Where to Find Fall Foliage in the United States

While New England is the best-known fall foliage destination, that region doesn’t have a monopoly on spectacular autumn color. Wherever your family travels this fall, especially in the central and northern states, you’re likely to find some colorful fall foliage.

New York
From the Catskills to Hudson Valley, Otsego Lake to the Finger Lakes, Upstate New York is ablaze in the fall, with rolling landscapes to show off the colors. Take a break from driving to view scenery from Catskill Mountain Railroad or Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad through the upper Susquehanna River Valley.

Michigan
The Upper Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Old Mission Peninsula are foliage hot spots. Traverse City, on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, is a good base for touring Michigan, or choose the idyllic Mackinac Island.

Washington
The forests of deep-green cedar and fir trees in Mount Rainier National Park and Cascade Loop provide a striking contrast to the golden larch trees, and the crimson and yellow of maple, aspen and huckleberries are sure to wow. For a colorful urban stroll that’s also stroller-friendly, follow the Loop Trail through Seatle’s Washington Park Arboretum.

California
Half Dome and Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite National Park are never more beautiful than when they’re surrounded by yellow and orange leaves, and in the wine country of Sonoma and Napa Valley, the vines add even more color to the red maples and golden aspens.

New Mexico
Choose any segment of the 84-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway to see New Mexico’s high country painted in shades of yellow and orange. Connecting Taos, Questa, Angel Fire and Eagle Nest, the byway takes you past Taos Canyon, Cabresto Lake, Mallette Canyon, Bobcat Pass and the high-alpine Moreno Valley.

Missouri
The Ozarks, the largest highlands area between the Rockies and Appalachians, extends throughout southern Missouri, putting the state firmly on the fall foliage map. Take a driving tour with Branson’s online map or a Jeep tour to the summit of Baird Mountain for sweeping fall foliage views. Stop in Branson, in the heart of the Ozarks, to take kids to the Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City.

Indiana
Brown County, in southern Indiana, is one of the best fall foliage destinations in the Midwest. Head for Brown County State Park as late as early November for scenic drives through forests of red and orange leaves. Stretch your legs on one of the hiking trails and enjoy views from the top on Hesitation Point.

Maryland
The hills of Western Maryland rival New England for their striking mix of greens, reds and golds of autumn foliage. Savor the scenery from Western Maryland Scenic Railroad on a three-hour, round-trip excursion between Cumberland and Frostburg, or follow the GAP Trail or C&O Canal Towpath by bicycle or on foot. Camp at Deep Creek Lake State Park or stay in one of its lakeside resorts.

North Carolina and Georgia
Don’t overlook the South in your family’s quest for color. The variety of altitudes in North Carolina’s Great Smokey Mountains National Park causes foliage to change at different times, meaning fall colors remain beautiful for several weeks. In Georgia’s Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain and Cloudland Canyon State parks, maples, oaks, sweet gum and other trees assure a varied palette of colors.