The Ultimate Fall Foliage Adventure Guide

Written by Bonnie Gringer

For many, fall is a favorite season. The cooler weather brings sweaters, football, and pumpkin spice everything. But mostly it brings brilliant reds, vibrant yellows, and fiery oranges to the foliage all around the country. From Washington to Arizona to Michigan and New England, people watch as the outdoors transforms from the lush green scape to a glorious autumn wonderland. However, the period when the colors are best is fleeting. Knowing where, when, and what to see this fall is key to getting to experience all of these colors in their fall glory. Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers to where, when, and what to see, this guide will help. The following links provide outstanding resources and can be used as your ultimate fall foliage adventure guide.

The Connecticut River Blueway – This 700-mile loop starts and ends in Boston and takes travelers through some of the most beautiful fall foliage in New England.
The Essex Steam Train and River Cruise – During the fall months, Connecticut locals and visitors enjoy taking a fall excursion with the Essex Steam Train and River Cruise where they get to see all the beautiful fall colors both from land and sea.
Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forest – The largest population of Maple Trees in New England is found in Vermont, and Green Mountain is the place to go and see them all this fall.
White Mountains – New Hampshire’s’ White Mountains are an outstanding place to witness the fall foliage during the peak month of October.
20 Scenic Drives in Vermont (PDF) – New England is definitely the place to be in the fall when the leaves change, and these 20 scenic drives through Vermont showcase the fall foliage perfectly.
Flume Gorge – The brilliant fall colors of New Hampshire’s Flume Gorge are an absolute must see in the fall. Hike the trail to the falls and take note of all the fall foliage along the way.
Historic Salem, Massachusetts’ Haunted Happenings – Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year to visit Salem, Massachusetts, and it is also the perfect time to enjoy some haunted happenings.
Fall Foliage in New York – People travel from all over the country to New York to see the beautiful fall foliage, however, when and where the autumn change takes places varies year to year. Check out this New York website that regularly updates with New York’s fall foliage report.
New York City Parks Fall Foliage – If you are looking for the best walks, tours, and events where you can see the fall foliage in New York City, check out this link to fall foliage events around the city.
3 Ways to Leaf Peep in the Catskills – While in New York, if you can get out of the city head to the Catskill Mountains where there are scenic drives, fall events and more.
Autumn Colors in the Smokies – The Great Smoky Mountains are a tourist draw all year long, but they are particularly beautiful during the fall once the leaves have turned.
Fall Foliage Forecast 2017: Vibrant Leaf Color and New Adventures in Ashville, NC – Ashville, North Carolina is a favorite stop for fall travelers. Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the colors are amazing, and there is plenty of things to do.
Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Foliage in North Carolina – The Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for its fall foliage and is a must see for anyone looking for brilliant fall colors.
Best of Fall: Washington DC – Another city to visit that boasts beautiful fall scenery is Washington DC. The National Mall is a favorite place to visit during the fall as it is vibrant in colors.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Tahquamenon Falls, a favorite waterfall in Michigan is transformed into a fall wonderland as the weather starts to cool and leaves begin to change.
Stillwater Tour and St. Croix River Cruise – Stillwater, Minnesota, is a favorite city to visit during the fall. But, make your trip there even better by taking a river cruise that provides outstanding views of the changing colors.
25 Ultimate Fall Drives – If you find yourself in the Midwest this fall, take one of these 25 scenic drives to see the best fall foliage in the area.
Golden Loop Historic Parkway – In Colorado, take the 17-mile Golden Loop Historic Parkway outside of Colorado Springs and see the beautiful fall colors along with some amazing mining history.
Grand Junction to Grand Mesa – Following the Colorado River, this scenic drive offers some of the prettiest fall views in the state of Colorado.
Narrow Gauge Railroad – Take more of the Colorado fall beauty in by riding the Narrow Gauge Railroad for 45 miles from Silverton to Durango; it is a scenic trip along the river and fun for the whole family.
Rocky Mountain National Park – Feel like you are on top of the world when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, and take in all the fall colors in every direction you look.
Beartooth Scenic Byway – The Beartooth Scenic Byway travels through Montana and Wyoming and even passes through Yellowstone National Park. This drive is beautiful year-round but is especially lovely during the fall.
Whitefish, Montana – Whitefish, Montana sits at the base of Glacier National Park and is the perfect place to travel this fall to see the fall foliage.
Autumn Tour of Oak Creek Canyon – When most people think of Sedona, Arizona they imagine nothing but red rocks. However, the area is full of beautiful trees that make this part of the world picturesque during the fall.
California’s Eastern Sierra Fall Color Guide and Map (PDF) – The Sierra Mountains that stretch along the eastern side of California offers many great places to go and see the gorgeous fall colors.
Apple Hill, California – Apple Hill is a treasured fall location for Californians as well as anyone near the Placerville, CA area. Here you will not only find the trees leaves in full autumn color, but the grape vines are also alive with color. Plus, there are pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and a ton of other great fall fun to be had.
Best Times to Visit Napa Valley – Anytime is a good time to visit Napa and drink some wine, but fall is the time of year when the harvest takes place. Plus, the rolling hills covered with vineyards bursting with bright colors is an amazing sight to see.
Oregon Top 5: Best Hikes for Autumn Color in Columbia River Gorge – Although Oregon is known to be the evergreen state, it also offers some fantastic deciduous fall colors, especially along the Columbia River Gorge.
Mount Baker Highway Daytrip Guide – The Mount Baker area in Washington is a great place to go for a drive, hike, or just some fresh air, and it is even better when it is lit up with fall foliage.
Fall in Love with Washington (All Over Again) on these 5 Fall Drives – Sometimes we forget that the state of Washington offers more than just greenery from all the rain. In fact, much of those green foliage changes to bright, brilliant oranges, reds, and yellows and it can be seen on these five fall drives.