As summer slowly slips away, we embrace the onset of autumn. We pull on our favorite cozy sweaters, brew up some tea, and watch the trees for the first sign of a change in color.

In some regions, you’ll find leaves turning as early as October, so now’s the time to start planning your leaf peeping trips. Whether you’re looking for fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest or along the East Coast, we have a list of five of our favorite places to soak in the red, orange, and yellow hues. Use our leaf peeping map to find a place near you and then go for a scenic drive, or set out on a hike in one of these whimsical autumn retreats. 

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

Home to ten cascading waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park is known for dramatic scenery in every season. However, an autumn hike along Trail of Ten Falls promises extra appeal, as marmalade-colored maple and red alder leaves frame the veils of water. For a glimpse at more manicured fall foliage, spend an afternoon admiring the bright hues of Oregon Garden in nearby Silverton.

Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

Franconia is another magical place to take a fall foliage tour. As September and October roll around, the White Mountain National Forest slowly shifts from lush green to auburn and gold. View the color palette from the skies on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, or admire the canopy of trees from ground level as you hoof it along Flume Trail. This is a must-see for nature lovers in search of glowing trees!

New York City, New York

The northeast is celebrated for its magnificent forests that change shades come autumn, but you don’t have to whip out your hiking boots to enjoy some leaf peeping in New York. In fact, you’ll find pops of color right in the heart of NYC, from Tupelo Meadow in Central Park to the maples in Prospect Park. Stroll along Tulip Tree Trail in Alley Pond Park or embrace the foliage in the New York Botanical Garden’s old-growth forest.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah gives way to crisp fall air and shades of red, orange, and yellow as cooler temperatures arrive. When is leaf peeping season? It’s tricky to determine exact peak dates, but generally late September through early November is the best time to see the tinted leaves in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cruise along tree-lined Skyline Drive or listen to the crispy leaves crunch under your feet as you hike one of the many trails throughout the region.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Come mid-October, fiery leaves transform the horizon along Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. The green pigment disappears as golden tones take over the scarlet oaks, sweetgums, and hickories. With more than 100 species of trees in the area, the Smokies show off every shade of the autumnal rainbow. Venture to Clingmans Dome Road or the Foothills Parkway to see the vibrant leaves in all their glory.

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