Here are the fall foliage destinations in the USA, chosen for American travellers. Peak colours sweep south from late September in northern New England to early November in the southern Appalachians.
Fall foliage destinations in the USA
1. Acadia National Park
Acadia protects the granite coast of Mount Desert Island, with Cadillac Mountain, carriage roads and lobster shacks nearby in Bar Harbor. Read our Acadia National Park travel guide.
- Best time: June to mid-October; early October for foliage
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Bangor; 3 hours from Portland
- Don’t miss: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road and Jordan Pond
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are America’s most visited national park, with misty ridges, waterfalls, historic cabins and black bears. Read our Great Smoky Mountains National Park travel guide.
- Best time: April to May for wildflowers; late October for fall colours
- Getting there: About 45 minutes from Knoxville; 1.5 hours from Asheville
- Don’t miss: Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome and Laurel Falls
- Mid-range hotels: $140–230 a night
3. Asheville
Asheville is an artsy mountain city on the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for the Biltmore Estate, craft breweries and fall colours. Parts of the area were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024, and recovery continues. Read our Asheville travel guide.
- Best time: April to June and October
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours to the Great Smoky Mountains; 2 hours from Charlotte
- Don’t miss: Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway and River Arts District
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
4. Boston
Boston is a walkable city of colonial history, top universities, seafood and sports, and a gateway to New England’s coast and autumn colours. Read our Boston travel guide.
- Best time: May to October; late September to October for foliage
- Getting there: About 4 hours to New York; 1.5 hours to Cape Cod
- Don’t miss: Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market and Fenway Park
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Our road trip gear picks
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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5. Vermont’s Green Mountains
Covered bridges, maple farms and Route 100, one of New England’s classic foliage drives.
6. White Mountains, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34-mile foliage spectacle.
7. Hudson Valley, New York
Easy from NYC, with orchards and river views.
8. Aspen and the Maroon Bells, Colorado
Golden aspens in late September.
9. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
469 miles of overlooks.
10. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Waterfalls and forests along Lake Superior.
Timing
Northern New England usually peaks in early October, the Smokies in late October, and the Rockies’ aspens in late September. Use state foliage trackers to time your trip.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel tech we recommend
- Top-rated camera picks BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Acadia National Park is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Acadia National Park Travel Guide: Cadillac Mountain, Hikes and Bar Harbor
- Great Smoky Mountains Travel Guide: Hikes, Scenic Drives and Wildlife
- Asheville Travel Guide: Biltmore, Breweries and Blue Ridge Parkway
- Boston Travel Guide: History, Food and Where to Stay
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips