Riots of red, swashes of yellow, shrieks of orange and splashes of magenta. This is nature at its most brilliant. If you’ve never experienced the fabulous annual changing of the leaves during peak season, it’s a little like the aurora borealis of trees — bright, beautiful, but gone in a flash if you don’t know where to look. Each fall offers a new opportunity to see Mother Nature’s glory, so book a hotel at one of these picturesque fall foliage spots, and sneak a peek before the transformation is complete!
Prior to hitting the autumnal trail, check in with the National Forest Service and the Fall Foliage Network for updates on peak season viewing based on specific regions. Here are a few of our favorite places to experience fall foliage throughout the U.S., perfect for squeezing in one more road trip before the weather gets too chilly!
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New York State
Head upstate to the 6,000 square miles of beauty in southeastern New York known as the Catskills for a spectacular view of fall splendor. You’ll catch the area awash in colorful leaves from late September to late October. To take advantage of all this leafy bounty, base yourself in one of these Cooperstown hotels. The quaint Cooperstown (home of the Baseball Hall of Fame) is located in the northern foothills of the Catskills, and the area’s natural beauty offers the perfect setting to watch the leaves’ seasonal show. In particular, Lake Otsego provides stunning views of the foliage from kayaks and canoes.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, it’s not about when visitors find the most vibrant autumn colors, but where. That’s because the brilliant annual show of reds, oranges and golds takes its time, starting at the highest elevations such as Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain in early October and meandering down through mountains and into the foothills into November. To make the most of your leaf-watching sojourn, book an Asheville hotel; the charming town is known for its fun atmosphere, great food, historic buildings and friendly residents.
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Colorado
Both the Roosevelt National Forest and the Rocky Mountain National Park provide spectacular leaf peeping in the West, but if you can’t decide between the two, book instead in an Estes Park hotel. The mountain town is nestled between the national forest and the national park and has hiking and biking trails through colorful aspen groves, lakes that reflect fall foliage, and some prime autumn photography opportunities. Added perk: this is also home to one of the highest elk concentrations in the state, so you’ll have an equally good chance of spotting wildlife around town as you do a colorful tree.
Oregon
For a breathtaking escape, drive along the Columbia River Gorge, an eighty-mile natural wonder that cuts into the Cascade Mountains. Throughout the fall season, this region turns into a kaleidoscope of color, as firs, cottonwoods, maples and twisted pines transition into golden bronze hues. Need a break from the car? Hike, bike, raft or kayak through this scenic paradise, then rest up in a nearby Portland hotel before doing it all over again.
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Missouri
As Missouri’s temperatures start to drop in the autumn months, the surrounding Ozark Hills also begin their transition — creating an extraordinary display of scarlet, gold, mahogany and russet. Wait until the last few weeks of October for prime viewing, as it takes this region a bit longer to cool down. Once you’re here, check-in to a relaxing stay in nearby Osage Beach or Lake Ozark, then experience the picturesque atmosphere while hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or even playing a round of golf at one of the lake’s premiere golf courses.
Where will you find this fall’s best foliage views? Go exploring and tell us where you’ve spotted nature’s most beautiful display of color. Happy leaf peeping!
Gina Tagliarino, Travelocity Sr. Creative Copywriter
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