Spring may have the majority of the flowers, but the changing leaves in the fall bring some of the most vibrant colors to big cities, small towns, and rural areas across the United States. The best time to go leaf peeping varies year by year based on the weather, but when you land in a spot surrounded by trees at the peak of when the leaves are changing, there’s nothing else like it.
Road through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo: Kirk Wester/Shutterstock
The 14 Best Places for Leaf Peeping in the United States
Truth be told, the best spot to appreciate the colors of the season is the one you can get to. But if you can reach one of these leaf peeping locations, you’re in for a colorful treat, from the trees to the food, to the incredible places to stay.
We hope you love the fall leaf peeping stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Burlington, Vermont
Photo: Hello Burlington/Jeff Lawson and Nick Edwards
Photo: Hello Burlington/Matt Bruhns Bruhns
Photo: Hello Burlington/Matt Bruhns Bruhns
Peak leaf peeping months: Late September to October
Vermont is famous for its glorious fall foliage for good reason, and the north of the state has some of the most spectacular displays in New England — a region with unmatched fall road trip options. Couple this with ample hiking and biking trails, a seemingly endless number of local microbreweries and cideries, farm stores, apple orchards, and cozy cabins, and you’ve got a recipe for a fabulous fall weekend away.
Burlington and the surrounding area are the perfect base to explore the region. Sitting less than 50 miles south of the Canadian border, the city’s trees typically begin to turn by mid-September, with peak color from late September to mid-October, depending on elevation and weather.
An excellent way to enjoy the foliage is on the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise. This voyage lets you take in the trees in their full glory on either side of Lake Champlain. Or hop on a bike and pedal the Island Line Trail, a 14-mile route along the lakeshore and over the causeway to neighboring islands.
Afterward, reward yourself with a cider at Citizen Cider or Cold Hollow cider house, which often features live music. And if you enjoy sampling local beers, Oktoberfest Vermont takes place at Burlington’s waterfront on September 19 and 20, 2025, celebrating the very best craft brews in Vermont.
If you’re traveling with kids, you won’t be short on family-friendly fall activities either. Two places stand out for pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes: Sam Mazza’s Farm Market and The Great Vermont Corn Maze.
If your visit lands on September 29, you can even enter the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival — because it wouldn’t be fall without someone launching a pumpkin at full speed through the air.
Where to stay in Burlington, Vermont
If you’re partial to hotels, there are few places as hip in Burlington as Hotel Vermont (which has its own fall foliage hotline). Within the city of Burlington there are Airbnbs perfect for couples, solo travelers, and families, such as this contemporary one-bedroom loft house. The in-city rentals are great for those who want to explore the pedestrian streets on foot, but if you have a vehicle there are a few more options (and bigger properties) just outside the city limits in places like Shelburne, where you’ll find this beautiful rural farmhouse. Farther up the coast in Colchester, there are plenty of lakeside properties like this two-bedroom cottage.
Hunter, New York
Diamond Notch Falls near Hunter, NY. Photo: VIKVAD/Shutterstock
Hunter Mountain in the fall. Photo: hessianmercenary/Shutterstock
One the 11 brand-new round cabins at Scribner's Lodge. Photo: Moriah Wolfe
Peak leaf peeping month: October
The Catskills have been a cherished vacation destination for New York City dwellers in desperate need of some peace, quiet, and time spent in nature for decades. Fall is arguably the best time to go. The town of Hunter, just a 2.5-hour drive from New York City, is the ideal place to escape the concrete jungle and partake in some serious leaf-peeping action. The forests and mountains around Hunter are home to a large variety of maples, birch, aspens, oaks, and more, all of which reach their fall-color peak typically in early to mid-October, though timing can vary slightly depending on elevation and weather.
The best spot to see the spectacular foliage is Mountain Top Arboretum. Take a self-guided tour of the four main areas of the arboretum for a couple of hours and bring binoculars if you want to spot some of the over 60 bird species that live there.
If you’d rather catch the foliage while hiking, there are dozens of hikes of varying difficulties around, including gorgeous waterfall hikes.
