Fall is one of those rare seasons where even people who don’t usually notice trees start pulling over to take photos of them. And I get it — when the leaves turn, it’s like nature’s version of fireworks, only quieter and with more flannel.
As a fine art photographer, I spend a good amount of time chasing color, light, and the occasional "wow" moment—sometimes at 5:30 a.m. on a mountain pass with cold fingers and too much gear. But not everyone wants to hike ten miles to see a golden aspen grove. So whether you're planning a scenic road trip or just like to dream about them from your couch, here are ten of the best places in the U.S. to experience fall color at its finest.
Oh, and if you’re not able to visit these spots in person? Don’t worry — I’ve got a gallery full of nature’s greatest hits that can bring the outdoors inside, minus the bug spray.
1. Telluride, Colorado
Peak color: Late September to early October
If fall had a VIP lounge, Telluride would be hosting the party. Nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, this former mining town is now a golden paradise every autumn. Quaking aspens light up the hillsides like they’re trying to outshine each other — and honestly, they succeed.
Driving the Last Dollar Road or Million Dollar Highway in late September feels like entering a postcard. You'll get sweeping views, crisp mountain air, and a legitimate excuse to say “Wow” out loud every three minutes.
I’ll be heading here later this month for a photo shoot, so expect new fall portfolio work soon. And yes, I’ll try not to pack too much gear (but we both know how that goes).
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus
Once you're finished with this article, don't forget to sign up for my newsletter near the bottom of the page to be the first to see new fall art from this trip when it drops.
2. Acadia National Park, Maine
Peak color: Early to mid-October
If you’ve ever wanted fall color with a side of ocean breeze and lobster rolls, Acadia is calling. This rugged slice of the Maine coast offers fiery sugar maples set against granite cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves. It's an unlikely combo, but it works — really well.
Drive the Park Loop Road, climb to the top of Cadillac Mountain, or just wander around Jordan Pond and let nature do its thing. It’s moody, dramatic, and surprisingly quiet if you time it right.
This is why people wake up early in Maine. Acadia’s fall colors aren’t subtle — they’re loud, proud, and totally worth the trip.
3. Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC
Peak color: Mid to late October
They don’t call them the Smokies for nothing. As autumn rolls in, misty blue ridgelines turn into a layered painting of reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s the kind of place where you can drive 10 miles and see 20 types of trees changing color — and yes, they each take their sweet time.
The Blue Ridge Parkway and Clingmans Dome are classic viewpoints, but even the roadside pull-offs are worth a stop. Just watch out for bears. And selfie sticks.
"The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go." - Unknown
4. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Peak color: Mid to late October
There’s something about waterfalls framed by red and gold leaves that makes a photographer’s heart flutter. The Columbia River Gorge delivers just that — dramatic cliffs, moody weather, and forests that light up like a warm fire.
Multnomah Falls is the headliner, but there are dozens of smaller falls nearby that are just as photogenic and slightly less swarmed. Pro tip: bring a microfiber cloth. Or ten.
Multnomah Falls doing what it does best: being dramatic and photogenic, especially in fall. Oregon really knows how to show off this time of year.
5. The Catskills, New York
Peak color: Early to mid-October
Want classic East Coast charm with a bit of mountain drama? The Catskills are your spot. Think winding back roads, red barns, covered bridges, and hills that look like someone spilled pumpkin spice all over them.
You don’t have to hike far to find a view — which is nice if your idea of fall activity includes apple cider donuts and vintage shopping.
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." - L.M. Montgomery
6. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
Peak color: Late September to early October
Fall color in New Mexico? Believe it. The 83-mile loop between Taos, Angel Fire, and Red River is lined with golden aspens, crisp alpine meadows, and that classic Southwestern light. It’s unexpected and totally worth the drive.
The name “Enchanted Circle” sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, and honestly, it fits. It’s peaceful, glowing, and a little magical — as long as you’re okay with the occasional herd of elk photobombing your shot.
7. Door County, Wisconsin
Peak color: Early to mid-October
If you're looking for fall charm without the mountain terrain, Door County is where it's at. This Wisconsin peninsula serves up small-town Americana, lakefront views, and trees that know how to put on a show.
Grab a slice of cherry pie, wander through a vineyard, or just enjoy the colors reflecting off Lake Michigan. It’s a slower pace, but in the best way possible.
8. Glacier National Park, Montana
Peak color: Mid to late October
While most people head to Glacier in the summer, fall has a quiet magic all its own. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the larch trees — a conifer that goes gold before dropping its needles — light up the landscape.
It’s like nature’s last hurrah before winter arrives. And let’s be honest, golden trees in front of snow-capped peaks is kind of hard to beat.
9. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Peak color: Mid to late October
Skyline Drive is 105 miles of scenic goodness, winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains with views that stretch for miles. It’s also one of the most accessible places to see fall color — you can admire the foliage without ever leaving your car (though I do recommend stepping outside at least once).
Every overlook feels like a Bob Ross painting waiting to happen. Happy little trees, included.
Shenandoah’s fall glow at sunset, looking like it just got back from a vacation and wants you to know about it. Underrated? Definitely.
10. The Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Peak color: Late September to early October
The UP doesn’t always make the national lists, but it should. Picture dense forests, remote lakes, hidden waterfalls, and fall color that feels untouched. It’s a bit of a trek, but that’s part of the charm.
The Porcupine Mountains are a standout area, especially for wide-open views of the changing canopy. Bonus: fewer crowds, more moose sightings.
Honorable Mention: Tumwater Canyon, Washington
Peak color: Early to mid-October
Just outside of Leavenworth, Washington, Tumwater Canyon is a fall color gem tucked in the Cascades. Think blazing red vine maples, golden cottonwoods, and a winding river carving through it all.
I’ve photographed this area extensively, and while the town of Leavenworth gets all the tourist buzz, it's the canyon that really delivers when the leaves turn.
Check out my Leavenworth Fall Gallery for a peek at what it looks like when this place is showing off.
Summing Up
Fall in the U.S. is an experience — and not just because everything gets pumpkin-flavored. From golden aspens in Colorado to fiery forests in Maine, the variety of color, terrain, and atmosphere across the country is incredible. Whether you're a road tripper, hiker, or someone who just enjoys a good leaf crunch underfoot, there’s a fall destination with your name on it.
Can’t make it to all these places this year? I get it. Life’s busy, flights aren’t cheap, and not everyone enjoys fighting with camera gear on a mountain pass. That’s why I create fine art prints — to help bring these moments and moods into your home (minus the cold hands and elevation gain).
Feel free to browse my fall-themed gallery, and if you want to be the first to know when I release new work from my upcoming Colorado and East Coast trips, sign up for my newsletter below.
Happy fall — and happy leaf peeping, wherever it finds you.
