There’s nothing quite like leaves changing colors in the height of autumn. The short window when fall colors are at their peak is coveted for seasonal travel and road trips through parts of the US such as Acadia National Park, the Great Lakes, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s the time of year when we trade cozy knits for beach towels, and warm apple cider for lemonade. The time of year when the sun sets earlier, so that s’mores around the bonfire are an after-dinner treat rather than a late-night snack. The sweet smell of leaves on the ground permeates the air alongside the warm spices from freshly baked goods. It’s one of the best times of year to slow down and soak in every moment, especially since it feels like the shortest of all seasons.

If you’re thinking of planning a fall adventure this year, consider one of these colorful destinations to take advantage of peak autumn colors. Think there should be another spot on this list? Head over to our Instagram and shoot us a DM or comment on a recent post to tell us where to see the prettiest fall leaves.

Asheville, North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachians are considered the two best places in the United States to see fall foliage. Which mountain range deserves the top spot is an award we’re hesitant to give out, but they’re both deserving of a top spot. To experience the Blue Ridge in fall, Asheville, North Carolina is an excellent location to serve as a base. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best roads to experience the length of the mountains, extending from the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. While staying in Asheville, make sure to check out the River Arts District along with local breweries, two things the city is known for. Visit the famous Biltmore Estate, head downtown to rejoin society after a long day hiking the surrounding trails, and if you have time, take the 90-minute drive to Grandfather Mountain for spectacular landscapes and views. As with any mountain range, plan your trip according to the elevation that you’ll be visiting. Higher elevations see fall leaves turning earlier in the season compared to lower elevations.

Bar Harbor, Maine + Acadia National Park

Coastal Maine is the ultimate New England destination, no matter the season. While Lobster Rolls and beach days are synonymous with summer, apples and fall foliage are everything in fall. Acadia has many different trails, including the Beehive Trail, known for its lagoon surrounded by autumnal colors, views from above at Bubble Rock, and the highest point on the US Atlantic Coast - Cadillac Mountain. The stunning Ocean Path offers beautiful views of the fall colors next to the rugged Maine coastline, and don’t forget about the breathtaking sunset views. While there’s an endless amount of nature activities to fill the itinerary, Bar Harbor has quite a bit to offer as well. It’s a little late in the season for whale watching, but there’s still a chance to see a North Atlantic right whale or a Humpback. Take a culinary walking tour for an introduction to the local cuisine or dive into the town’s Gilded Age History through the Bar Harbor Historical Society. Between Acadia and the coastal town, there’s plenty to see and do for a well-planned trip.

Bayfield Peninsula, Wisconsin

While New England is considered the best region in the US to experience fall colors, the Midwest isn’t far behind, especially around the Great Lakes and extending northward into Canada. The Bayfield Peninsula in Wisconsin is one of those idyllic spots. Located on Lake Superior, Bayfield and the Apostle Islands offer the opportunity to view vibrant autumn colors from land and water. Tour the Apostle Islands sea caves for exceptional views of the area in its fall glory, take a drive along the shoreline, or simply find a quiet spot to soak it all in peacefully. Aside from taking in the leaves, the Bayfield Peninsula is a great destination for fall fun, like the Bayfield Apple Festival. Grab an apple cider donut, pick up a pumpkin or two, and break out those cozy sweaters for an early night in.

Boston, Massachusetts

There’s nowhere quite like Massachusetts in autumn. Boston is one of our favorite cities to visit this time of year. From the beautiful colors in the Boston Common to the spooky decor that fills the city, Bostonians know how to embrace the fall season fully. The chilly temperatures and rainy days offer the perfect opportunity to pop into Tatte Bakery for a coffee and pastry before ducking into one of the historic shops in Beacon Hill. The Harvard campus in Cambridge gives Hogwarts vibes, with stunning buildings surrounded by lush fall foliage. There’s something magical about Boston in autumn, and for that reason, we’ll always return once the first leave falls. For a particularly stunning experience, take the Amtrak from Syracuse to Boston (or vice versa) at the peak of autumn. The views are spectacular as you cruise through the length of Massachusetts.

