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We Asked Travel Experts Their Favorite Fall Foliage Destination in the U.S.--and They All Picked the Same Place

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 15:01 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Travel + Leisure’s Experts Reveal the Nation’s Most Breathtaking Fall‑Foliage Hotspots

Every October, the United States transforms into a living canvas of amber, crimson, and gold. While the “traditional” fall‑color destinations of New England are always in the spotlight, Travel + Leisure’s panel of seasoned travel editors and writers has taken a wider look at the country’s most stunning autumn displays. In their feature, “Travel Experts Picked Their Favorite USA Fall Foliage Destination,” the magazine highlights a handful of locations that consistently offer peak color, unforgettable vistas, and a variety of travel experiences. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the article’s key take‑aways, along with additional insights gleaned from the related links the piece references.

1. The Classic: New England’s White Mountains & Green Mountains

No fall‑foliage guide would be complete without a nod to the perennial favorites of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The experts rank New England as the crown jewel of autumn color, citing:

• Peak Timing: Mid‑October, when the leaves turn their most vibrant hues.
• Must‑See Drives: The scenic Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, the Stowe Mountain Road in Vermont, and the Blue Hill–Kennebunkport route in Maine.
• Seasonal Activities: Leaf‑picking hikes, canopy‑walk tours, and the iconic New England fall festivals that celebrate pumpkin‑spiced cuisine and craft markets.

The article links to Travel + Leisure’s “Ultimate Guide to New England Fall Foliage,” which offers deeper dive travel itineraries, accommodation suggestions, and a printable “Leaf‑Watch” map to help visitors time their trips with the peak color wave.

2. The Upper Midwest: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

A surprising but increasingly popular pick is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP). The region’s high-latitude, forested landscapes deliver a dramatic late‑autumn show that many visitors miss because they focus on the East Coast. Highlights include:

• Peak Timing: Late October, often a week or two after the East Coast’s peak.
• Scenic Drives: The Sable Island Scenic Drive, the Sturgeon River Road, and the Keweenaw Peninsula’s Highway 48.
• Unique Attractions: The historic Old Mission Point Lighthouse, the Mackinac Island Bridge, and a chance to explore the famed Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in a misty, golden glow.

The article’s link to a “Fall Color Road Trip in the Upper Midwest” article recommends starting in Marquette and driving south along US‑2 before heading into the UP’s backcountry.

3. The Great Lakes & Appalachians: Ohio & West Virginia

Travel + Leisure also highlights the more mid‑country offerings, especially Ohio and West Virginia, which are often overlooked by the mainstream. The experts praise:

• Ohio’s Buckeye Trail – a 1,400‑mile hiking network that, when cut short to a few scenic spur routes, becomes a quintessential fall‑color experience.
• West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest – a 30‑mile stretch of winding roads, the Greenbrier and Spruce Mountain scenic drives.
• Seasonal Activities: Zip‑lining in the Alleghenies, small‑town farm festivals, and the “Blue Ridge Forest Festival” that pairs music with the autumn scenery.

The linked “Top 10 Places to See Fall Color in the US” article expands on these states, adding Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest and Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region to the conversation, thereby positioning Ohio and West Virginia as “hidden gems” in the foliage lineup.

4. The Southern Surprise: Texas Hill Country

While the American South is not usually associated with fall colors, the Texas Hill Country has recently risen to prominence, especially for its late‑season foliage. Travel + Leisure’s writers point out:

• Peak Timing: Late September to early October, often before the heat peaks.
• Scenic Drives: The winding Palo Duro Canyon route, the Parker’s Ridge Trail, and the Hill Country’s San Antonio Wine Trail.
• Unique Attractions: Vineyards that bloom with autumn’s golden touch, local art fairs, and the famed McKenna’s Old‑Farm Farm Tour.

A reference link to a “Fall Foliage in the Southern States” article highlights Texas’s unique mix of desert and forest scenery, underscoring that color there is as vibrant as it is unexpected.

5. The Great Outdoors: The Adirondacks & Blue Ridge

The Adirondack Mountains of New York and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia form the final segment of the experts’ top picks.

• Adirondacks – The “High Peaks” region, particularly the High Peaks Wilderness Area and the Saranac Lake Scenic Drive, offers a late‑autumn palette that blends maple, oak, and birch.
• Blue Ridge – The iconic Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville, NC, and Shenandoah National Park, VA, is a 469‑mile corridor that delivers a layered tapestry of colors, especially near the “Shenandoah Peaks” and the “Blue Ridge Forest Reserve.”

Both regions are noted for their “trail‑and‑treat” culture—short hikes that end at local diners serving pumpkin‑spiced pumpkin cheesecake and cider.

6. Planning Tips & Practicalities

Across all destinations, the article offers a wealth of planning advice, sourced from the travel experts:

• Timing is everything. The “golden hour” for leaf change varies from region to region. The article’s linked “How to Plan a Fall Foliage Road Trip” guide provides a handy spreadsheet for estimating peak times based on latitude.
• Weather can be fickle. October brings cooler temperatures, but sudden heat waves can keep leaves from changing color. The experts recommend staying flexible and checking daily weather reports.
• Accommodations. From rustic cabins to luxury resorts, the article recommends booking early, especially in peak regions like New England and the Adirondacks. It highlights a list of family‑friendly lodges that blend scenic views with kid‑approved activities.
• Transportation. If you’re traveling by car, pack snacks and a first‑aid kit for long scenic drives. Many of the highlighted routes feature “stopping points” for photo ops and leaf‑watching.
• Sustainability. The Travel + Leisure writers emphasize responsible travel, suggesting “leave no trace” practices and recommending local, eco‑friendly tours.

7. Final Thoughts

Travel + Leisure’s curated list serves as a compass for travelers who want to witness the country’s most vivid autumn displays. While the classic New England drives remain the crown jewels of fall color, the feature’s broader perspective invites readers to explore upstate Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, the Texas Hill Country, the Adirondacks, and the Blue Ridge. With each destination offering its own unique combination of landscapes, activities, and seasonal culture, the experts have successfully expanded the “fall‑foliage bucket list” beyond the usual suspects.

If you’re planning a fall getaway, consider the travel writers’ suggestions, and don’t forget to check the linked resources for deeper itineraries, accommodation tips, and practical travel tools. The United States offers an endless parade of colors; the only limit is how far you’re willing to drive. Happy leaf‑watching!