Autumn is almost here in Chicago. See some of the best places to take a trip in the USA to view Fall colors!
Updated for 2025
At Hendricksen Tree Care, our favorite season is the fall season because of the changing colors of the leaves that create stunning landscapes. The Chicago area is no doubt a great place to be in the fall, but there are also many places across the U.S. where you can see amazing fall foliage while experiencing the excitement of exploring a new place. Throughout the U.S., forested areas and tree lined streets transform into amazing arrays of color, giving us our last chance to admire the beauty of the foliage before the winter arrives.
Make sure to check out our other blog about the autumn tree colors you will find in the Chicago area as well as the best places in the city and suburbs to take in the fall foliage. This blog focuses on destinations outside the Chicago area, but within the U.S., where you can view stunning fall landscapes.
As we very well know, the winter in the Chicago area can be quite harsh, especially on your trees. It is important for homeowners to make sure their trees get the last-minute care and maintenance needed to endure the winter with minimal or no damage. Our arborists at Hendricksen Tree Care provide fall tree trimming and fertilization services to ensure that your trees are ready for the winter. You can trust our professionals to assess the condition of your trees and make sure they get the care they need to survive the winter and grow back healthy and strong in the spring.
The following are some of the top destinations in the U.S. to admire the fall foliage.
Aspen, Colorado
Fall tree colors in Aspen, CO
Aspen, CO is known as an upscale ski resort town, but for a brief period in the fall, the aspen trees for which the town is named show their brilliant gold and yellow tones. What makes the landscapes around Aspen more striking in the fall is the contrast of the golden yellow leaves with the evergreen trees mixed in and the snowcapped Rocky Mountains as the backdrop.
If you want to see the fall colors in Aspen, CO, you need to visit in the second half of September. The leaves change colors in Aspen around mid-September and they have usually fallen by mid-October.
Door County, Wisconsin
Fall foliage is breathtaking throughout Door County, and not a far drive from Chicago!
Door County, WI is a popular destination to view fall foliage and it is driving distance from the Chicago area. Door County is located on the peninsula on the east side of Wisconsin that sticks out into Lake Michigan. Visitors can drive through the peninsula on Rt 57 and take in the fall colors from the forested areas that line the highways. The trees in Door County show a range of fall colors including scarlet red, orange, and gold and there are also white-framed buildings and lighthouses throughout the area. The fall colors are the best in the second and third weeks of October.
Bar Harbor, Maine
There is a large variety of fall color in Bar Harbor with numerous hiking & biking trails
Bar Harbor, ME is a top destination for fall foliage in the northeastern U.S. Bar Harbor has forested areas all along the Acadia Byway where visitors can view the diverse fall colors and the coastline. There are also plenty of biking and hiking trails where visitors can get a more intimate view of the fall foliage. The best time to see the vibrant fall colors in Bar Harbor is during the first three weeks of October.
Green Mountains in Vermont
The Green Mountains make a stunning backdrop for an Autumn road trip
The Green Mountains are a mountain range in Vermont that draw visitors each fall to see the foliage of these tree covered mountains. A variety of trees including maple, beech, and birch trees are found throughout the Green Mountain area and they provide a full spectrum of fall colors from violet reds to vibrant orange and yellows. Driving the Green Mountain byway is a great way to see the fall colors as well as the meadows, farms, and villages found in the area. The best time to visit the Green Mountains for the fall colors is between the second week of September and first week of October.
The Catskills, New York
Bastion Waterfalls in the Catskill Mountains makes for a beautiful autumn hike
The Catskills, located in southeastern New York, are known for their forests, mountain peaks, and scenic river systems. Each September, the wooded hillsides transform into a dazzling tapestry of fall colors, with vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. The best time to experience peak foliage in the Catskills is typically from mid-September through late October, when the landscape is at its most colorful and breathtaking.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts and Connecticut
One of the many sights you might see driving through The Berkshires
The Berkshires, a region in western Massachusetts and Connecticut also known as the Litchfield Hills and Berkshire Mountains, is celebrated for its scenic, forested landscapes. The mountain hamlets are filled with birch, beech, aspen, and maple trees that showcase the full spectrum of autumn colors. The area also features attractions like Kent Falls State Park, home to scenic trails and the tallest waterfall in Connecticut. The ideal time to visit is from late September to mid-October, when the foliage is at its most vibrant.
Cascade Mountains, Oregon & Washington
You can see both the beautiful “blue hour” in the Cascade Mountain Range after sunset as well as the showy fall colors during the day
The Cascade Mountains is a mountain range that runs from British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, and into northern California. The area of the Cascades near the border of Oregon and Washington is heavily forested with cottonwoods, maples, fir trees and ash trees that show red, gold, and bronze fall colors. The best places to take in the fall beauty of this area are on the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass scenic byway and the Columbia River Gorge that forms the border between Oregon and Washington. The best time to see the fall colors in the Cascades is from mid-September to mid-October.
Taos, New Mexico
Bright yellow fall colors in the Enchanted Circle of the Taos, NM area
New Mexico may not come to mind when it comes to fall foliage, but the mesas and mountain vistas around Taos, NM consist of aspens and cottonwoods that show a range of fall colors from purple and red to orange and bright yellows. When taking in this beautiful fall foliage, you may also catch a view of eagles, elk, and even black bears. The best way to view the fall colors in the area is to travel the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway that runs from Taos to Eagle Nest. The best time to see the fall colors in Taos, NM is in late September and early October.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
Fog covering the striking red, orange & yellow fall colors of the Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are a part of the Appalachian Mountains located in Tennessee and North Carolina. This mountain range is home to more than 100 species of native trees and 800 miles of roads and hiking trails. The tree covered mountains transform into stunning displays of fall colors that exhibit the entire color palette. One of the best places to take in the fall foliage in this area is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Early October through early November is the best time to see the fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Fall color along the shoreline of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is surrounded by three Great Lakes and includes around 4 million acres of forested areas. There are more than 20 state parks in which visitors can see the fall colors of sycamores, maples, oaks, ash trees, beech trees, and birch trees lining the rivers and waterfalls. Fall colors across the spectrum can be seen throughout the UP, including reds, oranges, and golden yellows. The best time to see the fall colors in the UP is from mid-September to mid-October. Those in the Chicago area can drive to the Upper Peninsula in less than a day.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Beautiful autumn sunset at Lake of the Ozarks
Many people visit the Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri during the summer, but the tree covered Ozark Hills are a stunning sight in the fall. The trees in the area exhibit an impressive palette of fall colors including shades of scarlet, mahogany, and gold. Visitors can hike, bike, horseback ride, or take a boat onto the lake to enjoy the surrounding fall foliage. The best time to visit the Lake of the Ozarks for the fall colors is in the last two weeks of October. This is another destination that you can drive to from the Chicago area.
Central Park, New York City
Central Park is an oasis of Fall color every year with over 170 species of trees
The major metropolis of New York City is not where people would expect to find stunning fall foliage, but the oasis that is Central Park does have an impressive palette of fall colors. There are around 170 different species of trees on 843 acres that show every color from purple and red to orange and yellow. Visitors can walk deep into the park and forget that they are in the middle of Manhattan or walk around the edges of the park to have the New York skyline as a backdrop. You can also see the park on one of their fall tours.
North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway, New Hampshire, is a prime destination for experiencing the vibrant colors of fall. Nestled in the scenic Mount Washington Valley, the area is surrounded by forests filled with maples, birches, and oaks, which transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold each autumn. Visitors can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and quaint town streets while taking in the breathtaking foliage. The combination of mountain views, colorful forests, and charming village scenery makes North Conway a perfect spot for enjoying the beauty of the season.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge, straddling the border of Oregon and Washington, is home to more than 50 waterfalls and breathtaking natural scenery. In the fall, the forests surrounding Mount Hood transform into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold, creating a stunning backdrop for the cascading waterfalls. Visitors can explore the gorge on foot or by bike, taking in the dramatic autumn landscape from numerous trails and viewpoints. The best time to experience peak fall colors in the Columbia River Gorge is during October and November.
