Many US cities with temperate climates enjoy beautiful foliage color changes in autumn. Bordering mountains, national parks, and picturesque lakes gives some cities truly spectacular fall foliage scenes you won’t see anywhere else. While New England is certainly the most popular fall foliage destination, it isn’t the only one with brilliant leaves. Read on to find out five fantastic places to view the seasons changing.
Aspen, CO
Famed for its winter weather, Aspen also hosts a spectacular fall leaf change. Instead of the reds and oranges of New England, Aspen’s trees become covered in gold. View the gilded landscape by hiking to Cathedral Lake or Crater Lake, or by driving down Castle Creek Road. Visit Aspen in the last two weeks of September for the best chance at seeing the leaves, and do some fly-fishing and golfing while you’re there.
Lake Placid, NY
Visit New York’s Adirondack’s for panoramic views of New England’s most beautiful fall colors. Vibrant reds, oranges, and purples coat the peaks, and Lake Placid offers an intriguing way to see them. At the Lake Placid airport, you can catch an Adirondack Scenic Flight, which will take you above the Adirondack for a spectacular experience. Visit in October for the Flaming Leaf Festival, which has everything that makes a festival fun, including beer, barbecue, and live music.
Whitefish, MT
Montana’s tourist season dies down in fall, but if you visit the leaves there you’ll wonder why more people don’t make autumn trips to one of Montana’s best places to live. Whitefish is near Glacier National Park, a great place to get into nature, go hiking or biking, and view the leaves. Montana’s aspen and larch trees turn stunning shades of gold, which look even more beautiful against the background of one of Montana’s beautiful sunsets.
Stowe, VT
Fall in Stowe comes straight out of a storybook: the village is quaint and historical, and it sits right next to Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. When the leaves turn their scorching oranges and deep reds, you won’t have enough memory on your smartphone to save all the photos you’ll want to take. Stowe offers a variety of ways to view the leaves, from horseback or from a kayak or a canoe. Stowe also throws an annual Oktoberfest with lots of beer and German food.
Salem, MA
Combine stunning fall foliage with haunted Salem sites for the perfect fall trip. Visit in October and take a haunted ghost tour or view the leaves by taking a boat tour through the sound. Brush up on your witch trial trivia, or learn more about Nathaniel Hawthorne in Salem. This is a popular autumn spot, so prepare for crowds, but it’s well worth it if you love a side of spooky with your changing leaves.
Take a hike, hop on a boat, or simply walk through town and soak in the scenery. Fall colors only come around once a year and don’t stay nearly long enough. Make sure you don’t miss the best of the best.
I have never been on any of these places. I hope I can visit them all one day.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted…Poison Apple Halloween Drink for Kids with Homemade Apple Cider
Me too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Camille, on your first birthday
I guess I’m resigned to the fact that summer is over. Our consolation prize is the beautiful colors – but soon enough it’ll be all white…
Scott recently posted…Catch Up on Your Favorite Fall TV Shows
Amen, Scott. We row that boat, too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Camille, on your first birthday
My cousin and her husband were in Vermont last year to see the leaves change, and said it was PERFECT! Maybe I can talk my hubby into it 🙂 We’ll be in DC in October…but I don’t think we’ll be amazed by the foliage there and then LOL
Kristen from The Road to Domestication recently posted…Hidden Dangers in and Around Your Home
DC is gorgeous, though! I used to live there, and love when everything is changing over!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Camille, on your first birthday
One of the reasons Fall is my favorite is for all the beautiful colors. I love looking at all the leaves and my kids love playing in them!
Jeanine recently posted…SoCozy Boo! Conditioner – Prevent Lice The Easy Way!
I used to love playing in leaves… but now I’m afraid of the ticks!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Camille, on your first birthday
These places sound amazing! Even though we’re not on the list, I would say where I live (Asheville, NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains) is also totally stunning when it comes to fall colors.
I LOVE ASHEVILLE!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Camille, on your first birthday
I love it when the leaves change colors in the Fall. It really makes everything look so beautiful and alive.
Toughcookiemommy recently posted…DIY Beauty Treatments Using Pumpkin Puree
So true! I love seeing all the reds and greens together!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Camille, on your first birthday
I would say Stowe, Vermont is the best Fall destination. It is really picture perfect! Fall is my favorite season and I could go back to Stowe over and over again just to take in all the sights and wonderful fall scents all around!
Annemarie LeBlanc recently posted…Dr. Jill Biden and National Geographic Kids My Shot Success
Stowe is gorgeous!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Camille, on your first birthday
I love watching the leaves slowly changing color–then suddenly overnight–their they are in all their glory!
Michele recently posted…Book Review-CXVI-Secrets Broken-(Book 2)-Angie Smith
It’s one of my favorite times of the year- watching seasons change is a beautiful thing!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Camille, on your first birthday
Whew are the pictures? I would love to see how beautiful these places are. I doubt I’ll get to visit anytime soon.
Tami recently posted…Let’s Get to Know Your {Literacy Musing Mondays} #Giveaway ends 10/02
SO TRUE! I’ll have to get some added (guest blogger)
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father