The Most Underrated Places in America to See Stunning Fall Colors
Fall colors get plenty of press in places like Vermont and New Hampshire, but they aren’t all there is. There are scenic routes across the U.S. where autumn turns everything golden, but barely anyone talks about them. These destinations aren’t overrun with tourists or wrapped up in travel hype, but when the leaves start turning, they’re exactly where you’ll want to be.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas
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Maple trees put on a fall show in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. The rare Uvalde bigtooth maples paint the canyons red and orange. The park’s main loop trail covers just over four miles and passes several scenic overlooks.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
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Between Cleveland and Akron, this national park covers nearly 33,000 acres and slips under most people’s radar. Brandywine Falls is one of the most photogenic spots when surrounded by yellow and rust-colored leaves. Towpath Trail follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal and becomes a tunnel of trees in autumn.
Door County, Wisconsin
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Door County has 300 miles of shoreline. Peninsula State Park stands out for fall hikes, especially the Eagle Trail along the bluffs. Local farms offer apple picking, while small towns like Fish Creek and Egg Harbor provide just enough detour for pie and cider.
Plum Orchard Lake, West Virginia
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This 202-acre lake in Fayette County draws fishermen year-round, but fall is when its surroundings really shine. You can paddle out in a kayak or rowboat for the best views—the water mirrors the treeline. The maple and oak forests nearby make for solid hiking, too.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
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Looping around northern New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this 83-mile drive connects Taos, Red River, and Eagle Nest. Cottonwoods and aspens dominate the color shift, and some of the best roadside stops happen near Bobcat Pass and the Moreno Valley. You’ll also spot a few early snow caps on the mountains.
Massapequa Preserve, New York
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Not far from Manhattan, this 432-acre preserve in Nassau County turns up stunning autumn color by late October. The Bethpage Bikeway cuts through the woods. Unlike Central Park, you won’t be weaving through crowds with cameras. It’s ideal for a low-key fall outing.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
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Nicknamed the “American Alps,” this park has rugged mountain backdrops and fall foliage that peaks early. Maple Pass Loop, near Lake Ann, is just under seven miles and offers sweeping views of alpine lakes framed by yellow larches and red huckleberry bushes.
Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
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Most fall lovers head straight to Stowe or Woodstock, but this quieter 11-mile route between Waterbury and Stowe offers a more peaceful drive. Along the way, you’ll pass covered bridges and open farmland. Stop for cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill or take a detour to hike Mount Hunger for a mountaintop view.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
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This stretch of land is best known for its waterfalls, but fall colors make it extra special. Trails like Wahkeena Falls Loop and Latourell Falls showcase the bright foliage wrapped around basalt cliffs. October is the sweet spot, and fewer tourists means you’ll hear more leaves crunching.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
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The Berkshires mix art museums, historic inns, and a few serious hiking trails. Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak, offers panoramic views of the rolling hills dressed in crimson and amber. Towns like Lenox and Stockbridge add a small-town charm with bookstores and cafe stands filled with pumpkins and cider jugs.
Cape May, New Jersey
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Cape May Point State Park offers a mix of coastal wetlands and colorful forests. Climb the lighthouse for a sweeping view of autumn meeting the Atlantic. Plus, fall bird migration makes this a hot spot for bird watchers, especially during October.
Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
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Over 1.2 million acres of protected land stretch across northern Arkansas, and fall transforms the mountains and valleys. Pig Trail Scenic Byway cuts through some of the best color, surrounded by maple, hickory, and oak trees. Trails like Whitaker Point and Glory Hole Falls become particularly photogenic with golden backdrops.
Eastern Shore, Maryland
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Elk Neck State Park sits at the head of the Chesapeake Bay and makes a great base for walks. Hike to the Turkey Point Lighthouse, which overlooks the bay and combines fall colors with water views that feel more New England than Mid-Atlantic.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
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The Willamette Valley has over 700 vineyards that turn a soft gold in the fall. Beverage tasting rooms are quieter, and trails near places like Alsea Falls mix color with the sound of rushing water. The stretch between Salem and Eugene has the most diverse terrain, including hillsides lined with maples and oaks.
Franklin, Tennessee
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Franklin’s historic downtown gets dressed up in yellow and red by early November. Follow the Natchez Trace Parkway for a scenic drive through hardwood forests. The area’s mix of poplar, maple, and hickory trees means the leaves don’t all turn at once, so the color lasts a little longer.
Hudson Valley, New York
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Millerton’s Harlem Valley Rail Trail is great for long walks or casual biking. Vineyards, cider houses, and small farms keep things interesting between foliage stops. The area peaks in mid-October, but late bloomers like oaks hold their color through Halloween.
Fallingwater, Pennsylvania
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural landmark is even more impressive when framed by fall trees. The combination of amber and rust pairs well with the stone and glass design. Combine your visit with nearby trails like Bear Run Nature Reserve for a nature-and-culture double feature.
Black Hills, South Dakota
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Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is the highlight of Black Hills, with towering limestone cliffs and thick groves of aspen and birch. Late September into early October is the best time to visit. While driving, look for waterfalls and wildlife; bison herds in Custer State Park are especially active once temperatures drop.
Great River Road, Mississippi
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This National Scenic Byway follows the Mississippi River through multiple states, but the stretch through Mississippi hits differently in the fall. Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway, where soft hills and dense woods change color slowly. You’ll also find Civil War landmarks and historic river towns along the way.
Finger Lakes Region, New York
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The lakes in this region create a natural mirror for the changing trees and amplify the color without much effort. The “Grand Canyon of the East” has waterfalls surrounded by burnt orange hillsides. Wineries near Keuka Lake make it easy to end a hike with a glass of Riesling and a panoramic view.