Certain parts of the country are on fire right now. Not literally, though. As we progress more and more into autumn, the leaves on the trees are turning unbelievable shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown. If you get the timing right, you can take in some of the most picturesque views ever.
But where to go? We have found some of the most beautiful places to catch some fall foliage in action. Do yourself a favor and find a nice little bed and breakfast in one of them. Enjoy some hot coffee on a cool day, and capture some of the best pictures that you’ll probably ever take. But don’t wait too long — this moment is fleeting. Before we know it, we’ll be bundled up in winter coats, shoveling snow, and wishing it were summer again.
7. Calistoga, California
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Just because you happen to be in sunny California doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the beautiful fall leaves! Sure, Los Angeles might not experience much of an autumn, but if you head north to wine country, you’re in for a treat. In Calistoga, you won’t just have vineyards from which to enjoy the colors of fall over a glass of wine because hot springs, mud baths, and redwoods abound.
6. Oakland, Maryland
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The colors on the trees in Oakland are more spectacular than you can even imagine — they aren’t just red and yellow — they cover every rich, vibrant shade in between. You’ll want to head over to Swallow Falls State Park for the best view, and to get perfect pictures in front of the 53-foot waterfall there.
5. Lake Placid, New York
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If you have never spent any time in the Adirondack Mountains, this is the time of year to take that trip. While many people enjoy it for its winter sports once the snow hits the ground, take advantage of the incredible fall foliage (and the walking trail) around Mirror Lake, which is in the center of town. Since this is the location of the 1980 Winter Olympics, you can also enjoy the Olympic Museum there.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
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Tucked in the mountains of western North Carolina is a beautiful haven with tons of restaurants, hiking trails, and inns (including the notorious Biltmore, built by George Vanderbilt, if you have some extra cash to burn). But if you spend some time in Asheville between late September and early November, you’ll be graced with autumn colors as far as the eye can see, in both the foothills and mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
3. Stowe, Vermont
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It doesn’t get much better than New England in fall. The only reason Stowe isn’t in the number one spot on this list is because the prime time to catch the leaf change is right now — so there’s not much time to spare. (If you go in the coming weeks, it will still be good, but it won’t be as perfect as it can be.) You’ll have a lot to explore outside in the crisp weather before snuggling in at your inn of choice.
2. Lenox, Massachusetts
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Lenox is a town in the Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts. While many come here in the summer to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra play at Tanglewood, you might want to instead make your trip in the fall to catch the trees ablaze with color. In Lenox, there is a little something for everyone, from hiking to kayaking to catching a show at Shakespeare & Company.
1. Whitefish, Montana
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In this part of the country, the sky just seems to keep going and going and going. And at this time of year, so do the endless colors on the trees in this part of the Rocky Mountains. You can enjoy outdoor fun like cycling, hiking, and canoeing. You can also spend some time at Glacier National Park or the Great Northern Brewing Company. You do you — the foliage won’t judge.
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