America's 20 Most Picturesque Fall Destinations

Although it's not everyone's favorite season, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't agree that fall is the most picturesque time of year. Travelers looking to take in gorgeous autumn scenery won't be left disappointed in these 20 artistic destinations.

Hands down one of the best places in the Northeast for eye-popping fall foliage, autumn is arguably Stowe's best season even though many travelers flock here for the winter skiing. In addition to the colors and countless activities available such as hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking, visitors can take part in exciting fall festivals.

Another dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Vail is best explored by foot or on a mountain bike as it offers no shortage of winding hiking and biking trails that will guide visitors to some of the country's most scenic vantage points.

Experience fall with a refreshing craft cider in your hand in Oregon's photogenic Hood River Valley. Visitors can also witness firsthand where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountains to form a canyon up to 4,000 feet deep.

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, Wisconsin's Door County (a peninsula stretching into Lake Michigan) becomes an autumn wonderland. This year, the region is expected to achieve peak color during the third week of October.

Whether seeking a colorful leaf-peeping getaway or a spooky weekend stop for Halloween, Harpers Ferry is guaranteed to exceed expectations. Breathtaking views await from the Maryland Heights trail's scenic overlook and visitors can take part in ghost tours in the Historic Lower Town after the sun goes down.

You can't beat the Great Smoky Mountains for mesmerizing fall foliage and visitors to Gatlinburg will find themselves at the edge of the expansive national park, which also happens to be America's most visited. Head to the top of the 407-foot Gatlinburg Space Needle for unparalleled 360-degree views of the Smokies.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is nearing peak fall color, which is complemented by waterfalls, lake views and historic lighthouses. There are approximately seven million acres of tree coverage so you don't have to go far to find the perfect photo op.

New York's Adirondack Region is another can't-miss destination for passionate leaf peepers and Lake Placid is a fantastic place to establish your base camp. The charming village boasts a rich Olympic history and plenty of stunning views.

The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota are well-known as the site of the state's most iconic landmark in Mount Rushmore. However, the beautiful foliage takes center stage come fall, providing for some stellar views from the region's many nature trails.

Leavenworth has a whole lot more to offer beyond one of the country's top Oktoberfest celebrations, which visitors can experience over the first three weekends of October. This Bavarian-style village is convenient to the Enchantments, an 18-mile trail featuring extraordinary views. More memorable sights await at Waterfront Park, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle.

Bar Harbor transforms during the fall, showcasing colorful autumn scenes that belong on a movie set. Nearby Acadia National Park is among the nation's best for fall foliage, with colors typically peaking in mid- to late-October.

Take a road trip through Taos in the fall and you'll have a hard time believing that you're in the Southwest. The destination's landscape is as scenic as they come year-round but receives a tremendous splash of color during autumn.

This quaint borough in northern Pennsylvania serves as the starting point of Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The 47-mile-long gorge is a spectacular sight when colors arrive in the fall so don't forget to pack your camera.

Located just an hour southeast of Gatlinburg, Cherokee is surrounded by lush forest and mountains that make for a cozy experience. As the reservation home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, it's also a top cultural attraction. Learn about the 18th-century Cherokee lifestyle at Oconaluftee Indian Village.

If your idea of picturesque is a charming Midwestern small town, consider Galena, Illinois. The engaging historic Main Street is complemented by the Galena River that runs right through town as well as the surrounding fall foliage.

Named one of the coolest small towns and best river towns in America, Fayetteville is synonymous with the New River Gorge and the nearly 900-foot-tall steel arch bridge that spans it. As if the mountain views here needed enhancing.

The expansive Ozarks span multiple states but some of the prettiest areas can be found in northern Arkansas near the 153-mile-long Buffalo River, where Mother Nature shines as colors peak from mid-October to early-November.

Jackson Hole's proximity to two of the nation's premier national parks in Grand Teton and Yellowstone make it one of the more beautiful fall landscapes. The Town Square's famous elk antler arches only add to the destination's aesthetics.

Boston might be a popular fall getaway for many as all four of the city's stellar major sports teams are in action. However, The Berkshires region of western Massachusetts certainly warrants travelers' attention this time of year, offering plenty of outdoor activities, colorful fall foliage and more than enough charming villages and small towns.

Virginia's Shenandoah National Park encompasses the very best of the Blue Ridge Mountains and one of the easiest and best ways to ensure you don't miss a single thing is to take a relaxing cruise down Skyline Drive in the fall.