Every year in the U.S., forests change into beautiful colors like amber, red, gold, and rust. This happens because trees stop making chlorophyll when the seasons change. Then other colors like carotenoids and anthocyanins become visible. It turns roads, mountains, and valleys into colorful and living paintings and lets you experience a beautiful fall in the US.
In 2025, many places expect the best leaf colors between late September and mid-October. It depends on where they are and how high up.
Here are the six best places to see fall foliage to help you find the best spots.
1. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Poconos are located in the Northeast. They are easy to get to from big cities. It still feels like a peaceful escape into nature. The fall in the Poconos appears slowly over time because the area has different heights and types of forests. It is giving you a longer season to enjoy. There are plenty of great things to do in the Poconos in the fall.
Best Time to Visit:
During early to mid-October, the northern parts of the Poconos fall foliage will show their best colors. The middle areas will peak around mid-October. The southern parts will be at their best near the end of October. It means you can follow the colors as they change across the region.
Best Places to See the Colors:
- Big Pocono State Park is great for wide views, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Bushkill Falls has waterfalls surrounded by colorful leaves, making beautiful scenes.
- Jim Thorpe is a charming historic town with forest-covered hills and scenic train rides. You pass through colorful valleys to enjoy the best views here.
- Lake Wallenpaupack and Route 507 are other beautiful places to explore for fall foliage. The lake reflects the trees, which makes it extra pretty. Route 507 is one of the top drives to see fall colors around the lake.
These spots offer some of the best fall views and a chance to enjoy nature’s amazing color show.
2. Vermont : Green Mountain Byway
Vermont is the perfect example of classic New England fall. The Green Mountains are full of thick forests, beautiful fall towns, and pretty bridges. All of these are bursting with bright fall colors. Travel to Vermont in the fall is worth considering.
Best Time to Visit:
The best leaf colors usually happen between late September and mid-October in the higher parts of Vermont.
Top Things to Do:
- Drive to the Green Mountain Byway (Waterbury to Stowe). It is a beautiful road lined with colorful sugar maples and peaceful countryside views.
- The mountain’s ridge gives amazing panoramic views of the colorful trees below. Hike Mount Mansfield to experience the beautiful fall foliage.
- Visit Maple Farms and Cider Stops. Here you can enjoy fresh apple cider, visit sugar shacks, and try tasty maple treats while enjoying the fall scenery.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
This scenic route stretches over 400 miles and climbs through many different heights. So, you can see changing fall colors for weeks. It connects two famous fall spots, including the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.
Best Time to Visit:
The leaves start changing at the highest points in early October. After that, they gradually move down to lower areas by early November.
Top Stops to Explore:
- Linville Falls & Grandfather Mountain are great to explore. These high viewpoints come with amazing cliffs and views of mountains far away.
- Craggy Gardens & Rough Ridge offer beautiful overlooks with easy hiking trails. Cozy mountain towns like Boone and Blowing Rock are charming spots with local crafts and nice places to explore.
- Picnics at Overlooks is another great idea. Bring lunch and stop at scenic spots along the way to enjoy the views.
These spots offer some of the best ways to experience fall colors in the East.
4. Aspen & Colorado Mountain Foliage
Aspen is famous for its bright golden aspen trees. It looks stunning against dark pine or spruce forests. In the fall, the gold colors really pop, especially with snow-covered mountain peaks in the background.
Best Time to Visit:
Mid-September to early October is the best time to catch the colors.
Top Things to See and Do
- Maroon Bells is one of the most photographed spots, with golden aspens framing two tall mountain peaks.
- Independence Pass is a high mountain drive with wide views and bright yellow aspen groves.
- Hiking trails like Cathedral Lake or Smuggler Mountain are another option. Great for exploring deep into the colorful forests.
5. Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee & North Carolina)
The Smoky Mountains have over 100 kinds of trees, so the fall colors are very rich with reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. The different heights in the mountains also mean the colors last longer.
Best Time to Visit:
Peak colors usually show from mid-October to early November, depending on the height.
Top Places to Visit:
- Cades Cove Loop & Newfound Gap Road offer beautiful drives through valleys and ridges with great views.
- Clingmans Dome is the highest spot in the park with 360° views over colorful forests.
- Take part in fall festivals in Gatlinburg or Townsend to enjoy local crafts, food, and celebrations during your visit.
6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
This area combines bright fall colors with stunning cliffs, river canyons, and green valleys. The Pacific Northwest’s wet weather and landscape help create strong yellow and gold leaves.
Best Time to Visit:
Late September to mid-October is the best time to see the colors.
Top Things to See and Do:
- Multnomah Falls are beautiful waterfalls surrounded by golden leaves and offer perfect fall foliage in the US.
- The Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway is a classic drive with many spots to stop, see waterfalls, and enjoy the views.
- Hood River & Wine Country is the best place to enjoy leaf watching, along with wine tasting and fall festivals.
Conclusion
Fall foliage in the US is one of the most beautiful times to enjoy nature, from the golden mountains of Vermont to the colorful forests of the Poconos.
If you are planning a trip for fall 2025, the Pocono Mountains are a great choice. They are easy to get to and have lots of different spots to explore. Even more, you can stay cozy in cabins with fireplaces surrounded by trees to fully enjoy the season.
Are you ready for your fall trip? Book a scenic rental in the Poconos with HolidayKeepers and let nature create the perfect backdrop for your getaway. Contact us for booking assistance.
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to see fall foliage in the U.S.?
A: Most regions peak between late September and early November, depending on location and elevation.
Q: Which state has the most colorful fall foliage?
A: Vermont and New Hampshire are famous for their vibrant colors. However, Pennsylvania and Colorado also offer spectacular views.
Q: What is the best scenic drive for fall colors?
A: The Jim Thorpe is widely considered one of the best for fall drives.
Q: Where can I take good fall photos?
A: Try Maroon Bells in Colorado, Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, or Bushkill Falls in the Poconos.
