The Most Beautiful Places to Visit for Fall Foliage
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Just as soon as the heat and humidity of summer become too much, you wake up to first crisp morning of fall. And while there are many things the season brings to be excited for—pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving feasts, and scary movies to name a few—one of the most anticipated is the changing color of the leaves. While fall may officially start on the Autumnal Equinox (that's on Saturday, September 23 this year), many people (hello, leaf peepers) feel that the seasons don't change until the leaves do.
If you live somewhere the climate experiences all four seasons, the leaves changing color may just be part of your regular day, but for those who live in other parts of the country (or world), the vibrant hues are truly a phenomenon. Why do the leaves change colors? As the weather gets colder, the days also get shorter, limiting the amount of sunlight plants can access for photosynthesis. This causes the chlorophyll, the substance that makes the leaves green, break down and the leaves, er, die, slowly, resulting in some stunning autumnal tones from burgundy red to traffic light yellow.
Fall is also a great time to travel because you can avoid summer crowds, hot weather, and the rainy season. So why not plan your travel around leaf peeping? The best places to see fall foliage aren't just in the northeastern United States. While Vermont and Maine have stunning views, so do international destinations like Edinburgh and Amsterdam. If you're a wannabe leaf peeper in need of travel inspiration, we've rounded up the 35 best places to see fall foliage this year, both stateside and abroad.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Venture up north and spend a crisp fall day hiking in Acadia National Park. Not only does it boast some incredible views of Maine's coastline, but it also features a vibrant array of fall foliage in nearly every color imaginable.
Book Now Bar Harbor Grand
Western Connecticut
While Connecticut's shoreline may get all the hype, the state's northwestern quadrant features some of the state's best forests and parks. Pictured here is the Farmington River in Farmington, a mere 30 minute drive from Hartford.
Book Now The Goodwin
Bled Lake, Slovenia
Eastern Europe often gets forgotten about in favor of the romanticism of its western counterparts, but Slovenia's fall foliage is worth the extra few hours on the plane. At Bled Lake, take a canoe out for a spin to get a 360 view of the famous castle.
Book Now Cozy Airbnb
Oregon
If you're the outdoorsy type, fall is the perfect time to trek out to the Pacific Northwest for some hiking, climbing, and camping. This picturesque waterfall is Multnomah Falls, outside Portland on the border of Washington and Oregon.
Book Now The Hoxton
Vancouver, Canada
It may be known for its beaches and parks, but Vancouver is a great place to see fall foliage if you love walking with a spectacular view.
Book Now Fairmont Hotel
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
There's nothing like a quaint mountain town on a crisp fall day. Whether you're looking for a day trip from D.C. or planning on staying a while, Harper's Ferry, West Virginia will hit the spot. Make sure to squeeze in a hike while you're there for the best foliage views.
BOOK NOW Lyle Hotel
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but fall is particularly breathtaking thanks to its namesake, the Aspen trees. Their golden glow is truly magical. And fun fact: They're the largest living organisms on earth.
BOOK NOW Hotel Jerome
Vermont, USA
It doesn't get any more scenic than Vermont in autumn. Sign us up for all the foliage and all the syrup, please and thank you.
BOOK NOW Twin Farms
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Want to go somewhere spooky for Halloween? There's no better place than Sleepy Hollow. And it's an easy day trip to take from New York City, just about an hour's drive north. For a similar October setting, head further north to Salem, Massachusetts, or the Berkshires.
BOOK NOW Crabtree's Kittle House Restaurant & Inn
New York City
You could leave the city for a glimpse of stunning foliage—or you could just head to Central Park. The changing trees are particularly awe-inspiring in contrast with the city's skyscrapers.
BOOK NOW Gramercy Park Hotel
Napa Valley, California
California might be the last place you'd think about going to see the leaves change, but hear us out. Seeing leaves changing on the trees in New England is classic, but seeing all the fall colors on the vineyards is something seriously special. Bonus? Hotels, like the ultra-luxe Meadowood resort, are much less expensive in wine country's off-season.
BOOK NOW Meadowood Napa Valley
Asheville, North Carolina
If you're looking for a quaint mountain to visit this fall, consider Asheville, North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the prettiest drives in the country, so it's also an ideal destination for road trips. While you're there, explore the Biltmore mansion and gardens and shop from local artisans.
BOOK NOW The Foundry
Denali National Park, Alaska
If you're waiting for snow to visit Alaska, consider changing your game plan. Denali National Park is bursting with color (and not to mention more than 200 species of animals) come autumn, making it a photographer's dream.
BOOK NOW McKinley Chalet Resort
Lake Superior, Michigan
Grand Island in Lake Superior, Michigan is the perfect place to get some good thinking done. The icy, bright blue water looks especially striking against the warmth of the fall foliage beyond. Head here for a long scenic drive if you're in the region.
