Here are some of the most spectacular locations to experience the fall like never before.

22.09.22 | By Nicole Kliest | Entertainment

Your Fall Travel Guide: Here’s Exactly Where to Go Leaf Peeping

Here are some of the most spectacular locations to experience the fall like never before.

There’s a brief, magical window of time during the month of October when the leaves turn radiant shades of red, orange, and yellow. They light up the landscape like a colorful flame before falling to the ground. Fall foliage—or leaf peeping—is a time-honored pastime for those who lean into all things autumn, and right now is the time to plan your trip before it all begins.

Scattered throughout the US you can discover a vast range of breathtaking destinations to take in the changing colors. There are the usual suspects, like Vermont with its iconic maple trees. And favorites like Maine, Missouri, and Michigan. You can even spot these brilliant hues in places like New Mexico and along coastlines where the contrast between the ocean and vibrant leaves feels almost too charming to believe.

Ahead, 10 idyllic places to go leaf peeping this fall, with options ranging from scenic byways and national forests to cozy towns with atmospheric accommodations.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Nearly 90 percent of Maine is forested, which means it’s a leaf peeper’s paradise come fall. Perhaps the most popular area of the state during this time of year is in Bar Harbor thanks to its proximity to Acadia National Park. While that too is a worthy destination to see the changing colors, if you want a locale slightly less populated, head south to Kennebunkport. A drive through Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park should not be missed, nor should a pit stop at Portland Head Light. If outdoor adventure is more your speed, kayak the Kennebunk River and soak in the foliage along the riverbanks.

Where to Stay: Kennebunkport Inn, a charming hotel that was built in the late 1890s as a tea merchant’s mansion and that now plays host to a cozy inn overlooking the town.

Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondack mountain range in New York State dates back five million years and is made of ancient rocks more than 1,000 million years old. This results in a magnificent backdrop in which to view the changing leaves, whether it’s by car, at an apple-picking orchard, or during a winery tour. If you want to lace up your hiking boots and set off on the trails, Oak Rim is a 2.2 mile hike in the Tug Hill State Forest and gives a view of Rainbow Falls (think: cascading waterfall enveloped by white ash, beech, and black cherry trees).

Where to Stay: Eastwind Hotel Lake Placid, a newly-opened property situated in a renovated historic motor lodge with a vintage library, sauna, bar & lounge, and 26 stylishly-designed rooms.

Taos, New Mexico

There is nowhere in the world quite like Taos, New Mexico. It’s where painter Georgia O’Keeffe resided and drew inspiration from (in addition to Santa Fe) and it’s a landscape that calms the mind. Taos is situated at the base of the Sangre de Cristo range of the Southern Rockies and experiencing the changing leaves here is best done with a car. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is 85 miles long and loops through Taos, Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, Angel Fire and then returns to Taos. Or, if you want to spend a day in Santa Fe, The High Road to Taos runs between the two cities and winds through the Carson National Forest (prime peeping territory).

Where to Stay: Casa Gallina, a collection of five adobe casitas set in a pastoral, farmland setting, complete with forty-plus hens and a vegetable garden that guests can harvest from.

Breckenridge, Colorado

For a chance to see golden aspens, visit Breckenridge in Colorado. The high-elevation town is 9,600 feet above sea level and during autumn, its peaks become dotted with a medley of red, orange, yellow, and green leaves. You can hop on a bike and explore the trails (the Minnie Mine Loop is a standout), or rent a car and drive up French Gulch Road for mesmerizing views. There’s also Boreas Pass, which is an hour-long drive that ascends over 11,400 feet at the top of the Continental Divide. Because it’s Colorado, seeing the best leaves will likely entail an outdoor adventure or two, so pack your outdoor gear.

