Walking under cloudless skies as the wind plays with your hair through wafts of maple flavours is probably one of the best parts of fall. To all the leaf peepers out there, put on your coats as we take you through the best places to visit fall foliage in the US:
1. Poconos, Pennsylvania:
Step into the magic of fall with Poconos. The perfect place to witness the turning of leaves, as the forest transcends from calm green to a blazing hue of orange. The best place where you can see the foliage is in the Poconos mountain which turns ablaze with red, orange and yellow leaves.
Lake Wallenpaupack is an amazing way to witness foliage. Driving here during autumn, Route 507 going by Lake Wallenpaupack makes for some breathtaking views with the deep blue of the lake being stark contrast against the blazing red and orange of the trees.
Route 447 to 209 is also a great route to watch foliage with the whole route lined with oak and hickory trees. The picturesque trail is home to more than 100 varieties of trees which makes it a great place to satisfy the leaf peeper in you.
2. Sequoia National Park, California:
Giving one of the most dramatic hues to the beautiful foliage of fall, are the giant sequoias at the Sequoia National Park in California. Being a conspicuous background for the surrounding trees which transform from calm green to blazing red, this view can heal souls.
Located in Southern Sierra Nevada, Sequoia National Park is a fan favourite. Huge redwoods towering over us as they almost touch the sky is a sight you definitely do not want to miss. The view from the trails is so quintessentially picturesque, that it does not fail to tug a string at your heart. Constantly beautiful, the changing colours of green, yellow, orange and red make the whole scene almost out of a painting.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado:
Aspens certainly have their main character moment as they grow their way amidst the magnificent contrast of gold and copper leaves. The entire region of Rocky Mountain National Park glows with the commencement of fall.
Glacier Gorge, Hollowell Park and Beaver meadows seem straight out of a dream with the beautiful colours of fall highlighted as they grow. These never cease to amaze even the locals who have been seeing them forever now.
4. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas:
With over 1,2 hectares of forest, Arkansas beholds one of the prettiest ecological corridors in the United States. The changing foliage set against the incessant greenery is a healing sight for sore eyes.
Although the park consists of two contrasting forests with entirely different geographical, ecological and topographical features, the foliage never fails to keep everyone in awe. Home to over 23 campgrounds, you can soak yourself in the foliage spirit and bless the leaf peeper in you.
5. Stowe, Vermont:
Known as Fall’s Colour Capital, Stowe is located at the base of Vermont’s highest peak. A sight hard to beat in autumn, the foliage is inexplicably beautiful during the season of fall.
A paradise for fitness enthusiasts, one can enjoy the perks of rock climbing, hiking and other outdoor ventures against the majestic foliage. Other than your own activities to pursue, there are many other activities you can indulge yourself in.
Treat your tired self with some freshly brewed beer at the local breweries. Hop in The Alchemist to try their customized seasonal brews or indulge yourself in the large array of lagers that Von Trapp has to offer. And if you love the Sound of Music, you have all the more reason to visit the family-owned brewery.
Known for its festivals and culinary treats, you can grab the delicious bites the restaurants of Stowe have to offer. Their dining culture celebrates quality, locally acquired ingredients with customized twists. Visit Alpine for some delicious lamb shank and uni bucatini with caramelized parsnip if you are feeling fancy or settle with The Bench for some fresh woodfire pizza and Buffalo Mac ‘n’ Cheese that you can call home.
Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
