Skip the overrun leaf-peeping spots in favor of these off-the-beaten-path fall destinations throughout the United States.
Travelers overtake areas like New England each fall to admire the changing leaves and picture-perfect landscapes. While fall is New England’s best season, the US is expansive, boasting many places to see vibrant colors and get sweeping mountain views.
These are the most underrated leaf-peeping destinations in the United States:
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Despite being a quick ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island feels like an entirely different world. Take a day or weekend trip to the charming island to admire its fall scenery. From pumpkin patches to colorful red and orange trees, there are many ways to enjoy fall on Bainbridge Island.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a surprisingly beautiful place to see autumn leaves. Rugged deserts and dramatic snow-capped peaks surround this picturesque town. Flagstaff hosts many events and boasts golden foliage in its nearby forests around fall.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Did you know the U.S. has its own Lake Geneva? The American version is in southeastern Wisconsin and is a highly underrated fall travel destination. While Lake Geneva is popular for summer vacations, autumn offers fewer crowds and picturesque landscapes.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Head to Tennessee for a classic Southeast fall experience. Chattanooga is a small but lively city in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Fall is an excellent time to visit Chattanooga for crisp weather, vibrant colors, and fun seasonal activities.
Galena, Illinois
Most travelers head to Chicago, but Galena is a fantastic alternative for fall. Walking through the historic town will transport you back to the 19th century. Its well-preserved homes and businesses are especially gorgeous when surrounded by autumn foliage.
Stillwater, Minnesota
Few know how beautiful Minnesota becomes in the fall. Stillwater, a cozy town on the St. Croix river banks, is the ultimate place to see the state’s autumnal beauty. Go apple-picking at a local orchard, hike to a waterfall framed by golden leaves, or hop on a river cruise to gain a new perspective on the town.
Boise, Idaho
Boise is a fantastic place to spend the autumn months if you want stunning scenery and minimal tourists. This underrated city sits beneath the Boise Mountains, and its natural beauty shines during fall as the leaves turn red and orange. Check out the local festivities, ranging from harvest festivals to orchards and pumpkin patches.
Spearfish, South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota boasts exceptional fall foliage, and Spearfish is the perfect town to stay in. Take a scenic drive through Spearfish Canyon and watch for mountain goats on the rocky terrain. Discover waterfalls of varying sizes tucked among the red, orange, and yellow trees, and enjoy a stroll through Downtown Spearfish after a day of outdoor adventures.
Eugene, Oregon
Towns like Bend and Portland are impressive in the fall, but Eugene takes the cake for postcard-worthy views. It’s a classic Pacific Northwest destination home to the University of Oregon, with quirky shops, art galleries, restaurants, parks, and more. Consider planning an autumn visit to admire the changing leaves and savor the moody atmosphere.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Consider Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital, for your next fall getaway. There’s always something fun to do in Raleigh, but autumn is truly unforgettable. The whole family will enjoy the local fall festivals, pumpkin patches, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Enjoy a slower pace of life on Mackinac Island, a small community in Lake Huron. This charming destination doesn’t allow automobiles, creating a peaceful backdrop for fall adventures. The island’s trees display deep red hues this time of year, and there will be far fewer tourists than during summer.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Every fall, the mountains surrounding Dahlonega in North Georgia turn breathtaking shades of orange and red. As temperatures drop, they’re ideal for wine-tasting, hiking, apple-picking, and leaf-peeping. Dahlonega is easy to explore on foot and hosts many autumnal events that are fun for all ages.
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Plan a fall vacation for Fayetteville and experience America’s newest national park, New River Gorge. The area attracts nature enthusiasts year-round who want to try fishing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.
Visit Fayetteville in the fall to skip the crowds and take advantage of the pleasant weather. It will be as pretty as a postcard this time of year, with unbelievably colorful foliage.
Experience some of the country’s best fall foliage in New England
The New England region boasts some of the best leaf-peeping in the U.S. Make your fall travel dreams a reality by heading north this autumn.
16 Charming Towns in New England for Fall Foliage
Enjoy these underrated getaways before tourists overtake them
Venture off the beaten path for your next vacation to avoid long lines and crowds. Explore these hidden gems before tourists overrun them.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
