Best Fall Foliage Locations In America

Writer Albert Camus called autumn “a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” We may not be botany experts, but we do know that fall foliage season is about to begin its breathtaking and ephemeral run across the country. So, if you want front row seats to the most colorful show of the year, start making plans to hit the road now.

Welcome to Fall: A golden tapestry of red, orange, and yellow. (Photo Credit: Abhi Verma)

Though the eastern states typically steal the season’s spotlight with their flamboyant maples, we don’t want the country tipping over when everyone rushes to the same coast at the same time, so we’ve included suggestions for a couple of dazzling western displays as well.

Vermont: The Green Mountains

Every October, Vermont magically transforms into the life of the party, sweeping in with its entourage of colorful friends, all adorned in brilliant shades of red, orange, magenta, and purple. Nestled in the heart of the Green and Taconic Mountain ranges, historic Manchester Village offers up some of the best fall foliage in the US.

Vermont is best known for its beautiful fall foliage — don’t miss it. (Photo Credit: Martin Sanchez)

Catch the colors making their way through the hills as you summit Mount Equinox, fly fish in the Battenkill River, or bike through the right-out-of-a-movie countryside of the quintessential New England town of Manchester. Adventure awaits no matter what, as do opportunities to eat, drink, and enjoy time with the whole family.

Time it right: Leaf season in Manchester begins in late-September, peaking in early October through November.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

New York: The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is a country-cool region that embraces the change of season like pumpkin spice embraces, well, everything this time of year. Between the fall festivals, local cutting-edge culture, and endless outdoor activities, you may find your schedule more packed here than it is in that little town they call NYC, just 90 miles to the south.

After exploring the beauty of the Hudson River Valley, head back to NYC and rest easy at Kimpton Hotel Eventi. (Photo Credit: @escapeyourdesk)

Rent a car and make the gorgeous drive through the valley — it’s worth it. (Photo Credit: Richard Hedrick)

Check out the creative and culinary scenes in the many villages that dot the valley and be sure to download Leaf Peepr ahead of time, so you’ll be a foliage pro by the time you arrive.

Time it Right: The last two weeks of October are prime time for the prettiest leaves in New York.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Eventi or Kimpton Hotel Theta

Massachusetts: The Berkshires

Culture and color — the idyllic Berkshires have both in spades. About a two-hour drive from Boston, this quintessential summer retreat spills its signature low-key charm into the fall, when the leaves take center stage.

When in Massachusetts, head to The Berkshires for that gorgeous fall setting. (Photo Credit: Frances Synge)

Head out along the mountain roads to soak up views of flaming-red maple foliage and browse the famed vintage markets during one last mild weekend. Long on traditional New England-y appeal and ultra-romantic, this place will put a spell on you.

Time it Right: Late September through mid-October mark the height of the Berkshires’ foliage season.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Marlowe

North Carolina: Winston-Salem

Snuggled in a valley in northwest North Carolina, scenic Winston-Salem is protected from wintery temperatures longer than the surrounding mountains.

When in North Carolina, rest easy in Winston-Salem at Kimpton Cardinal Hotel. (Photo Credit: @marybethwilhelm)

The beauty of North Carolina is breathtaking. (Photo Credit: Stephen Cook)

Whether hiking the seven-mile trail at Salem Lake, walking the cobblestone streets of Old Salem, or roaming the former country estate of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds, thanks to the mild climate in this gem-of-a-city you can enjoy the spectacular splash of fall for an extra two weeks each season. (These leaf-peeping locales are Fido-friendly, too!)

Time it right: Peak leaf season in the Carolinas can start as early as September and last through the second week of November.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

Virginia: Shenandoah Valley

They say Virginia is for lovers, and there’s no doubt that Shenandoah National Park could make even the most jaded heart twitterpated in the fall. Hop on Skyline Drive and you’ll have your fill of lapidary shades: Ruby, topaz, carnelian, and amethyst abound.

When in DC or Alexandria, make the scenic drive out to Shenandoah Valley. (Photo Credit: Jose Llamas)

With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, the scenery at this time of year is intoxicating, and the park is a gorgeous 90-minute drive from Alexandria and Washington, DC.

Time it Right: Leaf hues hit their autumnal peak around the end of October through mid-November.

Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Banneker, Kimpton George Hotel, or Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington, DC

California: Hope Valley

With its towering mountains and miles of pristine beauty, Hope Valley feels worlds away from Sacramento, the nearest big city in California. Home to one of the densest collections of quaking aspens in the Sierras, you can hike, bike, or drive your way through some of the most beautiful fall colors in the west.

Fall foliage abounds in California too — it is the Golden State after all. (Photo Credit: Meritt Thomas)

And if autumn’s chill makes a surprise appearance, nearby Grover Hot Springs State Park has you covered with its 100+ degree pool fed from the steamy mineral waters that bubble out of the nearby spring. Then head up to Lake Tahoe for great food and drink options and those epic views of the lake itself.

Time it Right: Aspen leaf season depends on the amount of snowfall there was the year before, but the leaves typically start turning in mid-September and peak in October.

Where to Stay: The Kimpton Sawyer

Colorado: Rocky Mountain State Park

Aspens are quintessential Colorado trees, and there are few places better to surround yourself with their golden-yellow glory than in Rocky Mountain State Park. From early September through mid-October, thick groves of these shimmering beauties bathe the land in color.

After hiking the Rocky Mountains, you can rest easy at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver. (Photo Credit: @meganswederskiphotography)

Hike among the golden tapestry of the Rockies. (Photo Credit: Zach Miller)

Another perk of the park is the chance to glimpse herds of elk as they head down from the mountains for rutting season (in fact, October is dubbed “Elktober” in Colorado). Only 90 minutes from Denver, you’ll see how the term “West is best” even applies itself to autumn.

Time it Right: Depending on the elevation, mid-September to mid-October is the best time to catch the changing colors of the Rockies.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver