Where to See the Best Fall Colors in the U.S. (and When to Go)
If you are a visual person who likes colors, then fall might be the season for you.
The trees go out in a fiery red, orange and yellow blaze of glory before dropping their leaves and hunkering down for winter. For those of us who prefer spending time outside to scrolling through other people’s time outside, this is a season worth chasing.
Here are five spots around the country where fall colors really show off, plus a few trails and drives to get you into the thick of it.
The North Shore, Minnesota
Best Time: Mid to Late September
The North Shore of Lake Superior runs from Duluth up to Grand Portage, and in fall it becomes one long gallery of color framed by the largest freshwater lake in the world. Maples, birches, and aspens light up the Sawtooth Mountains, while waterfalls cut through the glowing forest on their way to Superior. It’s the kind of place where you can pull over at nearly any wayside and get a view worthy of a postcard.
Don’t Miss:
-
Hike: Oberg Mountain Trail, a short loop with sweeping views over maple-covered ridges and blue water in the distance.
-
Drive: Highway 61 itself. Roll the windows down, stop at every overlook that catches your eye, and let the lake and trees do the rest.
Summit County, Colorado
Best Time: Late September to Early October
Colorful Colorado doesn’t do subtle. When the aspens turn to gold, entire mountainsides light up. Summit County is the kind of place where even a “quick drive” turns into pulling over every mile to take in the view.
Don’t Miss:
- Hike: Ptarmigan Trail, where you climb into big-sky views framed in yellow.
- Drive: Boreas Pass Road, a dirt road that feels like a private foliage show for anyone who makes the effort.
Door County, Wisconsin
Best Time: Early to Mid October
Door County has two things going for it: shoreline views that look like paintings, and apple cider donuts that make you forget about shoreline views. The forests here are a mix of maples, oaks, and birches which means plenty of color variety.
Don’t Miss:
- Hike: Eagle Trail in Peninsula State Park, a loop that winds under tall cliffs and glowing trees.
- Drive: Highway 42, especially the winding stretch at the tip of the peninsula.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Best Time: Late September to Early October
If New England had a throne for fall colors, the White Mountains would sit on it. Every tree species seems to be trying to outdo the next. One hillside is bright red, another is yellow, and a third is orange, all backed by granite peaks.
Don’t Miss:
- Hike: Mount Willard Trail. A short hike, but the view down Crawford Notch looks like a postcard somebody would accuse you of editing.
- Drive: The Kancamagus Highway (“the Kanc”), 34 miles of pure leaf-peeping magic.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Best Time: Mid October
This is where waterfalls and fall colors meet. Bigleaf maples, vine maples, and cottonwoods turn the gorge into a painter’s delight. The Columbia River slices through the Cascades, and in October the whole canyon glows.
Don’t Miss:
- Hike: Eagle Creek Trail, where waterfalls and fiery foliage compete for your attention.
- Drive: The Historic Columbia River Highway. Built in 1917, it was designed for people who enjoy driving slowly and looking at things — which is ideal in October.
The best fall adventures aren’t just about where you go, but how prepared you are once you’re out there. The right gear can turn a chilly overlook or a cold hike into a moment you actually savor. Our new Fall/Winter collection is built for exactly that, with pieces that keep you warm without bulk, comfortable without compromise, and ready for whatever the season throws your way. Explore the FW collection HERE
