5 Great U.S. Spots To See Fall Foliage

From September through November, autumn truly comes alive in the United States. Yet, depending on your locale, you may not in a prime position to appreciate fall foliage as easily as you’d like. Safe to say that living in Arizona or Florida isn’t quite the same as experiencing the full New England colors in the changing seasons, but there are opportunities across the country. So, if you’re looking to get out and travel a bit this fall, here are some great places to experience fall foliage and the beautiful outdoor weather that comes along with it.

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Greenville, SC

South Carolina takes its fall foliage seriously! Fall is always welcomed anxiously into the South. Come late August as kids go back to school, you’ll find stores putting out their fall decorations even though the southern heat may not cool off for at least a few more weeks. Fall’s prime in South Carolina is definitely in late October and early November. The deep reds, faded yellows, and various browns slowly surround you.

While often hot and muggy in the summer, South Carolina enjoys pleasant fall weather perfect for football games and weekend hiking. This is a great spot for a family trip to see some color, catch a game or just have a fun weekend outside. Here are some of the best places to explore if you head down there for the weekend:

• Table Rock State Park
• Jones Gap State Park
• Paris Mountain State Park

Whether you have camping, biking, hiking or just a simple picnic in mind, you’ll see some great fall sights if you time it up correctly. Be sure to visit the South Carolina State Park’s website before going. On their “Fall Foliage” page, they have a Fall Color Report where they have weekly updates on how the colors are changing in the area.

Aspen, CO

When you hear Aspen, CO, your first thought is likely of winter not fall. Aspen is a famous ski spot tucked away in the Colorado mountains. Yet, during the fall those Colorado mountains are one of the best places to spot some colorful fall leaves, and unlike other mountain towns, Aspen continues to thrive despite it being offseason.

Some of the best activities for fall visitors include hiking (after all, you’re in some gorgeous mountains), golf, fly-fishing, and experiencing local life like a farm-to-table market. Just Google search pictures of Aspen in the fall, and you’ll feel you’re looking at a desktop screensaver. People forget about Aspen before the ski season opens in November but taking a trip in October can help you experience it in just as rich of a way as you would during the winter months if you were to only ski.

The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains has some of the country’s best fall foliage from mid-October to early November in the mid and lower elevations. Since the landscape is decorated with nearly 100 species of native trees that allow like to get colorful in the fall, you’ll never be at

a loss of something to look at. These tree types include sugar maples, hickories, sweetgum, red maples, and scarlet oaks. Although it’s always difficult to determine the absolute peak of the season (it can depend on several factors), it is always most likely to occur during the final three weeks of October. This is when most visitors plan to visit the Great Smoky Mountains.

So, how should you see it? Most people will drive through the mountains, but if you are going at peak season, then know that there will be traffic and congestion on the most popular routes. To avoid this, you can bike, hike or take a tour. Unique tours include helicopter or Segway.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Whenever a place has stellar fall foliage and knows it, they ensure that it never goes to waste. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is another area like Greenville that has a Fall Color Report and advertises both drives and specifics tours you can do to see the best of autumn in this great state.

So, if you’re a Michigan native or making a specific trip, the state recommends specifically going to the Upper Peninsula because that’s where the prime fall colors are. There is a presence of fall in much of Michigan, including the southeast and metro Detroit area, but frankly it’s just not the same. If you’re looking to be “wowed” then head north via car or train. You can do DIY fall foliage drives along Michigan’s Gold Coast, the Lake Superior Circle Tour or the Tunnel of Trees. You can also book a ticket on a train and having nothing to do but stare out the window. The Michigan Steam Train, Southern Michigan Railroad or Coopersville and Marne Railway are all great options!

Glacier National Park, Montana

As far as national parks go, it’s hard to beat Glacier National Park for fall foliage (and that’s saying something!). The park quiets in the autumn because people are at work or in school, and wildlife is more active. If you’re looking to visit Glacier National Park specifically

for fall foliage, you’re in for a treat as the park typically as two (yes, two!) autumns each year. The first is a transition of coloring in the cottonwood and aspen trees. This begins with the change in color on the west side of the park in mid-September. The east side is slightly delayed with the colors turning towards the end of September and beginning of October.

Then comes the second swing of autumn with the western Larch or “Tamarack” trees that change to a brilliant gold before dropping their needles as a deciduous conifer. This transition typically occurs in mid-October. These two autumns give you a great window to visit. Although, be sure to plan ahead as lodges inside the park tend to close in late September. Lodging is still available in one of the gateway communities of the park if you book in advance.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you found useful value in our post and you take advantage of the wonderful sights and sounds of the fall season! Get through airport security faster and check out our blog on Traveler’s Programs. Or need a light jacket for sightseeing? We have you covered in our Fall Fashion for Men 50 and Over.

If you have any comments about your own travel experience, please leave us a comment and tell us about it. If you’re ready to book your vacation, check out the deals offered by our affiliate partners. Feel free to contact us directly here. Safe travels ~ Glen