12 secret places to see fall foliage in the United States

Make plans for leaves in these out -of -radar destinations on a national scale.


The end of the summer reports the last days of hot time in most regions. But that also means the return of dazzling colors of fall in full display as The trees begin to turn for the season. You can plan whole trips around the sheet, whether it is a national park for unhindered foliage or plan a route to enjoy the dazzling orange, red and yellow shades that dominate the landscape. And although the hobby is popular enough to send crowds to well-known visualization destinations, there are still many options under the radar to obtain your correction. Read the rest to see what secret places in the United States say they are the best to see the fall foliage.

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12 places to see fall foliage in the United States

1. Julian, California

A lake in Julian, California in autumn
Istock / Denise Vasquez photography

A trip to southern California should not necessarily be palm trees and the beach. The interior areas of the State also have a fall -charm, especially in the city of Julian.

"This city is an hour east of San Diego, where you can enjoy all the classic autumn activities that you did not know possible in this part of the United States," said Kimberley Delauro , founder of Voyage ready for the objective . "Julian is famous for its delicious fresh apple pies, as well as for orchards where you can choose your own apples. Wherever you walk in this city, you are surrounded by beautiful tons of autumn, even if you decide to enjoy them simply from the window of a pretty log cabin coffee. "

2. Denver

aerial view of a Denver, Colorado sunrise in the fall
Jeremy Janus / Shutterstock

It is not difficult to believe that a city with the reputation of Denver for the appreciation of nature would find something to love in the turn of the leaves. And according to experts, a quick loop in the car can get some of the best autumn landscapes throughout the United States

"An infallible way to have an overview of the fall color is to head towards higher altitudes and take a puff of the crispy mountain air," Jen Young ,, Marketing Director For the outdoors, says Better life . "Thanks largely to the population of state trees, Denver is less than an hour drive from some of the most picturesque fall parameters in the United States".

"Two of my favorites: the picturesque way of Evergreen Loop Loop Loop in Bergen Park and through the pretty mountain town of Golden and the summit in Peak byway connecting Black Hawk to Estes Park - otherwise known as the rear court Rocky Mountain National Park, "She shares.

In relation: The 9 best trips on the road to the United States to see the fall foliage .

3. Island Mackinac, Michigan

Lake house along Lake Huron in autumn season at Mackinac Island, Michigan
Sidhu50 / Shutterstock

Even if it is known for its community in summer, those lying around Mackinac Island long in autumn will be treated with magnificent foliage like the last pieces of hot time wave.

"While we know and all like the summer season here on Mackinac, the island has just as much to offer during the fall months," also explains David JURCAK ,, President of operations At the big hotel. "Visitors will appreciate some of the most amazing fall foliage in northern Michigan on the island until early October, making it one of my favorite periods of the year to discover this special place."

If you are looking for a unique perspective, get up before the sun and go out on the water for a kayak visit to the island and admire its famous limestone formations, including the Roche Arch which exceeds a labyrinth of underwater rock .

4. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

A view of a lake in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
istock

It is just to say that New England as a whole has one of the best reputations for fall foliage. But while many leaves of leaves go much further north in Vermont and New Hampshire, the southern corner of the region still organizes a dazzling seasonal color show.

"Located in the northwest of Connecticut, Litchfield Hills will be sure to make your fantasies of fall foliage with its impressive hikes, its dense forests and its engaging cities," said Xanthe Steer , travel blogger and owner of Unpacked places . "Visit from the end of September to the end of October to attend the woods on fire with ardent leaves floating on pink and textured paths."

"Litchfield is based among the hills of the Berkshire mountains offering a depth of fascinating views and rustic hikes filled with sparkling waterfalls, bridges and summits," she adds. "But we know that fall feelings come more than foliage, which is why the eclectic mixture of historical buildings placed among comfortable cafes and inns is what makes this area the perfect refuge."

In relation: The 6 best American national parks to see fall foliage .

5. Harbor bar, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine's Frenchman Bay decorated for fall with sailboats in the background
Aimintang / Istock

Even if New England can be a higher destination for the leaves of the leaves, it can be paid to go north where the crowd begins to stop. And on the north coast of Maine, a city stands out for its natural beauty among visitors and residents.

"I had the pleasure of working on summer bar Harbor years ago and I remember with emotion to stay through the fall just to discover the change of leaves and the most beautiful picturesque campaign of the picturesque national road of the daring coast "," Heidi Ferguson , a travel expert and former on -board agent, says Better life . "If you like the ribs, stop along the way in the Maman-et-Pop restaurants and watch the waves crash into the picturesque banks while admiring the incredibly beautiful harvest leaves and the red colors of Fall, so it's the trip to you. I have returned to this place several times over the years, and the reader never ages. "

Bar Harbor is also adjacent to the magnificent Acadia National Park, which has Many hikes To take the fall foliage.

6. Brooklyn, New York

Trees with red fall foliage in Brooklyn Botanical Garden
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He is sure to say that New York is not called The Big Apple for his association with fall. However, the same green and parks spaces that attract millions of visitors per year organized a dazzling car show which is improved by their backdrop of the big city.