Where to stay in Hunter, New York
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Catskills during the cozy season, book one of the new round cabins at the popular Scribner’s Lodge. Each of the 12-sided structures are decorated in a tasteful minimalist style and feature all the elements of comfortable fall retreat, including a gas fireplace, a reading nook, and a Japanese soaking tub.
Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania
Peak leaf peeping months: Late September to early October
Northwestern Pennsylvania offers some of the country’s most scenic fall driving routes. The Allegheny National Forest covers over 500,000 acres of the region and is home to more than 80 species of trees. Fall colors can begin in late September at higher elevations, with peak foliage typically arriving in late September through mid-October. Surrounding the park, the two-lane highways and winding roads on the ridges and valleys of the Allegheny Plateau are lined with red maple, black cherry, black birch, yellow poplar, and white ash trees, which all put on a dazzling fall color display.
Some of the most scenic fall drives include the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, the Eldred–Rock City History Loop, and the Scenic Kinzua–Route 6 Loop. A must-stop in the area is Kinzua Bridge State Park, which has a picture-perfect picnic spot and a one-mile hike to spectacular fall views over Kinzua Gorge. Those with a head for heights can walk out onto the glass-floor skywalk, which extends over the colorful treetops.
Where to stay near Allegheny National Forest
With so much to explore near Allegheny National Forest, it’s worth making a weekend or more out of your visit. If you’re traveling with a family or group of friends, there are large house listings on Airbnb, such as this stunning three-bedroom creekside cottage or this four-bedroom cabin in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest and within the top 1 percent of rentals on Airbnb. For couples or solo travelers, check out this serene woodland one-bedroom cabin.
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Newport, Rhode Island
Castle Hill Lighthouse, Newport, Rhode Island. Photo: solepsizm/Shutterstock
Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island. Photo: Dan Hanscom/Shutterstock
Inside Gardiner House. Photo: Gardiner House
Peak leaf peeping month: October
You don’t have to go to the mountains or a very rural location to see fall foliage. The Rhode Island coast delivers too. Newport, Rhode Island, located on the southern end of the state in Narragansett Bay, is an excellent spot for a seaside fall retreat — especially in mid- to late October, when the foliage of the maples, oaks, beeches, and birches is at its most vibrant.
For the best foliage and ocean views, you can opt to stroll along the around three-mile Cliff Walk along the water (you’ll get to see some of the area’s most beautiful mansions as a bonus), or pedal all or part of the 15-mile East Bay Bike Path through coves and marshes.
Those who prefer a forest bathing experience can take a hike in Weetamoo Woods in Tiverton, where there are about seven miles of marked trails, with additional paths in the adjacent Pardon Gray Preserve to explore.
Where to stay in Newport, Rhode Island
What’s the point in visiting Newport if you can’t stay in a waterfront hotel? Gardiner House, opened in 2023, is a mansion turned into a 21-room, light-filled, ocean-front boutique property. While the establishment is classy, the atmosphere and furnishings are like that of a tasteful and cozy family home. There is a restaurant with views on the marina and a bar on site, both of which are worth a visit — if only just for the stunning decor. For another luxe option, Newport Harbor Island Resort is located a short hop over to Goat Island.
Traverse City, Michigan
Peak leaf peeping months: Late September to mid-October
Located in the northwestern part of Michigan, Traverse City sits on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. Fall in and around Traverse City is celebrated at the many orchards, vineyards, charming farmers markets, and cider mills.
Chateau Grand Traverse, a family-owned vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula, is considered one of the pioneers of the Michigan wine industry, having planted the state’s first commercial wine grapes in the 1970s. In autumn, the vineyard’s leaves transform into a brilliant display of red, orange, yellow, and brown hues, set against the backdrop of Grand Traverse Bay. You can take a tour to learn about the winery’s history and winemaking process and sample harvest-fresh rieslings as well as other varietals.
The city’s neighboring towns and countryside should also be explored. The local tourism board offers a set of Color Tour driving routes, like the 45-mile Old Mission Peninsula drive, that take you through the region’s best leaf-peeping locations — combining fall color with vineyard views, fruit stands, and meals with bay vistas.
