The best places to see fall foliage in the U.S.

When to go: Mid- to late October

What you'll see: Whether near the shore or further inland, Cape Cod is a classic destination for leaf-peepers hoping to catch the changing seasons. Feast your eyes on black oak, white oak, and red cedar trees as they burst with fall’s gorgeous colors.

Best spot to visit: Cape Cod National Seashore

Time Out tip: Rent or drive your own car—public transportation is limited, and a vehicle is essential to getting around.

When to go: Mid- to late September to early October

What you’ll see: Grand Teton National Park is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, which are even more spectacular come fall. Expect bright, breathtaking colors: Quaking aspens and narrowleaf cottonwood trees turn bright yellow, while fan-shaped black hawthorn leaves can be found in varying shades of red. Willow leaves, meanwhile, can be found in both yellow and orange shades. Explore the changing hues on foot via one of the park’s scenic fall hiking spots.

Best spot to visit: Oxbow Bend

Time Out tip: Wildlife, such as elk, moose, birds and bears, are especially active in autumn, so bring your binoculars to watch from a safe distance. 

When to go: Late September through November 

What you'll see: Stretching 469 miles between Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a scenic drive between North Carolina and Virginia. Once fall hits, the already stunning landscape goes the extra mile: dogwood, sassafras and maple trees that line every curve turn into vibrant displays of yellows, oranges and reds.

Best spot to visit: Flat Rock Trail

Time Out tip: Dress in layers—the weather varies drastically depending on the time of day. 

When to go: Mid- to late September 

What you'll see: If Aspen is already on your bucket list, you won’t regret visiting in the fall. The mountain town’s most vibrant season is extremely short (its peak lasts from mid-September to the end of the month), but it is extraordinary, as thousands of aspen trees burst with rich yellow hues.

Best spot to visit: Maroon Bells

Time Out tip: Time your trip to coincide with one of Aspen's fall festivals, including the Snowmass Balloon Festival or the Fall Fest at Elk Camp.

When to go: Late September to mid-October

What you'll see: Michigan's Upper Peninsula borders three of the Great Lakes and includes more than 4 million acres of protected forestland (do the math: that's a lot of foliage). Take your pick from over 20 state parks within the region where ash, aspen, beech, birch, maple, oak, sycamore, and tamarack trees pop with fall colors.

Best spot to visit: Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Time Out tip: Book lodging ahead of time: Fall is peak season, and accommodations fill up fast.

When to go: Early September to mid-October

What you’ll see: You may equate Stowe with skiing, but this popular winter wonderland is well worth visiting in the fall if not for the foliage alone. Prepare to be captivated by the colorful leaves—found in varying shades of yellows, greens, reds and oranges—which can be explored on foot (hiking trails abound) or on the water (stand-up paddleboarding, anyone?).

Best spot to visit: Mount Mansfield

Time Out tip: Leaf-peep from above: Don't miss the ArborTrek at Smugglers Notch or the Gondola SkyRide near the summit of Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak.

When to go: Late September to early October 

What you'll see: Spanning more than 800,000 acres, White Mountain National Forest encompasses some of the most natural and beautiful wildernesses in the Northeast. Come autumn, take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) to get your fill of colorful fall leaves. 

Best spot to visit: Kancamagus Highway

Time Out tip: Go early (or late) in the day, since scenic roads and trails can get crowded.

When to go: Mid- to late October 

What you'll see: 90 miles north of Manhattan, the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway is an 88-mile loop in New York between Kerhonkson and New Paltz. Go for a drive and you’ll be in prime leaf-spotting terrain as you ascend into the Shawangunk Mountains, which rise more than 2,000 feet above sea level.

Best spot to visit: Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Time Out tip: Base yourself in the vibrant college town of New Paltz, home to a slew of eclectic shops and restaurants.

