5 Underrated Fall Foliage Destinations Across the US
When it comes to fall travel, New England often gets all the glory (and for good reason). But if you’re craving brilliant foliage with thinner crowds, there are plenty of other places across the country that put on an equally dazzling seasonal show. From the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the rugged peaks of Colorado’s Rockies to the quiet shores of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, these underrated destinations prove that leaf-peeping is far from a one-region wonder.
Note: Before you hit the road, be sure to check fall foliage reports in the area you plan to visit, as conditions vary annually. And pack layers and a waterproof jacket – fall weather can be unpredictable and temperatures can drop quickly, particularly at higher elevations!
Blue Ridge Parkway
Where: Virginia and North Carolina
Peak Color: Mid-October to early November
The Blue Ridge Parkway spans 469 miles, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The route is famous for its panoramic vistas of the area’s dense spruce-fir forests, steep valleys and sky-scraping peaks – landscapes that are cloaked in shades of red, orange and yellow in the fall. The range of color varies greatly, thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountains’ wide variety of tree species, from amber oaks to bronze hickories.
For the quietest trails, plan an adventure to higher elevations in early October, such as Mount Mitchell State Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway about 30 miles north of Asheville, NC. There, you can hike or drive up the summit of the highest peak (6,684 feet) east of the Mississippi River for views from an observation deck. Or venture to the Peaks of Otter, situated off the parkway in Bedford County, VA. The recreation area features a trio of mountains and Abbott Lake, where you can see the autumn splendor reflected in the clear waters.
Keweenaw Peninsula
Where: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Peak Color: Late September to early to mid-October
Home to miles of wooded roads and trails leading to sights such as cascading waterfalls and historic lighthouses, Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is a nature lover’s dream. In the autumn, the verdant forests undergo a gorgeous transformation. To see the fiery colors at their most vibrant, drive to the tip of the peninsula and wind your way up nearly 10-mile Brockway Mountain Drive, a roadway lined with sights of sapphire-blue Lake Superior flanked by yellow- and red-leafed hardwoods.
If you’re a birder, consider heading to Whitefish Point, where views of gilded woodlands include appearances by flocks of feathered friends. Bird migration in the area peaks in October and runs through mid-November – so keep your eye out for warblers, owls, songbirds, hawks and other majestic creatures headed south for the cold weather months.
Rocky Mountains
Where: Colorado
Peak Color: Mid-September to early October
With jagged peaks, alpine lakes and endless forests of aspen, the Colorado Rockies – part of the sprawling mountain system stretching over 3,000 miles from British Columbia to New Mexico – are nothing short of spectacular when autumn arrives. The mountainsides transform into a shimmering sea of gold as groves of aspens shift from green to fiery yellow, often accented by evergreens that make the colors stand out even more. For a jaw-dropping display without the long mountain drive, head to Golden Gate Canyon State Park (just 30 miles from Denver), where more than 42 miles of trails are lined with overlooks for prime leaf-peeping.
Or make your way to Crested Butte or Aspen, where hiking paths weave through glowing aspen groves that feel almost magical when the leaves flutter overhead like golden confetti. Capture one of the most spectacular views at the Maroon Bells near Aspen: twin snow-striped peaks that are even more beautiful, framed by color-changing foliage. Just be sure to go on a weekday before 8 a.m. to avoid the crowds.
Door County
Where: Wisconsin
Peak Color: Early to mid-October
A bucolic peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is a Wisconsin gem that shines brightest in the fall. Rolling hills and hardwood forests burst into shades of crimson, amber and gold, all set against the glittering blue of the surrounding waters. A scenic drive along curvy Highway 42 (part of the Door County Coastal Highway) will take you past limestone cliffs, historic fishing villages and peaceful shores where autumn hues frame charming lighthouses.
For a bird’s-eye view, climb the 60-foot Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park. Those who climb the 100 steps are rewarded with sweeping vistas of leafy treetops that stretch toward the horizon and glimpses of surrounding islands. Be sure to stop at the farm stands along the coastal highway; fresh apple cider and warm pastries are the perfect fuel for leaf-peeping adventures.
North Cascade Mountains
Where: Washington
Peak Color: Late September to mid-October
Just a couple of hours east of Seattle, Washington’s North Cascade Mountains deliver some of the most idyllic fall scenes in the Pacific Northwest. Towering evergreens provide the perfect backdrop for maples, huckleberry bushes and alpine larches (rare conifers) that ignite the hillsides in brilliant shades of red, orange, gold and even purple.
Cruise the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) to stop at view points such as Washington Pass, where you can spot towering Liberty Bell Mountain, or Diablo Lake, a turquoise-hued beauty, for eye-catching views of the fall colors. Or if you’re a seasoned hiker, hit the 7.2-mile Maple Pass Loop to encounter photo-worthy sights of craggly peaks and sparkling lakes surrounded by glowing trees. Detour options include Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village where a meal of bratwurst and pretzels is a must, or Cashmere, home to antique shops, pear and apple orchards and the Aplets & Cotlets old-fashioned jelly confectionery.