Get ready to break out your favorite boots and leggings, hit up the drive-thru for an afternoon Pumpkin Spice Latte and cozy up on the porch to feel that crisp autumn air (or turn the A/C wayyyy down to make it feel like crisp autumn air).
Lately, we’ve been dreaming of taking a fall getaway to see the leaves change to vividly colored reds, oranges and yellows and to enjoy pumpkin-flavored everything.
If you, too, have been thinking about a fall family getaway, we’ve got all the cool-weather, leaf-peeping travel inspo you’ll need.
From mountain towns and spooky stays to seasonal festivals and sip-worthy cideries, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to travel in the fall to see the leaves change colors and get a true autumn-inspired experience.
(Note: These destinations aren’t in any order — they’re all lovely options.)
1. Stowe, Vermont
On the left, Stowe’s famous Community Church, and on the right, a local cider to try this fall (photo courtesy of Stowe Cider)
First up: Stowe, Vermont, which is aptly nicknamed “Fall’s Color Capital.”
Just picture it: You’re strolling through the quiet streets of this quaint New England town that’s lined with the most brightly colored trees you’ve ever seen.
For the full fall travel experience, take a family hike or ride your bike through Cady Hill Forest, which is right smack dab in the middle of the village.
And afterward? Treat yourself to Stowe Cider, where fresh-pressed hard cider is always on tap.
If that’s not enough and you want even more fall scenery, drive the Green Mountain Byway, which will take you through Stowe and Waterbury, and features Vermont’s highest peak.
While in Waterbury, be sure to take a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory and grab some ice cream, too.
When it’s best to go:
Mid-September to mid-October
Cool place to stay:
- Our Mount Ascutney Resort, which offers a quiet, mountainside retreat that’s perfect for hiking, skiing, relaxing and taking a two-hour day trip to Stowe
2. The Berkshires Near Lenox, Massachusetts
If you’re staying at Oak n’ Spruce Resort, you’ll find it hard not to “fall” in love with this area.
When you’re not busy hiking, skiing, boating, rafting or enjoying the dazzling fall leaves of Massachusetts, The Berkshires host plenty of autumn festivals to keep the fall fun going.
Some include:
- The Lenox Apple Squeeze
- The Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival
For some of the best views of foliage, take a visit to Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, a 1,100-acre wildlife sanctuary along the slopes of Lenox Mountain that has seven miles of hiking trails.
When it’s best to go:
Late September to mid-October
Cool place to stay:
- A big villa at Oak n’ Spruce Resort, where you can swim in 4 pools (both indoor and out), enjoy a round of mini golf and head to the arcade for some friendly competition
3. Mount Ascutney State Park in Vermont
After hiking in Mount Ascutney, treat yourself to a nice, refreshing pumpkin beer.
Round out your Vermont trip with a visit to Windsor and Mt. Ascutney State Park.
It’s one of Vermont’s first state parks and has over 12 miles of hiking trails for you to get an up-close and personal experience of the beautiful changing leaves.
Or, ditch your hiking boots and enjoy a relaxing car ride on the nearby 4-mile parkway along Route 44A that’s filled with loads of fall foliage.
Windsor is also home to Harpoon Brewery, and trust us: A full-bodied pumpkin beer pairs perfectly with those stunning fall leaves.
When it’s best to go:
Mid-September to mid-October
Cool place to stay:
- A spacious villa that’ll fit the whole family at Mount Ascutney Resort, which is tucked right behind Mt. Ascutney State Park and West Windsor Town Forest (so cool we featured it twice!)
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Explore Cades Cove and then head to your Smoky Mountain Resort balcony for more fantastic foliage.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the absolute best places to visit in October, especially for fall foliage viewing.
While this incredible national park straddles both Tennessee and North Carolina, we’re partial to the Gatlinburg, Tennessee, area since there are so many fun things to do, as well as nearby day trips you can take.
In the fall, Gatlinburg’s got cool temperatures that make it perfect for outdoor adventures like exploring nearby hiking trails, fishing, checking out the four historical districts in the park and venturing out to a local theme park.
The Clingmans Dome observation tower is the tippy top highest peak with the most scenic views of the misty mountains.
Another great thing about Gatlinburg in the fall is how the area truly embraces the season with festivals and fairs. The town celebrates with:
- The annual Taste of Autumn
- Followed by Oktoberbest at Ober
- Ripley’s Fright Nights
- And more!
When it’s best to go:
Late September at higher elevations, mid-October to late-November in lower elevations
Cool place to stay:
- Smoky Mountain Resort, which is nestled between the Smokies and downtown, and features the Splash Hollow indoor water feature, hot tubs, pools and more
5. Lake Tahoe National Scenic Byway in Nevada
Take in those Tahoe views by car, hiking trail or the (heated) pool at Tahoe Ridge Resort.
Experience the fall season in all its golden glory by stopping along the Lake Tahoe National Scenic Byway, known as “The Most Beautiful Drive in America.”
You’ll see why with its dramatic views of the alpine lake and all the rich, vibrant colors surrounding it.
There are also so many things to do in Lake Tahoe, and October really brings out the festive spirit of the area with events like:
- Camp Richardson Oktoberfest
- Fall Fish Fest at Taylor Creek (where you can watch the spawning salmon)
- South Lake Tahoe Food & Wine Festival
One other thing you won’t want to miss? Emerald Bay Lookout. It’s one of the most photographed places in the world (guaranteed to get plenty of “likes”).
Oh, and if you’re visiting in the super cold months, there are tons of snowy, outdoor adventures you should check out, too, like experiencing some of that renowned Lake Tahoe skiing.
When it’s best to go:
October
Cool places to stay:
- A spacious villa at Tahoe Ridge Resort, which has mountain overlooks, spectacular views, a heated outdoor pool, game room and more
- Another one of our Tahoe gems, David Walley’s Resort, with its 5 geothermically heated mineral hot spring tubs and heated outdoor pool
Well, there you have it: a glimpse into some of the best fall getaways to see those stunning leaves change colors.
So go ahead, pick the destination that’s calling your name, pack up the car, put on some of our vacation-inspired Spotify playlist tunes and hit the road for a fantastic fall getaway (and maybe stop for another Pumpkin Spice Latte along the way…).
Your family and your Instagram feed will thank you.
All information is subject to change. This article is a curated guide and is neither sponsored nor considered an official endorsement. Please be sure to check information directly with any/all tours, guides or companies for the most up-to-date and direct details.
