,969-foot monolith that reflects the sun, rises to the south amid the vibrant hardwood trees of Pisgah National Forest. The view to the north takes in Frying Pan Fire Tower and Pisgah Inn.

Pennsylvania

Bucks County often gets high marks for fall foliage and can be experienced in many different ways. Consider taking a self-guided Bucks County Covered Bridge Driving Tour that encompasses 12 remaining covered bridges. Another option is the Pine Creek Gorge, which is referred to as “The Grand Canyon of PA,” with sweeping vistas and hiking trails. Ricketts Glen State Park is known for its cascading waterfalls set against a backdrop of rich fall colors, and Loyalsock State Forest offers hidden viewpoints suiting photographers and nature lovers alike.

Rhode Island

Roger Williams Park in Providence is worth seeing for one iconic tree alone — the American Sycamore. Its yellow leaves and huge spreading limbs dominate the entrance to the park’s Betsey Williams Cottage. Also, don’t miss the Civil War Veterans Grove, featuring 27 Sugar Maples that turn orange.

South Carolina

Table Rock State Park in Pickens bursts with color amid its namesake towering mountain and hiking trails that serve as an access point for the 76-mile Foothills Trail. The park also provides RV and tent camping and “glamping” type cabins. Insider tip: if available, reserve cabin 5. It’s the most sought-after cabin as it has the most stunning overlook of the park.

South Dakota

Spearfish Canyon has gotten the top spot in South Dakota’s fall foliage rankings, thanks to having golden aspens and birch trees dazzling amidst a backdrop of spruce and pine trees. Spearfish Creek stands out too, as it flows along the canyon bottom, and the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon State and National Forest Scenic Byway embraces this autumn splendor along this stretch of US Highway 14A.

Tennessee

Cherokee National Forest is awesome for day hikers to take in waterfalls, mountain views and grassy balds among rich hues of red, yellow, and orange. Easy hikes include the Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1 at Osborne Farm where Cross Mountain bridges Holston and Iron Mountains. There's also the Pinnacle Tower hike located atop Buffalo Mountain, where you can climb to drink in views of the region's highest peaks.

Texas

In Texas Hill Country, Lost Maples State Natural Area is known for having a pocket of Uvalde bigtooth maples along with sycamores and wildflowers. Explore over 10 miles of trails, including a loop that goes along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff.

Utah

Utah has a ton of scenic byways to choose from, but consider taking the Energy Loop: Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byway. This byway in the Manti-La Sal National Forest winds over the Wasatch Plateau among fields of yellow aspens and deep green conifers.

Vermont

It’s a tough choice to single out one fall foliage spot in Vermont, but scene drives remain a top pick. Along with auto roads, the Green Mountain State has 10 federally designated highways ranging in length and attractions and make for fun fall routes. Among them, the Green Mountain Byway highlights Vermont’s Northern Green Mountains and along Routes 100, 108, and 15. Central Vermont scenic routes feature Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), the Smugglers’ Notch mountain pass, and iconic Vermont towns and villages.

Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is home to deciduous trees, including oaks, hickories, maples, and birches resulting in a stunning color palette ranging from deep reds and oranges to bright yellows and golds. The park’s 105-mile Skyline Drive offers unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing sweeping panoramas of autumn colors below. With over 500 miles of trails, including famous hikes like Old Rag Mountain and Hawksbill Summit, Shenandoah provides opportunities to immerse yourself in the foliage.

Washington

Olympic National Park and Forest in the Olympic Peninsula boasts three different ecosystems: glacier-capped peaks, old-growth and temperate rainforests, and the wild Pacific coastline. The very best location for color viewing is a drive along Highway 101, which loops around the Olympic Peninsula. During late fall, the mosses growing in long strands from the tree branches turn brilliant chartreuse. Big leaf maples form a dense canopy of giant yellow leaves over the forest and vine maples are brilliant orange, salmon, yellow and red colors.

West Virginia

The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve has much to offer year-round, but the gorge really comes alive in the fall. On the third Saturday in October, Bridge Day takes place and the trees are nearing their peak fall color. Aside from the single day festival, visitors to the area can enjoy hikes with scenic overlooks, whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers, rock climbing, mountain biking, gorgeous fall foliage and mild temperatures.

Wisconsin

Lake Superior Scenic Byway follows the southern shoreline of Lake Superior along the Bayfield Peninsula. The 70-mile route features breathtaking scenic views of forests, sandy beaches and the waters of Lake Superior. Crisp fall colors frame the views along the Bayfield Peninsula, and home of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area, and the final stretch goes along the Brule River State Forest.

Wyoming

Battle Pass Scenic Byway, which is Highway 70 between Baggs & Encampment, goes from Encampment over the Sierra Madre range. This driving route climbs high over the Sierra Madre of southeastern Wyoming. Its key highlight is Aspen Alley, which is reached by turning north on Forest Road 801, is a well-known leaf peeping spot.