Many people enjoy traveling to the East Coast in the fall because of its colorful leaves and cooler weather. The region offers a mix of city life, small towns, and natural beauty that makes it ideal for autumn trips. Travelers can find peaceful spots as well as lively places to explore during this season.
The best places to visit on the East Coast in the fall combine scenic views with charming activities and events that capture the spirit of autumn. This variety lets visitors choose from relaxing getaways or more active adventures while enjoying the season’s unique atmosphere.
1) Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. It connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors drive to see colorful fall leaves and stop at scenic overlooks and hiking trails along the route. This drive offers steady, natural beauty each autumn.
For more details, visit 15 places to visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
2) Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park offers vibrant fall colors along Skyline Drive and many hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy views from Hawksbill Mountain or explore waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls. The park’s mix of forests and mountains makes it a solid spot for autumn leaf watching. For more details, see fall activities in Shenandoah National Park.
3) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning fall colors across ridges and valleys. Visitors can explore hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides. October is the best time to enjoy the changing leaves and quieter park conditions. Learn more about the park’s fall beauty at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
4) Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park offers vibrant fall colors along its mountains and coast. Visitors enjoy easy hiking and peaceful views of changing leaves. The park is popular in October for its crisp air and scenic trails. Learn more about visiting Acadia in autumn here.
5) White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains offer vibrant fall colors from maples, oaks, and pines. Visitors enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and views of alpine lakes and cliffs. This area is popular for its natural beauty during autumn. More details can be found in the White Mountains fall guide.
6) Adirondack Mountains, New York
The Adirondack Mountains offer vibrant fall foliage across six million acres of forest. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and peaceful lakes. Towns like Lake Placid and Saranac Lake add local charm and outdoor activities. The region is a popular spot for leaf peeping in the fall.
Learn more about things to do in the Adirondacks in fall here.
7) Boston, Massachusetts
Boston offers vibrant fall colors in its parks and along the Charles River. Visitors can enjoy historic sites framed by bright red and gold leaves. The city also hosts seasonal events like harvest festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations. For more details, see 8 Places In And Around Boston To See The Fall Foliage.
8) Newport, Rhode Island
Newport offers crisp air and colorful fall leaves along its scenic harbor. Visitors enjoy historic mansions, coastal views, and outdoor activities like sailing and cliff walks. Autumn events and food festivals add to the seasonal charm making it a popular East Coast destination for fall travel.
More details at fall activities in Newport, Rhode Island.