Where to stay in Traverse City, Michigan
The Flats in downtown is a must for those looking for a boutique hotel stay. It’s near the city’s most beautiful tree-filled streets, excellent restaurants, and breweries. The hotel has six luxury apartment-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, hardwood floors, original brick walls, and windows where you can enjoy looking out over the crimson leaves.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Peak leaf peeping month: October
Stockbridge in the Berkshire Hills has famed local haunts (without the crowds of Salem) and small‑town fall vibes that the Berkshires are famous for. The town is home to one of the oldest cemeteries in the country, and those brave enough can take a guided tour to gain insight into the fascinating history of the area.
For leaf‑peeping, Stockbridge features a variety of maples, white and red oaks, yellow and paper birch, and ash trees that display a collage of reds, bronze, bright yellow, and purple hues. You can enjoy the foliage throughout town, but keen viewers should make a beeline for the historic estate of Chesterwood, the mansion and gardens of Naumkeag, Monument Mountain for panoramic views, The Berkshire Botanical Garden, and Stockbridge Bowl, where you can take in the beautiful fall colors reflected in the water.
Visit in October to attend the town’s biggest fall festival at Naumkeag. During the month, the property showcases more than 1,500 carved pumpkins in The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, which runs Wednesdays through Sundays, from late September to late October, with timed‑entry tickets required.
Where to stay in Stockbridge, Massachusetts
The Red Lion Inn goes all out for fall. Established in 1773, it is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the US. The inn offers various guest rooms, ranging from cozy and traditional to spacious and luxurious. Every fall, the region’s prizewinning pumpkins are displayed on the hotel’s front steps, and guests are encouraged to guess the weight of the exhibit over a hot spiced cider (hint: they weigh thousands of pounds).
Rome, Wisconsin
Peak leaf peeping month: October
The Badger State has no shortage of places to see the leaves change, but one of the best regions to enjoy fall foliage in Wisconsin is Rome. It sits in the northwestern corner of Adams County, a rural area known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation.
There are many places in Rome to enjoy autumn colors, but one of the best is Tri-Norse Park in Nekoosa. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the park will host a fall foliage viewing festival. You can join locals and visitors alike to hike or ride an ATV/UTV to the top of the 55-meter ski jump, where you’ll enjoy multi-colored treetops, live music, and warming soup or chili from vendors.
The weekly farmers market, held every Friday, also comes to life in the fall with a bounty of apples, melons, and pumpkins. If you’re visiting on Sunday, October 26, there’s a kid-friendly Halloween party and an off-roading Halloween Hunt.
The best time to visit for fall foliage is the second or third week of October, but be sure to check out Travel Wisconsin’s fall color report. This interactive map helps you track peak foliage in real time.
Where to stay in Rome, Wisconsin
Sand Valley Resort, a family-friendly golf resort, offers guests world-class golf, tennis, fat-tire biking, fishing, kayaking — you name it. There are cozy lodges for couples or eight-bed estate homes, and it’s pet-friendly. There are also stunning cabins on Airbnb, such as this four-bedroom near Sand Valley or this group-sized home with a hot tub and fire pit.
Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
Driving through the Ozarks in Arkansas. Photo: Arkansas Tourism & State Parks
Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. Photo: Arkansas Tourism & State Parks
Inside the Graduate by Hilton in Fayetteville. Photo: Graduate by Hilton Fayetteville, AR
Peak leaf peeping months: Mid-October to November
The entire state of Arkansas is packed with amazing leaf-peeping opportunities, from Crowley’s Ridge State Park in the northeastern part of the state to the Ouachita Mountains in the west, and Petit Jean State Park just one hour outside of Little Rock. That said, a road trip through the Ozark Mountains is one of the most popular and scenic ways to experience fall foliage in the state, offering a vibrant show of red, orange, and gold hues without requiring too much physical effort.
The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop, which follows a combination of U.S. 71 and I-49, is a winding 80-mile drive that begins near Alma, crosses the highest section of the Ozarks, and offers some of the most stunning foliage views in the region before reaching Fayetteville.
