Top Ten Places in the US for Fall Foliage

Just because summer is over does not mean road trips have to end! On the contrary, the start of fall signifies the rallying of leaf peepers and the hunt for fall foliage. According to AAA, 26 percent of Americans will take a trip this fall exclusively to view fall foliage.¹

Fall presents a unique time to view nature as leaves begin to change color and fall in the wake of colder temperatures. This beauty only lasts a few short weeks every year, so those planning a trip must choose wisely on their destination. This list compiles the top ten places to visit in the United States with the best fall foliage and gorgeous autumn views.

Top Ten Places in the US for Fall Foliage

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is home to Acadia National Park that boasts gorgeous fall colors in mid-October. Many tourists flock here during the summer months, making foot traffic a lot lighter during the fall. The crisp weather in October puts you in the mood for fall and is perfect for hiking and taking in the views.

2. Ozark National Park

Located near Little Rock, Arkansas, Ozark National Park offers 1.2 million acres of scenic views. Hike the trails of this national forest to view the fall landscape including mountain views and cascading waterfalls.

3. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is known as “Fall’s color capital” in the United States. Nestled at the base of Vermont’s highest peak, the village town of Stowe offers vibrant fall foliage views. Visitors can expect to take in the brilliant colors from the end of September to mid-October. Not only does Stowe offer beautiful countryside drives and scenic views, it also hosts a variety of fall-themed festivals for visitors to enjoy.

4. Eastern Shore, Maryland

On the Delmarva Peninsula lies Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This region has a vast array of state and national parks rife with breath-taking fall foliage. Take your time traversing country roads or hiking through the parks to see spectacular foliage in mid to late October.

5. The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos Mountains are ablaze with vibrant fall foliage ranging from mid-September to late October. This region covers 2,400 square miles of northern Pennsylvania, which means that staying up to date on peak colors is crucial when planning a trip to this location.

6. Aspen, Colorado

Fall foliage is not limited to only New England! Take in the vast landscape of snow-capped peaks surrounded by cascading hills of fall foliage in Aspen, Colorado. In late September, you’ll find gorgeous views at Maroon Bells or atop Aspen Mountain of peak fall colors.

7. Staten Island Greenbelt, New York

You don’t have to travel far outside of New York City to enjoy luscious fall colors! See a variety of trees ranging from maple to beech change from green to bright orange and blazing red and yellow. The best time to visit is early to mid-November.

8. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The mountainous terrain leading up to the peak of Mount Rainier offers visitors spectacular views of fall foliage. Wind your way through the leaves on White Pass Scenic Byway, US Hwy 12 or hike your way to Sunrise and Chinook Pass. To see the best display of fall colors, plan your trip between mid-October to early November.

9. Great Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains offer panoramic views of vibrant fall foliage starting mid-October. Spanning across both North Carolina and Tennessee, people flock from all over the country to drive on the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway to take part in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. The month of October is the busiest time of year on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so expect extra cars on the road and potential delays.

10. North Conway, New Hampshire

Relish the beautiful vistas along the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway in North Conway, New Hampshire, but don’t just stay in the car your entire visit. Hike your way through the White Mountain National Forest to take in scenic views of bright, fall colors.

Medicare Supplemental Plans Travel with You

Before you leave on your trip, make sure you have a Medicare Supplement plan! These plans travel with you without any health networks to worry about. No matter where your destination is within the United States, you can receive the medical care you need with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

If you travel often and would like to see what Medicare Supplemental plans are available to you, visit www.medicaresupplement.com/form or call a licensed insurance agent today.

Breath-taking fall colors only grace the natural landscape for a few weeks every year. Call a licensed insurance agent to check that your Medicare plan travels with you and get busy planning your next adventure!

Sources:

¹ Stats - 28 Percent of Americans to Take Fall Trip, Says AAA. Travel Agent Central. 2017. https://www.travelagentcentral.com/running-your-business/stats-28-percent-americans-to-take-fall-trip-says-aaa.