When to go: Late September to early October

What you’ll see: About five hours from New York City, the quaint town of Lake Placid is best known for its winter sports—though we’d argue that fall is arguably the best time to visit. Admire the changing leaves in vibrant shades of reds, golds and oranges while embarking on epic outdoor adventures like biking, paddling and hiking; the magnificent mountain scenery only adds to the appeal. 

Best spot to visit: High Falls Gorge

Time Out tip: Consider planning your trip around fall festivities like the Flaming Leaves Festival and/or Oktoberfest.

When to go: Mid-September to early October

What you’ll see: Glacier National Park is especially gorgeous come autumn, when the maples, black cottonwoods, aspens, and western larches turn to golds, yellows, and reds. The foliage is arguably best enjoyed on foot via the Summit, Redrock Falls, Scenic Point and South Boundary trails. We’d also be remiss not to mention the ample wildlife spotting opps during this season; if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot bears, hawks and golden eagles.

Best spot to visit: Summit Trail

Time Out tip: The famed Going-to-the-Sun Road may be partially or fully closed after September.

When to go: Mid- to late October 

What you'll see: It’s not just the rolling mountains that make Missouri's Ozark National Forest an ultimate road trip—there are rivers, springs, canyons, and bluffs that lie just beyond every turn. Not surprisingly, the Ozarks are even more marvelous during the fall with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures and a forested landscape that blazes with shades of gold and maroon.

Best spot to visit: Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Time out tip: For a unique perspective, trade the trails for the water—spot fall foliage from a paddleboard or kayak. 

When to go: Late September to mid-October 

What you'll see: Located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in northern New Mexico, Taos makes an ideal starting point for seeing fall foliage in a desert landscape. The easiest way to see the colors is via the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, an 83-mile loop lined with bright yellow and orange aspen trees. 

Best spot to visit: Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Time Out tip: Head for the highest elevations first—spots like Taos Ski Valley and Wheeler Peak reach peak color before the valleys.

When to go: Late September to mid-October

What you'll see: The Columbia River Gorge between Washington and Oregon is always gorgeous. But throw in fir, cottonwood, maple, ash and pine trees that glisten and glow with golden-hued leaves? Well, you may never want to leave this mystifying riverbank.

Best spot to visit: Mount Hood Scenic Byway

Time Out tip: Pack a rain jacket and boots—showers are common in the Columbia River Gorge, and wet trails make waterproof gear essential.

When to go: Late September to mid-October 

What you'll see: The maple, birch and beech trees that cover Vermont’s mountainsides put on one of the country's most dazzling displays of fall foliage. Head to the Green Mountain National Forest, where you can take in the colors on a crisp hike or take cover under the trees with an extended camping trip.

Best spot to visit: Mad River Valley

Time Out tip: To avoid throngs of tourists, travel midweek.

When to go: Early to mid-October

What you'll see: Better known for its desert canyons and sandstone buttes, southern Utah's Zion National Park shines bright—with cooler conditions—in October as fall foliage peppers the landscape with reds and yellows. Bear witness to its short but stunning leaf-peeping season on a drive along the Mt. Carmel Highway or a hike among the Fremont cottonwoods.

Best spot to visit: Canyon Overlook Trail

Time Out tip: Some trails or access points may have restrictions, so check ahead of time.

When to go: October

What you'll see: If there was ever a magnet for tourists looking for their fall foliage fix, Bar Harbor is it. Indulge your senses and gorge heartily upon the salty sea air and the breathtaking colors of autumn. In addition, there's an abundance of exciting shops to visit downtown, plus activities like kayaking, birdwatching or even whale watching in Acadia National Park.

Best spot to visit: Acadia National Park

Time Out tip: Carve out time to drive the Acadia's ultra-scenic Park Loop Road, which spans 27 miles.

When to go: Mid- to late October

What you'll see: Not to be confused with another entry in this list, the Ozark Mountains, which lie roughly 130 miles due north, across the state line in Missouri. The Ozark National Forest offers more than 1.2 million acres of awe-inspiring scenery, which usually peaks around mid-October. There is no shortage of phenomenal fall hues of gold, orange and red, set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, springs and rivers.

