Fall is a great time to explore different parts of the United States. The season brings cooler weather and beautiful changes in nature that make travel more enjoyable. Many people look for places where they can see colorful leaves, relax in cozy settings, or enjoy outdoor activities without large crowds.
The best places to visit in the fall offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural events, and peaceful escapes. These destinations provide a chance to experience the unique charm of autumn while taking advantage of less busy travel times. Choosing the right spot can enhance the overall fall travel experience.
1) Montreal, Quebec
Montreal offers vibrant fall colors with many parks and tree-lined streets showing red, orange, and yellow leaves. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and seasonal events during autumn.
The city also hosts cultural festivals and food markets that highlight local harvests. For more details on fall activities, see the guide to Montreal in the fall.
2) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans over 522,000 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina. It offers rich fall colors and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and historic sites in a natural setting known for its beauty and variety.
3) Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires offer vibrant fall colors and outdoor activities like hiking and water sports. Visitors can explore historic sites such as The Mount, the home of Edith Wharton. Scenic drives along the Mohawk Trail show brilliant autumn foliage and classic New England towns. More details are available on Visit the Berkshires in the fall.
4) White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains offer vibrant fall colors with easy access to hikes and scenic drives. The Kancamagus Highway is a popular route known for stunning foliage views. Visitors often explore waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and mountain overlooks for the best autumn experience. More details are available on the Kancamagus Highway and hiking options.
5) Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park offers beautiful fall colors among pine forests and granite spires. Visitors can drive the scenic Needles Highway to see unique rock formations and narrow tunnels. Fall is a great time to enjoy cooler temperatures and peaceful grasslands. See more on the best things to do in Custer State Park.
6) Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe offers calm skies and vibrant fall colors in October. The crowds are smaller, making it a peaceful time to visit. Visitors can enjoy hiking, beaches, and scenic views around the largest alpine lake in North America. More details are available at travel.usnews.com.
7) Chicago Botanical Gardens, Illinois
The Chicago Botanical Gardens offers vibrant fall colors with maples, ginkgos, and sumacs. It covers 385 acres of diverse plant collections. Visitors enjoy peaceful walks and seasonal displays near the city. More details are available at Chicago Botanic Garden’s official page.
8) Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville offers vibrant fall colors at places like Percy Warner Park. The city also hosts events like the Tennessee History Festival in the fall. Visitors can enjoy unique activities like outdoor goat yoga on nearby farms. For more details, see Nashville fall activities.
9) Hope Valley, California
Hope Valley offers striking fall colors with large groves of quaking aspen trees. It is easy to reach from Lake Tahoe and attracts those wanting peaceful nature views. The best time to visit is mid-September through early October when the leaves turn gold and auburn.
More info: Hope Valley Fall Colors
