8 Stunning Fall Foliage Getaways for Fewer Crowds and Sweeping Views

Picturesque doesn’t even begin to describe these fall foliage getaways across the US!

When it comes to fall, leaf-peeping is one of the most prominent activities on the list. And while summer is synonymous with travel, fall might just be the best time to take a vacation.

Ready to begin planning the most adventurous road trip to see some beautiful fall foliage in autumn, a week-long vacation, or even a quick weekend getaway?

Whether you want to see the changing leaves in the mountains or head to sunny shores for a few more beach days before winter sets in, we’ve rounded up the 8 best fall foliage getaways for every type of traveler.

So click “Next,” and let’s begin your next adventure!

Crested Butte, Colorado

While Aspen may be one of Colorado’s most famously gorgeous mountain towns, it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive. Instead, consider Crested Butte, which offers all amenities minus the crowds.

This fall foliage getaway is relatively isolated, located about 30 miles away from Gunnison in the heart of the Rockies, and is the best place to enjoy the peace and spectacular autumn views, along with activities like mountain biking, hiking, and top-notch fishing.

Speaking of which, if you’re a fishing enthusiast, the Taylor River will be a paradise for you. It’s renowned for its brown trout and rainbow fishing. And if you need a new rod, Amazon is the perfect place for you!

And remember your camera because the area also boasts North America’s largest aspen grove, with miles upon miles of Aspen stands that look out among the evergreen trees.

Asheville, North Carolina

Hidden in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this fall foliage getaway has everything you could want in autumn.

The charming downtown area is filled with unique galleries, shops, breweries, and restaurants, and you’re guaranteed to see a few local street performers as you wander the streets.

Go for a leisurely hike in the nearby Pisgah National Forest to catch some majestic waterfalls among the changing leaves, or take a beautiful scenic drive through the park to enjoy the beauty without sweating.

The Biltmore Estate is another “Must-See” Asheville attraction worth visiting. This Gilded Age mansion is our country’s biggest privately owned house, complete with a winery and gardens, for private and cozy accommodations while on your fall foliage getaway.

You can also stay in a nearby tree house or cabin found on Airbnb.

The Catskills, New York

The last few weeks in September through late October are prime times to peep fall foliage in the Catskills. The 700,000 acres that make up the Catskills are home to 98 mountain peaks, 6 major river systems, and the famed Woodstock festival.

As a year-round destination, the Catskills are most vibrant in the fall when oranges, yellows, and reds electrify the densely wooded hillsides.

Locals and visitors love the fall harvest when many of the area’s historic towns host craft fairs and festivals alongside the farmer’s markets and “pick-your-own” orchards.

So where should you stay while on this fall foliage getaway? The Catskills are famous for their charming Bed and Breakfasts. But the 24 luxury cabins at Piaule will have you sleeping among the trees themselves.

Set among 50 acres of forest, the wooden cabins have sliding glass walls that open to the natural setting for the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen.

Black Hills, South Dakota

If you decide to go on this fall foliage getaway, you’ll discover that there’s something for everyone in South Dakota’s Black Hills, including all that stunning scenery.

The weather will likely be excellent between mid-September to mid-October, bringing golden splashes across the thickly forested landscape.

Visit Mount Rushmore on this fall foliage getaway, and take a scenic drive through Custer State Park on the Needles Highway with its unique rock formations.

Or you can travel the Wildlife Loop to spot bison, wild mules, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and elk. And if you’re looking for some Old West entertainment, Deadwood is THE place to visit.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a MUST at any time of the year. But that being said, nature lovers and photographers alike have argued that this fall foliage getaway is one of many national parks that look even more striking in autumn.

And there’s a plethora of visual evidence to support this declaration. When fall comes around, the mountains are covered in various colors, crowds begin to dwindle, and wildlife abounds.

So what are the highlights you can’t miss? The Grand Prismatic Spring is among the most awe-inspiring views in the world. And with any luck, you might even see male elk sparring!

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster and its surrounding area is also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

As one of the state’s most famous Amish towns, there are many Amish communities just outside of Lancaster, with people making their living by farming the lands which their ancestors inherited.

While on this fall foliage getaway, you can tour their farmlands and homes and even get to know the Amish people and their way of life. Some excursions include farm-to-table dinners focused on the area’s home-style cooking too.

And because autumn is harvest season, you may want to go apple picking in the orchards to grab some homemade baked goods, fresh bounty of produce, and handcrafted items at the local farmers’ markets.

You can even take in the colorful view from the sky by booking a hot air balloon ride while on this fall foliage getaway.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

On this fall foliage getaway, the earliest leaf changes can be seen sometime in early September. But it’s in mid-to-late October that the fall colors will be on full display in the area.

Going through the Cascade Mountains and forming a border between Washington and northern Oregon, the 85-mile Columbia River Gorge is a sublime sight any time.

But in autumn, it’s breathtaking when the cottonwoods, firs, Oregon ash, big-leaf maples, and twisted pines begin to show their colors.

While on this fall foliage getaway, visitors can take in the different colored hues while driving along the river, hiking the trails, or rafting and kayaking down the river. And suppose you’re wondering where you should stay.

In that case, the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel has the ABSOLUTE best views of the gorge, including the 207-foot Wah Gwin Gwin waterfall. On the other hand, the Society Hotel Bingen offers total luxury inside its renovated schoolhouse halls.

The White Mountains Trail, New Hampshire

The fall foliage getaway season is relatively short in the White Mountains of this state, where September marks the start of the leaf-peeping season, and mid-October begins the transition into the winter that earned these mountains their famous name.

But this 100-mile scenic byway in Crampton rounds around New Hampshire’s Presidential Mountain Range, where cider stands and covered bridges take travelers through the area’s festival of beautiful fall colors.

Golden beech trees and brilliantly red mountain maples highlight the base of Mount Washington, where a short climb up the historic Mount Washington Auto Road puts you at the summit of the impressive mountain to take in a panoramic view of the wilderness below.

And as far as places to stay, the Omni Mount Washington Hotel’s best location within the mountains has attracted celebrities, presidents, and poets throughout its long history. But it’s autumn, when this grand hotel fills up with nature lovers seeking the area’s best views.

Before you pack your bags and head off on your fall foliage getaway, be sure to let us know which one on our list was your favorite!

And if you’re looking for some more ideas on how to spend the coming seasons, Must See Places has got you covered. Check out: 10 Amazing Halloween Destinations