Lonely PlanetAug 20, 2026
Best places to see fall colors in the USA
Fall leaf-peeping requires a curious mix of science and intuition. Get our tips on where and when to catch the fiery colors at their brightest.
22 things in this story
- Buffalo National RiverSightCountry's first national river.
- Elsewhere
- YellowstoneSightYellowstone National Park, United StatesGets in the spirit, too.
- Great Smoky Mountains National ParkPlaceGatlinburg, United StatesDig deep into the beauty of southern Appalachia.
- Green MountainsSightStowe, United StatesHighest points in Vermont's photogenic Green Mountains.
- Skyline DriveSightShenandoah National Park, United StatesRoad-trip for breathtaking autumnal vistas.
- Virginia Department of ForestryPlaceRichmond, United StatesOffers fall foliage reports.
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic AreaSightHood River, United StatesExplosions of gold and orange.
- Emerald Pools TrailTrailZion National Park, United StatesImmersive journeys through Zion's autumnal wonders.
- Pisgah National ForestSightAsheville, United StatesIt is administered by the United States Forest Service, part of the United States Department of Agriculture.
- Cherokee National ForestNature reserveCleveland, United Statesstates of Tennessee and North Carolina that was created on June 14, 1920.
- Potomac HighlandsSightPetersburg, United StatesColors collide with waterfalls and craggy peaks.
- New RiverSightGauley Bridge, United StatesViews of crimson and tangerine treetops.
- Hatfield-McCoy MountainsSightWilliamson, United StatesHike into the multihued hollows.
- West Virginia tourism boardPlaceCharleston, United StatesManages a live leaf map.
- TetonsPlace of worshipJackson, United States– Current Mass Schedule – Monday – Saturday – Morning Mass: 8:00am Thursday – Mass: 5:30pm – Adoration: 8:30am – 5:15pm…
- Snake RiverSightJackson, United StatesAbout 1,080 miles (1,740 km) long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, which is the largest North…
- Lamoille CanyonSightWinnemucca, United StatesSee golden treetops wrap around rocky peaks.
- Ruby Crest TrailTrailWinnemucca, United StatesImmerse yourself in nature.
- Ozark Highlands TrailTrailOzark, United StatesCrosses the Boston Mountain Range.
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National ForestSightRhinelander, United StatesTake a scenic drive through the forest.
- Travel WisconsinPlaceMadison, United StatesFall color reports for live updates.
- Door CountySightSturgeon Bay, United StatesSpectacular fall foliage destination.