As summer fades and the crisp autumn air sets in, nature offers one of its most stunning displays: the vibrant hues of fall foliage. From deep reds and fiery oranges to golden yellows, the changing leaves transform landscapes across the country into breathtaking vistas. Adding to the magic, autumn sunsets become more vibrant, casting a warm glow over the scenery. Fall is our favorite season at Tropical Sunset Travel for a reason—it brings a sense of coziness, adventure, and awe. Whether you're a seasoned leaf-peeper or simply looking for a scenic getaway, the United States is home to some of the best places to witness this seasonal spectacle. Here are our top five destinations to experience fall in full color.
Top Five Best Places in the United States to Visit to See Beautiful Fall Foliage
1. Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park is home to the Rocky Mountain National Park, which covers 250,000
acres and offers camping, fishing, scenic drives, and over 300 miles of hiking
trails. If you’re more adventurous, the Mustang Mountain Coaster, a gravity-
powered coaster that offers fantastic views on the way down the mountain, is for
you! Estes Park tends to see the leaves of their aspen trees change to a range of
golds and reds between mid-September and early October, which is also elk
mating season and the best time to view wildlife in the area. Estes Park hosts
the Autumn Gold Festival every year to welcome the changing of the leaves and
the cooler weather. If you are up for something spooky, Estes Park is also home
to The Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s novel The Shining, and every October they hold several events such as a costume ball and several tours.
2. Galena, Illinois
In northwest Illinois, there is the small town of Galena that has vibrant foliage
from mid-October to early November. Galena hosts several fall events such as
Oktoberfest and the Festival of Trees. Cyclists can enjoy an 8-mile trail along the
river. For a unique visit, stay at the Jail Hill Inn, a historical jail turned into a
luxury bed and breakfast. With quaint shops, a distillery, several historical tours,
and even a zip line that goes above the vibrant orange and red-topped trees,
Galena has much to offer for a fall visit.
3. Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts
The leaves in Pioneer Valley start to change in mid-September and usually peak
in late September or mid-October. Surrounded by mountains, it is a small town
that is close to many cultural and historical sites, such as the Emily Dickinson House in Amherst. Amherst also hosts a large weekly farmer’s market every Saturday from April until late November which features over 40 vendors. With plenty of hiking trails and many museums, Pioneer Valley is a great place to visit if you like the outdoors or history. It is also an extremely LGBTQIA+-friendly area and has one of the largest LGBTQIA+ populations in the United States.
4. Gibraltar, Wisconsin
Gibraltar is a small town in the northeast of Wisconsin. Their fall leaves peak in late September to mid-October and are mainly gold and orange. Those who love to hike will enjoy hiking in the Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area nearby, where you can climb up a butte for a beautiful view of the autumn scenery. With fall festivals, apple picking, and lighthouse tours, this small town offers a laid-back lifestyle and beautiful historical architecture set against a breathtaking landscape.
5. Saranac Lake, New York
Saranac Lake is a village in northern New York state in the Adirondack mountains. This picturesque area experiences its peak leaf change in late September, with vibrant reds and oranges. Kayaking on Saranac Lake is a fantastic way to experience the foliage. The area is home to Saranac Laboratory Museum which highlights Saranac Lake’s history as a treatment destination for tuberculosis from the 1870s until the 1940s. Other local fall activities include hiking, art walks, and a corn maze.
Fall is a fleeting season, but its beauty leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to take a peaceful stroll through vibrant forests or embark on a scenic drive through the mountains, these top five destinations offer the perfect backdrop for autumn adventures. Don’t miss your chance to witness nature’s most colorful display!
Ready to plan your fall getaway? Contact us at Tropical Sunset Travel to start crafting your perfect leaf-peeping trip today! Let us help you experience the magic of autumn in one of these stunning locations.
Tropical Sunset Travel, LLC is an expert travel agency based in Charleston, South Carolina. We book travel for couples, families, and groups to travel to destinations around the world. No matter what type of vacation you are dreaming of, our travel services can assist you. We also feature top vacation package options to help inspire you! The Tropical Sunset Travel Blog is a great place to learn about top destinations and vacation options. Please visit our website for agency information and more. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more travel information and deals!
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