Photo by Desha Utsick at Shutterstock
There’s something enchanting about watching nature transition from one season to the next. And that transition from summer greens to the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of fall is incredibly stunning. There’s no other time of year that’s quite like Autumn.
Brisk, nippy mornings give way to afternoons warmed by the sun, and the drop in temperature causes leaves to change from shades of green to a myriad of warm colors before the winter season sets in. Fall foliage reminds us that change is coming.
And while it doesn’t last very long, there’s no season quite as colorful. Peak fall foliage season varies by region and year, depending on the climate, so we recommend checking local weather before you go.
Some of these locations will be familiar, while others are lesser-known spots where you can capture and embrace fall’s beauty.
And while New England might be best known for its fall foliage, there are small towns all over our country that showcase their Autumn best year after year. So, pack a jacket, and grab your camera for one of nature’s most spectacular spectacles.
…Click next to check ’em out!
The magnificence of Mount Rainier, with its summit reaching 14,410ft above sea level, is even more breathtaking, surrounded by fall’s rich colors.
While the peak can be seen from miles around, a drive through this National Park can bring you up-close and personal views of the marvel.
Top leaf-peeping areas include the White Pass Scenic Byway to the Chinook Pass via Bethel Road – if you have a high-clearance vehicle.
We recommend taking a side trip to Cash Prairie to see Rattlesnake Drainage and Bismark Peak before venturing onto Timberwolf Mountain.
The peak season to capture the brilliant crimsons, ambers and golds can vary, but it typically occurs between mid-October through early November.
While in the park, enjoy other favorite fall activities like an Elk Bugling Tour at Northwest Trek to see the Roosevelt elk sparring during their breeding season.
Stowe draws in fall foliage viewers and thrill-seekers to its leaf-filled town every September and October. In Autumn, sugar maples are layered with deep crimson and yellow hues. While birch, poplar, elm, and hickory trees cast rich golden shades.
Take a scenic drive along Stowe Hollow for the best views, weaving past Ben & Jerry’s Factory and Cold Hollow Cider Mill to experience a quintessential Vermont.
While here, you can even enjoy “The Sound of Music”-inspired scenery with a stay at the Trapp Family Lodge or cap off the day with a brewery or wine tasting.
Psst….Are you a fan of covered bridges? If so, you’ll love THIS!
This 34-mile Scenic Byway extends from the vineyards of the Willamette Valley to the forests of the Cascade Mountains, giving travelers and road-trippers views of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most gorgeous fall foliage landscapes.
Plan your visit for peak season when the gold and reds are most vibrant. This typically happens in mid-October.
Also, the McKenzie River is one of Oregon’s favorites for fly-fishing, so fishermen will want to cast off for native redside rainbow and cutthroat trout while in the area.
Other highlights include stops at local farm stands, the historic Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery in Leaburg, and the state’s second-longest covered bridge located in Vida: Goodpasture Bridge.
One of the most remarkable ways to see the Pocono Mountains’ vibrant fall foliage hues of yellows, reds, and oranges is with a scenic drive along Route 6.
This road loops through charming towns like Hawley, Milford, and Honesdale, where you can take in all the autumn festivities, including the Hawley Harvest Hoedown and Honesdale’s Harvest and Heritage Days.
Another prime viewing spot is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where there are 70,000 acres of forests and wetlands, the two tallest waterfalls in the state, and over 100 miles of hiking trails.
The best time to see the vibrant leaves in the Poconos depends on the region and the progression of temperatures in the fall. Still, you can typically expect the best viewing from the end of September through late October.
Check the fall foliage forecast on the Poconos Mountain website for current information.
Found at the banks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this town offers breathtaking scenery that’s perfect for viewing fall foliage with vivid hues. Mid-to-late October is when you’ll see the most dazzling orange, red, and yellow leaves.
But the colors tend to linger into early November. Some of the best viewing spots with picturesque overlooks are along the neighboring Blue Ridge Parkway and the connecting Skyline Drive in nearby Shenandoah National Park.
When you’re not enjoying the views, you should visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the former home of the third US president.
Travel along the Monticello Wine Trail to sample some of the best wine Virginia’s wineries has to offer, including Barboursville Vineyards, Michael Shaps Wineworks, and Jefferson Vineyards.
At night, you can unwind over dinner and enjoy some live music at The Mill Room before settling in at the historic Boar’s Head Resort.
No matter which destination you pick, make sure to grab a picnic basket and maybe even a camera to snap some shots and enjoy the best of what our country has to offer!
Do you happen to live in a small town with stunning fall foliage? Leave a comment and let us know, so we can include it next time.
And if you’re looking for some other places to visit, we have many more great reads, including THIS one!
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