Fall officially begins on September 22, and deciduous forests across the United States will soon burst into shadows of gold, orange and red.
Where and when the most colorful color of the leaves depends on location, elevation and weather. Leaves turn earlier in places with higher heights and lower temperatures. The northernmost states and mountainous areas may peak as early as late September, while southern destinations may not reach their peak until November.
Whether you are looking to plan a trip this fall, there are plenty of options to choose from with beautiful leaves. This is the earliest leaf predictions, as well as some destination inspiration to help plan this fall trip.
Related: Autumn Leaf Cruise in New England, Canada and beyond
When and where can we see autumn leaves at the peak?
Each fall, various prediction tools aim to predict the arrival of autumn leaves using precipitation and temperature statistics, historical trends in peak leaf peeping, local observations, and previous years’ model yields. Our favorites include the yearbook of the old farmers and the predictions of the smoky mountain fall leaves.
Additionally, Camping App HipCamp has launched an interactive map to help you find campgrounds for leaf trips.
Even with these tools, no one can guarantee exactly where and when the leaves reach their peak – especially as unusual weather grows.
“Of course, past results don’t necessarily indicate what will happen this year, but it should give you a pretty good idea for the fall forward,” said an old farmer’s yearbook representative.
Here we will introduce the country’s highest destination to peek into the leaves and when to visit everyone for the best chance to see the spectacular autumn colors.
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The best place to see autumn leaves in the United States
New England and upstate New York
For East Coast travelers, New England’s most popular foliage foliage states, including Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, are expected to peak around the first week of October.
However, the best fall colors will be done in coastal areas such as Acadia National Park in Maine, which is usually Maine’s fall foliage data, usually from October 21 to 27. You can also see sunrise when you are on the leaves, as it first hit the United States from the 1,530-foot top of Cadillac Mountain.
Vermont and New Hampshire are great destinations for voyeurism, hiking, apple picking and snacking on apple donuts. Don’t forget the fall foliage of Berkshire, the mountainous mountainous area of western Massachusetts, which is easily accessible from New York City and Boston. October is one of the best times to see autumn leaves in the Adirondack Mountains in New York, where visitors can benefit from the longest and most predictable season of leaves.
Related: From Sandals to the Long Road: My First All-Inclusive Experience in New York Super Luxury
The west
Typically, in late September, the leaves color changes in northwestern Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, and the poplar and Aspen trees in Grand Teton National Park turn into gold. Although autumn begins in the early stages of the region, it usually takes until October to peak.
This year, forecasters expect Colorado’s fall foliage season to peak in areas west of Denver, including Aspen, Were and Steamboat Springs, and the summit will move eastward in the coming weeks.
Utah’s national parks, including Arches, Zion and Bryce Canyon, may be known for their sandstone cliffs and anti-gravity arches. Still, they are a great place to enjoy fall foliage like canyon maple, frosted oaks, etc. in late October and early November. In addition, the autumn light illuminates red rocks.
Related: The Best Red Rock Park in Utah, No Crowds
On the West Coast, the area around Portland, Oregon is known for its landscape, with wild landscapes in Oregon exploding in colors in every direction. This year, Portland’s leaves should peak in mid-October. Take a steamboat to admire the leaves that change from the river, or drive the Columbia River Expressway, an interstate designed specifically for its scenic beauty.
Related: First look: Under the canvas of the Columbia River Canyon, points to one of the natural wonders of the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Midwest
Due to the insulation effect of the Great Lakes, a part of Michigan enjoys a long leaf that usually extends from late September to late October. Enjoy the colorful views from the ferry to Mackinac Island, or the scenic M-22 highway along Lake Michigan along the Michigan coast near Traverse City.
This year, your leaf cigarette plan also considers parts of Kansas and Missouri, such as Lake Ozark. By November 1, 1,150 miles along the lake shore will be a riot of painting. But the smoke trees in the United States are almost pink and almost electricity, often reaching peak earlier.
Related: 5 amazing autumn leaves road trips in the Midwest
Mid-Atlantic and South-East
As late October approaches, travelers will hope to turn their gaze to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern. Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina border in Tennessee are one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and the National Park of the same name is exactly where you want to be this time of year.
For the best view, head to the observation deck at the peak of Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), or consider one of the area’s iconic scenic drives, such as Cades Cove Loop Road, Blue Ridge Parkway or Foothills Parkway.
For other areas in western North Carolina, check out the fall color map of the Appalachian State University Department of Biology for Fall Color Peaks in Waynesville, Asheville, Grandfather Hill and Boone.
Related: Ultimate Blue Ridge Park Road Travel Guide
Virginia’s rich deciduous trees and a variety of landscapes offer a long fall season, with peaks from October 10 to 31.
South
Although most of the United States will surpass its foliage peaks by November, the country’s southernmost river will still provide beautiful fall colors later this season. For example, travelers can head to the southern edges of Arizona and New Mexico, for example, leaves should peak in mid-November this year.
On the southwest corner of Texas, Big Bend National Park is home to the largest reserve in the Chihuahua desert, and November is a great month for camping, hiking and backpacking. Check out the chimney trails that wind through the desert grasslands and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail that winds along the Rio Grande.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is another great place in fall in Texas, where maples are radiating in color on McKittrick and Pine Canyons.
Or, consider a trip to Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. The area has over 600,000 acres of woodland, and from mid-November to late November, most of the state is usually in its best fall foliage.
Bottom line
Over the next few months, spectacular fall leaves will be spread throughout the United States, so now is a great time to start planning your leaf trip.
While tools like the yearbooks of old farmers and the leaf prediction maps of Smoky Mountain Fall are not guaranteed, they are useful guides for determining when and where to travel to get the best fall colors. This is especially true for these maps, which are updated based on actual user data collected as the season unfolds.
But remember that any weather changes can adjust the predicted peak timing for any one of these places over the next few weeks, so try to be as flexible as possible in your plan. We recommend booking variable flights and hotel accommodations where possible.
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