Vermont is taking centre stage this autumn in US, working hand in hand with New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and Wisconsin to create one of the most attractive travel seasons in recent years. Together, these destinations are showcasing the very best of the US fall experience—rolling mountains, golden forests, and charming small towns—to entice both domestic travellers and visitors from Canada. The collaboration is part of a wider push to strengthen the tourism industry during a peak period for leaf-peeping and seasonal travel.
In Vermont, the famed Route 100 and picturesque towns like Stowe are already drawing early visitors, while New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the Kancamagus Highway are preparing for their spectacular colour season. Maine’s Acadia National Park promises a rare blend of rugged coastline and fiery foliage, while New York’s Adirondacks and Catskills are offering outdoor adventures alongside vibrant village festivals. Wisconsin’s Door County is also stepping into the spotlight, with its lighthouse-dotted shores and scenic byways framed by maples in full bloom.
By combining marketing efforts, seasonal events, and updated foliage tracking systems, these states aim to make the Best Places in US to see in this fall even more accessible and appealing. Canadian visitors, drawn by easy cross-border access and the promise of an unforgettable seasonal getaway, are a key focus. As cooler temperatures arrive and the first leaves begin to change, this united effort is set to create a strong tourism boost, offering travellers the ultimate fall escape filled with colour, culture, and community.
When autumn arrives in the US, the air turns crisp and the trees burst into fiery shades of red, orange, and gold. Each region offers a unique mix of landscapes and colours shaped by climate, elevation, and tree types. In 2025, after a summer of sunny days and cool nights, leaf-peeping is expected to be especially vibrant. Here is your complete guide to the Best Places in US to see in this fall, with expanded details on each destination and practical tips to help you catch peak colour at the perfect moment.
Vermont is known as the crown jewel of US fall foliage for good reason. Route 100 stretches north to south, offering one of the most scenic drives in New England. Along the way, sugar maples turn rich shades of crimson and orange, especially around the charming town of Stowe. Smugglers’ Notch Pass, a winding mountain road, provides breathtaking views framed by steep cliffs. Covered bridges, family-run farms, and cosy cafés add to the experience. Peak colour arrives in late September in the north, moving south by early October. The state’s official Foliage Forecaster helps travellers plan their trip to one of the Best Places in US to see in this fall.
The White Mountains region offers one of the most memorable autumn drives in the US—the Kancamagus Highway. This 34-mile stretch winds through forests, mountain passes, and alongside rushing rivers. Scenic pull-offs offer perfect photo opportunities, with peaks dusted in early snow contrasting against vibrant fall leaves. Higher elevations begin changing in late September, while valleys peak in early to mid-October. The nearby towns of Conway and Lincoln make great bases for exploring the area. VisitNH’s Foliage Tracker and peak maps provide up-to-date guidance, ensuring visitors catch the season at its best. This route is truly among the Best Places in US to see in this fall.
Acadia National Park combines rugged coastal cliffs with colourful inland forests, creating one of the most unique fall experiences in the US. Visitors often start the day by watching sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, where you can see the first light hit the vibrant foliage below. Hiking trails wind through hardwood forests of oak, maple, and birch, which peak from late September to mid-October. In 2025, vehicle reservations remain necessary for Cadillac Summit Road until late October. Weekly updates from Maine’s official foliage reports help travellers plan their visits. For coastal charm and mountain beauty, Acadia is among the Best Places in US to see in this fall.
Stretching 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the longest and most scenic drives in the US. It connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, passing through forests, meadows, and mountain ridges. In autumn, colours start changing at high elevations in early October, moving into the valleys later in the month. Numerous overlooks offer panoramic views, and hiking trails lead to waterfalls and secluded groves. National Park Service updates guide visitors on where colour is peaking. This breathtaking route is without doubt one of the Best Places in US to see in this fall.
Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This fall route offers 75 scenic overlooks where visitors can stop and take in sweeping views of valleys and mountains blanketed in colour. Higher elevations typically peak in early October, with lower areas following later in the month. The park is easy to explore by car, and weekday visits are recommended to avoid the heavier weekend traffic. Shenandoah’s combination of accessibility, beauty, and variety makes it one of the Best Places in US to see in this fall, especially for those seeking peaceful drives.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers one of the longest autumn seasons in the US. Starting in late September, high peaks light up with golden and red leaves, while lower valleys continue changing well into November. This extended season allows visitors to enjoy the park’s beauty for weeks. Diverse tree species, including maples, hickories, and oaks, create a colourful patchwork across the landscape. Popular viewpoints like Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap offer panoramic scenes, while quieter trails reveal hidden waterfalls surrounded by fiery foliage. With its size and diversity, the Smokies stand among the Best Places in US to see in this fall.
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia’s only national park, offers dramatic fall scenery with its towering cliffs, rushing river, and golden forests. The famous New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world, is framed by bright hardwood colours in early to mid-October. Hiking trails and river overlooks provide multiple ways to enjoy the season. Compared to busier parks, New River Gorge is quieter, making it ideal for travellers seeking a relaxed pace.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the earliest places in the US to see fall colour. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers incredible views from Lake of the Clouds Overlook, where the surrounding hillsides glow with rich hues. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore adds another dimension with its colourful sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior. Peak season usually falls between late September and mid-October. Pure Michigan’s fall colour map provides weekly updates. Whether you’re hiking, driving, or kayaking, the Upper Peninsula’s mix of wild forest and dramatic shoreline makes it one of the Best Places in US to see in this fall.