"Call me crazy, but after spending several of my years of training in Brooklyn and chasing photos of the most beautiful trees in the fall, it's actually a secret place in the United States to see the fall foliage to his favorite," Becca Siegel , co -owner of Half-traveler , tell Better life . "When you imagine the fall foliage, you probably imagine the hills and mountains or country roads lined with trees. But the fall foliage is completely picturesque when the trees become red, orange and yellow against brown houses- Historical stones of the districts like Fort Greene, Brooklyn, and in the Fort Greene park, where the spectacular yellow foliage lines the pedestrian trails and is most vibratically seen early in the morning and before sunset. "

Between the verification of the dynamic restoration scene of the district and museum offers, visitors can also take the time to cross the Brooklyn botanical gardens , finished with a nearby walk Park .

In relation: The 12 most beautiful small towns in the United States

7. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

A cannon in the foreground with the fall foliage of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in the background
Johnaudrey / Istock

If you hope to cross any major historical sites Outside your list of buckets this year, experts say that the beginning of fall can make Gettysburg even more special of a trip.

"Temperatures are pleasant in autumn, and it's a particularly pleasant moment to visit", expert on a trip Leslie Carbon of Lesing sunset tell Better life . "The battlefield is dotted with large majestic trees which provide a welcome feeling of tranquility. And when they are adorned with golden oranges and falling reds, they add a transitional beauty that reflects both the sorrows that the honors of park and the hope of renewal. "

8. Pittsburgh

View of downtown Pittsburgh from top of the Duquesne Incline
F11Photo / Istock

If you want to enjoy your madness with a side of the beer, then this Western Pennsylvania city could be just the place. Alexandria Soller , which manages public relations for Visit Pittsburgh , note that more than 50 local breweries organize an Oktoberfest event. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

But before arriving at Lederhosen and Steins, Soller recommends heading up of Mont Washington for some of the best views of fall foliage. "Take a look at the Duquesne incline [A historic cable car] for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, ”she suggests as a way to reach the apex.

And don't miss Frick , The 644 acres of the city historic wood park. According to Pittsburgh Magazine , he "presents an assortment of tulips, ashs and red maples, which change all colors at slightly different moments".

Read this then: 10 best cities in the United States for outdoor adventures .

9. Portland, Oregon

Oregon's Multnomah Falls waterfall in Autumn
Bill Perry / Shutterstock

The northwest Pacific is known for its easy access to nature, which makes the season of fall foliage much more pleasant. However, to get the most out of it, experts suggest based on Portland, Oregon, and hit the road for a unique fall experience.

"Wrap a picnic, hit Columbia River's historic highway and prepare to fall in love with lush and colorful displays of nature along the route," explains Young. "Starting at 20 miles outside of Portland in Corbett, the road goes east towards the Falls de Multnomah, the Huggling Falls, the Latourell Falls, the Nuptial Sailing Falls and a few other points of Panoramic stop adapted to leg stretching and image. "

Young adds that there is a way to make the trip even more pleasant. "Take a day of the week and take the road to yourself. And if you prefer to stay near the city, there is no better quick weekend getaway than to head to the hills at Forest Park And to hit the path along the Pittock manor hike, which rewards visitors with a 360-degree view of the whole city. Soak for Portland below and take a look at Mt. Hood If time is clear. "

10. Fort Payne, Alabama

A river running through Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, Alabama
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If there is anywhere in the country which is deprived of regular fall colors, it is the deep south. But places like Fort Payne, in Alabama, allows residents and visitors to bypass the change of foliage without having to go on an airplane or drive for days.

"I led here with my children because it was the closest place to Florida to have a real look at the fall foliage without having to travel by plane," explains Ferguson. "He borders the mountains of the Appalachians and is not too crowded. Perfect for us Floridians who are missing the seasons."

"You will find many other state parks and panoramic roads along the Fall color path . We went from the end of September to early October, and it was glorious, "she adds.

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11. Mountains de Guadalupe, Texas

Autumn colors along Pine Canyon in Texas' Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Tim Speer / Istock

Speaking of the South, you might be surprised to see Texas on this list, but the area around the Chihuahuan desert can be a spectacular place to take the fall foliage, according to Kristen Czudak , owner and author of the travel website Ramblings Yonderlust .

It specifically underlines Guadalupe Mountain National Park , what she says that a lot of people outside Texas have never even heard. "The Guadalupe mountains are one of the best observation locations for fall foliage throughout the southwest," she notes.

"There is a particular path, the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which really comes to life in the fall and jumps with gold, yellows and bright reds," adds Czudak. "Not only is it a beautiful place to hike in the fall, but it is a fascinating example of the different types of ecosystems that you can find in a desert, and how in a hard environment, this type fall foliage can be supported in this resident environment. "

There are no hotels just near the park, but a short trip by car to Carlsbad, in New Mexico, will give you many options.

12. Charlottesville, Virginie

The University of Virginia campus with fall foliage
Dropout

Virginia is imbued with as many history as in natural beauty. Now, with the emerging state of the state and brewery scene , fall can provide another reason to book a trip.

"Charlottesville and its environment are always magnificent, but their magic really shines once the foliage begins to change color from early October" " Diana Vicheva , A travel expert and editorial director at Expo travel group , tell Better life . "You can enjoy the brilliant shades of oak leaves while walking in the historic streets of Charlottesville. And explore the campus of the University of Virginia, where you will find magnificent old trees - cycamores, ash and maple, oaks and ginkgo next to the rotunda, to name just a few. You can also enjoy your eyes on the views of vibrant foliage during "golden hour" just before sunset while having a cocktail or a local specialty in one of the bars and restaurants on the Charlottesville rooftop . »»


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