The Pig Trail Scenic Byway, another beautiful option, is a shorter 19-mile drive along Arkansas Highway 23. It winds through forested hills and valleys, often forming vivid tree tunnels of maples, white oaks, sycamores, and cottonwoods — especially brilliant in peak season.
Where to stay in the Arkansas side of the Ozark Mountains
Fayetteville is a great place to base yourself. The Graduate by Hilton Fayetteville is a fun and unique place to stay. The entire hotel is themed around the University of Arkansas. There’s one restaurant on site, as well as two pools and a fitness center — just know that it books up fast on home game football weekends.
Haywood County, North Carolina
Road through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo: Kirk Wester/Shutterstock
Lake Junaluska in the fall. Photo: Margaret.Wiktor/Shutterstock
Lambuth Inn on Lake Junaluska. Photo: Visit NC Smokies
Peak leaf peeping months: Mid-October to November
Many have sung praises of the Great Smoky Mountains. This chunk of the Appalachians is picture perfect, especially from mid- to late October, when the fall foliage is in full swing. Haywood County lies in the heart of the Smokies and boasts 46 scenic miles of the extremely scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
There are other ways to enjoy the fall colors from maples, basswoods, mountain ash, birch, and beeches beyond driving on one of the most beautiful roads in the US. A trip to the Waterrock Knob overlook — a short but steep 0.6-mile hike from the highest-elevation visitor center on the Parkway — is one stop you can’t miss for superb autumn views.
Less than 30 minutes away by car from the overlook is Lake Junaluska, where you can kayak or SUP on calm waters surrounded by changing leaves.
Where to stay in Haywood County, North Carolina
The Lambuth Inn, located along the shore of Lake Junaluska, was built in 1921 and fully renovated in 2018 to allow guests to enjoy modern amenities within a grand, historic building. Book a lakeview room on the highest floor to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings from a privileged vantage point. At the end of a day of being dazzled by the foliage, take a quick five-minute walk from the inn to Inspiration Point, where the sunset over the lake and mountains is spectacular.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Peak leaf peeping month: October
Shenandoah National Park comes to life in mid- to late October, when the summer crowds have dispersed but the skies remain crisp and ideal for exploring.
If you’re considering camping, Big Meadows Campground opens in spring and remains open through fall, offering a comfortable base for exploring the park’s highlights, including direct access to Skyline Drive and nearby trails. Reservations are required.
From here, you can embark on a leisurely drive along Skyline Drive — the park’s 105-mile scenic byway — and enjoy the full sweep of autumn foliage across the Blue Ridge Mountains from more than 75 scenic overlooks.
Or venture onto one of the many hiking trails. For a moderate challenge, consider the Bearfence Mountain Trail, which leads to a rocky overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding colorful landscape.
Where to stay near Shenandoah National Park
Of the 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah, 480 are dog-friendly, so if you’re considering bringing a pet along or camping is not your thing, consider a nearby Airbnb.
Vail, Colorado
Photos: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock and Neil Podoll/Shutterstock
Main lobby of The Hythe Vail. Photo: The Hythe
Peak leaf peeping months: Late September to mid-October
While the town of Vail is a popular and luxurious winter destination, it’s also a lovely place to check out the fall foliage. A ride on one of the Vail Gondolas is a great way to see the beauty of the changing landscape, but make sure to bring layers as it gets cold up at 10,000 feet at the top of the mountains this time of year.
If you’re able-bodied and keen for some exercise, a hike to Lost Lake will give you your fill of the bright gold aspen leaves. The moderate 6.8-mile roundtrip hike starts just 25 minutes outside of town and the beauty and tranquility that awaits you at the end is very much worth the effort.
Where to stay in Vail, Colorado
Vail Village and Lionshead Village are the two core tourist areas of the town with many high-quality hotels, though there’s an abundance of properties surrounding Vail proper. Lionshead Village, with its Bavarian-inspired architecture, is a pedestrian and dining area located at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, which is ideal if you want to take a ride. Lionshead Village’s The Hythe is a luxury resort that organizes curated fall experiences for its guests, including mushroom hunting and fly fishing. For the less adventurous, there are also complimentary whiskey tastings, and s’mores roasting.
