12 Best Mountain Towns to See Fall Foliage in the U.S.
With cool temps and colorful leaves, these scenic mountain towns feel especially welcoming in the fall.
Fall is a magical time of year, when the leaves change colors and transform the landscape into a stunning display of vibrant hues. To truly experience the beauty of the season, there’s nothing quite like visiting a mountain town. The combination of cooler temperatures, crisp air, and breathtaking scenery makes for the perfect autumn getaway. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin retreat, outdoor adventure, or simply a peaceful escape, these 12 mountain towns in the U.S. are the ideal destinations to see fall foliage.
Here are the 12 best mountain towns to see fall foliage in the U.S.:
1. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is famous for its stunning fall foliage, with groves of golden aspen trees that cover the mountainsides. Visitors can take a scenic drive through Independence Pass or hike one of the many trails in the area to get up close and personal with the changing leaves.
2. Stowe, Vermont
Known as the “Fall Color Capital,” Stowe is a charming New England town surrounded by the Green Mountains. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the maple and birch trees create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and even hot air ballooning.
3. Boone, North Carolina
Boone is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers breathtaking views of fall foliage. Visitors can explore the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or hike to the summit of Grandfather Mountain for panoramic vistas of the changing leaves.
4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Situated at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is a popular destination for fall foliage. The vibrant colors of the leaves contrast beautifully with the scenic mountain landscape, making it the perfect location for a scenic drive or a hike along one of the many trails.
5. Lake Placid, New York
Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid offers breathtaking fall foliage views. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the picturesque Mirror Lake or hike one of the many nearby trails to see the vibrant colors up close.
6. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fall foliage, but its unique desert landscape transforms into a stunning display of color in the fall. The red rocks and golden leaves create a mesmerizing contrast that is truly one-of-a-kind.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its vibrant fall foliage. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or explore the colorful gardens at the Biltmore Estate to see the leaves in all their glory.
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole offers some of the most dramatic fall foliage in the country, with the Teton Range providing a stunning backdrop. Visitors can take a scenic drive through Grand Teton National Park or hike one of the many trails in the area to soak in the beauty of the changing leaves.
9. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a picturesque coastal town that is also known for its stunning fall foliage. Visitors can explore Acadia National Park, take a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road, or hike one of the many trails in the area to see the vibrant colors up close.
10. Telluride, Colorado
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers breathtaking fall foliage views. Visitors can take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain for panoramic vistas of the changing leaves, or hike one of the many nearby trails to see the vibrant colors up close.
11. Hanover, New Hampshire
Home to Dartmouth College, Hanover is a charming New England town that comes alive with fall foliage. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the Dartmouth Green or explore the vibrant campus to see the changing leaves.
12. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village located in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. The combination of charming architecture and stunning fall foliage creates a picturesque setting that is perfect for a fall getaway.
Main takeaway:
Fall is the perfect time to visit a mountain town and experience the beauty of the changing leaves. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, outdoor adventures, or simply a peaceful escape, these 12 mountain towns in the U.S. offer some of the best fall foliage views in the country. So pack your bags, grab