Eastern Shore, Maryland
Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a peaceful and scenic escape to enjoy fall colors along the Delmarva Peninsula and Chesapeake Bay. The region is dotted with forests, waterways, and parks, where trees transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold each autumn. Elk Neck State Park provides trails for walking or biking through vibrant foliage while taking in views of the surrounding landscapes. With its mix of coastal scenery and wooded areas, the Eastern Shore is a perfect destination for a relaxing fall outing immersed in nature.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos in northeastern Pennsylvania offer a spectacular setting to experience the vibrant colors of fall. Rolling mountains and dense forests are filled with maples, oaks, and birches that transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Scenic drives, hiking trails, and charming small towns provide countless opportunities to enjoy the autumn foliage. With its combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities, the Poconos are an ideal destination for anyone looking to take in the colors of the season.
Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia is a stunning destination to enjoy the beauty of fall. The park’s forests are filled with oaks, maples, and hickories that transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold each autumn. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails that lead to the park’s centerpiece, the breathtaking Amicalola Falls, where the cascading water contrasts beautifully with the colorful foliage. With its mix of waterfalls, trails, and panoramic mountain views, the park offers an unforgettable autumn experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is known for its stunning fall foliage, with rolling mountains blanketed in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Skyline Drive offers one of the most scenic ways to take in the autumn colors, winding through forests and along overlooks with panoramic views. Hiking trails throughout the park lead visitors past waterfalls, valleys, and wooded ridges, all bursting with seasonal color. Whether driving, hiking, or simply pausing at a scenic overlook, Shenandoah provides an unforgettable autumn experience.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park in Montana offers a breathtaking backdrop for experiencing fall colors. As summer fades, the park’s forests of larch, aspen, and cottonwood transform into brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red, contrasting beautifully with the rugged mountain peaks and glaciers. Scenic drives, hiking trails, and alpine lakes provide countless opportunities to take in the vibrant autumn landscape. With its dramatic scenery and peaceful wilderness, Glacier National Park is a spectacular destination for enjoying the colors of the season.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in Maine is a stunning destination to experience the vibrant colors of fall. The park’s forests of maple, birch, and oak trees transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a striking contrast against the rocky coastline and Atlantic waters. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, carriage roads, and coastal viewpoints while taking in the breathtaking autumn foliage. With its mix of mountains, forests, and ocean vistas, Acadia offers a truly unforgettable fall experience.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching through North Carolina and Virginia, is famous for its spectacular fall foliage. Rolling mountains and dense forests are painted in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating breathtaking views at every turn. Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and charming small towns along the route provide plenty of opportunities to admire the autumn landscape. Driving or exploring on foot, visitors can experience the parkway’s iconic colors and enjoy the crisp fall air amid stunning natural beauty.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley, California, offers a unique and picturesque way to experience fall colors amid its famous vineyards. During autumn, the grapevines turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a warm and inviting landscape across rolling hills. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, vineyard tours, or wine tastings while taking in the vibrant foliage. Combined with charming towns and panoramic views, Napa Valley provides a serene and colorful autumn experience unlike any other.
Fall Tree Care from Hendricksen Tree Care
If you love experiencing fall foliage and traveling during the autumn season, the destinations highlighted above offer the perfect combination of a getaway and breathtaking scenery. From vibrant forests to scenic mountain vistas, these locations showcase some of the most stunning fall colors in the U.S. Be sure to plan your trip soon, as peak foliage in many of these areas typically does not last beyond October.
Don’t forget to give your trees the care they need during the fall season in the Chicago area. Proper maintenance and tree pruning in autumn help strengthen trees to withstand winter conditions and promote healthy growth in the spring. The professional arborists at Hendricksen Tree Care can assess the condition of your trees before winter and take the necessary steps to ensure they are well-prepared to endure the colder months.
Contact Hendricksen Tree Care today!
