Best fall foliage not in New England

When people picture fall foliage, New England usually takes center stage — but the most dazzling displays stretch far beyond Vermont’s covered bridges or Maine’s country roads. Across the US, mountain ranges, lakefronts, vineyards, and even high deserts burst into color each autumn, painting landscapes in shades of crimson, gold, and fiery orange. From the Appalachian ridges of Tennessee and West Virginia to the canyons of New Mexico, the vineyards of California, and the waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest, here are eight underrated places where fall delivers a show every bit as unforgettable as New England’s famous leaves.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Covering more than 500,000 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US, drawing more than 13 million people each year. It’s home to some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi, a dense network of trails, and wildlife ranging from elk to black bears — and in the fall, the mountains turn into a weeks-long spectacle of color.

Because the leaves change first at higher elevations in late September and later at lower elevations through the end of October, you get one of the longest foliage windows in the country. The trees themselves also vary with altitude, so you’ll see different tones above and below 4,000 feet. The best way to take it in is on foot, following trails that lead through forests lit up in the colors of carrots, lemons, and wine to viewpoints where the whole range spreads out before you.

If you want the full mountain experience, check out these Smoky Mountain cabins — from rustic hideaways tucked in the trees to modern retreats overlooking the ridges. Each one makes a perfect base for exploring the park’s trails and viewpoints.

New River Gorge, West Virginia

Designated a national park and preserve in 2021, West Virginia’s New River Gorge is one of the newest additions to the US national park system — and one of its most underrated. Carved by the ancient New River and framed by sheer sandstone cliffs, the gorge is beautiful year-round, but fall transforms it into a riot of color.

A mix of beech, birch, sumac, locust, and oak trees paint the canyon walls in shades ranging from dusty yellow to deep claret. For one of the best views, hike the mile-and-a-half Long Point Trail to an overlook with a front-row seat to the gorge and the famous New River Gorge Bridge. Rafting and climbing are popular here too, so it’s easy to pair a day of outdoor adventure with a backdrop of blazing fall foliage. Peak colors usually arrive in the last two weeks of October.

If you want to make a trip of it, check out these cozy Airbnbs near New River Gorge, with options ranging from riverside cabins to modern lodges near Fayetteville — the lively small town just minutes from the park’s main visitor center.

Taos, New Mexico

In a state as dry as New Mexico, you might not expect fall foliage to put on much of a show. But aspen trees love high altitude, and Taos is nothing if not high. From the last week of September through early October, the area’s aspen groves light up the mountains in brilliant yellow and orange, set against the dark greens of ponderosa pines. The effect is especially striking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where the crisp air makes the colors pop even more. There are plenty of ways to take it all in.

Hiking and scenic drives offer close-up views, but one of the most memorable experiences is from the air: Pueblo Balloon Company flies year-round, giving riders sweeping views of the Rio Grande Gorge and surrounding peaks. Time your visit for late October and you can catch the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally, when dozens of hot-air balloons float above the fall colors.

For a stay that reflects Taos’s blend of tradition and creativity, check out these popular Airbnbs in Taos. Options range from historic adobe homes to modern retreats framed by mountain views, all within easy reach of the town’s galleries, restaurants, and trails.

Aspen, Colorado

It’s no coincidence that one of the best places to see aspen trees is the town that bears their name. Aspens are the most widely distributed native tree in North America, and they thrive at Colorado’s high elevations, where entire mountainsides turn a luminous gold each fall.

The best time to catch the spectacle is from mid-September to mid-October, when groves ripple in the wind like fields of light. In Aspen and the surrounding Roaring Fork Valley, you’ll find a mix of easy-access views and deeper backcountry experiences. Independence Pass, Maroon Bells, and Castle Creek Road all offer unforgettable drives framed by glowing stands of aspens. If you prefer to get out on foot, trails near the Maroon Bells or Smuggler Mountain put you right among the trees, where the crunch of fallen leaves is part of the experience. With wildfire risk increasingly shaping the landscape here, locals note that the colors can peak quickly — so it’s worth planning a flexible trip.

When it comes to where to stay, Aspen lives up to its reputation as a glamorous mountain town. Check out these stunning Aspen Airbnbs for everything from slopeside condos to riverside retreats, many within walking distance of the town’s dining and nightlife.

