Best Places to Visit in Fall in the USA

Autumn is one of the most captivating seasons to travel across the United States, offering cooler temperatures and an array of breathtaking landscapes painted in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. Whether you're seeking an outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat, the USA is home to some of the best places to visit in the fall. From national parks to charming small towns, fall offers the perfect time for scenic road trips, hiking, and soaking in the crisp air.

To help you plan the perfect fall trip, Boarding. com—a travel booking platform designed to help people make the most accurate travel choices and better trips—has compiled a list of the top fall destinations in the USA.

1. Aspen, Colorado: A Golden Paradise

Aspen, Colorado, is renowned for its incredible fall foliage, making it one of the best places to visit in fall. The golden aspen trees that blanket the town during this season are a breathtaking sight. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, this charming town offers not only natural beauty but also a wide range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. The Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed places in the country, is a must-visit, especially during autumn when its surrounding aspen trees burst into color.

Why Aspen is a Must-Visit in the Fall

• Maroon Bells: The dramatic scenery of the Maroon Bells framed by golden aspen trees makes for unforgettable views.
• Outdoor Adventures: Take a scenic hike or mountain bike ride to fully immerse yourself in the fall colors.
• Cultural Appeal: The Aspen Film Festival, held in the fall, draws film enthusiasts from around the world.

Book your stay in Aspen through Boarding.com to ensure you experience the best local accommodations and make the most of your fall adventure.

2. New England: The Ultimate Leaf Peeping Destination

New England is synonymous with fall foliage, making it one of the best places to visit in fall in the USA. The region’s scenic drives and charming towns are nothing short of magical during the autumn months. States like Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire transform into a vivid canvas of warm colors, drawing in leaf peepers from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy activities such as apple picking, visiting pumpkin patches, and wandering through corn mazes.

Highlights of Fall in New England

• Fall Foliage: The vibrant fall foliage, particularly in Vermont and New Hampshire, is unparalleled.
• Scenic Road Trips: Drive along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire or the Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts for stunning autumn views.
• Festivals and Markets: Enjoy local fall festivals, fairs, and farmer's markets.

Use Boarding.com to find the best bed and breakfasts, quaint inns, or hotels across New England, ensuring a cozy and convenient stay.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Fall Wonderland

Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the USA. In the fall, the park comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of colors, making it one of the best places to visit in fall. The cooler temperatures also make hiking more comfortable, and wildlife like deer and black bears are often spotted roaming the park. With its abundant natural beauty and diverse wildlife, the Smoky Mountains offer something for every kind of traveler.

Why Visit the Great Smoky Mountains in the Fall?

• Colorful Foliage: Over 100 species of native trees turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange.
• Scenic Drives: Explore the park via the Cades Cove Loop Road or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
• Fall Festivals: Nearby towns like Gatlinburg host fall festivals, offering arts, crafts, and local food.

Plan your Great Smoky Mountains getaway with Boarding.com, where you can find rustic cabins, mountain resorts, or cozy lodges to enhance your trip.

4. Napa Valley, California: Fall Wine Harvest Season

If you’re a wine lover, there’s no better place to visit in the fall than Napa Valley. Not only does the region offer stunning fall landscapes, but it's also harvest season in the vineyards, making it one of the best places to visit in fall for wine enthusiasts. The cooler temperatures and rich colors of the vineyards create a perfect setting for wine tastings, vineyard tours, and harvest events. This is a great time to enjoy the valley's beauty while sampling some of the best wines the region has to offer.

Why Napa Valley is Perfect for Fall Travel

• Harvest Season: Fall is when the grape harvest takes place, providing unique opportunities to experience wine-making.
• Beautiful Scenery: The vineyards turn golden and red, offering a picturesque backdrop for wine tastings.
• Mild Weather: Enjoy the cool, comfortable weather while exploring wineries.

Find luxurious vineyard accommodations or quaint bed and breakfasts through Boarding.com to make your Napa Valley trip unforgettable.

5. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina: America’s Favorite Fall Drive

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in America, especially during the fall. The 469-mile-long stretch of road runs through the Appalachian Mountains and offers endless views of rolling hills covered in brilliant autumn foliage. The Parkway is dotted with overlooks where travelers can stop and take in the natural beauty, making it one of the best places to visit in the fall.

Reasons to Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Fall

• Spectacular Scenic Views: The panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains in their fall splendor are unparalleled.
• Outdoor Recreation: Hike, camp, or have a picnic while soaking in the crisp autumn air.
• Charming Towns: Explore nearby towns like Asheville, North Carolina, known for its vibrant arts scene and local food.

With the help of Boarding.com, you can easily find accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to cozy mountain cabins along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

6. Zion National Park, Utah: Fall Adventure in the Desert

Zion National Park in Utah offers a unique fall experience with its dramatic red rock formations contrasted by pockets of vibrant autumn foliage. Fall is the perfect time to explore Zion, as the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are smaller compared to the summer months. Hiking trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows are even more enjoyable in the crisp fall air, making Zion one of the best places to visit in the fall for adventure seekers.

Why Zion National Park Shines in Fall

• Dramatic Landscapes: The red rock cliffs combined with the fall colors create a stunning visual contrast.
• Perfect Hiking Weather: Cooler temperatures make hiking Zion’s trails more comfortable.
• Fewer Crowds: Fall is a shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists and a more peaceful experience.

Book your Zion National Park adventure with Boarding.com to find the best lodging options, from campsites to hotels, near the park.

7. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon: Fall Beauty by the Waterfalls

The Columbia River Gorge is a breathtaking destination in Oregon, especially in the fall. Known for its stunning waterfalls and sweeping views, the Gorge becomes even more beautiful when surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves. Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest and most visited waterfalls in the country, is particularly mesmerizing in the fall.

What Makes Columbia River Gorge Ideal for Fall

• Waterfall Views: The fall colors surrounding the waterfalls, especially Multnomah Falls, make for an extraordinary sight.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking, biking, or kayaking while taking in the fall scenery.
• Local Flavors: Explore local wineries and breweries for a taste of Oregon’s fall harvest.

With Boarding.com, you can easily book scenic lodges and adventure tours to make the most of your Columbia River Gorge experience.

Fall in the USA is a season of unmatched beauty and adventure. Whether you're exploring the rolling hills of New England, hiking the majestic trails of Zion National Park, or sipping wine in Napa Valley, fall offers something for every traveler. With the help of Boarding.com, a travel booking platform that helps travelers make accurate choices and better trips, planning your perfect fall vacation has never been easier.

So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best places to visit in the fall in the USA!