Park City, Utah
Aerial view of Park City, Utah. Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Bloods Lake. Photo: Karel Stipek/Shutterstock
Guest room at Montage Deer Valley resort. Photo: Montage Deer Valley.
Peak leaf peeping month: Mid-September to early October
Park City is better known for its skiing than for its fall foliage. That said, it’s well worth making your way there when the fall colors hit their peak. Fall is the shortest season in Park City, so don’t wait too long before you go or the leaves on the aspens, oaks, and maples will all be gone.
To see the best scenery of the season, drive up the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway, which is open until late October. Along the way, stop to take a 2.8-mile round-trip hike to Bloods Lake. While some sections are steep, your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of the colorful Wasatch Mountains and the pristine alpine lake.
Where to stay in Park City, Utah
Montage Deer Valley, located 10 minutes outside of Park City, is an excellent place to stay to enjoy the fall colors. Home to 220 rooms, five dining options, and the largest spa in Utah, Montage is a sophisticated establishment but one where the atmosphere is relaxed and homey. The Montage organizes curated experiences for its guests, including guided hikes, horseback riding tours, and hot air balloon rides for some amazing aerial views of the fall colors. Another desirable option closer to town is the Westgate Park City.
Savannah, Georgia
Photo: Leny Silina Helmig/Shutterstock
Photo: Steve Wiltsie/Shutterstock
Peak leaf peeping months: Late October to November
Savannah’s oak-lined squares and cobblestone streets carry a different mood in the fall. The swelter of summer fades, leaving days cool enough to sit out under the canopy in Forsyth Park, where ginkgos and maples shift into shades of gold and rust around the fountain. The tree-lined streets of the Historic District also shift with the season, making it a prime time to explore on foot with stops at Saturday farmers markets or nearby cafés for a warm drink. Along the riverfront, fall weekends often coincide with festivals on River Street, where local food vendors and live music are set against views of ships passing on the Savannah River.
After dark, book a seat on Old Town Trolley’s Ghosts & Gravestones or step inside the Sorrel-Weed House for a guided tour — both lean into the city’s documented hauntings without the gimmicks.
Those willing to drive an hour or two can time their trip with the Georgia State Parks “Leaf Watch,” which tracks peak foliage in places like Skidaway Island State Park on the coast or Fort Mountain in the north.
Where to stay in Savannah, Georgia
The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, offers 157 apartment-style accommodations ranging from studios to four-bedroom lofts. Its location in the Historic District puts you within easy walking distance of tree-lined squares, and the property includes a relaxed pool area and an on-site eatery, Little James, for seasonal bites and cocktails. For a more upscale stay, Perry Lane Hotel provides 167 artfully designed guest rooms, a rooftop pool with views over the city’s autumn canopy, and three restaurants that highlight the flavors of the season.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Peak leaf peeping months: October to early November
The picturesque town of Coeur d’Alene sits on Lake Coeur d’Alene in northwestern Idaho. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do year-round, but fall is especially magical — the lakeside city truly comes alive with seasonal events and a vibrant foliage-lined downtown.
Fall highlights include the annual Oktoberfest, bringing together local brews, live music, and fall-themed festivities. Halloween fans will love the spooky theme park Scarywood, running October 3–26, 2025, with haunted attractions, scare zones, and rides in the dark.
To enjoy the foliage up close, hike or stroll along the two-mile interpretive trail at Tubbs Hill, offering sweeping views over the lake and forested hills. For a relaxing alternative, take a scenic cruise with Coeur d’Alene Cruise Boats to soak in fall colors from the water while learning about the area’s history and culture.
Where to stay in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene Resort, a renowned landmark in the city, recently underwent extensive renovations to its spa and restaurant. This historic property offers luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The resort’s prime location provides easy access to the city’s fall attractions and outdoor activities. Or, for a more contemporary stay, consider One Lakeside. This newer hotel offers modern and stylish accommodations with stunning lake views. It’s also conveniently located near downtown, within stumbling distance from Oktoberfest. 