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Where and When to See the Best Fall Foliage Colors in Every State
Start planning your leaf-peeping adventure now with this ultimate guide.
Changing fall colors bring out leaf peepers each autumn as deciduous trees ditch their green leaves and take on new hues like red, yellow, orange, purple, pink, and brown. The tourism industry can thank a green pigment called chlorophyll for the stunning foliage each year. When the days shorten in the fall, the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, revealing other pigments like xanthophyll (yellow), beta-carotene (orange), and anthocyanin (red). Different types of deciduous trees like maples, oaks, and aspen will put on a multicolored show before dropping their leaves in preparation for winter.
The exact dates for peak fall foliage change every year depending on weather patterns, but generally the leaves transition in October and November, starting in the north and moving south. Check local tourism websites before planning your trip to ensure you catch the best and brightest colors. Hotels and campsites can also fill up during this popular season, so make reservations early on. You can also plan your visit for a weekday instead of a weekend to escape the leaf-peeping crowds. Whether you book a flight cross-country or plan to hit up your local state park, here are the top destinations to see fall color this autumn.
Alabama
Where to go: Check out Cheaha State Park just over an hour outside of Birmingham. The park includes the highest point in the state.
When to go: Late November
Alaska
Where to go: Make the trek to Denali National Park during the shoulder season to see the reds, yellows, and greens of the tundra in all their glory.
When to go: September
Arizona
Where to go: The red rock formations in Sedona look especially stunning in contrast with yellowing foliage.
When to go: Late October
Arkansas
Where to go: Lake Conway in Central Arkansas features 452 miles of shoreline and cypress trees that turn a stunning red each autumn.
When to go: Late November
California
Where to go: It's always a good time of year to embark on a Napa Valley wine tour, but the changing colors of the vineyards in the fall will make your tasting that much sweeter.
When to go: Late October or Early November
Colorado
Where to go: The Maroon Bells — two 14,000-foot peaks in the Elk Mountains — draw photographers from near and far, but this spot is easily accessible (10 miles!) from Aspen.
When to go: Late October
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Connecticut
Where to go: Connecticut's Litchfield Hills include plenty of antiques shops, cute inns, and a section of the Appalachian Trail. See yellow ash, aspen, and maple trees; red oaks and dogwoods; and orange maples and sumacs.
When to go: Mid- or Late October
Delaware
Where to go: The Ashland Covered Bridge in New Castle County was built circa 1860, but the lattice woodwork framing the fall foliage looks practically made for Instagram.
When to go: Late October
District of Columbia
Where to go: Our nation's capital is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, but try taking a walk down the National Mall or along the Potomac this autumn for a different kind of fun.
When to go: Late October
Florida
Where to go: Everglades National Park starts its dry season at the end of November, when migratory birds come from all over the country for warmer weather (and mosquitoes begin to disappear).
When to go: Late November
Georgia
Where to go: Tallulah Gorge in North Georgia is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Take in the yellow oaks and red maples from trails overlooking the rim, rapids, and waterfalls.
When to go: Mid-November
Hawaii
Where to go: The Big Island hosts the Ironman World Championship triathlon every year in October. Competitors race across deep blue waters and a black lava desert — two very different kinds of fall colors.
When to go: Mid-October
Idaho
Where to go: Sun Valley usually hosts skiers in the winter, but an autumn visit here or nearby Sawtooth National Forest will impress adventure seekers with miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, and orange and yellow aspen trees.
When to go: Mid- or Late October
Illinois
Where to go: Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby features more than a dozen sandstone canyons, like this bandshell-shaped formation called Council Overhang. See vivid gold and yellow foliage on about 13 miles of marked trails throughout the park.
When to go: Late October or Early November
Indiana
Where to go: Cataract Falls in Central Indiana are the state's largest waterfalls, and they look all the more impressive surrounded by glorious fall color.
When to go: Early November
Iowa
Where to go: The Maquoketa River is popular with paddlers and fishermen alike. Walnut, ash, oak, elm, and maple trees throughout the state turn bright yellow, rusty red, bronzy orange, and reddish-purple.
When to go: Mid-October
Kansas
Where to go: Take in the gold, red, and brown hues of the plains by going on a fall drive along the Gypsum Hills or Flint Hills Scenic Byways.
When to go: Early or Mid-November
Kentucky
Where to go: Daniel Boone National Forest is packed with geological treasures. In fact, Kentucky has more natural stone arches than any other eastern state. Expect to see dogwoods turning crimson, sugar maples going scarlet, and ashes transitioning to dark purple.
When to go: October
Louisiana
Where to go: The bayou's bald cypress trees turn tan, cinnamon, and fiery orange in autumn before dropping their needle-like leaves. Try visiting Barataria Preserve just outside of New Orleans.
When to go: Late November
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Maine
Where to go: Acadia National Park offers stunning views of both the Atlantic and turning trees, like this view from Otter Point on top of Gorham Mountain. You can also drive along the Black Woods Scenic Byway to see the blueberry barrens turn scarlet (and eat lots of pie).
When to go:Mid- or Late October
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