Temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter and the leaves on the trees are slowly turning from green to yellow to orange and red. Fall is upon us, which means it is time to get out and explore the countryside to enjoy the annual color show that forests across American put on this time of year.
From Montana to North Carolina, New York to Ohio, here are our favorite highways, byways and small towns across the USA to check out the autumn foliage.
Seeley-Swan Valley, Mont.
Fall is short but very sweet in Montana, when the myriad of aspens and cottonwood trees in Big Sky Country turn the forests a fiery golden. Head to the Seeley-Swan Valley just south of Glacier National Park, in Montana's northwest corner, and drive the 90-miles along Highway 83 between Seeley Lake to Swan Lake for amazing fall colors. The area around Missoula in Western Montana is also a good choice, as is the Bitterroot Valley. Like in much of the west, you'll want to arrive early in the fall, before the first snow.
Congaree National Park, S.C.
Most people don’t think of South Carolina as a fall foliage destination but autumn there is long and colorful, and best of all begins a lot later in the season than other destinations, which means you'll be able to get in a "second autumn" if you're coming from, say, the Rocky Mountain states. The best time to see the leaves here is mid-November through the first half of December. Take the 2.4-mile boardwalk hike through the park or one of the many trails into the backcountry for miles upon miles of color. Another great option is to paddle along Cedar Creek in a canoe. It meanders under canopies of spectacular fall foliage.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
An easy day trip from Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the newer national parks in the USA and has beautiful fall foliage that is best experienced with a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Book the "upper dome" seating, which allows for an elevated, panoramic view of the park and leaves as you ride.
Aspen, Colo.
The Maroon Bells Wilderness around Aspen offers some of the most stupendous mountain foliage viewing in Colorado – the contrast of the bright yellow aspen trees against the purple snowcapped peaks is breathtaking. One of the best ways to experience the hanging colors here is with an adventure into the backcountry, and there are plenty of options to choose from including fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking and even paragliding above the forests. Many Aspen hotels also have lower rates in fall, making it a more affordable time to visit. Consider booking The Little Nell and trying their Adventure Concierge Service to get a tailor-made active experience set to a backdrop of stunning colors. Another excellent spot to see the changing colors is from the summit of Independence Pass, which is the highest paved pass in Colorado and closes with the first big snow.
Cherokee, N.C.
At the entrance of Great Smoky Mountain National Park and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee and the surrounding areas offer some of the most stunning and beautiful vibrant fall color displays in the state. Drive the Blue Ride Parkway from early October through early November for breathtaking scenic vistas where you can literally see for more than 50 miles on a clear day. One of the most scenic drives is along Highway 441 between Cherokee and Gatlinburg, Tenn. The route weaves and winds its way up to Newfound Gap, at an elevation of 5049 feet. Along the way, you’ll pass numerous scenic overlooks that offer wonderful views of the color.
Sonoma Valley, Calif.
Wine and leaves go together beautifully, and you can have both in the Sonoma Valley. Early September through mid-November is harvest season here, so go ahead and taste award-winning wines at a vineyard while checking out the changing colors. Drive through Sonoma Valley along Arnold Drive, lined with multicolored canopies of oak and maple before continuing on Highway 12, where vineyards paint the ground with sun-fire hues and wines are paired with the October harvests.
Taos, N.M.
Visiting Taos is never a bad idea. Visiting in the fall, however, when the air is crisp and the leaves are red, orange and gold is a truly unforgettable experience. A rare combination of mountain, desert and forest, Taos’ surroundings make it one of the most unique places to experience this colorful season. One could stand and marvel at the beauty of Taos for hours, but if that’s not enough, there is no shortage of things to do: Take a ride through the mountains on an authentic steam train, wander the Taos Fall Arts Festival or visit the expansive Carson National Forest while the leaves are changing and take a hike to Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point (13,159 ft. elevation).
Woodstock, N.Y.
One of the Catskill Mountains best-known enclaves, Woodstock also boasts an incredible fall foliage season that stretches on from around mid-September to the end of October. Head up to this scenic town and surrounding region to hike through forests of color in the Catskill Mountain Preserve or to partake in one of the fall festivals like the Taste of New Paltz or the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. There are also opportunities for apple or pumpkin picking excursions at a country farm.
Loudoun County, Va.
Escape to Virginia’s famed horse and wine country, just a quick jaunt from Washington, D.C., where stacked stone fences line unpaved roads and historic towns, horse farms and estates dot the bucolic countryside. From the mountains and the shore of the Potomac River to the changing leaves on the vines at more than 40 wineries, Loudoun’s landscape is the perfect place to capture the color of the season. Relax at one of two resorts or a cozy B&B, horseback ride through the country or discover the secrets of winemaking as wineries host special events and dinners to celebrate harvest at the vineyards.
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Fall is a great time to experience Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. There are less crowds and the wildlife is more active. Plus, the foliage against a backdrop of craggy mountains is a stunning site. Some of the best colors are found in Grand Teton along scenic drives to Oxbow Bend, along Antelope Flats and on the Inner Loop Road. Late September and early October are the best times to see peak colors in this region. The Jackson Hole area is a great base for exploring this area.
