This week marks the official start of autumn. And while Halloween is the true culmination of the season, the metamorphosis of the leaves in the meantime is a welcome part of the journey. So while you’re waiting for October 31st to arrive, here are eight of the best places to see fall foliage in America.
The Great Smoky Mountains
Who says the South can’t do fall? Although some parts of the Carolinas and Georgia don’t boast a full spectrum of leaves, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which stretches through North Carolina and Tennessee, feature some of the best colors in the entire region. The dogwoods, red maples, and the aptly named witch hobble look their best from mid to late October, so if you’re planning a visit, don’t miss the peak season.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
While New England is known for its fall appeal, the White Mountains up the ante: the reds and golds pop against the breathtaking white canvas. My husband is originally from the region, and he says there’s nowhere in the world like it, especially in the fall.
Hudson Valley, New York
In “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, Washington Irving cemented the Hudson Valley as a must-see fall location. Fortunately, the colors in Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and the surrounding areas are up to the challenge. The foliage is among the most magnificent in the entire state of New York and should be at its peak near Halloween.
Salem, Massachusetts
Sometimes ambiance is everything. Witch City, USA is a major attraction in the fall, and the scenery is a beautiful backdrop for your ghostly visit. The adjacent city of Marblehead is equally stunning, and both towns have a full view of the ocean. Fall foliage and the Atlantic? Does it get any better than that?
Morgantown, West Virginia
Many fans of fall foliage will tell you to go further south in West Virginia if you want to see an array of colors. But take it from someone who lives only ten miles from the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border: the home of West Virginia University is far more exquisite from September through November than the average traveler would ever expect. Alternatively a college party mecca and a sleepy rural town, Morgantown has it all, and that applies for the autumnal season too.
Aspen, Colorado
Though you might be inclined to think skiing instead of Jack o’ lanterns, Aspen is gorgeous in the fall as well as the winter. However, unlike other locales that remain vivid for weeks at a time, Colorado leaves often last only about a week, usually somewhere between now and mid-October. So don’t delay; see those colors while they’re still at their peak.
Craftsbury, Vermont
Maybe it’s because I love Alfred Hitchcock films, but this little town in Vermont is my idea of a perfect stopover for those who delight in the fall hues. Just be sure not to make Hitchcock’s mistake: arrive early enough to catch the leaves in their prime.
Big Lake, Arizona
The Southwest might not seem like a typical venue for foliage, but autumn tourists are often pleasantly surprised at the glorious range of colors. Although many of the aspen trees in the region have been burned in previous wildfires, there remain plenty of dazzling sights to see during September and October.
What’s your favorite place for fall foliage? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy haunting!