Autumn in the United States is a season of breathtaking transformations. The nation’s landscapes turn into vivid canvases painted with orange, red, and gold hues. Here are the ten best autumn landscapes in the USA, complete with the best times to visit and what you can expect to see.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

Home to some of New England’s most spectacular autumn scenes, the White Mountains blend maple, birch, and beech trees that explode in a medley of yellows, oranges, and reds. Take advantage of the iconic Kancamagus Highway for the most dramatic vistas.

• Best Time to Go: Late September to Mid-October
• What You’ll See: A vibrant mix of maple, birch, and beech trees
• Highlight: Drive the Kancamagus Highway for an unforgettable foliage tour.

Aspen, Colorado

Named after the very trees that turn brilliant gold during the fall, Aspen offers a unique Rocky Mountain backdrop. The contrast of golden Aspen leaves against snow-capped peaks is an unreal sight.

• Best Time to Go: Late September to Early October
• What You’ll See: Golden aspen leaves set against Rocky Mountain peaks
• Highlight: Take the Silver Queen Gondola for panoramic mountain views.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, and North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers one of the longest fall foliage seasons. With over 100 species of native trees, including sugar maples and scarlet oaks, the spectacle here varies from deep reds to rich oranges.

• Best Time to Go: Early October to Early November
• What You’ll See: Over 100 species of trees, including sugar maples and scarlet oaks, in varied hues
• Highlight: Explore Cades Cove for both foliage and wildlife sightings.

Door County, Wisconsin

Known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County’s landscapes transform into vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall. Visit Peninsula State Park for panoramic views of the surrounding foliage and waters.

• Best Time to Go: Late September to Late October
• What You’ll See: A blend of vibrant orange, red, and yellow leaves
• Highlight: Visit Peninsula State Park for views of foliage and Lake Michigan.

The Catskills, New York

The Catskills region is renowned for its rich tapestry of colors during the fall. The scenic byways offer picturesque views of the Hudson Valley, replete with rolling hills and quaint farmhouses enveloped in autumn hues.

• Best Time to Go: Late September to Mid-October
• What You’ll See: Rolling hills and farmhouses framed by autumn colors
• Highlight: Follow the Catskill Scenic Byway for a charming countryside tour.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of roadway flanked by deciduous forests. The higher elevations allow one to see the season’s first colors, with lower elevations following suit.

• Best Time to Go: Late September to Late October
• What You’ll See: Deciduous forests along 469 miles of roadway
• Highlight: The Linn Cove Viaduct offers one of the most photographed spots.

The Ozarks, Missouri

The Ozark Mountains offer a secluded autumn experience less crowded than other popular destinations. With a mix of hickories, oaks, and maples, the region glows in shades of amber, gold, and scarlet.

• Best Time to Go: Mid-October to Early November
• What You’ll See: Hickories, oaks, and maples in shades of amber, gold, and scarlet
• Highlight: Visit the Mark Twain National Forest for secluded beauty.

Glacier National Park, Montana

While most visitors come for the glaciers, the park’s larch trees provide a unique fall display. These coniferous trees lose their needles in the winter, turning a striking gold before doing so.

• Best Time to Go: Mid-September to Early October
• What You’ll See: Golden larch trees contrasted against rugged mountain terrain
• Highlight: Hike the Highline Trail for a unique fall experience.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Renowned for its rugged coastline, Acadia also boasts a variety of deciduous trees that make autumn a prime time to visit. The Cadillac Mountain Summit offers a panoramic view of the canvas of colors.

• Best Time to Go: Early October to Late October
• What You’ll See: A variety of deciduous trees along a rugged coastline
• Highlight: The summit of Cadillac Mountain offers 360-degree views.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest may be known for its evergreens. Still, the Columbia River Gorge offers a dramatic blend of fall colors contrasted against dark basalt cliffs and the flowing Columbia River.

• Best Time to Go: Mid-October to Early November
• What You’ll See: Fall colors contrasting against dark basalt cliffs and the Columbia River
• Highlight: The Vista House offers sweeping views of the gorge.

Whether hiking, photographing or simply soaking in the views, these destinations offer stunning visuals and an immersive autumn experience. Plan your trip right, and you’ll catch Mother Nature in one of her most spectacular moods.

Top 10 Best Autumn Landscapes in the USA – features

Location	Best Time to Go	What You’ll See	Highlight
White Mountains, New Hampshire	Late September to Mid-October	A vibrant mix of maple, birch, and beech trees	Drive the Kancamagus Highway for an unforgettable foliage tour
Aspen, Colorado	Late September to Early October	Golden aspen leaves set against Rocky Mountain peaks	Take the Silver Queen Gondola for panoramic mountain views
Smoky Mountains, TN & NC	Early October to Early November	Over 100 species of trees, including sugar maples and scarlet oaks, in varied hues	Explore Cades Cove for both foliage and wildlife sightings
Door County, Wisconsin	Late September to Late October	A blend of vibrant orange, red, and yellow leaves	Visit Peninsula State Park for views of foliage and Lake Michigan
The Catskills, New York	Late September to Mid-October	Rolling hills and farmhouses framed by autumn colors	Follow the Catskill Scenic Byway for a charming countryside tour
Blue Ridge Parkway, VA & NC	Late September to Late October	Deciduous forests along 469 miles of roadway	The Linn Cove Viaduct offers one of the most photographed spots
The Ozarks, Missouri	Mid-October to Early November	Hickories, oaks, and maples in shades of amber, gold, and scarlet	Visit the Mark Twain National Forest for secluded beauty
Glacier National Park, Montana	Mid-September to Early October	Golden larch trees contrasted against rugged mountain terrain	Hike the Highline Trail for a unique fall experience
Acadia National Park, Maine	Early October to Late October	A variety of deciduous trees along a rugged coastline	The summit of Cadillac Mountain offers 360-degree views
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon	Mid-October to Early November	Fall colors contrast against dark basalt cliffs and the Columbia River	The Vista House offers sweeping views of the gorge