Most Instagram-able Fall Foliage: U.S. Edition
We saw that Condé Nast Traveler wrote a bit on the best places to find fall foliage. So, naturally, we had to do the same. But since traveling abroad is relatively limited, let alone frowned upon at the moment, we decided to make this list U.S.-themed. If you’re feeling adventurous and willing to make the road trip, a quick getaway to any of these dreamy, colorful destinations will leave you breathless. Go on, take a peep.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Stunning fall foliage in New England is anything but boring, and Maine is the perfect spot to find it. Located on the outskirts of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers dazzling views of Frenchman Bay and, of course, kaleidoscopic leafage. The rocky coastlines are met serendipitously with Acadia’s rugged mountain terrain and leafy forests. Visitors often find themselves trekking on some of the many hiking trails—the Great Head Trail and Beehive Trail tend to be fan favorites, not to mention peak spots for photo-ops. Kayaking, fishing, photo-taking and drooling over the breathtaking landscape also seem to be common activities. Peak leaf-peeping typically lasts from the end of September to around mid-October.
Golden hues and chilly air. Does fall look much better than this? Photo found here.
Stowe, Vermont
This American beauty aptly referred to as “Fall’s Color Capital” is nothing short of spectacular to see when the weather starts to chill. While this northern Vermont town’s trails are coated in white during winter months, they’re dressed with a plethora of multi-colored leaves in the autumn ones. Expectedly, Stowe is famously known for its outdoor recreation, which includes hiking, mountain biking, water sports, rock climbing and more. And when the temperatures drop a little too low, a simple road trip throughout this scenic area will offer sensational views of the countryside’s colorful foliage. We recommend staying in one of the town’s many mountain resorts, preferably between September and mid-October for the most breathtaking outdoor excursions.
North Rim, Grand Canyon
While the Grand Canyon is mostly covered in sandstone cliffs, its peeping foliage is nothing short of breathtaking. For starters, the daytime autumn weather in this natural wonder is mild and, more often than not, without rain—a pleasant change from its monsoon-filled summers. And the foliage? Let’s just say the views of the overwhelming fusing of reds and oranges aren’t too bad from its 8,000+ foot peak. If this sounds like a travel must, we recommend making the trip before the end of October when the North Rim closes for the season.
Lakes Region, New Hampshire
Fittingly named for the multitude of lakes that decorate its landscape, this New Hampshire region is sure to offer the best foliage in all of New England. Well, let’s be real—all of New England has the best fall foliage. But you get the gist. Its far-reaching domain stretches 72 square miles and encompasses over 250 individual islands, and the plethora of outdoor activities and services offered (lake cruises, mountain hikes, you name it) provide perfect opportunities to explore the breathtaking natural beauty it comprises. If the transition from summer heat to crisp autumn air is not reason enough to make a trip up north, we can guarantee the foliage is sure to sell you. We highly recommend finding a B&B on the water and enjoying all the beauty this place has to offer—if that’s even possible.
Have you ever seen so much color? Photo found here.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
It seems as though every national park is a no brainer for peak foliage views. But something about Shenandoah is different, and by ‘different’ we mean incredible. An aerial view of the park resembles that of a rainbow—warm reds, bright oranges, electric yellows and humble greens. Visitors find that foliage is best enjoyed (and photographed) on a hike or on a long drive down the ever-scenic, mountain-enclosed Skyline Drive. Located just north of Charlottesville, Virginia, travelers are offered the remoteness of nature during the daytime and a more civilized atmosphere during the evening—the perfect combination, if you ask us. Colors can be fallen for from late September until late October. Hikes, colors and views galore.
Aspen, Colorado
This Colorado favorite is home to some of the region’s most dazzling fall colors. The area is chock full of the tree that seems to have named it: the aspen. This aspen flaunts a white trunk and is topped with the most vibrant yellow leaves you’ll ever see. This tree, as well as others decorated with fall-hued leaves, leave Aspen a frontrunner for any leaf peeper’s fall travel list. And if you’re the hiking type (which we recommend you are for a trip here), a hike to the top of any one of the municipality’s 11,000+ foot peaks will provide insane panoramas. We advise making the trip before this dreamy fall destination becomes the renowned ski resort it’s known to be, which could be as early as October.
Leavenworth, Washington
To finish up our list of the most incredible leaf-peeping fall destinations, let’s take a trip out West—more specifically, to “The Evergreen State.” Yes, Washington is known for its stunning array of colors come fall, and for good reason. Offering a plethora of nature preserves and internationally known national parks, this Pacific Northwest locale is brimming with spots with optimal fall foliage views. Sitting pretty at the bottom of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a quaint, Bavarian-styled village flaunting elaborate brown-trimmed buildings, blossomed window boxes and, most expectedly, overwhelming foliage-filled mountainous backdrops.
Washington in the fall? Remarkable. Photo found here.
Wherever you choose to go, be sure to snap a pic (or a few), and tag us @theedgemag.
Featured image found here.
We do not own any of the images pictured in this article.