The Best Places in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage
Traveling to see fall foliage is one of our favorite ways to experience the country, but figuring out how to plan a fall foliage trip can become complicated quickly! At Pack Up + Go, we love helping travelers see fall foliage around the United States. If you’re interested in planning your own vacation to see fall foliage, here are seven destinations where you can soak up the season!
Vermont
Vermont is practically synonymous with fall foliage. The whole state turns into a picturesque scene that draws international attention for its beautiful leaves! Our favorite Vermont towns to visit for fall foliage are Burlington and Stowe. Both have amazing hotels like the Hotel Vermont in Burlington, and Outbound Hotel in Stowe, providing a great home base for your exploration. Plus, you can take advantage of their world-class dining + beverage options, from Honey Road in Burlington or The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe. And of course, there’s no shortage of amazing apple orchards, hiking, and cozy activities to complete your fall getaway.
When to visit: Late September through early October is the best time to see peak foliage in Vermont.
How to get there: A road trip through Vermont is the ultimate way to explore. Fly into Burlington, rent a car, and meander along Route 100, which is one of the most scenic drives in New England.
Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts is home to the Berkshires, a cultural hub with small towns, mountain views, and vibrant foliage. Fall here is not just about the colors, but also about pairing them with local arts, theater, and farm-to-table dining. Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington all make perfect bases for exploring, but you can’t go wrong with any towns in Western Mass! Our favorite places to stay in Western Mass include Tourists for a laid back atmosphere, or Miraval Berkshires for a more luxurious and wellness-focused stay. Be sure to check out some of the amazing arts + culture in the region, like Mass MoCA and the Norman Rockwell Museum.
When to visit: Peak foliage typically arrives in late September through early October.
How to get there: From Boston, Western Mass towns are a two-hour drive west. You can also fly into Albany, New York, which is less than an hour away from many Berkshire towns!
Finger Lakes and Ithaca, New York
The Finger Lakes region is known for its vineyards, gorges, and waterfalls, and in the fall it becomes even more stunning as the landscape shifts to shades of red, orange, and yellow. Ithaca, at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is our favorite home base to explore the region. The city has a vibrant food scene including Moosewood Kitchen, great hotels like the Argos Inn, and some amazing hikes in nearby state parks like Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen. You won’t have to drive far to see some incredible colors!
When to visit: The Finger Lakes usually peak in early to mid October.
How to get there: Fly into Syracuse or Rochester, then rent a car to explore the region!
Catskills and Hudson Valley, New York
Just a couple of hours north of New York City, the Catskills and Hudson Valley are home to some of the most charming towns in the US. The Hudson River is dotted with charming small towns, all of which showcase incredible fall foliage. Some of our favorite towns in the region are Hudson, Beacon, and Kingston. All three have charming boutique hotels (we especially love The Roundhouse in Beacon!), adorable shopping districts, and incredible dining. Plus, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can enjoy a great indoor day at DIA: Beacon or touring any of the historic homes in the area. Hikes up to viewpoints like Overlook Mountain or Minnewaska State Park will give you sweeping views of the trees as they change color.
When to visit: Early to mid October is the prime time for foliage in this region.
How to get there: If you fly into New York City (LGA, JFK, or EWR), you can rent a car and drive north. Alternatively, opt for the Metro North for a weekend in a town off the train!
Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC is one of the best cities for seeing fall foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which begins in Asheville, offers endless overlooks with dramatic views of the foliage. There are plenty of hiking trails from the Parkway, or you can simply drive through and take in the views. Asheville itself comes alive in the fall, with its many breweries offering fall flavors, and the farm-to-table restaurants are full of amazing seasonal menus.
We recommend either staying in downtown Asheville at the AC Hotel Asheville Downtown for a central and affordable option, or at the Omni Grove Park Inn, which is set outside of town and offers amazing views of the foliage and a more luxurious stay!
When to visit: Fall colors peak in mid October.
How to get there: Fly into Asheville Regional Airport, or fly into Charlotte and rent a car for the one-hour drive.
Charlottesville and Shenandoah National Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is famous for Skyline Drive, a 105-mile stretch of road with more than 70 overlooks. During fall, every curve in the road offers a new view of fall foliage. Charlottesville is the perfect home base for experiencing fall foliage in the region. We love Charlottesville’s charming historic downtown, nearby wineries, and proximity to Shenandoah. We recommend staying at the Omni Charlottesville and visiting Blenheim Vineyards or Pippin Hill Vineyards during your visit! Make sure to save time for a road trip along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah to fully experience the region in the fall!
When to visit: Peak foliage typically occurs in mid October, but higher elevations along Skyline Drive may change earlier.
How to get there: Fly into Charlottesville Albemarle Airport or Washington, then drive to Charlottesville.
Park City, Utah
While New England gets most of the fall foliage spotlight, Park City, Utah, offers a stunning and unexpected western alternative. In the fall, Aspens turn brilliant shades of gold, creating a beautiful contrast against the mountain peaks. This ski town transforms into a fall paradise, with hiking and biking trails that weave through the colorful landscape. Sundance and American Fork Canyon, both nearby, are also fantastic spots for leaf-peeping. Our favorite hotel in Park City is the Pendry Park City, or the YOTEL for a lower-cost option.
When to visit: Peak foliage in Park City usually arrives in mid to late September and lasts through early October.
How to get there: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, then drive 45 minutes into Park City.
How to Plan Your Fall Foliage Adventure
Planning ahead for a fall foliage adventure is important since fall is a popular time in each of these destinations, and accommodations can fill up quickly! Book accommodations early, especially in small towns where boutique inns and cabins fill up fast.
At Pack Up + Go, we make it easy to experience the best of fall without the stress of planning. Whether you want to be surprised with a destination or know where you want to travel with a You Pick Trip, we’ll curate an itinerary that showcases the best of the season.
Be sure to check out one of our favorite resources for timing your fall foliage adventure: We love this fall foliage tracker!