Napa and Sonoma valleys, California

Northern California’s mountainsides may stay green year-round thanks to redwoods and pines, but in wine country, fall looks very different. From Sonoma Valley to Napa Valley, vineyard rows blaze gold as grape leaves shift with the season — a dramatic backdrop to harvest time.

Drive the Silverado Trail in Napa for sweeping views across the valley, or head to West Dry Creek Road in Sonoma, north of Healdsburg, where vineyard after vineyard glows in autumn yellow. The colors typically peak in October and often last into early November, coinciding with the grape harvest and seasonal festivals. It’s worth noting that harvest season brings big crowds, so plan ahead for tastings and scenic drives. In recent years, shifting weather patterns and wildfire seasons have added an unpredictable element, but locals say the changing landscape makes the colors — and the wines — all the more memorable.

If you’re looking for a place to stay among the vines, check out this guide to California’s must-visit wine regions, which highlights the best stays in Napa and Sonoma alongside recommendations for wineries and towns to explore. Whether you choose a chic downtown Airbnb or a vineyard-side retreat, waking up to rows of golden leaves is part of the experience.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

To folks in Michigan, it’s no surprise that the Upper Peninsula is one of the best leaf-peeping spots in the country. Stretching between Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, the UP is vast and wild — bigger than several US states — and its forests of beech, birch, maple, oak, and hemlock light up each fall in a palette of reds, oranges, and golds.

Marquette is an ideal base, with hikes up Sugarloaf Mountain or Marquette Mountain offering sweeping views of Lake Superior backed by fiery treetops. Further north on the Keweenaw Peninsula, the scenery gets even more dramatic: water on both sides of the narrow finger of land, historic mining towns, and winding drives through tunnels of color. The Keweenaw’s Brockway Mountain Drive is one of the Midwest’s classic fall routes, with panoramic lookouts over Lake Superior. The season here comes earlier than in much of the country — late September into mid-October is usually peak time. Fall festivals and apple orchards add to the atmosphere, making a road trip through the UP as much about small-town stops as it is about sweeping landscapes.

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County is already a perfect destination for a weekend road trip, and fall makes it even better. With spruce, walnut, and ash trees, along with countless maples and evergreens, the peninsula’s woodlands ignite in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Drive the famous Highway 42 — the road with the whimsical zigzag near Northport — or cruise the Door County Coastal Byway, looping through shoreline towns, orchards, and forests framed by Lake Michigan and Green Bay. In Peninsula State Park, you can hike the bluffs for sweeping water views, while Potawatomi State Park’s Old Ski Hill Overlook is another rewarding vantage point. The season isn’t just about the leaves. Door County’s orchards brim with apples and cherries, lavender fields add a late-season flourish, and towns like Fish Creek and Sister Bay host harvest festivals and traditional fish boils. Pair the colors with a ferry trip to Washington Island or a cider tasting at Island Orchard, and you’ll see why this part of Wisconsin has been dubbed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”

For a stay that matches the scenery, check out this Door County getaway guide for tips on local accommodations. The Liberty Lodge at Sister Bay is a favorite for lakefront views and a relaxed, classic Door County feel, while inns and cabins across the peninsula offer cozy bases close to trails, parks, and waterfront sunsets.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Fall in the Pacific Northwest looks different than in the rest of the country, and the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most photogenic spots to experience it. Here, big-leaf maples, Oregon ash, and cottonwoods turn golden in mid-October, lining the cliffs and riverbanks with warm hues.

What makes the scenery especially memorable are the waterfalls — Multnomah, Latourell, and Wahkeena among them — cascading through canyons framed by fiery foliage. The Historic Columbia River Highway offers some of the best leaf-peeping in the region, with viewpoints like Crown Point providing sweeping panoramas of the Gorge. For hikers, trails to Bridal Veil Falls or the climb up Angel’s Rest immerse you in the colors, with dramatic river views as a reward. The area tends to peak a little later than other parts of the country, making it a good choice for an October road trip.

For a base, look to the small towns along the Gorge. Hood River is a perennial favorite, with its mix of farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and orchards, while Stevenson and Cascade Locks offer a quieter, small-town feel with easy access to trails and viewpoints.