If you’re looking to head out on the road on a scenic drive and want to take in the best fall foliage, you’re in luck, because the experts at USA Today have put together a collection of the best places to view fall colors across America. Even if you don’t live near one of these spots, it might be worth booking a trip to enjoy the colors. Book early, though, as some leaf peepers book trips to these spots up early.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is No. 1
The experts at USA Today have come out with their much-anticipated tally of the best places for fall colors. “These 10 destinations — selected by an expert panel and voted by our readers as the top spots in the U.S. — are ideal for viewing the entire spectrum of fall foliage,” they note.
Fall is the best time to head out the best road trips and look at scenic colors, and we’re about to hit that time of year when the colors start changing across most of the U.S. We’re really blessed to have such gorgeous fall colors in this county, and taking in these colorful hues is always the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons.
Let’s not play around and get to the No. 1 pick. It’s the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. That’s a very popular spot for fall leaf peeping, and since it’s so northern, the colors change earlier than in most parts of the country. “With around 7 million acres of forest abutting the shores of three different Great Lakes, changing leaves are the main event each fall in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” the experts at USA Today write. “With 10 fall color routes that cover a total of nearly 1,500 miles, there are endless opportunities for a peaceful autumn drive to soak in the scenery.”
No. 2 on their tally is Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania. “Autumn colors peak in this region of the Allegheny Mountains around mid-October, making for a stunning show,” USA Today writes. “The plethora of hiking and biking trails, including a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage, mean it’s easy to explore the highlands during the height of the season. Several fall festivals add to the welcoming vibes in this region each October.”
U.S. News and World Report also has their tally of favorites out. For them, No. 1 is Acadia National Park in Maine. “Located about 160 miles northeast of Portland, the park boasts the diverse natural beauty of the Atlantic shoreline, including majestic mountains. Peak leaf season in Acadia traditionally falls in the middle of October,” they note. “This is when you’ll see the vibrant displays of oranges, reds and yellows, especially along the Acadia All-American Road, one of the best scenic drives to view the fall colors.”
Travel and Leisure picks Stowe, Vermont, as one of their favorite spots. “One of the best small towns in the U.S. to see fall foliage, the charming spot typically showcases dazzling hues from mid-September through mid-October,” they note. “The surrounding area is a fun place to hike and bike, with trails of varying levels of difficulty.”