Few things make a vacation feel cozier than a fall drive through mountains covered in brilliant red, orange, and gold foliage. From classic New England forests to golden aspen groves in the Rockies, these destinations offer some of the best opportunities to see autumn colors across the country.
Check out some of our favorite destinations to visit this fall to see beautiful autumn foliage:
Vermont: Smuggler’s Notch
For classic New England scenery, head to Smuggler’s Notch in northern Vermont. The narrow mountain pass is surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forests, which creates an especially stunning backdrop when the leaves change. Drive along Route 108 through the notch, or explore nearby trails for a closer look at Vermont’s famous maples, birches, and beeches.
RedWeek Resort Pick: Smuggler’s Notch Resort →
New Hampshire: Lincoln and Bartlett
Lincoln and Bartlett put you in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where scenic roads wind through colorful forests and mountain valleys. The Kancamagus Highway is a standout route near Lincoln, while Bartlett provides easy access to Crawford Notch and other scenic areas. Fall colors can begin as early as mid-September depending on elevation and the season.
Browse New Hampshire Timeshare Rentals →
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains region in Tennessee offers one of the longest fall-color seasons on this list because foliage changes gradually from the highest elevations down into the valleys. Higher elevations can begin changing in September, while the most vibrant colors at lower and middle elevations commonly arrive from mid-October into early November. Scenic drives such as Cades Cove Loop Road and the Foothills Parkway are popular routes to experience the vibrant display.
RedWeek Resort Pick: Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort →
Michigan: Around Boyne Falls
Northern Michigan brings a small town vibe to the mix, with colorful hardwood forests by lakes, farms, and quaint surrounding towns. Boyne Falls is a convenient base for exploring the region, with scenic drives throughout Charlevoix County and the neighboring countryside. It’s an appealing choice for travelers who want colorful scenery without the crowds.
RedWeek Resort Pick: Mountain Run at Boyne Mountain →
Colorado: Golden Aspens and Mountain Views
Colorado’s fall landscape, on the other hand, is defined by brilliant golden aspens set against rugged mountain scenery. Around Vail and Beaver Creek, scenic trails and mountain roads provide easy access to the changing foliage, while Breckenridge is known for spectacular aspen-lined routes such as Boreas Pass. Peak color in these high-elevation areas often arrives in September.
Aspen is another standout, particularly around Maroon Bells, Castle Creek Road, and Independence Pass. Peak foliage there is typically around late September to early October. Steamboat Springs is also a great spot to see golden aspens and colorful cottonwoods along routes such as Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass.
Explore Colorado Rentals for Fall →
Montana: Yellowstone and Big Sky
Montana combines colorful forests with some of the country’s most dramatic mountain scenery. A fall trip through Yellowstone can bring golden foliage, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes. Nearby, Big Sky is another excellent base for exploring the region, with scenic mountain roads and hiking trails surrounded by changing aspens and cottonwoods.
RedWeek Resort Pick: WorldMark West Yellowstone →
Tips for Planning the Perfect Fall Foliage Trip
- Time your trip carefully: Peak foliage varies by location, elevation, weather, and year.
- Build in flexibility: If possible, keep your itinerary flexible so you can follow the best available color.
- Start early: Popular scenic roads and trailheads can become crowded during peak weekends.
- Pack layers: Fall temperatures can change quickly, particularly in mountain destinations.
- Take the scenic route: Allow extra time for overlooks, short hikes, and unexpected photo ops.
- Check conditions before heading out: Roads, trails, and mountain passes can be affected by early-season weather.
Make the Most of Your Fall Getaway
Whether you prefer the colorful forests of New England, the Great Smokies, or the golden aspens of the Rocky Mountains, fall is an ideal time to explore. Booking your stay through RedWeek can make the trip even more appealing, with access to spacious vacation accommodations and resort amenities that give you more room to relax after a full day of leaf-peeping!