12 Beautiful Fall Foliage Destinations That’ll Make You Wish Autumn Lasted All Year

Don’t we all love how picturesque fall foliage is? As summer heat recedes and autumn slides in, the world transforms into stunning reds, oranges, and golds. Fall foliage is truly one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.

You, however, have to know where to go to experience fall foliage at its best. You must also know when to head out to see the fall foliage. Unfortunately, the fall foliage typically lasts a few weeks. Your timing will, therefore, matter when traveling out to see fall foliage.

Are you looking for the best places to go see the fall foliage this year? We have got you covered. In this article, we show you where to go and how best to experience spectacular fall colors.

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Kyoto, Japan

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is known for its well-preserved ancient temples, traditional wooden houses, and vibrant history. Fall foliage in this city offers a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow leaves. You will especially love how Kyoto’s temples and shrines provide a unique backdrop for fall foliage. The combination of ancient architecture and colorful leaves creates picturesque scenes.

The city’s hills and rivers also offer elevated viewpoints to appreciate the full spectrum of autumn hues. Some unmissable spots include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose elevated position provides panoramic views of the city and fall colors of the surrounding forest; and Eikando Zenrinji Temple, which usually has stunning autumn colors, especially on its maples; and Tofuku-ji Temple, whose beautiful Japanese gardens see gorgeous fall foliage.

The peak of fall foliage in Kyoto is usually around mid-November to early December. During your stay, you can wander through areas like Gion and Nijo Castle to enjoy the city’s historic charm alongside the fall colors.

Quebec, Canada

Quebec, one of Canada’s provinces, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, which transform into vibrant fall foliage from late September to mid-October. Quebec’s landscape, dotted with rivers, forests, and lakes, dramatically enhances the vivid fall colors. You will also have an opportunity to take scenic drives, like Route des Vins, which offers stunning views of fall colors.

Some of the best places to see fall foliage in Quebec include Mont-Tremblant, which offers stunning fall views from the summit and scenic drives through the surrounding Laurentian Mountains; Charlevoix Region, which has hills and charming villages that provide excellent views of fall colors; and Quebec City, especially in areas like the Plains of Abraham and Montmorency Falls.

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Roadtrip lovers, Blue Ridge Parkway offers you the best way to see fall foliage. This scenic drive stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

The drive has numerous overlooks and pull-offs where you can admire the vibrant colors along the way.

On your drive, do not miss out on Clingmans Dome, the parkway’s highest point, which offers sweeping views of the fall colors. Other great viewing spots include Linville Gorge, Waterrock Knob, and Grandfather Mountain.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation provides leaf reports to help tourists plan their trips based on the peak foliage conditions.

Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, features landscapes like mountains, forests, and hot springs. One thing about Hokkaido’s fall foliage is its distinction.

From early September to October, you will not have to worry about missing the foliage; the fall colors here become as vibrant and fiery as they can get. Its northern location and cool temperatures contribute to distinct colors and the extended foliage season.

For the best viewing opportunities, visit national parks like Daisetsuzan, Shiretoko, and Kushiro Shitsugen.

Other amazing viewing spots include Takimi Bridge, Hoheikyo Dam, Jozankei Onsen Area, and Sapporo International Ski Resort, which offers gondola rides for panoramic views of the foliage.

Tuscany, Italy

There are so many reasons to love Tuscany, from its contribution to the Renaissance to its wines and vineyards, beautiful castles, historic cities, and charming villages. However, you cannot overlook that it is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Europe. It is truly an all-round destination.

The region’s vineyards and olive groves turn a stunning array of colors in the fall, creating a warm palette of golden yellows, rich oranges, and deep reds. Tuscany’s best fall foliage viewing spots include the Chianti Region, Val d’Orcia, San Gimignano, and areas just outside Florence, like Fiesole.

Remember, Autumn is harvest season, so visiting vineyards can provide a unique experience, with opportunities to see grape harvests and enjoy wine tastings.

Adirondack Mountains, USA

The Adirondack Mountains are located in the northeastern New York State region, encompassing over six million acres of protected land. The area includes a vast wilderness of mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests, offering various outdoor activities and natural beauty.

