Fall Foliage Vacations: The Best Places to Travel in the U.S.
The Best Places in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage
A fall foliage vacation is one of our favorite ways to experience the country. The hard part is the planning. Figuring out where to go, when the colors actually peak, and where to stay before the good inns book out can get complicated fast.
At Pack Up + Go, we help travelers see fall foliage all over the U.S., and we do it the old-fashioned way, with real people building each trip by hand. If you are thinking about planning your own leaf peeping getaway this year, 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 leaves. Our favorite Vermont towns for foliage are Burlington and Stowe. Both have wonderful hotels, like Hotel Vermont in Burlington and Outbound Hotel in Stowe, that make a great home base for exploring. You can also take advantage of world-class dining and drinks, from Honey Road in Burlington to The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe. And of course, there is no shortage of apple orchards, hiking, and cozy activities to round out your fall getaway.
When to visit: Late September through early October is usually the best window for 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, one of the most scenic drives in New England.
Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts is home to the Berkshires, a cultural hub of small towns, mountain views, and vibrant foliage. Fall here is not just about the colors. It is about pairing them with local arts, theater, and farm-to-table dining. Lenox, North Adams, Amherst, and Great Barrington all make perfect bases for exploring, though you really cannot go wrong with any town in Western Mass. Our favorite places to stay include Tourists for a laid-back atmosphere or Miraval Berkshires for a more luxurious, wellness-focused stay. Be sure to check out the arts and 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 about a two-hour drive west. You can also fly into Albany, New York, which is less than an hour 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 red, orange, and yellow. Ithaca, at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is our favorite home base for the region. The city has a vibrant food scene including Moosewood Restaurant, lovely hotels like the Argos Inn, and incredible hikes in nearby state parks like Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen. You will not have to drive far to see some unbelievable color.
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.
Not sure where to start? That’s kind of our thing. Tell us what you love about fall and let us handle the rest. With a surprise trip, you find out your destination when you open your surprise envelope. Prefer to pick your vacation destination yourself? A You Pick Trip let’s you choose the destination while we plan every detail around peak foliage.
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 country. The Hudson River is dotted with small towns that all show off incredible fall foliage. Some of our favorites are Hudson, Beacon, and Kingston. All three have lovely boutique hotels (we especially love The Roundhouse in Beacon), walkable shopping districts, and great dining. If the weather does not cooperate, you can spend an indoor day at DIA: Beacon or touring the area's historic homes. Hikes up to viewpoints like Overlook Mountain or Minnewaska State Park give you sweeping views of the trees as they change.
When to visit: Early to mid October is the prime time for foliage in this region.
How to get there: Fly into New York City (LGA, JFK, or EWR), rent a car, and drive north. You can also take the Metro North for a weekend in a town right off the train.
Asheville, NC
Asheville is one of the best cities in the country for fall foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which begins here, offers endless overlooks with dramatic views of the color. There are plenty of hiking trails along the Parkway, or you can simply drive through and take in the views. Asheville itself comes alive in the fall, with breweries pouring seasonal flavors and farm-to-table restaurants full of fall menus.
We recommend staying in downtown Asheville at the AC Hotel Asheville Downtown for a central, affordable option, or at the Omni Grove Park Inn, set just outside of town with beautiful foliage views and a more luxurious feel.
When to visit: Fall colors usually 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. In the fall, every curve offers a new view of the foliage. Charlottesville is the perfect home base for the region. We love its historic downtown, nearby wineries, and easy proximity to Shenandoah. We recommend staying at the Omni Charlottesville and visiting Blenheim Vineyards or Pippin Hill Vineyards during your trip. Be sure to save time for a drive along Skyline Drive to fully experience the region.
When to visit: Peak foliage typically happens in mid October, though 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 western alternative. In the fall, aspens turn brilliant shades of gold, creating a beautiful contrast against the mountain peaks. This ski town becomes a fall paradise, with hiking and biking trails that weave through the color. Sundance and American Fork Canyon, both nearby, are also wonderful spots for leaf peeping. Our favorite hotel in Park City is the Pendry Park City, as well as The Caledonian.
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 about 45 minutes to Park City.
How to Plan Your Fall Foliage Adventure
Fall is a popular season in every one of these destinations, so a little planning goes a long way. Book your accommodations early, especially in small towns where boutique inns and cabins fill up fast. Foliage timing also shifts a bit from year to year, so it helps to keep an eye on conditions as your trip gets closer. We like this fall foliage tracker for timing your visit around peak color.
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 your destination or know exactly where you want to go with a You Pick Trip, we will curate an itinerary that shows off the best of the season. And because every trip is planned by a real person on our team, not a computer, you get recommendations that feel personal and local, the kind of small-town inn or quiet overlook you would not find on the first page of a search.
Fall Foliage FAQs
When is the best time to see fall foliage in the U.S.? It depends on the region. In the Northeast and higher elevations, peak color often arrives in late September through early October. Mid-Atlantic and Southern destinations like Asheville and Shenandoah usually peak in mid to late October. Out west, aspens in places like Park City tend to turn from mid September into early October. Timing shifts year to year with weather, so it is worth checking a foliage tracker as your trip gets closer.
Where is the best fall foliage on the East Coast? Vermont and the Berkshires are classic choices for vibrant color and charming small towns. For something a little quieter, the Finger Lakes, the Hudson Valley, and Shenandoah National Park all deliver gorgeous foliage with great food and easy drives.
How far in advance should I book a fall foliage trip? Earlier than you think. Small-town inns and cabins in popular foliage regions often book out months ahead, especially for weekends in peak season. We generally recommend locking in accommodations as soon as you know your dates, or letting us handle the timing for you.
What is the best fall foliage road trip? Vermont's Route 100 and Virginia's Skyline Drive are two of the most scenic fall drives in the country. Both let you take the season at your own pace, with overlooks, small towns, and orchards along the way.