Experiencing the golden ambers and vivid reds of autumn foliage is on practically everyone’s bucket list, especially if you don’t live in a climate that is blessed with the natural rhythms of the four seasons. As a SoCal native, we really have only one annual season that gets a little chilly for a few months–sigh–and don’t get the beautiful spectacle of the changing colors of Fall. But not all is lost, there are so many beautiful places to see autumn colors. Here’s our list of favorite places, largely because the photos are in the public domain.
Before we get to the locations, let’s first cover the basics. Why do leaves change colors in the Fall, sometimes turning yellow, orange or red? So glad you asked! I always thought it was just a process of the deciduous leaves dying and falling off, but it’s actually due to the fact that leaves in the fall get less sun and the chloryphill breaks down and reveals the yellows, oranges and reds already within the leaves.
For example, some trees whose leaves become yellow are birch, poplar and ash trees. So once the chloryphill breaks down, the leaves remain yellow until they then fall off in late autumn, once cooler weather arrives. Whereas, maples and dogwoods make a red pigment called anthocyanin and that covers the yellow, after the green is no longer produced.
So at one time, you may see a maple tree with green, yellow and red leaves!
Depending on what colors you want to see, you may want to find an area with a greater abundance of the trees that produce those colors. But nature prioritizes biodiversity, so in most areas you will have lots of different types of trees, and beauty in abundance, no matter what colors you see.
Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the nation’s most visited national parks, and it’s naught for nothing! The famous mountain range separates Tennessee and North Carolina with more than 500,000 acres of visual splendor that leaves you feeling (no pun intended!) like a tiny speck in a sea of colors.
The Great Smoky Mountains are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world, roughly 200 to 300 millions of years old, and home to 19,000 documented species, making it very biodiverse. While the area is protected, there is no entry fee.
There are hundreds of miles of winding roads, with plenty of overlooks, hiking trails, and little mountain towns where you can spend a whole weekend of wonder. And because the colors change at different elevations, the season stretches for weeks.
Pack a lunch, fill up the gas tank, and spend the day driving through the mountains. If you’re looking for some amazing stops, check out Dollywood, the theme park owned and created by the late, great Dolly Parton.
Vermont
Vermont makes everyone’s autumn trees list because mathematically Vermont equals autumn. The state has everything required for a spectacular fall weekend or week, including a visit to the Vermont Country Store, farmers markets, or hiking and driving through the fall foliage. No weekend is complete without a nostalgic stroll through some of the quintessential historic towns, such as Stowe or Woodstock, Vermont, complete with 19th century homes, covered bridges and walkable village center.
Waterbury is known for its relaxed small town vibes, local cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill and the nearby Ben & Jerry’s Factory. Montpelier is the charming capital with walkable downtown area with bookstores, cafes and nearby maple farms.
One notable stretch of road is through an area known as Smuggler’s Notch, a mountain pass that takes drivers through swathes of honey golds and pumpkin oranges if they time it right. The mountain pass is located in Lamoille, County Vermont, and due to its narrow nature, no large trucks or RVs are allowed on the road.
Colorado
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado are home to some amazing fall colors and unlimited natural beauty. Some great drives in Colorado include Trail Ridge Road which winds through the Rocky Mountain National Park, spanning 48 miles between Estes Park in the east and Grand Lake in the west. The road is a favorite of photographers due to its high vantage point, reaching a maximum height of 12,183 feet.
In the southwest region is The San Juan Skyway, a beautiful 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains offering visitors a sea of fall colors from chartreuse to golden to clementine.
There are so many beautiful spots to see the glory of fall colors, whether you travel through the Rocky Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains or the winding roads of Vermont. Just don’t forget to bring your camera! And yes, I mean camera. Remember film??
