Fall is without a doubt the best time of year. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling off, and the annual tradition of the Patriots wiping the floor with the rest of the NFL is getting into full swing. Living in the Boston area, we try to take advantage of everything New England has to offer this time of year, but there are so many other Fall hot spots that we’ve been missing out on. Since our personal experiences aren’t nearly broad enough to compile an informative list of the top Fall destinations, we contacted some of the most well-traveled bloggers and travel experts in the game. These people know what they’re talking about, so check out some of their recommendations for the best places to visit during the Fall.
Destinations in the US
Acadia National Park – Maine
North Cascades – Washington
I took this photo just this past Saturday in the North Cascades of Washington. The trail is called Winchester Mountain and this area is known for its unbeatable fall foliage! Safe to say that I was not disappointed. This is the all around perfect spot for the season because it offers vast views of the towering Mount Baker surrounded by fog, the classic colors of fall, and there is a scenic fire lookout at the summit where you can warm up inside and take a sip of your hot chocolate.
–Lauren Hurst – When Life Gives You Mountains – Follow on: Instagram
Rocky Mountains – Colorado
We love the Colorado Rocky Mountains in the fall. You can hike snow-dusted 14,000+ ft peaks that tower over colorful aspens and clear blue lakes. The warm days give way to crisp, cool nights deserving of a stout beer next to a campfire.
–Alyssa & Brian – Northbound and Down – Follow on: Instagram
Dixie National Forest – Utah
My favorite place to be in the fall are the peaks in Dixie National Forest near Cedar Breaks National Monument. Not only can you see mountainsides carpeted in fiery aspens but also multi-colored hoodoos and fins of eroding limestone that emerge from between the trees.
–Meghan Louise – Another Walk in the Park – Follow on: Instagram
Sedona, Arizona
Fall in Sedona is the most serene and peaceful time of the year. The temperatures are just right for an outdoor adventure during the day and wining and dining during the evenings in your favorite sweater. Leaf peepers can rejoice and follow the changing of colors starting in Flagstaff (current), down Oak Creek Canyon (mid-October) and into Sedona (late October to early November).
–Kegn Moorcroft – VisitSedona.com
Glacier national Park – Montana
My favorite fall destination is Glacier National Park in Montana. It’s already one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., but the orange and yellow autumn colors take the scenery to another level. The park is much less crowded in September than during the summer months, which allows for a comfortable and relaxing visit.
–Scott – Quirky Travel Guy – Follow on: Instagram, Facebook
The Adirondacks – New York
Autumn in the Adirondacks is a time for crisp hikes, mountains on fire with color, and lakes still warm enough for a refreshing dip. Peak foliage usually arrives in late-September or early October depending on the year. While tough to choose, autumn in the Adirondack Park is our favorite season. We spend most of it either hiking out on the trails or paddling the Adirondack waterways. Another bonus, there are no bugs!
–Evan Williams – PureADK Follow on: Instagram, Facebook
Germantown – New York
On our recent trip to the United States, we were fortunate to spend time in a farm house in upstate New York in a very small town called Germantown. The scenery was spectacular with the leaves changing colour, a bright blue sky, and the apples ready for the pickin’! A beautiful place to spend an autumn weekend.
–Dariece Swift – Goats on the Road – Follow on: Instagram, Facebook
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park – Alaska
Fall is often an Alaskan’s favorite time of year. The season is starting to slow down but everyone is excited to see the last visitors who make their way through. The vibrant colors are made even more beautiful by the snow that begins to settle on the peaks. The aurora is often out and the stars are unbelievable. Its the final push before closing up for the season!
–Kennicott Wilderness Guides – Follow on: Instagram, Facebook
Sonoma – California
Sonoma is a great place to visit in the fall, because the weather is actually more like summer in October and November!
–Taylor and Elaine – Local Wanderer – Follow on: Instagram
International Destinations
Kyoto – Japan
Photo CC by Moyan Brenn.
One of the best fall destinations in the world is Japan. Beautiful maple trees turn a crimson red and look stunning against a backdrop of temples, shrines and mountainous landscapes. Autumn is truly the most beautiful time of year! Leaves start changing from mid October and last until mid-December, and Kyoto has some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.
–Mike Jerrard – Waking up Wild – Follow on: Facebook
Pakistan
My favourite fall destination has to be Pakistan; the mountains are cool and deserted, the trees turn a wonderful shade of gold and it’s one of the best times of year to trek in this amazing and usually totally misunderstood country. Pakistan is however one of my favourite countries in the world so maybe I’m a tad bias…
–Will Hatton – The Broke Backpacker – Follow on: Instagram, Facebook
Mosel – Germany
Like a surfer protecting his secret surf spot, we want to keep the Mosel Valley all to ourselves. But the travel blogger in us feels obligated to share one of our favourite destinations in Europe.The Mosel River snakes through the hills, creating an outdoor playground for hikers, runners and walkers. There are hundreds of trails that suit all skill levels. You can walk along the riverbanks, up and down the endless rows of vineyards, or through the many quiet forests that rest on the top of the valley.
–Cam and Nicole Wears – Travelling Canucks – Follow on: Facebook
Cambodia
Fall marks the end of rainy season in Cambodia. Rivers are full. Waterfalls are raging. Everything is green. It’s gorgeous. And the perfect time of year to visit because October is also the low season. Fewer tourists means no queues, no crowds cluttering up your photos, and reduced prices allowing you to splurge on a nice hotel going for a half of its normal rate. Sure, you may catch a few sprinkles on one or two of the days, but they only add to the natural beauty of this tropical paradise.
–Derek Freal – The Holidaze – Follow on: Instagram, Facebook
And there you have it. Hopefully you can make it to one of these places this Fall.
An incredible compilation. Thank you so much for including me!
This is a really beautiful post with lots of great info, and the feature photo is simply stunning. I love hiking in fall.
This is so neat! So many beautiful places all in one post! I love it!
I absolutely love that Pakistan is one of your favourite countries! It is demonized so much in todays society, it’s so lovely to see someone defying the odds. Amazing! X
Well we’ve never been there ourselves, but Will from “The Broke Backpacker” seems to think it’s a seriously underrated destination. We were surprised to see it as a recommendation, but from what we can see it is a very beautiful country.