12 Stunning Places To Experience Autumn Foliage Around the World 2024

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As summer comes to an end, nature sets the stage for one of the most enchanting phenomena: autumn foliage. How different landscapes change from green to shades of orange, red, yellow, and gold is always a spectacular scenery. Whether it is sightseeing or capturing great photos of beautiful landscapes, you can engage in various activities once the autumn season kicks in.

If you want to experience leaf-peeping firsthand, there are specific destinations worldwide that you should visit once the summer season ends. In this post, we have hand-picked destinations that offer magnificent autumn foliage views. These destinations offer different exploration opportunities, whether you want to take a scenic drive, stroll in the city, hike, take a hot air balloon trip, or picnic under blazing trees.

Kyoto, Japan

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Japan is famed for its cherry blossoms, but if you know where to find its autumn foliage, you may have an even better experience. Kyoto is one of the best autumn foliage viewing destinations in Japan. Start by visiting Kiyomizudera Temple and enjoy scenic hillside views, turning into vibrant shades of red and orange, which is very appealing, especially during the sunset.

For a serene retreat, visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and watch the autumn foliage transform the surrounding gardens into a beam of colors.

Other perfect autumn foliage viewing spots in the city include Tofuko-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Honen-in Temple, Takao, The Kyoto Gyoen (Imperial Palace Park), and Okochi-Sanso Villa. Your camera lenses would like the shots of the charming temples amidst the scorching autumn colors.

Autumn foliage in Kyoto can be viewed from 15 October to 15 December, with the peak around 15 November. If you arrive earlier than the peak, your best bet would be to head out to the Kitayama Mountains. Uji, located just south of Kyoto, is best for the late season.

The Lake District, England

Also known as Lakeland or Lakes, the Lakes District is a national park and scenic region in the county of Cumbria, North West England. Home to the country’s highest mountains, 16 major lakes, and rolling hills, this destination is perfect for autumn lovers. At the Lake District, you will be treated to spectacular displays of color as forests and landscapes turn from green to shades of orange, yellow, brown, and red.

If you like hiking, hit trails like Helvellyn and Catbells and enjoy close-range views of the fall foliage. Other places in the Lake District that offer the best autumn foliage viewing opportunities include Allan Bank in Grasmere, Aira Force in Ullswater, and Clappersgate Bridge in Ambleside.

Loire Valley, France

Loire Valley prides itself on having rolling hills, grand chateaux, and lush vineyards blanketed in gold, yellow, red, and orange hues during the fall season. For stunning autumn scenery in the so-called ‘Garden of France,’ start by taking a carriage ride or walking in the vineyards for striking displays of golden vines.

However, you do not want to miss views from Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire; it is Loire Valley’s all-time favorite for fall foliage viewing.

Take a board ride along the Vienne River and capture this valley in all its autumn glory. For a panoramic view of Loire Valley chateaux and its fall colors, take a one-hour ride in a hot air balloon and have an unforgettable experience.

North Conway, New Hampshire, U.S.

Located at the edge of the White Mountains and Mount Washington, North Conway is a perfect fall weekend getaway for nature lovers. During your visit, take a canoe trip down the Saco River and enjoy the scenic fall foliage surrounding it as you admire the splendid countryside views.

Since North Conway is home to many beautiful mountains, you can hit the trail and enjoy sweeping views of fall foliage that stretch out as far as your eyes can see; Diana’s Bath guarantees you breathtaking views. If hiking is not for you, take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway that passes through the White Mountain National Park and get excellent fall foliage views.

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Perched above the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City is one of the most beautiful places to visit during fall. Its enchanting riverscapes and parks are awash with autumnal colors, and cool temperatures make it attractive to nature enthusiasts. Start by visiting Montmorency Fall, which is 83 meters high. Enjoy seeing the majestic falls alongside the red and orange colors of the surrounding trees. Then, drive along the Chemin du Roy historic road and get stunning views of the charming villages and autumnal foliage.

