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The best small cities to enjoy foliage in the US

09/29/2023

CHARMING LOCATIONS to see foliage in the US

Wondering where to witness the vibrant hues of autumn leaves during your U.S. travels? Look no further, as we unveil a curated guide to the most enchanting spots for fall foliage in the U.S., perfectly tailored for those bewitched by the autumnal season. Foliage aficionados often embark on picturesque pilgrimages to bask in the glow of maples, poplars, walnuts, birches, and beeches. While New England basks in its renowned autumnal splendor, numerous small towns across the nation showcase a flamboyant display of fall foliage.

ENCHANTING SMALL TOWNS FOR FALL FOLIAGE

Stowe, Vermont

Nestled in the serene state of Vermont, Stowe emerges as a quintessential destination to experience the American autumn. Known for its pristine ski slopes luring snow enthusiasts, Stowe's maples transition into mesmerizing shades of orange and red during fall, casting a magical ambiance. In the months of September and October, hiking and biking amidst this colorful canvas is nothing short of a spectacular experience.

Oakland, Maryland

Home to the esteemed Autumn Glory Festival since 1954, Oakland, Maryland, stands as an unmissable fall destination for leaf peepers aiming to marvel at U.S. foliage. The charming downtown is nestled just south of Swallow Falls State Park, famed for its majestic waterfalls and hiking trails adorned with a splendid autumnal canopy.

Snowmass Village, Colorado

Snowmass Village, perched west of Aspen, is a U.S. small town that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty. Neighboring the Rocky Mountains, it boasts year-round recreational activities, and its poplars metamorphose the landscape from lush green to radiant shades of yellow, orange, and red. For an immersive autumn experience, the Crater Lake Trail offers a pathway to two exquisite high-mountain lakes amidst vibrant foliage.

Woodstock, New York

Woodstock, renowned for the iconic 1969 festival, is also a premier destination for autumn admirers. Nestled within the expansive Catskill Park, visitors can traverse hiking trails and appreciate art installations amidst a kaleidoscope of fall colors at the Opus 40 sculpture park. Moreover, the Shawangunk Mountains unveil stunning vistas and present an excellent retreat for nature lovers.

Taos, New Mexico

New Mexico, often an overlooked gem, blooms with astonishing autumn hues, and the small desert town of Taos is no exception. Adorned with historic adobe landmarks, Taos boasts a rich Native American cultural heritage. As temperatures dip and leaves shift to warmer tones, visitors are invited to embark on a mesmerizing journey along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, unveiling some of the most enchanting fall foliage vistas in the U.S.

Franconia, New Hampshire

Cradled amidst the White Mountains, Franconia emerges as a charming U.S. town, serving as an idyllic base for those eager to explore New England’s autumn spectacle. Franconia Notch State Park, renowned for iconic fall hikes, houses trails like the Artists Bluff, offering immersive experiences amidst the radiant foliage. For an elevated perspective, adventurers can ascend via the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to bask in panoramic views of the autumnal splendor from above.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in Eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg unveils myriad vantage points to relish in the fall foliage display. The Gatlinburg SkyPark is home to North America's longest pedestrian bridge, presenting unmatched views of the changing leaves. Ober Gatlinburg’s aerial cable car provides another spectacular viewing point. Moreover, the Anakeesta theme park, with its observation tower offering 360-degree views of treetops ablaze with autumn colors, ranks among the premier spots to experience the U.S. fall season.

Banner Elk, North Carolina

Banner Elk in North Carolina is a delightful U.S. town, a canvas painted with abundant autumn hues. The vibrant gem of the town is Grandfather Mountain State Park, a haven for foliage enthusiasts. Visitors can explore over twelve miles of trails or marvel at treetop vistas from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a spectacular suspension bridge spanning a gorge.

Nashville, Indiana

Nashville, Indiana, often an understated autumn destination, transforms into a wonderland of splendid fall colors between September and November, making it a prime spot for U.S. foliage viewing. The Brown County State Park, teeming with scenic trails and panoramic viewpoints, is an absolute must-visit during the autumn season.

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Once a mining town, Jim Thorpe now serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts in the U.S., especially during fall when the Pocono Mountains unveil their captivating colors. Kemmerer Park offers walking trails to soak in the autumnal hues. For a more laid-back experience, visitors can board the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, journeying through picturesque landscapes adorned with fall foliage.

Lake Placid, New York

Situated beside a tranquil lake amidst the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is an unmissable U.S. autumn destination. A ride on the scenic Olympic Trail train offers splendid views of maple, birch, poplar, oak, and beech trees, their leaves adorned in radiant colors. The vivid foliage can also be admired from the Whiteface Mountain cable car or by renting a kayak on the lake.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry is a hidden gem for capturing stunning images of U.S. fall foliage. The prime spot for this visual feast is the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, with its splendid hiking trail winding through vibrant landscapes. After a day of exploration, the historic downtown welcomes visitors with charming bed & breakfasts and restaurants, embodying the iconic southern hospitality.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Known for its picturesque streets, waterfront location, and proximity to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a top-tier destination to relish in the country’s autumn spectacle. Each fall, from mid-September to early October, the flora transforms into a spectrum of colors, drawing in scores of visitors.

Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Fish Creek, a jewel in Door County, is characterized by its bustling commercial streets and access to the expansive Peninsula State Park. Amidst trails adorned with red, golden, and yellow leaves, the Eagle Tower emerges as a highlight, accessible by stairs or a treetop walk, offering views of the forested coastline - a quintessential American fall experience.

Where enjoy foliage in US: MAP

Munising, Michigan

Munising, a gem located in Alger County, Michigan, is a spectacle in every season, owing to the striking sandstone cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. In the fall, these cliffs are adorned with shades of red, orange, and yellow, presenting an unforgettable foliage experience. Strolls along the coastline, with the autumn hues as the backdrop, are nothing short of magical.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic is a small U.S. town that lives up to its enchanting name, featuring cozy bed & breakfasts, dining within historic structures, and magnificent fall foliage. A hike in the nearby Pachaug State Forest is a stellar option for immersing oneself in the vibrant autumn colors. After a day of nature exploration, unwind while sipping on the delectable local apple cider.

Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend is the complete package - a waterfront locale on the Olympic Peninsula, proximity to the Olympic National Park, distant snow-capped mountains, and of course, a vibrant autumn flush with color. A leisurely stroll around the iconic Point Wilson Lighthouse offers serene moments amidst the vibrant fall leaves.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Perched on the mountainside, Eureka Springs stands as one of the premier spots to witness the Ozarks' legendary fall colors. The Leatherwood Lake Trail and King's River Overlook are popular trails in close proximity. For an elevated foliage experience in the U.S., a visit to Whitaker Point, one of Arkansas’ most photographed vistas, is highly recommended.

Lenox, Massachusetts

Lenox graces the East Coast with its picturesque inns and rolling hills that transform into a canvas of vibrant colors in the fall. Nestled in the Berkshires, Lenox is a haven for foliage observation. The serene pond and trails at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary are worth exploring, and a hike in the neighboring Kennedy Park amplifies the autumn experience.