Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the U.S.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Spanning 50,000 acres, there’s no shortage of fall foliage to be found in Maine’s spectacular Acadia National Park. The park’s jaw-dropping scenery is memorable all year round, but the majestic rolling mountains reach their peak in the heart of October.

Put on your most cozy jacket, place the car in drive and venture out along the Acadia All-American Road. A gorgeous drive in its own right, its zenith appears upon the evolution of red, yellow and orange leaves as they coat the branches and tarmac alike.

Pay a visit to nearby Bar Harbor for the ultimate in Maine coastal charm complete with historic properties, ocean views and ample foliage.

Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

The Laurel Highlands consist of over 200,000 acres of forests, including the Allegheny Mountains and the state’s highest point, Mount Davis. The region is rich in captivating fall foliage that has a lengthy peak season.

Across the ten state parks and forests, including Keystone State Park you’ll uncover a cavalcade of color as you venture from peak to peak and town to town. Like any good fall foliage destination, you’ll find the color among the fun.

Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia

In Georgia’s portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains leaf peepers will find themselves experiencing one of the country’s longest foliage seasons. Being further south and with lower elevation North Georgia offers better weather and more time to really enjoy the colors and the atmosphere.

Ninety miles north of Atlanta, head into the foothills to find the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge. The trees will soon become draped in auburns, crimson, sepia and carmine. The hum and whisper of the leaves will be like music as you enjoy the local taverns and market stalls. You could even trade the drive for a ride along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Great fall foliage doesn’t often make its way west. One notable exception is Mount Rainier National Park. In Washington, Mount Rainier is a stunning peak and a challenging but loved hiking destination. Come the fall, at well over 10,000 feet above the sea level, the mountain and foothills become coated in epic foliage.

Roads in and around the park, including the White Pass Scenic Byway bring you close to the action without having the dip into the cold. Bethel Ridge, Chinook Pass and Cash Prairie present that foliage concoction you’ve been craving for 12 months.