When to Go: Peak Fall Foliage by Region Across the U.S.
Discover the best times to catch stunning fall colors across different regions, ensuring your road trip is perfectly timed for those vibrant autumn views.
October 26th, 2024
Discover the best times to catch stunning fall colors across different regions, ensuring your road trip is perfectly timed for those vibrant autumn views.
October 26th, 2024
Ah, fall—when nature decides to throw a party, and the trees go full-on fabulous. From the fiery reds of New England to the golden aspens of Colorado, fall foliage season is a fleeting but magical experience. But timing it right? That’s the tricky part. One minute the leaves are showing off, and the next, they’re ghosting you like a bad Tinder date.
Lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork to break down when to hit the road and where to find peak colors in different regions across the U.S. Whether you’re rolling in a campervan, RV, or trusty old sedan, these are the dates you don’t want to miss. So grab a PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte, obviously) and let’s map out your fall foliage adventure.
Peak Time: Late September to Mid-October
Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine have peak foliage down to an art. These states are basically the Beyoncé of autumn—they just get it right every time. Expect flaming reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows scattered across quaint towns and rolling hills. The White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Green Mountains of Vermont are prime peeping zones.
Pro tip:
Avoid the tourist-packed weekends by visiting mid-week. And bring your appetite—no road trip through New England is complete without cider donuts and maple syrup everything.
Peak Time: Early to Late October
Dreaming of scenic drives along winding roads that look like a Bob Ross painting? The Catskills, Poconos, and Shenandoah National Park have your back. By early October, the forests here burst into warm yellows and deep reds that’ll make you stop and say, “Dang, nature. You didn’t have to go this hard.”
Pro tip:
Set up camp at a Vanly location along the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy both the views and some peace and quiet. After all, leaf-peeping traffic is real—and brutal.
Peak Time: Early to Mid-October
The Midwest gets in on the autumn action too, with Michigan and Wisconsin showing off big-time. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan (a.k.a. the UP) is basically a secret gem, filled with postcard-worthy colors and cool lakeside breezes. And Door County, Wisconsin? It’s practically begging you to come for the leaves and stay for the apple pie.
Pro tip:
Timing is everything here, as the Midwest’s colors can vanish overnight with the first cold snap. Stay flexible—and bring layers, because Mother Nature can be moody.
Peak Time: Mid-October to Early November
Fall takes its sweet time rolling through the Southeast, but it’s worth the wait. In the Great Smoky Mountains, the show lasts from late October to early November, with layers of color unfolding at different elevations. Start high and make your way down as the weeks progress—it’s like a slow, scenic striptease courtesy of Mother Nature.
Pro tip:
Snag a Vanly spot near Asheville, NC, and make the most of both the fall scenery and the local craft beer scene. Because let’s be honest—fall and beer go together like flannel and bonfires.
Peak Time: Mid-September to Early October
While the eastern states get all the fame, the West deserves some serious foliage love. The Rockies serve up aspen groves that shimmer in gold—like Mother Nature decided to drizzle them in honey. Colorado and Utah hit peak season earlier, so plan your trip for mid to late September. Trust us, you don’t want to miss the sight of aspen leaves quaking in the breeze. It’s mesmerizing.
Pro tip:
Stay at a Vanly property in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, and you’ll have a front-row seat to the show—minus the resort crowds.
Peak Time: Early to Mid-October
The Pacific Northwest’s fall might be more subtle (think “sophisticated indie film” rather than “blockbuster spectacle”), but it’s still a vibe. Look for pockets of fiery maples tucked between evergreen forests. Washington’s Cascade Mountains and Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge both shine during this time, offering a moody mix of mist, foliage, and cozy feels.
Pro tip:
Pack your rain gear—because, well, it’s the PNW. But hey, the drizzle just adds to the whole aesthetic, right?
Peak Time: Mid-October to Early November
Yes, California has fall foliage—no, it’s not just palm trees and beaches. In the northern parts of the state, especially around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada, autumn rolls in with bright yellows and oranges. And if you want to really change things up, Big Sur offers a rare combination of golden leaves and crashing ocean waves.
Pro tip:
Book a Vanly stay early—California’s best foliage spots are no secret, and they tend to fill up fast with weekend warriors chasing the perfect Instagram shot.
Planning the perfect fall foliage road trip is an art and a science (with a dash of weather app obsession). Leaves start changing first in the northern regions, with the show moving southward and into lower elevations as the season progresses. The earlier you head north or into higher elevations, the better your chances of catching those peak colors.
Keep in mind that foliage forecasts can vary year to year, depending on rainfall, temperatures, and how kind or chaotic the seasons decide to be. Your best bet? Stay flexible, keep an eye on foliage trackers, and be ready to hit the road at a moment’s notice.
Here’s what to bring along for a top-tier fall adventure:
• Camera or smartphone: Because it’s not leaf-peeping unless it’s on Instagram.
• Blanket and thermos: Hot cocoa tastes better under red and gold leaves.
• Portable camp stove: For those al fresco pumpkin pancakes.
• Hiking boots: You’re going to want to wander.
• Extra battery pack: Foliage photos can drain your phone faster than you’d think.
Fall waits for no one, and neither should you. If you’re craving a quiet, scenic road trip surrounded by autumn colors, the time to book your Vanly stay is yesterday. Whether you’re chasing aspen groves in Colorado or maple forests in Vermont, the perfect fall foliage experience is waiting. All that’s left to do is gas up, grab your flannel, and hit the road. 🍂
Happy leaf-peeping, fellow road warriors. We’ll see you out there, somewhere between the golden aspens and cider stands.