BOOK NOW Fitger's Inn
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Virginia's Shenandoah Valley provides a myriad of colors and views for days. If a fall foliage road trip sounds like your jam, this is the spot to do it.
BOOK NOW Hampton Inn Salem
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo feels even more magical when the the leaves turn red, matching the red pagodas.
BOOK NOW Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
London, England
London is a fun city to visit any time of year, but it's especially pleasant in the fall, thanks to the temperate weather. Head to Hyde Park for a picnic and plenty of fall foliage and then roam around the charming Chelsea and Knightsbridge streets for more fall scenery.
BOOK NOW Chiltern Firehouse
Edinburgh, Scotland
Between all the medieval architecture, charming streets, and stunning foliage, it's impossible not to fall in love with Edinburgh in autumn.
BOOK NOW The Dunstane Houses
Cape Town, South Africa
It's the perfect destination for outdoor activities like hiking to sweeping views and wine tasting (okay, well, outdoor-adjacent). Keep in mind that their calendar is flipped in the southern hemisphere, so if you want to experience their fall season, go in mid to late March through mid to late June.
BOOK NOW Labotessa
Bavaria, Germany
If you ever wanted to experience a storybook come to life, this is it. Bonus: There's beer, pretzels, and black forest cake aplenty.
BOOK NOW Hotel Post
Bruges, Belgium
Known as the Venice of the north, Bruges is an enchanting fall destination with quiet, romantic canals winding throughout the city.
BOOK NOW Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
Seoul, South Korea
Just north of the heart of Seoul, you'll find Bukhansan National Park. This leafy gem is densely packed with trees of every color during the fall.
BOOK NOW Glad Live Gangnam
Tuscany, Italy
Wine tasting with a side of fall foliage? A million times yes.
BOOK NOW Castiglion Del Bosco
Torres Del Paine, Chile
The juxtaposition between the snow-covered rocks jutting up behind the foliage makes Patagonia a particularly unique place to take in fall scenery. It's right on the border between Chile and Argentina.
BOOK NOW Awasi Patagonia
Bulgarian Countryside
Devil's Bridge in the Bulgarian countryside truly looks like something out of a storybook. Nestled in the Rhodope Mountains over the Arda river, it dates all the way back to the ancient Ottoman Empire. It's pretty remote but worth the trek if you're staying in Plovdiv. It got its name from dark lore, which to this day prevents many locals from crossing it at night (the perfect Halloween dare, if you ask us).
BOOK NOW Landmark Creek Hotel
Husafell, Iceland
Check off two bucket list items in one trip: seeing the Northern Lights and the fall foliage.
BOOK NOW Hotel Husafell
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto may be know for its bamboo forrest and cherry blossoms, but its Diago Ji temple is also a beautiful sight to see when shrouded in yellow, orange, and red leaves.
BOOK NOW Suiran Hotel
Scottish Highlands, UK
Scotland is gorgeous any time of year, but it's simultaneously eerie and ethereal in the fall. You'll feel as though you're living in Outlander.
BOOK NOW Gleneagles
Alberta, Canada
Alberta, Canada's Banff National Park is full of natural treasures. For vibrant colors, go check out Emerald Lake during the fall. And don't forget to pack a suit for the hot springs.
BOOK NOW Fairmont Banff Springs
Paris, France
We didn't think it was possible for the City of Love to get anymore romantic, but mais oui, it absolutely is when you see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Seine framed in rich fall hues.
BOOK NOW Hotel de Crillon
Jiuzhaigou National Park, China
Inside the Jiuzhaigou National Park in the Sichuan Province of China, you'll find crystal clear turquoise lakes and hot springs, making the colorful fall foliage even more vibrant. It's the perfect travel destination for nature lovers.
BOOK NOW Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort
Prague, Czech Republic
Going to Prague in the fall is like traveling to a magical realm—or at least another time.
BOOK NOW The Emblem Hotel
Queenstown, New Zealand
Craving the fall scenery during springtime in the U.S.? It's the perfect time to plan a trip to explore Queenstown, New Zealand. There are tons of incredible vistas and outdoor adventures to be had nearby, from visiting Lake Wakatipu to exploring Skipper's Canyon.
BOOK NOW Stoneridge Estate
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
In the summertime, Croatia is known for its beachside bliss, island hopping, and coastal cities with rich cultural histories. But peel away from the seaside and head inland to the woodsy Plitvice Lakes during the fall and you'll find jaw-dropping panoramas of waterfalls covered in colorful leaves.
BOOK NOW Etno Garden
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a mecca for art, culture, and fun. And while there are endless cultural excursions to enjoy, the fall is a beautiful time to get lost wandering up and down the streets along the canal.
BOOK NOW The Dylan
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