Best Fall Foliage Destinations In The U.S. 2025

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Whitney Bruno, Forbes Staff

Forbes Vetted

Every September and October, millions travel to the best fall foliage destinations in the U.S. for front-row views of the season’s beautiful landscapes. As autumn rolls on, vibrant red and orange treetops emerge everywhere from the Northeastern coasts to the Western mountain regions—a hallmark of the season.

Iconic sites include Northeast coastal gems like Burlington, Vermont and Bar Harbor, Maine, as well as national parks like the Great Smoky Mountains. “Fall foliage trips are the ultimate reminder that it’s about the journey, not just the destination—so embrace the detours, take your time and soak it all in,” says Connor Smith, senior vice president of global brands at IHG Hotels and Resorts. Ahead, here are the best fall foliage destinations in the U.S. for 2025, plus where to stay near each one.

Where To Stay Near The Best Fall Foliage Destinations In The U.S.:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee And North Carolina

Who Will Love It: Hikers; history buffs; animal lovers

What Not To Miss: Driving along the Newfound Gap Road for picturesque outlooks and photo ops

All-Star Attractions: Kuwohi; Alum Cave Trail; Abrams Falls

Where To Stay: Blackberry Farm; Rocky Waters Motor Inn; The Smoky Mountain Treehouse

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features an abundance of scenic drives and bike paths. The park has an extensive network of 348 hiking trails, the most of any national park in the country. By mid-October, crowds are drawn to the reddened firs and spruces at Kuwohi, while advanced hikers often head to Mount LeConte, one of the area’s highest peaks.

Where To Stay

Blackberry Farm: At this award-winning resort nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you can reserve Southern-inspired luxury accommodations like multi-room estate suites and private cottages. World-class artisanal cuisine, meanwhile, can be enjoyed at the property’s three restaurants.

Rocky Waters Motor Inn: Perched along the Little Pigeon River, this intimate adults-only getaway is perfect for couples seeking privacy and pampering. Rooms feature fireplaces, soaking tubs and Appalachian-made furnishings, creating a rustic yet upscale feel. Phone the hotel’s innkeepers, a dedicated team that’s always on call, to personalize the finer details of your stay.

The Smoky Mountain Treehouse: From a tree-lined suspension bridge to a secluded outdoor hot tub, this woodland treehouse aims to center you in the middle of the Appalachian nature. Inside, a grand bedroom with a fireplace provides guests with plenty of warmth; outside, a sturdy rocking chair, hammock and complimentary s’mores supplies are ideal for a night of stargazing.

Door County

Door County, Wisconsin

Who Will Love It: Those seeking coastal foliage; small town enthusiasts; wine and cheese fans

What Not To Miss: The 75-foot observation tower at Potawatomi State Park

All-Star Attractions: Cave Point County Park; Washington Island; Door County Coastal Byway

Where To Stay: The Dorr Hotel; Thorp House Inn & Cottages; Egg Harbor Haven

Fall in the Midwest can mean long hikes along the craggy shoreline, local festivals and apple-picking—especially when it comes to Door County, Wisconsin. From September through October, small towns bordering this peninsula coast are bursting with warm autumnal colors. Hop on a boat tour to visit historic lighthouses and take in the beauty of it all; when you return to shore, you can relax at the local wineries.

Where To Stay:

The Dorr Hotel: Inspired by the area’s Scandinavian history, this boutique hotel was designed with Nordic influences in mind. Rooms and suites are sharp and contemporary, featuring wood beams, chic lighting and velvet navy fabrics to create a refined, nautical atmosphere. European breakfasts are served in the lobby every morning.

Thorp House Inn & Cottages: For a bit of bed and breakfast charm, venture to this historic inn in Fish Creek. The hotel’s 12 rooms and cottages are all individually designed (think intricate wallpaper, woodwork and vintage furniture), and a convenient block away from Main Street.

Egg Harbor Haven: Located in the heart of Egg Harbor, this restored home-turned-vacation rental has enough room to sleep 12. Its interiors embody cozy coastal vibes with modern wood paneling, wicker details and expansive windows offering a prime outlook over Lake Michigan.

Burlington

Burlington, Vermont

Who Will Love It: Beer enthusiasts; free spirits; cyclers

What Not To Miss: A bike ride around Lake Champlain at golden hour

All-Star Attractions: Church Street; Waterfront Park; Burlington Bike Path

Where To Stay: Blind Tiger Burlington; Made Inn Vermont; Italianate Studio

New England autumn doesn’t get more memorable than a trip to Burlington: a lively city known for its panoramic mountain foliage, Oktoberfest festivities and hot apple cider (check out Shelburne Orchards for a warm beverage with a view). The downtown area is filled with charming shops, restaurants, bars and art galleries, and there are plenty of hiking trails and options for outdoor recreation.

Where To Stay:

Blind Tiger Burlington: First built in 1881, this boutique mansion has evolved into a “love letter to Burlington.” Each of its 14 rooms is eclectic yet modern, filled with antique and handmade furniture, abstract artwork and elaborate moldings.

Made Inn Vermont: Despite its small size (only four rooms), the reputation of Made Inn Vermont precedes itself. At this pet-friendly hotel, quirky, urban-chic accommodations are a staple. Soak in a clawfoot tub, curl up with a book in the garden or peek at the color-changing leaves through the telescope to make the most of your stay.

Italianate Studio: This sunny studio resides in a historic 1881 Italianate house, featuring vintage décor reminiscent of the city’s past. The porch is the ideal spot to admire the change of seasons, as is the garden (a quaint refuge behind the house).

