Great Places to See Fall Foliage in the US

The thick groves of quaking aspens that line Park City’s famed ski slopes come alive with color during fall. In the midst of this dramatic landscape, Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Collection sits at the foot of Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Express lift. You can take a chairlift ride up the slopes for panoramic foliage views and enroll in a GPS-guided e-bike journey through scenic terrain. You’ll enjoy similarly striking vistas from the comfort of the alpine-chic custom-designed rooms, which feature expansive windows and, in some cases, private balconies. The hotel leans into alpine culture with hands-on activities like Austrian pretzel-making and amaro cocktail tastings, from Austrian fernets to Utah craft spirits. Wind down with a dip in the hotel’s heated rooftop pool or a restorative treatment at the spa.

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

Woodstock is a picture-perfect New England town, in close proximity to popular ski mountains. Visitors flock here year-round for its Main Street lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and stunning autumnal displays. The Woodstock Inn & Resort sits at the center of it all, offering New England comforts (roaring fireplaces, afternoon teatime, and elegantly historic details) and prime views of the changing colors. Hit the Woodstock Country Club’s 18-hole course, go fly-fishing, or visit the New England Falconry Center for a hands-on experience with their majestic birds of prey.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Late September to mid October

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. 

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

From Saturday football games at Ohio State to harvest festivals and pumpkin patches, Columbus, Ohio embraces the season. Book your stay at The Junto, a sleek downtown hotel with social gathering spaces, bold interiors, and curated artwork. The East and West Lofts suggest an artist’s dwelling with their high ceilings and exposed beams. Visit the Gear Garage to borrow a bike or kayak, or peep the colorful leaves by foot along nearby Scioto Mile, a network of tree-lined walking paths. Back at The Junto, cozy up beside a roaring fire in the Trade Room with a selection of books, board games, and vinyl.

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

Aspen isn’t just for ski season. In fall, the trees that give the city its name turn into dazzling shades of gold. 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. 

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Late September

Come autumn, Virgina’s Blue Ridge Mountains turn shades of brilliant red and gold. One of the most picturesque vantage points is Keswick Hall, a refined 600-acre estate with winding walking trails. Get in a round of tennis on clay courts backdropped by the mountains or drink in the autumnal display with a glass of red cultivated in nearby Virginia wine country. On-site restaurant Marigold serves a seasonal menu inspired by local farms and orchards; the terrace is lovely for dinner when weather allows.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Late September to mid October

There’s lots to do in the White Mountains and at the region's heart is 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.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Early to mid October 

At Hidden Pond Resort & Tree Spa, in the birch forests of Maine’s southern coast, you can join guided forest therapy walks on the property or set out along myriad surrounding hiking paths, plus the ocean is close enough to make beach bike rides and kayaking regular activities. Relax with a massage or facial from a treehouse spa room and settle in for dinner at Earth, known for seasonal farm-to-fork food that might just be as photogenic as the changing leaves. For more space and privacy, consider the cottages, lodges, or adults-only bungalows.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Mid October 

Cataloochee Ranch is perched high atop a southeastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, granting sweeping views of autumn’s annual show. The elegantly rustic property offers a buffet of High-Country experiences, including live bluegrass music, stargazing, horseback riding, axe throwing, and leather crafting workshops. Get a taste of ranch dining (and moon pie, a regional treat) with Weekly Cataloochee Cookouts featuring locally sourced barbecue; indulge in a more refined dining experience and private tastings at The Hideout, the ranch’s wine cellar.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Mid to late October

Nature and culture lovers will both find much to appreciate at The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built around an expansive courtyard, the 87 rooms and suites feature exposed brick walls and oversized windows for waking up to crimson views. Beyond its doorsteps, you can explore the Downtown Art District and the many charms of the Biltmore Estate. Sample Appalachian soul food at Benne on Eagle and craft beer by the fireplace at The Workshop Lounge.

When to Visit for Peak Foliage: Mid to late October

Canandaigua, a charming town in New York’s Finger Lakes region, is so well-known for its autumnal displays that The Lake House on Canandaigua has curated a list of recommended scenic driving routes. The property hosts daily wellness programming and hands-on workshops—everything from whiskey tasting to candle making. For more fall fun, admire the views from the lakeside heated pool, explore the area with complimentary cruisers or e-bikes, or head to nearby Bristol Mountain where an aerial adventure park hosts ziplining, rope ladders, and more. In the evenings, retire to the Library Bar for a craft cocktail.

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

Parents with students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill can swing by their dorms and check into decidedly more refined accommodations at The Carolina Inn. Steps from bustling Franklin Street, the Colonial Revival-style inn has suites with separate living areas. Come autumn, this college town is awash in the season’s vivid hues; stroll the historic campus or visit the nearby North Carolina Botanical Garden to soak it all in at your leisure. Enjoy al fresco music, food, and drinks with a view of the trees during the hotel’s “Fridays on the Front Porch” live music series hosted on the veranda through October.

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

The stretch where the Lower Colorado River runs through Texas Hill Country is an ideal place to watch red, orange, and gold leaves falling into the water. With a stay at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, you can take in this colorful spectacle while kayaking the Colorado and horseback riding around the property. Ranch-inspired decorative touches and family-friendly activities abound—there's even an onsite water park. In mild weather, events like harvest festivals and fireside s'mores add to the appeal of a less-expected Texas fall foliage getaway. Crown your trip with a meal at Stories, where the menu emphasizes steaks and other items sourced locally—sometimes even from the resort gardens.

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