The United States is home to some beautifully diverse landscapes, and the number of gorgeous fall leaf displays in the autumn serves as a testament to that. If you’re looking to see some autumn colors yourself, this is the list for you! Here are the top 10 destinations in the US to see fall colors.
1. Acadia National Park
Nestled on the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park isn’t quite as well known as some of its counterparts like Yellowstone or Yosemite, but it’s still more than worth a visit! Autumn, in particular, is an excellent time to go, as the trees changing color resulted in a fantastical, painting-like display of reds, oranges, and yellows.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Another great national park to visit if you’re looking to see some changing leaves is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The displays are usually at their peak from mid-October to early November, though this can vary from year to year depending on the weather and other environmental factors.
3. Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for some places to view fall foliage on the west coast, you’re not out of luck either! Lake Tahoe is one of many spots in the western united states that features a selection of changing leaves interspersed throughout the always green pine trees. Fall can also be a great time to visit this lake, as summer crowds have thinned out, allowing for a calmer atmosphere.
4. Multnomah Falls
Here’s another suggestion for those on the west coast! The pacific northwest is known for its year-round green foliage, so it might not be the first place you think of when looking for fall leaves. Despite this, there are still a few good spots to enjoy autumn colors, and Multnomah Falls is one such place. Better yet, a trip here will allow you to not only see the changing leaves but also view a stunning waterfall.
5. The Catskill Mountains
A few hours outside of New York City lies the Catskill mountains. These gorgeous mountains are home to a variety of resorts, as well as some charming small towns. They’re also an excellent place to see some vivid shades of reddish-orange leaves in the fall!
6. Stowe, Vermont
Here’s one for those who enjoy visiting small towns! This charming small town looks like something right out of a greeting card in the fall, with old-fashioned buildings surrounded by gorgeous autumn colors.
7. Taos, New Mexico
New Mexico is probably another state that doesn’t immediately spring to mind when thinking of autumn leaves. Taos, New Mexico, located in the northern part of the state, is an excellent place to see some stunning changing trees despite this.
8. Aspen, Colorado
Visitors love this beautiful Colorado town in the summer for activities such as hiking and in winter for its top-notch ski slopes, but it has plenty to offer fall visitors as well! Orange and yellow leaves contrast strikingly against mountains and lakes from early October through November and are amazing to both see as well as photographs.
9. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Here’s one for those looking to enjoy fall colors without heading anywhere too remote! Visiting the Big Apple and wanting to see some beautiful fall colors without traveling too far? Head over to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a 52-acre garden that features hundreds of gorgeous trees to take in changing fall foliage while being only a few minutes’ walk away from the city.
10. The Ozark Mountains
The gorgeous Ozark Mountains in Arkansas are a great choice for those looking to see some stunning fall foliage displays. With the peak of changing leaves occurring in autumn, one fun way to see the area is the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, which not only winds through the mountains but also past several creeks and rivers.