Harbor Springs, Michigan

The Great Lakes are greatly underrepresented when it comes to fall travel in the US. Harbor Springs is located in the northwestern corner of Michigan’s mitten, along the coast of Lake Michigan. Not only is this small town a great destination to slow down and enjoy quiet time away, but it also boasts vibrant foliage with a particularly showstopping spot called The Tunnel of Trees. Located on M-119, the Tunnel of Trees canopies the road, giving it a tunnel-like effect that turns stunning shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall. The route also hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, providing many scenic spots to stop and enjoy the sounds of the water while soaking in the beauty of the season. Take the drive all the way through to Cross Village and make your way back for a leisurely afternoon drive. When you’re not out searching for the perfect photo backdrop, explore downtown Harbor Springs. This cozy small town has plenty to enjoy, from cafes to hiking trails, and waterfront concerts to markets.

Hudson Valley, New York

Get out of the city and visit New York’s Hudson Valley for stunning fall landscapes and charming New England small towns. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, the Hudson Valley is a region in upstate New York along the Hudson River. The area is known for beautiful landscapes, a vibrant arts community, farm-to-table cuisine, vineyards, and deep history. The Hudson Valley has many great locations to settle in for a fall getaway, from the vibrant art scenes in Rhinebeck and Beacon to the historic streets of Hudson and the Gilded Age beauty of Hyde Park. See fall foliage from the river by taking a scenic cruise, hiking one of many trails throughout the valley, or heading to the nearby Catskill Mountains for a different view. The Hudson Valley has fall festivals throughout the region, from pumpkin festivals to apple fests, art festivals, and more. It’s the ideal destination to jump headfirst into fall.

Lake Tahoe, California

Heading west, Lake Tahoe is arguably one of the most beautiful locations on the West Coast to experience fall. The forests that surround Lake Tahoe are filled with vibrant colors of yellow, red, and orange, with dozens of locations to take them all in. Unlike the East Coast and parts of the Midwest, which see peak season in the fall for tourists, Lake Tahoe slows down. Go on a long hike, take a bike ride through the forests, or simply sit near the water to fully disconnect. Some of the best spots to catch fall colors are Hope Valley and Taylor Creek, along with Big Meadow Trailhead and Spooner Lake State Park. Remember, different elevation levels affect the timing of leaf coloration. The higher the elevation, the earlier in the season foliage will start changing.

Portland, Oregon

Thanks to places like the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood National Forest, Portland is another West Coast destination worthy of a fall trip. Treat yourself to views of fall foliage reflected off waterfalls less than thirty minutes from downtown Portland. Oregon’s unique natural beauty, from the rugged landscapes to mountain peaks, river valleys, and forests with magnificent trees, offers an autumnal experience that you can’t find anywhere else. Aside from getting lost in nature, Portland has much to offer on its own, from the arts and culture to the vibrant culinary scene. If you have time, take a road trip to the coast to dip your toes in the Pacific as well.

Stowe, Vermont

Vermont is known for two things: fall colors and maple syrup. Stowe is the epitome of a cozy New England small town, reminiscent of a scene out of Gilmore Girls. It’s also led the charge in establishing Vermont as the leading maple syrup producer in the US. So while you’re coasting those country roads, don’t hesitate to stop if you see a sign for a Maple Farm. Stowe is located in the Green Mountains, part of the Appalachians, which is a large part of the reason for its scenic beauty. Hike Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, for panoramic views of the foliage. It’s a 7.5-mile hike, but it's worth it if you have the stamina! Take a scenic bikeride along the Stowe Recreation Path, enjoy all the apple cider donuts, visit the Stowe Farmer’s Market, and wander through downtown for seasonal small-town charm. You might be lucky to catch a festival, but it’s worth a visit simply to enjoy the crisp fall air for a perfect New England fall adventure.