From late September to late September to mid-October, the dense forest of the Adirondack Mountains turns into vibrant fall colors.

You can enjoy the view of the foliage from multiple vantage points or take in the reflection of the foliage from Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.

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The park has numerous hiking trails that offer elevated views and intimate encounters with the foliage. For better views, you can also drive through Adirondack Loop and Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway.

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Bavarian Forest, Germany

Bavarian Forest National Park is another destination that offers some of Europe’s most captivating fall foliage. The Bavarian region is known for many things, including charming villages, castles, and beautiful landscapes. Its stunning fall foliage makes it a prime autumn destination in Europe.

The area comprises densely forested mountains, offering elevated foliage views. Some of the best viewing spots include Großer Arber, the highest peak in the Bavarian Forest; Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald, a park within Bavaria featuring hiking trails and viewpoints.

Rachelsee Lake is a scenic lake surrounded by forested hills, offering beautiful reflections of the fall colors, and Lusen Mountain offers gorgeous views of the colors from its summit.

Great Smoky Mountains, USA

The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States and can be visited year-round. However, fall is, without a doubt, the best time to visit this park. The views of the rolling mountains covered in fall foliage are one sight to behold.

When exploring the park in the fall, make sure to stop at Cades Cove, a picturesque valley with beautiful views of fall colors, or hit the Newfound Gap Road.

This scenic drive takes you through various elevations, offering multiple viewpoints and opportunities to see the changing colors. If you are into hiking, the Alum Cave Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Laurel Falls Trail provide opportunities to see the fall colors up close.

Lapland, Finland

Lapland, the northernmost part of Finland, is renowned for its Arctic wilderness, unique cultural heritage, and opportunities to experience the Northern Lights. From late September to early October, Lapland is covered in vibrant golden yellows, fiery reds, and rich oranges.

The best viewing locations include Rovaniemi, Ylläs, Saariselkä, and Kakslauttanen. Kakslauttanen, with its glass igloos, is a fantastic place to witness the fall foliage and northern lights.

Yes, you may be lucky to spot the northern lights in the fall. So, check the local forecasts and prepare to head out to chase them.

Stowe, Vermont, USA

Beautiful Destinations for Fall Foliage in the World Stowe Vermont — © SNEHIT PHOTO / Adobe Stock

The New England states are known to be some of the best places for fall foliage viewing in the United States. In Vermont, one of the 7 New England States, you will have numerous fall foliage viewing destinations, but Stowe is unsurpassed.

Stowe is a picturesque northern Vermont town tucked in the Green Mountains. The backdrop of the Green Mountains, covered in brilliant fall colors, makes the viewing experience even more elevated.

You can also take scenic drives around and just outside the town to experience the fall colors from the comfort of your car. Smuggler’s Notch, a scenic pass through the mountains, provides unbeatable views of the surrounding foliage. You may also hike or bike the Stowe Recreation Path, which offers opportunities to view the foliage at your own pace.

You may also want to head to Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, for panoramic views of the fiery colors. Lastly, the Trapp Family Lodge also offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with beautiful fall colors visible from its grounds.

Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley, stretching along the Loire River, is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic châteaux, and wine production. The combination of colorful vineyards and historic castles looks like a scene from a painting. The Loire River also provides reflective views of the fall foliage.

The best way to see the foliage in Loire Valley is by renting a car. This allows you to travel between the various towns, châteaux, and vineyards, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The town of Amboise is an especially great spot for viewing the vibrant colors. The views are made even better by the town’s riverside setting and historic castle.

The gardens of the castles also make great fall colors. Château de Villandry, Château de Chambord, and Château de Chenonceau offer excellent fall foliage viewing amidst historic charm.

Mount Greylock, Massachusetts, USA

Mount Greylock in Massachusetts is another destination that offers a quintessential New England fall experience with its stunning foliage, mountain views, and charming atmosphere.

The Mount Greylock State Reservation is a protected area known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Scenic drives through this reservation area are the best way to see fall foliage.

Summiting Mount Greylock also provides expansive views of the fall foliage, with a panoramic perspective of the Berkshires and beyond. Being the highest point in Massachusetts, the view from the summit of Mount Greylock stretches for as far as the eyes can see.