Autumn dawns: Where to see fall foliage in the United States

Like a Picasso painting, autumn is a riveting experience for many travelers. The brisk mornings lit up by the golden aspens and plums of oak are one of nature’s most spectacular exhibitions. Often on the back of summer, autumn is characterized by hot apple cider and flamboyant sweaters.

As the days get shorter and chillier, tree leaves turn from green to a medley of colors as they usher in the new season. There is nothing as enthralling as autumn in the US. So pack your bags and ready your camera as you go on a lifetime trip through numerous state parks across the country. Here are the top places to see fall foliage in the US.

Stowe, Vermont

Recently named the #1 top foliage destination by TripAdvisor, no one welcomes autumn like the people of Stowe. Perched on Mount Mansfield’s base, Stowe is arguably the most picturesque village in New England. Autumn is considered a festive season in the town, and its residents are often prepared with special offers like winery tours, wagon rides, river tours, and ghostly lantern tours.

The spectacle of watching colors changing from mid-September all through to late October in Vermont makes this an unmissable itinerary. With Vermont’s largely forested (80%), it is also your best chance to enjoy a sugar maple in the country. The town also bustles with hiking spots to cater to outdoor enthusiasts. These include; Bingham Falls, Wiessner Woods, Kirchner Woods and Moss Glen Falls.

Charlottesville, Virginia

You will not see colorful hues until mid to late October in Charlottesville. But it will be worth the wait. The picturesque town on the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills is one of the most dazzling autumn escapes in the US. Depending on the weather, the colorful foliage can sneak into November.

Travelers flock to Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park for the town’s best foliage display. However, the Monticello Wine Trail should be at the top of your itinerary for wine connoisseurs. While here, you can sample some of Virginia’s best wineries, such as Barboursville Vineyards, Michael Shaps Wineworks and Jefferson Vineyards.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Starting in late August, the highest points of the Rocky Mountain National Park exhibit a golden hue. The expansive park spanning both sides of the continental divide is one of the finest spectacles in autumn. Thriving at 7000ft and 9,500ft, aspens at this park are even prettier when they quake in the wind.

Head to the picturesque Beaver Meadows, Hollowell Park and Glacier Gorge for some of the most postcard-worthy scenery. The season also presents a unique sighting of the park’s elk herds which move down the mountain as the temperatures drop. The park also has gorgeous trails, such as the hike to Gem Lake.

Bar Harbor, Maine

When temperatures begin to fall, Bar Harbor puts on a show. The charming resort destination in Mount Desert Island is one of the season’s biggest showmen. Bustling with golden fall foliage and clear night skies, hiking in Bar Harbor is a remarkable experience for many looking for picturesque outdoors. But, of course, the most beautiful trail is the Bar Island Trail.

And as children return to schools and parks begin to clear, Fall in Bar Harbor is a beautiful time to get some alone time. And the best place to view fall foliage is the Acadia National Park.

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

As summer fades and autumn sets in, Bucks County feels like a colorful life-size palette. The city’s roads and bridges decorated with yellow, red and orange make for a fine spectacle—the foliage hue peaks in late October. Bordered by New Jersey and the Delaware River to the east, Bucks County is found in southeast Pennsylvania.

Given its rich revolutionary war history, the town is the perfect trip down memory lane. Thanks to a vibrant cultural and arts community, travelers are spoilt for choosing what to do first. One of the best pass times is a stroll through shops and restaurants. Also, head to Peddler’s village to glimpse the annual Scarecrows.

Sequoia National Park California

The crimson blossoms and burnt orange on red dogwoods across the park are some of autumn’s most remarkable feats. Nature walks don’t get better than Sequoia National Park. Sequoia has a couple of excellent spots for foliage in Sequoia. Some of these include Moro Rock, Sunset Rock, and Beetle Rock.

The park is known for breathtaking trails like the Trail of the Sequoias and the Big Trees. Also, you might need to make extra room for your fishing gear. Fall in the park is a beautiful time to go fishing.

Brooklyn, New York

The blend of modern architecture and the golden hue of burnt orange make Brooklyn one of the best foliage escapes in the country. Autumn is a cherished season in New York because it is Hail Mary from the dreadful subway heat. And it feels like all is right with the world. The season also offers New Yorkers one last chance to enjoy picnics before winter.

Brooklyn’s only lake, Prospect Park Lake, is arguably one of the best places to enjoy this season. Although it isn’t hard to see foliage in Brooklyn, a simple stroll to Brooklyn Botanic Garden should do the trick. The 52 acres of themed gardens, pathways and plant pavilions make for some memorable nature walks.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

With over 100 deciduous tree species, fall foliage is a breathtaking spectacle in the Great Smoky Mountains. With alternating temperatures at different altitudes, the gradual change of colors during the season highlights the trip to the park. Fall colors begin above 4000ft in early to mid-October and reach the peak between mid-October and early November.

To fully enjoy these, take scenic drives to Clingsman Dome Road, Foothills Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. In addition, numerous hiking spots will enable you to enjoy the fall foliage. They include; the Appalachian Trail, River Trail, and Sutton Ridge Overlook.