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, Maine

Who Will Love It: Seafood mavens; lighthouse seekers; early risers

What Not To Miss: Hiking up Cadillac Mountain to observe foliage from the peak

All-Star Attractions: Acadia National Park; Bass Harbor Head Light Station; Park Loop Road

Where To Stay: The Bar Harbor Inn; Salt Cottages; The Baileard

One of the best destinations for enjoying autumn in New England is Bar Harbor, Maine. As September and October arrive, the city’s downtown culinary scene comes to life with plenty of lobster and apple cider to go around. Nature lovers can indulge in the colorful scenery from hot spots like Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Cliffs Trail—or along the beach, where you may also spot a migrating humpback or two.

Where To Stay:

The Bar Harbor Inn: The roots of this timeless property date back to 1887, when it was once a thriving social clubhouse. Today, the building still stands tall along Frenchman Bay as the Bar Harbor Inn: a luxurious hotel comprised of luxe suites, two restaurants and a full-service spa.

Salt Cottages: Located just minutes away from Acadia National Park is this series of small whitewashed dwellings outfitted with outdoor seating areas and stylish, modern interiors. The spacious layout of each cottage is excellent for families who want the comforts of home while still enjoying resort amenities.

The Baileard: This rental, first built in 1904, is steeped in history. Even with modern renovations, the interiors hint at the building’s storied past: Clawfoot tubs, antiques and a butler’s pantry add old-world elegance to the house, which is only just two blocks away from the ocean.

Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina

Who Will Love It: Apple pickers; brewery fans; hikers

What Not To Miss: Walking along Craggy Pinnacle Trail for sweeping mountain lookouts

All-Star Attractions: Blue Ridge Parkway; Mount Mitchell State Park; Graveyard Fields

Where To Stay: Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa; Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville; The Nook

“Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains put on a show of their own with one of the longest and most vibrant leaf seasons in the country,” says Smith. Indeed, the city’s peak foliage can last all the way through November, with the season’s late-season colors appearing at lower elevation vantages such as Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure. During this time, a drive along Blue Ridge Parkway—one of the area’s most scenic roads—is a must.

Where To Stay:

Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa: For over a century, this peaceful retreat has been popular for its diverse array of amenities. The property features a subterranean spa with mineral pools and an on-site, championship 18-hole golf course. With four restaurants, a sauna and a sports complex, the whole family is sure to be entertained.

Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville: The grand, Tudor-esque exterior of this resort complements its ornate interior, with lots of velvet curtains, oak wood walls and chandeliers. The upscale vibes extend to the suites, where you may find wall-mounted candelabras, and the Red Stag Grill, a fine dining restaurant serving up the rarest cuts of meat.

The Nook: According to its owners, nearly every part of this house has been hand-crafted from local materials. The property is tucked away in a forested area just 15 minutes from Asheville, and is flooded with natural light thanks to its many large windows. To unwind during your stay, cozy up in the breakfast alcove or tea loft before hopping on the indoor swing to take in the forest greenery.

Aspen

Aspen, Colorado

Who Will Love It: Fly fishers; trail trekkers; nature photographers; mountain bikers

What Not To Miss: A ride on the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain

All-Star Attractions: Maroon Bells; Hunter Creek Trail; Independence Pass

Where To Stay: Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection; W Hotel Aspen; Snowmass Condo

Before it transforms into a bustling ski town in the winter, Aspen serves as a prime destination for leaf-peeping in late September to October, when its namesake trees transform into a striking shade of gold. Classic sights to see include the Maroon Bells mountain peaks—one of the most photographed natural scenes in North America—and Independence Pass, a scenic drive bordered by snow-capped mountains.

Where To Stay:

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection: Since 1889, this landmark hotel has housed a steady roster of guests while maintaining a distinct atmosphere of sophistication. Rooms and suites offer stunning mountain views, and deluxe options feature upgraded amenities like floor-to-ceiling windows and leather couches.

W Hotel Aspen: An elevated addition to the W Hotels brand, W Hotel Aspen rests at the base of Aspen Mountain for direct access to foliage-lined hiking trails (and ski slopes, once winter rolls around). Amenities—including a rooftop pool, speakeasy and luxurious suites with freestanding tubs—are a nice bonus to the surrounding backdrop.

Snowmass Condo: Renting out this brightly lit, spacious condo means you’re not just paying for contemporary comforts (such as flat screen TVs, stainless steel appliances, a fireplace and more), but also for its convenient location in Snowmass. A gondola, shops, restaurants and concerts are steps away, and with enough beds for five, this is a great pick for families.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has extensive experience in researching and reviewing countless hotels, resorts and stays across the world.

• Whitney Bruno, lifestyle editorial assistant at Forbes Vetted, is the author of this piece. Bruno has written numerous hotel guides for Forbes Vetted and has previously visited Vermont for seasonal leaf-peeping.
• This story was assigned and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who has over two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics and oversees the travel vertical.
• Additional input was provided by Connor Smith, senior vice president of global brands at IHG Hotels And Resorts. A Vermont native, Smith is a fall foliage enthusiast who contributed insider tips on the best places to visit.

How We Chose The Best Fall Foliage Destinations In The U.S.

Our list was curated based on comprehensive research, expert insights and personal stays.

• We analyzed personal testimonials from websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com and more when narrowing down contenders.
• To ensure the diversity of our list, we selected destinations from across the country, including the Northeast, Midwest and Appalachian regions.
• We included a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets, group sizes and vacation types.