Fall foliage has a notoriously unforgiving schedule where planning a trip too early means seeing only green trees and arriving late leaves you looking at bare branches. Luckily, some destinations offer much more room for exploration. Places with dramatic elevation changes and varied climates mean the colors peak at different times across the region. Based on data from the National Park Service, these ten destinations offer the longest viewing seasons. Here are the top searched spots to catch those autumn colors.
The Adirondacks, New York
The first signs of autumn in New York usually start in the high Adirondacks around early September. You can start your trip near the colder Lake Placid area and then move south towards Lake George as the weeks pass by to keep seeing those bright colors. Just remember the color peak in any single spot only lasts a few days so keep moving around.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a huge elevation range from 875 to over 6600 feet which creates a massive color gradient. Leaves change at the very top by mid-September and the show slowly rolls down the hills into November. Start your trip high up on Kuwohi Road early in the season and head down to Cades Cove later on for the best views.
Green Mountains, Vermont
Vermont is a pretty small state but the Green Mountains run all the way through it. The high slopes and northern areas start changing in mid-September while the southern valleys stay colorful all through October. A great trick is to base yourself right in the middle of the state so you can just drive a few hours to wherever the peak colors happen to be that day.
Blue Ridge Parkway Corridor, Virginia and North Carolina
This beautiful parkway stretches nearly 470 miles with lots of ups and downs in elevation. You get a completely different view from one overlook to the next because the higher spots change color way before the valleys do. The National Park Service says Shenandoah National Park gives you a viewing window from late September all the way into November if you just keep driving.
The Ozarks, Missouri and Arkansas
Fall colors in the Ozarks begin up north in Missouri before they slowly push their way south into Arkansas. You can start your road trip around the Lake of the Ozarks in early October and then cruise down Highway 7 as the weeks go on. The big mix of hardwood trees helps stretch this gorgeous display straight into mid-November.
Eastern Sierra, California
California gives you a totally different vibe with bright yellow and gold aspens popping against huge granite peaks. The color shift starts way up at 10,000 feet in September and drops about 1000 feet every single week. Drive down Route 395 from Virginia Lakes and end up around the Owens Valley by late October to catch the whole show.
Oregon’s Cascade Mountains and Columbia River Corridor
Oregon has a really cool mix of different moisture zones and elevations that keep the fall colors going for a long time. Mount Hood is one of the first places to change before the bright colors hit the Columbia River Gorge in late October. You will see amazing patches of fall hues mixed with dark evergreens and massive waterfalls which looks honestly unreal.
White Mountains to the Seacoast, New Hampshire
Since New Hampshire is pretty compact you can literally follow the changing leaves from the northern mountains right down to the beach. The high country turns bright by mid-September and then the color wave hits the Seacoast area around late October. Take a drive down the famous Kancamagus Highway first and finish your trip on the back roads of Hampton Falls.
Northern Michigan
The autumn colors sweep across northern Michigan starting in the Upper Peninsula before crossing over the big bridge into the Lower Peninsula. You have a huge viewing window from mid-September through late October because the northern section peaks just as the lower half is getting started. Check out the Porcupine Mountains first and then head down to Traverse City for some amazing views and maybe a little wine.
West Virginia’s Appalachian Highlands
West Virginia has some really rugged terrain that makes it a super dependable spot to see the leaves change for weeks. The show kicks off at Spruce Knob in late September and eventually works its way down into the lower river valleys. By late October you can head down to the New River Gorge to see the last bursts of autumn color before winter rolls in.