Best spot to visit: Pig Trail Scenic Byway

Time Out tip: Consider staying in one of the smaller towns near the edge of the forest to keep you within easy driving distance to scenic trails and overlooks.

When to go: Early to mid-October

What you'll see: The Catskills represents the first choice of getaway for just about every New Yorker in both the city and the state and one of the very best locations to stay is the sleepy town found at the base of Hunter Mountain

Best spot to visit: Scenic SkyRide at Hunter Mountain Resort

Time Out tip: Stay at the Hunter Mountain Sanctuary and gaze at the lush vegetation turning from green to gold in a gradual, gorgeous display of nature's preparation for winter.

When to go: Late October to early November

What you'll see: On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, fiery foliage meets tidal marshes, wildlife refuges, and charming small towns along the Chesapeake Bay. Stroll through Elk Neck State Park to admire crimson- and gold-hued oaks, hickories and maples framed by sweeping water views. Then set out to explore the wider Delmarva Peninsula, where winding country roads, quiet coves and wildlife refuges like Blackwater offer the chance to spot local fauna like bald eagles and great blue herons.

Best spot to visit: Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Time Out tip: Fall means prime oyster season, so hit up local-loved haunts like The Crab Claw in St. Michaels.

When to go: Mid- to late October

What you'll see: Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia is home to the state's tallest waterfall, at 729 feet, which is visible from trails throughout the park. Along the way, oak and maple trees transform into autumnal hues of crimson, gold, and orange, painting the forest in vibrant color.

Best spot to visit: Appalachian Approach Trail

Time Out tip: Hike both the base and the top of Amicalola Falls for two completely different—yet equally scenic—perspectives.

When to go: Early to mid-October

What you'll see: A popular way to enjoy the fall colors in the Keystone State is to cruise along Route 507; the area around Lake Wallenpaupack is a perfect location for anyone looking to relax and forget a few work worries. Several Top Gear-worthy roads gently twist around the Pocono Mountains, so you should deliberately aim to get at least a little bit lost and take in the natural beauty of this small part of the world. 

Best spot to visit: Big Pocono State Park

Time Out tip: Keep track of the foliage in real-time using the local Pocono Fall Foliage Forecast.

When to go: First half of October

What you'll see: The state of Washington arguably offers among the most lush landscapes in the whole of the U.S.—this is Twin Peaks country, after all. So, just imagine what this gorgeous, green countryside looks like as the month of October begins and fall gently takes the hand of Mother Nature. The Lake Ann / Maple Pass Loop Trail peaks around mid-October and becomes full of glorious golds and reds.

Best spot to visit: Lake Ann/Maple Pass Loop Trail

Time Out tip: Arrive early; parking fills up fast.

When to go: Mid-October

What you'll see: The fall colors of the Midwest can also be seasonally spectacular and along the Wisconsin River is a gorgeous, glacier-formed gorge called the Wisconsin Dells. Boat tours, river walks, hiking trails and sightseeing in Devil's Lake State Park are among the most popular activities, all the while being surrounded by the changing colors of the fall foliage.

Best spot to visit: Mirror Lake State Park

Time Out tip: Book one of the region's boat tours to experience the foliage from a completely different perspective.

When to go: Mid- to late October

What you'll see: Lenox, located in the heart of the Berkshires, is one of New England's top leaf-peeping destinations. Peak color typically arrives in mid-to-late October, when the surrounding hills and valleys blaze with red, gold and orange hues. The town offers easy access to scenic drives, hiking trails in Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and Kennedy Park plus cultural stops like Tanglewood's expansive grounds, which are especially striking in fall as the colorful foliage transforms the landscape.

Best spot to visit: Kennedy Park

Time Out tip: Supportive shoes are a must, since trails may be wet, muddy or covered in leaves.