Where to Stay: The Lodge at Breckenridge, a 45-room boutique hotel perched on a forested cliff at 10,200 feet and with views of Boreas Pass and the Tenmile Range.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

Regarded for its beautiful views, the Blue Ridge Parkway is commonly referred to as America’s Favorite Scenic Drive. Unsurprisingly, this makes it ideal leaf peeping country and a visit here during October is always a good idea. Because the drive varies in elevation and aspect (which direction the trees are facing), the foliage can vary greatly, which is why it’s wise to check up-to-the-minute maps that share leaf color updates. There are dozens of tree species to see along the parkway, including dogwood, hickory, and Virginia pine.

Where to Stay: Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, a luxury lodge located on a 12,000 acre mountain estate complete with cottage and treehouses.

Stowe, Vermont

When it comes to leaf peeping, there are few (if any) destinations as iconic and well-known as Stowe, Vermont (referred to as Fall’s Color Capital). Naturally, this means you’ll have company on your autumnal voyage here, but rest assured that the breathtaking views are worth it. You can experience the vibrant leaves on a scenic drive, along a forested trail, on the water by boat, or even through trees on a zipline.

Where to Stay: Edson Hill, a 22 room boutique hotel overlooking the Vermont countryside with interiors by Gauthier-Stacy.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

If peak New England charm is what you’re after, head for The Berkshires — a cluster of picturesque towns surrounded by wetlands and forest. One of the best ways to experience this region for a fall foliage excursion is by road trip from one charming town to the next. Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway is a favorite and winds 35 miles through five towns, with unparalleled views of colorful leaves along the way. There’s also Route 7 that goes from Sheffield to North Adams, which goes past rolling hills and sweet pitstops like orchards and farm stands.

Where to Stay: Tourists, a riverside hotel inspired by the classic American roadside motor lodge that has 48 rooms, plus riverbank vistas, woodland trails, and even sculptural installations.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Immerse yourself in the majestic wonder that is the Great Smoky Mountains. This picturesque region is renowned for its beauty, and during the fall it becomes a sea of orange, red, and yellow. Because it’s the wilderness, the best way to leaf peep is by getting out in nature and going for a hike or taking a slow, scenic drive. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the mountains and you can take your car up to pullout and complete the steep half mile ascent to the summit where breathtaking views await.

Where to Stay: Blackberry Farm, a Relais and Châteaux resort in Walland, Tennessee that’s known for its world-class cuisine and pastoral setting.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan

While planning an entire trip around one single hike might seem excessive, you’ll understanding why a visit to Tahquamenon Falls in peak leaf peeping season is worth the journey. The park is almost 50,000 acres across 13 miles and is largely undeveloped woodland. The River Trail links the upper and lower falls and is around five miles long. Here, the steep, cascading waterfalls are framed by vibrantly-hued leaves, making for a truly memorable autumn excursion.

Where to Stay: Pitch a tent at one of the two campgrounds at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, which are open year round.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Landing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming you immediately notice the exaggerated landscape—an expansive plateau with the jagged Teton Range in the background. Come autumn, this becomes all the more breathtaking thanks to the mosaic of yellow, orange, and red leaves. There are no bad viewing spots here, but a few favorites include Oxbow Bend, which is a crescent-shaped overlook alongside a winding river. There’s also Fall Creek Road, which is a 20 mile drive that goes by Snake River and vibrant cottonwoods. Or you can hop inside the gondola at Snow King and get an aerial view of the foliage (bring a camera).

Where to Stay: Amangani, a luxury resort in the foothills of the Grand Tetons that overlooks the mountains and Snake River Valley that leans on the spirit of the old west for design inspiration.

Here are some of the most spectacular locations to experience the fall like never before.

Your Fall Travel Guide: Here’s Exactly Where to Go Leaf Peeping

Here are some of the most spectacular locations to experience the fall like never before.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Adirondacks, New York

Taos, New Mexico

Breckenridge, Colorado

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

Stowe, Vermont

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Here are some of the most spectacular locations to experience the fall like never before.

Your Fall Travel Guide: Here’s Exactly Where to Go Leaf Peeping

Here are some of the most spectacular locations to experience the fall like never before.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Adirondacks, New York

Taos, New Mexico

Breckenridge, Colorado

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

Stowe, Vermont

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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