There’s something irresistibly magical about autumn—the crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the way forests and hillsides seem to glow in gold, red, and amber. If you’re dreaming of a leaf-peeping adventure across the U.S., here are warm, inviting, and highly recommended places—east, west, north, and south—to fill your heart (and your camera roll) with autumn joy. And yes, I’ll also guide you to spots you can reach from Los Angeles when you crave fall color nearby.
Close to Home: Southern California & California Charm
Even in sunny California, fall finds ways to shine. Here are a few you can reach without hopping across the country:
Big Bear Lake, California
One of the most reliable places in SoCal for fall color, Big Bear bursts into shades of orange, red, and golden yellow around mid-October through early November. You’ll see it along Mill Creek Road, Pine Knot Trail, and around Castle Rock Trail.
The altitude helps—cooler air lets maples, aspens, oaks, and cottonwoods make their move. It’s worth the ~2-3 hour drive from LA.
Oak Glen & Apple Country (Yucaipa area)
Less than two hours east of L.A., Oak Glen is apple orchard country, but also becomes a cozy autumn escape. The roads twist through orchards and stands of deciduous trees turning gold and red.
Combine leaf-peeping with apple picking, cider tasting, and crisp walks.
Descanso Gardens, La Cañada / Pasadena area
Right in the metro area, Descanso Gardens offers a more intimate, garden-style autumn. Expect ginkgoes, maples, Chinese pistache, and more in varied fall tones during October–November.
It’s easy to slip into this quiet, leafy oasis even on a weekend afternoon.
Malibu Creek State Park & San Gabriel Foothills
Head into the Santa Monica Mountains or inland toward Mount Wilson and the San Gabriel Mountains. Sycamores, oaks, and riparian corridors will be touched with yellow and amber.
These local escapes give you that fall feeling without a long road trip.
Yosemite National Park & Sierra Nevada
For a more grand, alpine show, head north to Yosemite. The valley, meadows, and higher elevations will light up in orange, gold, and crimson, especially in October.
Nearby, places like Hope Valley (in the Lake Tahoe region) also offer breathtaking colors against mountain backdrops.
East Coast & Appalachia
When people think of classic fall, New England usually comes to mind—and for good reason. But it’s not the only place east of the Rockies that shines.
Stowe, Vermont / Green Mountains, New Hampshire
These areas often headline the “best foliage” lists. Trails up Mount Mansfield, the Kancamagus Highway, and countless quaint towns offer rich reds, fiery maples, and cathedral-like forests.
Blue Ridge Parkway / Shenandoah National Park (Virginia & North Carolina)
A curved ribbon of road through Appalachia lets you ride through changing hues for miles. The views from overlooks, ridges, and scenic pullouts are quintessential fall.
In Virginia’s Shenandoah, trails like Old Rag or Hawksbill Mountain reward you with immersive canopies of color.
The Berkshires & The Housatonic River Valley (Massachusetts, Connecticut)
A charming mix of woodlands, rolling hills, and small towns. Think covered bridges, fall festivals, cider mills—and views of reds, golds, and russets set against pastoral New England.
Acadia National Park, Maine
On the rugged Atlantic coast, Acadia pairs sea breezes and granite with colorful forests and shoreline views. Sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain with fall foliage below is especially magical.
West & Mountain Majesty
The West has surprises too—peak color in places you might least expect.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon / Pacific Northwest
Think steep canyon walls, waterfalls, and deciduous trees mirrored in calm waters. The Gorge is a dramatic region for fall views.
The Ozarks (Arkansas / Missouri)
Often overlooked, but the Ozark National Forest and roads like the Pig Trail Scenic Byway show vivid autumn color.
Vail / Aspen region, Colorado
Rocky Mountain aspens turn golden in fall, creating shimmering hillsides. Drive through side canyons, take mountain passes, or hike to hidden groves.
Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota
This rugged canyon is gaining attention for its golden aspens and birch trees along winding mountain roads.
Great Lakes & Upper Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota)
Lakeshore roads, forested hills, and rivers serve as canvases. The contrast of blue lakes or rivers and fiery foliage is a photographer’s dream.
Tips for a Dreamy Fall Foliage Trip
- Timing is everything - Peak color only lasts about a week or two, and varies by elevation and latitude. Use local color maps or leaf-peeping forecasts to time your trip.
- Chase elevation - Higher altitudes tend to change earlier. In California, for instance, Sierra and mountain areas shift first, while lowlands (vineyards, cities) may peak later.
- Mix travel styles - Combine scenic drives (Blue Ridge Parkway, Kancamagus Highway, Columbia Gorge) with short hikes, forest walks, and lake views for variety.
- Expect early mornings or overcast skies - Mist, fog, and soft light often make colors pop more than harsh sun.
- Be flexible - Weather changes—wind, rain, early snow—can shorten the window. If one spot is past peak, move slightly up or down in elevation or latitude.
A Few Trip Ideas To Stitch It Into Your Year
Fall weekend from L.A.: Drive up to Big Bear, then swing north into the Sierra (Yosemite or Hope Valley) to catch mountain color.
Cross-country autumn: Start in New England (Vermont, Maine), drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway, and finish with a swing into the Ozarks or Midwestern lakes.
West + East Double Dip: Fly to the Northeast for classic foliage, then return for a California fall escape—maybe Oak Glen or Yosemite—to catch the tail end.
Wherever you land, bring your favorite sweater, a thermos of cider (or cocoa), and a readiness to slow down and let nature show you her seasonal magic.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Chasing Fall Foliage in the U.S.
1. When do fall colors peak by state or region?
Peak fall colors depend on where you are in the country — and how early the chill sets in!
- New England (Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire): Late September to mid-October
- Mid-Atlantic (New York, Pennsylvania): Early to late October
- Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota): Late September to mid-October
- Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Utah): Mid to late September
- Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington): Early to mid-October
- The South (North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia): Mid to late October
Pro tip: If you’re traveling, start north and move south — you’ll follow the color wave all season long!
2. Is there a reliable fall foliage map?
Yes! Each year, travel and weather sites release interactive fall foliage maps that predict peak colors week by week.
Some of the best ones include:
- SmokyMountains.com Fall Foliage Map – a fan favorite for its easy color-coded guide
- The Weather Channel’s Leaf Tracker – updated weekly
- State Tourism Websites – great for local color reports and scenic byway tips
Travel tip: Bookmark your favorite map early — they’re updated in real time, and help you plan that perfect weekend getaway.
3. What week is best to travel for peak color?
If you’re dreaming of catching the most magical fall foliage, aim for:
- Northern states: Late September to early October
- Central regions: Early to mid-October
- Southern states: Mid to late October
Of course, Mother Nature has her own schedule — a cool September or early frost can shift things a bit. When in doubt, check local foliage reports a week before your trip.
4. Which U.S. National Parks have the best fall colors?
If you want to pair golden leaves with breathtaking landscapes, these National Parks are must-visits:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN/NC): A fall classic with fiery reds and golds.
- Rocky Mountain National Park (CO): Brilliant aspens turn the mountains into a golden dream.
- Acadia National Park (ME): Where ocean views meet maple forests in peak autumn glow.
- Shenandoah National Park (VA): Skyline Drive becomes a road through a painting.
- Glacier National Park (MT): Late-season beauty with crisp air and fewer crowds.
Bonus: Smaller parks like Ozark National Forest (AR) and White Mountain National Forest (NH) are equally enchanting and perfect for road trips.