10 Top Places to See Fall Foliage in the U.S.

Arkansas's Ozark National Forest, sprawling across more than 1.2 million acres, offers an autumn mosaic like no other. The best leaf transformations light up the landscape in late October, with the Ouachitas and the Arkansas River Valley following suit in November. Whether you're trekking the Whitaker Point trail or cruising the Scenic 7 Byway, the Ozarks serve up fall beauty in heaps and bounds.

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park becomes a sea of gold and copper each fall, thanks to its aspen groves. High-altitude spots like Glacier Gorge and Beaver Meadows offer stunning contrasts of gold leaves against the backdrop of rugged mountains, making every hike an unforgettable visual feast. For those chasing the perfect shot, the aspens framing Lumpy Ridge are a must-see.

Stowe, Vermont, wears fall like a crown, earning its title as the Color Capital. Nestled beneath the state's highest peak, this New England gem is a kaleidoscope of fall hues, complemented by opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and even early-season skiing. Stowe is not just about the great outdoors; the town's bustling brewery scene and cultural festivals add flavor to any fall getaway.

In California's Sequoia National Park, the colossal trees stand sentinel over an underbrush ablaze in autumn hues. While the sequoias themselves maintain their evergreen composure, the surrounding landscape erupts in colors, offering hikers postcard-worthy scenes at every turn. With the summer crowds gone, the crisp air of October and November around 60°F sets the stage for serene exploration.

Talkeetna, once a frontier town for gold miners and trappers, now offers a pristine window into Alaska's fall colors. With Denali towering in the distance, the landscape transforms with vivid yellows and deep greens, especially striking around the national park. It's an off-the-beaten-path destination where fall paints its strokes on a grand canvas.

In Pennsylvania's Poconos, the fall foliage season kicks off in mid-September, peaking with a riot of colors that blanket the mountainsides. The best views might just be along Route 507, circling Lake Wallenpaupack, where the landscape ignites with autumnal fire, showcasing the Northeast's fall at its finest.

For those whose love for fall is matched only by their spirit of adventure, Acadia National Park is a dream. From the coastal views aboard a boat to the extensive network of trails winding through vibrant foliage, Acadia offers a fall experience that's as active as it is aesthetically pleasing. The view from Cadillac Mountain's Blue Hill Overlook is the cherry on top, offering a panorama that's simply unparalleled.

Georgia's Amicalola Falls State Park is a haven for leaf peepers, with the state's tallest waterfall acting as a centerpiece for the autumn show. The journey up to the waterfall is a climb through a cascade of colors, offering a rewarding vista that encapsulates the essence of fall in the South.

While summers in Cape Cod are legendary, the fall season brings a quieter charm with its tapestry of changing leaves. Beyond the pumpkin patches and cranberry bogs, the region's farmer's markets, breweries, and vineyards offer a feast for the senses, with ample trails in Nickerson State Park and West Barnstable Conservation Area to walk off the indulgence amidst nature's splendour.

Grand Marais, perched on the shores of Lake Superior, offers a fall spectacle underscored by the rugged beauty of the North Shore. The hike to Devil’s Kettle Falls provides not just an encounter with the mysterious "waterfall to nowhere" but also a journey through autumn's vibrant display, making it an essential stop for any fall color tour.