{"id":67617,"date":"2022-08-15T21:05:10","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T21:05:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?post_type=check&p=67617"},"modified":"2022-09-12T16:40:57","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T16:40:57","slug":"u-s-leaf-peeping","status":"publish","type":"check","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/check\/u-s-leaf-peeping\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Leaf Peeping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We love a good road trip any time of year. But, when the scenic drive is surrounded by Mother Nature\u2019s own artistic masterpiece, it becomes a bucket list-worthy adventure. Ready to revel in the beauty as the seasons change and green leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red? Read on to discover our favorite U.S. fall foliage destinations to witness autumn\u2019s transformation, along with a few suggestions on when to hit peak season and where to stay along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vermont Fall Foliage and the Stowe Community Church in Stowe, VT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Stowe, Vermont<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For iconic New England views, it\u2019s hard to beat Stowe, Vermont<\/a>. Touted as \u201cFall\u2019s Color Capital,\u201d this town tops foliage lists year after year for its kaleidoscope display of landscape hues. Use Stowe\u2019s website to track exactly when and where peak leaf peeping is happening<\/a> along its most popular scenic routes. And if you\u2019d like to get out of the car and stretch your legs, check out guided tours from area breweries <\/a>, seasonal festivals, hiking and biking trails, and even zip line experiences that will turn your fall foliage escape into a true adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to visit: Early September to late October<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a Destination by Hyatt Residence<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Aspen, Colorado<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden aspens and crisp mountain air \u2014 what more could your fall getaway need? You\u2019ll want your camera ready to capture the autumn scene in Aspen, Colorado<\/a>, as the colorful views are fleeting thanks to the sudden arrival of colder temperatures and winter snow. Catch the views in September, when the Maroon Bells Scenic Area becomes painted with yellows as dazzling as the sun, paired alongside the adjacent blue waters of Maroon Lake. Not to be missed is a ride down Aspen Mountain on a gondola for a unique bird\u2019s-eye view of the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to visit: Throughout September, before snowy season<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: The Little Nell<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ozark Mountains, Missouri and Arkansas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Show Me State\u201d and \u201cThe Natural State\u201d take their nicknames very seriously during the autumn months, showcasing natural beauty in true fall foliage splendor. Cruise by car around the areas of the Ozarks<\/a> in both Missouri and Arkansas for gorgeous views, or park and enjoy great weather and fall activities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing. As the sun sets, cozy up under the stars at a campsite, or if you prefer a more urban version of R&R, check out our pick for where to stay below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to visit: Late October to early November<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: Big Cedar Lodge<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Taos, New Mexico<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grab a map<\/a> and tour the Enchanted Circle in Taos, New Mexico<\/a>, an 85-mile national forest scenic byway that explodes with color every fall. Along with sensational leaf peeping, the area is also home to some of the oldest rocks in the Southwest, with a history so rich it dates back 2 billion years. Start in Taos, then travel through Questa, Red River, Eagle\u2019s Nest, and Angel Fire, before settling back into a serene spa resort in Taos after your adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to visit: Mid-September to early October<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Great Smoky Mountains<\/a> are popular, and for good reason. According to the visitation numbers<\/a> released by the U.S. National Park Service in 2021, the Great Smoky Mountains<\/a> ranked #1 as the most visited national park with a whopping 14.1 million guests. Why not add to that number and visit this beautiful stretch of land on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee? Come during the fall months and you\u2019re in for an extra treat, as the surrounding scenery becomes Mother Nature\u2019s own work of art. Marvel at the vibrant colors as you drive through the mountains, spot nearby wildlife, and eventually hop out of the car to explore hiking trails, enjoy a picnic lunch\u2026or simply relax and breathe in that fresh mountain air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to visit: Mid-October to early November<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort<\/a> or Dollywood\u2019s DreamMore Resort<\/a> (Dollywood is a 30-minute drive from the national park)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you like your fall foliage paired with moose sightings, crystal-blue lakes, and spectacular scenery, New Hampshire\u2019s White Mountain National Forest<\/a> is sure to please. Hit up the Kancamagus Highway (known by locals as \u201cthe Kank\u201d) to enjoy a 34-mile stretch of awe-inspiring views set between Lincoln and Conway. Feel like walking? Explore the Franconia Notch State Park, set in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Here, you\u2019ll find numerous opportunities for sight-seeing adventures, including Flume Gorge<\/a> and an aerial tramway to Cannon Mountain<\/a> (both require reservations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to visit: Late September to mid-October<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: Omni Mount Washington Resort<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Columbia River Gorge, Oregon and Washington<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jaw-dropping waterfalls and peak season foliage? Yes, please! The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to natural wonders, and fall is one of its finest moments. Head to the Columbia River Gorge<\/a>, which runs right through the Cascade Mountains to form a border between Washington and Oregon. Here you\u2019ll find the tallest waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls<\/a>, which becomes even more breathtaking when framed by the yellow and orange hues of fall leaves in transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to visit: Mid-September to mid-October<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Get ready for fab fall colors<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":69022,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[2369,2371],"class_list":["post-67617","check","type-check","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-check-in","category-the-stay-trippers-guide-to","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nU.S. Leaf Peeping | Expedia Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ready for fab fall colors? 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