{"id":33815,"date":"2019-09-25T19:57:23","date_gmt":"2019-09-25T19:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/?p=33815"},"modified":"2021-08-16T19:13:18","modified_gmt":"2021-08-16T19:13:18","slug":"top-fall-foliage-destinations-around-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/top-fall-foliage-destinations-around-the-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Top fall foliage destinations around the US"},"content":{"rendered":"

Note:<\/strong> All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions\u2014please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was updated August 16, 2021.<\/i><\/p>\n

Come autumn, all eyes turn toward New England for its explosion of fall color. But for a more original perspective, you’ll want to turn your leaf-peeping eyes to some of America’s other gorgeous fall destinations that also serve up spectacular palettes of color. If you’re looking for the perfect road trip this autumn, here are some of our favorite spots across the U.S. to take in fall’s brilliant color show.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 7 overlooked US hot springs worth discovering<\/a><\/p>\n

Mid-Atlantic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\"maryland\"\n

Let\u2019s start on the East Coast, but farther south. Maryland sports solid colors, especially in the western panhandle of the state. Since Garrett County<\/strong> boasts the state’s highest elevation, it\u2019s one of the first places in the Mid-Atlantic where leaves start doing their fall thing. Aside from being dazed by nature, visitors can also attend the Autumn Glory Festival<\/strong> in Oakland<\/strong><\/a>. It celebrates the season with activities ranging from fiddle and quilt competitions to a monster-sized parade.<\/p>\n

Midwest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\"starved\n

The Kettle Moraine <\/strong><\/a>region of Wisconsin, created by colliding glaciers, dates back to the Ice Age. Today, it\u2019s one of the coolest places to explore fall colors in the Midwest. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive<\/strong> traverses six Wisconsin counties and displays a riot of color thanks to cascades of maple, aspen and oak leaves. South of the Wisconsin border, the Illinois River National Scenic Byway<\/strong> encompasses prime leaf viewing. The drive includes a National Wildlife Refuge, a ride on a boat drawn by mules and the Starved Rock State Park<\/a><\/strong> in Utica. Fall colors at Starved Rock are set amidst sandstone canyons, waterfalls and abundant flora. During leaf season, free guided hikes focus on the changing hues.<\/p>\n

South<\/strong><\/h2>\n\"ozark\n

Moving south to the country\u2019s midsection, the Ozark Mountains<\/strong> are at their scenic height come autumn. Prime spots for checking out the splendor are Lake of the Ozarks State Park<\/strong><\/a> in Missouri (yes, technically still the Midwest) and the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop<\/strong><\/a> in Arkansas. The latter traverses small towns, tree-covered canyons and stunning mountain passes.<\/p>\n

Southwest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\"enchanted\n

You\u2019ll find some of the best fall foliage in the Southwest along New Mexico\u2019s Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway<\/strong>. Located in the northern part of the state, it\u2019s an 83-mile loop starting in Taos<\/a>. The route takes in Wheeler Peak, New Mexico\u2019s highest point, measuring in at 13,161 feet. Aside from the gold and orange aspen leaves and the red and gold cottonwood leaves, sharp-eyed peepers may even spot a bit of wildlife. Be on the lookout for elk, eagles and even bears. Oh, my.<\/p>\n

West<\/strong><\/h2>\n\"mono\n

No, we\u2019re not dreamin’. California also provides brilliant golden views during autumn. The Eastern Sierra<\/strong> is rife with blazing colors in the fall. Need to narrow down the focus? Photographers will go nuts shooting the colorful trees and mountain peaks reflected in the pristine waters of Little Lakes Valley located in Rock Creek Canyon<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Look beyond the classic East Coast spots.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":106,"featured_media":33826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,165],"tags":[517,173,202,206],"class_list":["post-33815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-story","category-romantic","tag-arkansas","tag-california","tag-maryland","tag-wisconsin"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTop fall foliage destinations around the US - Inspire | Travelocity.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Fall colors are hardly the exclusive domain of New England. 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