If you have more time in Quebec, you may want to visit other autumn foliage viewing spots just outside the city, such as Parc National de la Jacques-Cartie, Marais du Nord, Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canyon Sainte-Anne, and Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix.

Seoul, South Korea

Although Seoul is associated with modern skyscrapers and bustling streets, its parks and gardens are something to marvel at in the fall as the green leaves turn into magical red, yellow, and orange. For an immersive autumn color experience, visit Nami Island and explore its lakes and ponds, cycling trails, and adventure playgrounds.

Then go up N Seoul Tower, located on top of Mount Namsan, and have a sweeping 360-degree view of the city of Seoul city and the golden fall foliage in between. If you need a city escape, visit Mount Seorak National Park, whose valleys and peaks are painted in bronze, copper, and gold hues.

Gdansk, Poland

Commonly referred to as Złota Polska Jesień or the Golden Polish Autumn, Gdansk’s fall views are among the best in Poland. This season is mainly characterized by sunny and calm weather conditions, which make it ideal to visit Gdansk and experience autumn foliage.

Start your fall vacation by visiting Oliwa Park, where you will be greeted by old trees whose leaves turn yellow and red at the peak of the season. If you have more time, make a trip to Sopot, which is always flanked by beautiful autumn leaves when the season kicks in.

Bruges, Belgium

Known for its stunning architecture, famous Christmas market, picturesque streets, and delicious foods, Bruges is a charming destination in the fall. For autumn foliage scenery, visit some of the city’s gardens and parks, such as Secret Garden or Minnewater Park, and admire the sheer beauty of the changing foliage.

You can also visit St.Bonifacius and capture great photos, thanks to the lovely backdrop of brilliant autumn colors. If you have more time in Bruges, rent a bike and cycle to the nearby Damme; the autumn foliage views offer amazing perspectives.

The Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Tuscany, Italy

Places To Experience Autumn Around the World Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Tuscany, Italy — © Travelvolo / Adobe Stock

With a coverage of more than 36000 hectares, Foreste Casentinesi National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Europe. It is known to have unique flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for those who want to connect with nature.

For an optimal fall foliage experience, visit this national park between the last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November. To enable you to experience the magic of the autumn landscape, there are some special events that you can engage in. At the same time, the park includes exhibitions, workshops, food tastings, photography workshops, and walks.

New York City, New York, U.S.

Visiting New York during fall lets you enjoy views of a city painted with gorgeous autumnal colors. One of the best places to see and experience fall foliage in New York City is the iconic Central Park, where hundreds of trees change from green to hues of gold, red, and orange. Roosevelt Island is another perfect spot to explore.

If you have time, venture a little outside New York City for more spectacular autumn foliage. Cruise along the Hudson River, visit the High Line Park, or explore Bear Mountain State Park.

The Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany

Founded in 1970, The Bavarian Forest National Park covers 24250 hectares, with more than 98% of that area covered by different species of trees.

During fall, the shades of various plants and trees change from lush green to shimmering orange and red, rendering this national park a breathtaking spectacle for nature enthusiasts. To have an immersive experience, consider hitting trails such as Entlang Des Schmalzbachs Zum Schwellhäusl Trail, Baumwipfelpfad Bayerischer Wald Trail, Baumwipfelpfad Und Tier-Freigelände Trial or Lusen Rundweg Trail.

Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Lake Geneva is a perfect destination for an autumnal escape, surrounded by charming towns and the majestic Swiss Alps. Start your tour by taking a walk on Lake Geneva Shore Path.

Away from that, you can take a boat and cruise on the Lake as you admire the beautiful fall colors of the surrounding trees and plants. You can also drive along the Rustic Road Trail 11 and have a tremendous foliage-viewing experience as you pass through meadows and farmlands. For zip-line lovers or anyone who wants a bird’ s-eye view, Lake Geneva Zip Line & Adventures, which runs over the fall-painted forest canopy, will be your best treat.