Great Places to See Fall Foliage in the US

Teton National Park is beautiful all year round, but autumn colors add a special element of dazzle. Hotel Terra Jackson Hole puts you in easy reach of the hikes, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting. Back on property, you can warm up at the rooftop whirlpool while admiring the surrounding views. Swing by the spa for a treatment like the Organic Wildflower Facial and, when you're refreshed, head to Il Villagio Osteria for pizza and pasta. You can extend the fun with late check-out, when available, and browse the galleries and boutiques of downtown Jackson Hole.

When to Visit for Peak Voliage: Early September to early October

Aspen isn’t just for ski season. In fall, the trees that give the city its name turn into dazzling shades of gold on the slopes that’ll soon be covered with snow. And with its central location, The Little Nell is a prime locale for observing it all, delivering views of downtown, Aspen Mountain, and the Red Mountain range. Experience the foliage with an off-road trek up to the summit of Aspen, or with a walk-and-wade fly fishing expedition along Roaring Fork River. Back at the resort, you can head to the wine cellar for tastings or to the Health Center to bask in the steam room or get a facial massage. Your $100 credit can be put toward other treats, like truffle fries at Ajax Tavern or a wagyu steak at Element 47.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Late September

Pastoral Manchester Village is a sight to behold come September and October, and Kimpton Taconic Hotel delivers quintessential New England vibes. The crisp air feels a little better when you can lounge in a four-poster bed or on a rocking chair – and tuck into comfort food like shepherd’s pie from Copper Grouse.  The boutiques of Main Street make for charming shopping, and the nearby Southern Vermont Arts Center is a must for aesthetes. Make this rural estate your jumping-off point for fly-fishing on the Battenkill, enjoying live music and a local brew, or hiking Mount Stratton. Late check-out, when available, can give you more time to take advantage of complimentary bike rentals and walking sticks to explore the rolling hills and rustling maple boughs. 

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Late September–Early October

The Blue Ridge Mountains turn warmer shades around The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection, a 12,000-acre Virginia resort just over the border from North Carolina. In addition to the rugged mountain hikes, you can golf on the course surrounding the resort or take a soak in the hot tub. Get a taste of the region with a flight of moonshine or a live Bluegrass session. Take a walk around the historic Mabry Mill and then recharge at The Spa, which uses natural products like a scrub made of blue corn and local honey to rejuvenate the body and mind. Your $100 credit can even be applied towards a treatment.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Early October

The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley and The Residences at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley make for a popular ski destination in the winter months, but they’re just as enchanting when surrounded by the changing autumn leaves. Nestled at the foot of the Uinta Mountains with breathtaking views of the Jordanelle Reservoir, the property brings the colors and textures of the surrounding landscape into a decidedly modern set of décor. Platinum Card Members can start their day with complimentary daily breakfast for two at Remington Hall and fuel up with hearty fare like buttermilk pancakes and eggs benedict. After fishing in the nearby streams and lounging in the outdoor hot tub, make your way into the speakeasy-like Hidden Ace and use your $100 credit to wind down with a drink while listening to live music.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Mid-September to early October

Watch as the cottonwoods, aspens, and willows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains change color from your mid-mountain perch at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, within the Northstar California Ski Resort. In between the summer boating crowds and the flurry of ski season activity, the area becomes a little quieter, and a little more your own. Venture throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin to pick apples, enjoy a cider cocktail or milkshake, and see the autumnal colors reflected in the lake itself. Your $100 credit can be applied towards a deep muscle massage at the spa or a dinner at Manzanita, the property’s signature restaurant, which serves up local ingredients cooked with a mix of Mexican and Pacific Northwestern sensibilities.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Early-to-Mid October

An all-inclusive resort in New York’s Catskills Mountains, The Chatwal Lodge occupies a former 18,000-acre wildlife reserve on the shores of the Toronto Reservoir. There are just 14 suites, but with your room upgrade upon arrival, when available, you might have an even more unique stay than you anticipated, whether it’s in a treehouse, a stone cabin, or one of the central lodge’s rooms. Regardless, you can expect rustic patterns, woodwork, and art that puts a sophisticated spin on rustic living. Firepits, fly-fishing, and ample birdwatching are all available on site. Nearby Stone Arch Bridge Historical Park is perfect for scenic walks, and The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts hosts frequent concerts and an always-on museum at the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Early-to-Mid October

There’s lots to do in the White Mountains and you may be able to get a head start on adventure thanks to 12pm check-in, when available, at The Omni Mount Washington Resort, a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture and go-to New England retreat since 1902. For a thrilling bird’s-eye perspective, join the resort’s Bretton Woods Canopy Tour, which takes you through the treetops on a series of ziplines, platforms, and sky bridges, all the while enjoying sweeping views of Mount Washington and the Presidential range. If you’re looking for a ground-level pastime, there’s no shortage of options, including golfing, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Plus, the resort itself has a year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub where you can soak away the seasonal chill—and enjoy complimentary breakfast for two each day of your stay.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Early-to-Mid October 

Hidden Pond Resort & Tree Spa, in the birch forests of Maine’s southern coast, adds a maritime element that makes the reds, yellows, and oranges of the birches all the more delightful. There are guided forest therapy walks on the property as well as myriad surrounding hiking paths, plus the ocean is close enough to make beach bike rides and kayaking regular activities. In addition to the standard benefits of The Hotel Collection, this property also offers daily breakfast for two, which you can enjoy at Earth, known for seasonal farm-to-fork food that might just be as photogenic as the changing leaves. And wind down with a massage or facial from a treehouse spa room. For more space and privacy, consider the cottages, bungalows, and lodges; cottages include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, living rooms with gas fireplaces, screen porches, and private outdoor showers in select units.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Mid-October 

Nature and culture lovers will both find much to appreciate at The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton. The 87 rooms and suites feature exposed brick walls and oversized windows, and there's an expansive manicured courtyard. Join a walkthrough with the on-site historian to learn about the property's heritage. Beyond its doorsteps, you can explore the Downtown Art District, the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the many charms of the Biltmore Estate. Sample Appalachian soul food at Benne on Eagle, and put your $100 credit towards craft beer by the fireplace at The Workshop Lounge.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Mid-to-late October

This stretch where the Colorado River runs through Texas Hill Country is an ideal place to watch red, orange, and gold leaves falling into the water. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa welcomes families with abundant activities and ranch-inspired decorative touches. Make your way around the property on horseback, kayak on the Colorado, or book a treatment at the Lost Pines Spa. Arguably the star of the show, though, is Crooked River Water Park, which features a lazy river, an adults-only pool, and a children’s pool complete with waterslides. Crown your trip by partaking in Texas steak culture and use your $100 credit at Stories, which features seasonal menus with ingredients sourced locally—sometimes even from the resort’s gardens.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Mid-October to mid-November

A fall foliage excursion pairs excellently with the wine country luxury at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Guests are greeted upon arrival with a bottle of Sonoma wine, and a different local winery visits every day to host a tasting in the lobby. In between samplings, you can venture into the autumn colors with a hike through the Mayacama Mountains, a round of golf at the on-property links, or a visit to a 400-acre wildlife preserve nearby. Recharge and put your $100 credit towards a treatment at Fairmont Spa, which counts among its many amenities a European bathhouse, geothermal-fed mineral pools, and a movement studio.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Late October to early November