Chasing Autumn Colors: The Best Fall Foliage Destinations in North America

As the lazy days of summer give way to the brisk pace of fall, life suddenly feels a bit more energetic. Kids are back in school, work schedules pick up, and even the morning coffee run has shifted—yes, pumpkin spice lattes are back. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s a yearning for a moment of calm, a chance to soak in the beauty of the season. Fortunately, North America offers a myriad of autumn escapes where you can trade the daily grind for vibrant forests, crisp air, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are six destinations where you can find that perfect fall foliage retreat.

New England: Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

New England in autumn is the headliner, the showstopper, the reason you might just willingly sit in a traffic jam on a two-lane road just to get a glimpse of those leaves. The region’s iconic landscapes are a favorite among leaf peepers, and for good reason. Vermont’s Route 100, often dubbed “The Skier’s Highway,” offers a drive through idyllic landscapes dotted with historic villages and covered bridges, all surrounded by the fiery reds and oranges of autumn. The town of Stowe epitomizes New England charm, with its classic white-steepled church and welcoming inns set against the backdrop of Mount Mansfield’s stunning fall colors.

In New Hampshire, the Kancamagus Highway is renowned for its sweeping views of the White Mountains. This scenic byway winds through forests ablaze with color, offering numerous opportunities for hiking and photography. The nearby town of Jackson, known for its covered bridge and quaint atmosphere, is a perfect base for exploring the area’s vibrant foliage.

Maine’s Acadia National Park combines the rugged beauty of the coast with the rich colors of autumn, creating a unique and unforgettable fall experience. Bar Harbor, with its charming streets and views of Frenchman Bay, is an ideal spot to enjoy Maine’s fall colors, whether you’re hiking the park’s trails or enjoying a lobster dinner by the sea.

Quebec, Canada: Quebec City, Charlevoix, and The Laurentians

Crossing the border into Canada, Quebec offers an autumn experience that is both vibrant and steeped in history. Quebec City, with its cobblestone streets and European flair, is particularly enchanting in the fall. The historic Plains of Abraham offer sweeping views of the city’s surrounding hillsides, which come alive with the colors of the season. For a more rustic experience, a visit to Île d'Orléans just outside the city surrounds you with orchards, vineyards, and countryside roads lined with blazing maples.

North of Quebec City, the Charlevoix region provides a dramatic mix of mountains, rivers, and forests that burst into color each autumn. The drive along Route 362 from Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie is a must, offering panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River framed by vibrant fall foliage. The town of Baie-Saint-Paul itself is a charming artist’s enclave, where galleries and boutiques line the streets, all set against a stunning natural backdrop.

Further west, the Laurentian Mountains are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking the tranquility of nature. The region’s rolling hills and pristine lakes are surrounded by forests that explode with color each fall. Mont-Tremblant, with its European-style village and luxurious accommodations, provides an ideal setting to immerse yourself in Quebec’s autumn splendor.

The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains are where fall gets a little wild—in the best possible way. With over 100 species of native trees, this national park serves up a Technicolor dream coat of autumn hues. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, offers panoramic views that are especially breathtaking when the foliage is at its peak. The town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, serves as a gateway to the Smokies, with its cozy cabins and mountain views providing a perfect autumn retreat.

For those who love a scenic drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is unmatched in its beauty. Stretching from North Carolina to Virginia, this iconic road offers countless overlooks where you can pause to admire the rolling mountains cloaked in fall colors. Each turn of the road reveals a new perspective, making it a journey that is as memorable as the destination itself.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

In the Berkshires, autumn is a season of both natural beauty and cultural richness. The region’s rolling hills are ablaze with color each fall, making it a prime destination for leaf peepers. The Mohawk Trail, one of the oldest scenic routes in the country, offers a drive through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Massachusetts.

Towns like Lenox and Stockbridge are perfect spots to experience the full charm of the Berkshires. Lenox is known for its elegant inns and the historic Tanglewood estate, while Stockbridge, immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s paintings, offers a quintessential small-town New England experience. Whether exploring local art galleries, hiking through vibrant forests, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon by a fireplace, the Berkshires in fall is a feast for the senses.

Adirondack Mountains, New York

The Adirondacks are where you go when you want to feel small in the best way possible—because these mountains are massive, and the fall colors are just as grand. With six million acres of forest, you’ve got more than enough room to wander. The Adirondacks are a vast and untamed wilderness that becomes a brilliant tapestry of color each fall. Lake Placid, with its stunning views of the High Peaks, is a popular destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

A drive along the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway provides breathtaking views that stretch across the Adirondack Park, with the surrounding forests ablaze in shades of red, orange, and gold. The town of Saranac Lake, known for its historic charm and vibrant arts scene, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the beauty of the Adirondacks in fall.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

In Colorado, the arrival of autumn transforms the Rocky Mountains into a golden wonderland. The aspen trees, with their brilliant yellow leaves, stand out against the rugged mountain backdrop, creating scenes that are both dramatic and serene. The Trail Ridge Road, which reaches elevations of over 12,000 feet, offers panoramic views that are truly unforgettable.

The town of Estes Park, located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, provides an ideal base for exploring this autumn paradise. With its charming lodges, local shops, and vibrant fall festivals, Estes Park captures the essence of Colorado’s high-country autumn, making it a must-visit for any fall foliage enthusiast

EXPLORE THE FALL WONDERS