Where to Enjoy the Best Fall Foliage Sightseeing in the U.S.

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Becca Santos
Curated By

Becca Santos

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Wellness Travel

  • Active Travel

  • Vermont

  • Maine

  • Connecticut

  • Oregon

  • New Hampshire

  • Nature Escapes

  • Fall

  • Sightseeing

  • Relaxation

Fall leaves on ground.
Curator’s statement

There’s nothing quite like crisp air and a warm cup of pumpkin spice to make the change of seasons more comforting. But my favorite part of Fall will always be watching the leaves change. The colorful foliage, dusts walkways with crackling leaves and creates magnificent scenery. Some of the best places to experience Fall foliage are in New England and the Pacific Northwest, so to get those fall travel inspiration juices flowing, below are my top five hotels to getaway to and experience the very best of fall.

The Fora Difference

Book with Becca to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Icon Travel Perks
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Icon Recommendations
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Icon Inside Knowledge
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in U.S.

Unlock perks by contacting Becca to book your trip.

Things to do in U.S.

A street covered with fall orange leaves and trees.

Vermont

Fall in Vermont isn't just a season; it's an event! Most of Vermont’s fall foliage color is provided by red and sugar maples. The peak foliage season here usually starts in the second half of September and lasts through October. The backdrop of magnificent foliage and the excitement of Fall Festivals will have you donning your best flannel and capturing the most amazing photos.

Where to stay

Set in the heart of Woodstock, Vermont, Woodstock Inn & Resort invites you to wander along a welcoming main street, browse restaurants and charming boutiques and relish in an area rich in recreation and abundant in adventure in the surrounding Green Mountains.

Maine

Maine's state parks, mountains, farms and coast provide wonderful settings for enjoying fall foliage. The state's trees turn glorious shades of red, yellow and orange. And the vast region offers locals and visitors countless opportunities to see the autumn leaves at their most vibrant stage. Discover hiking trails that lead you to the top of mountains where your view is a kaleidoscope of autumnal beauty. The perfect place to take a scenic drive into the country, stopping to pick apples at a local orchard along the way!

Generally, northern Maine is at or near peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October. Central and western mountains of Maine are at or near peak Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend and coastal and southern Maine generally reach peak conditions mid-to-last October.

Where to stay

Cliff House Maine exemplifies true luxury amid the natural beauty of coastal Maine. The resort stretches across 70 oceanfront acres, 90 degrees above sea level, perched atop Bald Head Cliff. Year-round guests are mesmerized by views of the sunrise over an infinite horizon, expansive stretches of rugged coastline and beloved historic landmarks such as Nubble Lighthouse.

New Hampshire

The best place for fall foliage in New Hampshire is the White Mountains region, which offers the most bang for your buck regarding fall colors, things to do, scenic drives and fall activities. New Hampshire always delivers an explosion of colorful fall foliage. While every year is different, the best New Hampshire fall colors reliably move from north to south, starting in mid-to-late September and extending through mid-October.

Where to stay

The Omni Mount Washington Resort invites you to enjoy cherished experiences with friends and loved ones. Soar through the mountain air on a zipline canopy tour or swim among the snowflakes in our heated outdoor pool — a lot of exciting resort activities allow you to enjoy adventure among the backdrop of beautiful foliage.

Connecticut

Connecticut offers New England's longest foliage season. You'll find amazing color here throughout October and into November. Take in the breathtaking hues of red, orange and yellow. Enjoy scenic drives through the countryside and forests and visit farms with seasonal items like apples and cider.

Where to stay

Mayflower Inn & Spa is an extraordinary country retreat. Nestled in 58 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland. It is renowned as one of Northeast America’s most distinguished luxury hideaways.

Oregon

Oregon’s autumns are cool and crisp, but still sparkle with many sunshine-filled days. The striking reds, oranges and yellows pop against a deep green backdrop of the evergreen Douglas fir (Oregon's state tree), giant sequoias and ponderosa pine. Oregon's peak color is mid-October, sometimes starting in the first weeks of September and lingering with bright red leaves clinging onto branches into early November.

Where to stay

Of all Oregon hotels and resorts, The Allison Inn & Spa redefines the experience of luxury and hospitality. The Allison offers stunning walking trails with an open-air art gallery, gardens, vineyard and valley views.

Advisor - Becca Santos

Travel Advisor

Becca Santos

Get in touch with Becca

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Becca within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, 6 Spooky Halloween Destinations to Explore.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on Nature Escapes travel.