Fall is in full effect as colorful foliage is already drawing tourists to regions like New England and the Rocky Mountains.
Fortunately, travelers still have plenty of time to experience the season's vibrant colors.
Here are some of the best places for last-minute leaf peepers this autumn.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
This charming small town in Appalachia blends picturesque scenery with remarkable history.
Harpers Ferry played a pivotal role in the American Civil War and nearly two centuries later continues to draw history buffs as well as nature enthusiasts who flock during the fall season when the surrounding leaves pop with color.
Visitors can camp along the Potomac River and hike the scenic Maryland Heights trail to experience some of the season's most vibrant hues up close in Harpers Ferry.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Photosbyjam)
While travelers may not think of fall colors when they think of Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the best places to see the season's eye-popping foliage.
"Fall colors depend greatly on precipitation and weather patterns and the peak period can vary from year to year. Generally, the best time of the year for viewing fall colors is the last week of October and the first week of November," according to the National Park Service.
Highlights include the McKittrick Canyon Trail and the Smith Spring Loop Trail, as well as the route to Devil's Hall from the Pine Springs area and the Dog Canyon district on the north side of the park.
Sedona, Arizona
Sunset in Sedona, Arizona. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
Elsewhere in the Southwest, Arizona's Red Rock Country, specifically Sedona, stands out for its extraordinary autumn leaf peeping.
Even in November, visitors to Coconino National Forest can take in gorgeous hues set against spectacular red rock landscapes.
Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma
Travelers celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 this autumn will want to add the Talimena National Scenic Byway to their itinerary.
This stretch of scenic roadway through southeast Oklahoma comes to life each fall as leaves transition throughout the Ouachita Mountains.
Whether you're viewing from the car or from one of more than a dozen viewpoints along the route, this old-school road trip is sure to reward last-minute leaf peepers, as colors typically peak during the last week of October or the first week of November.
Talimena Scenic Byway during fall. (Photo Credit: Adobe/B. Warren Phipps)
Raleigh, North Carolina
With colorful foliage peaking in early November, Raleigh, North Carolina is an easy choice for last-minute leaf peepers, who will fall in love with the city’s leaf-canopied parks.
What's more, Hotel Indigo Raleigh is reopening this October following a $36 million transformation, providing the perfect home base for experiencing the season, offering unique spaces like an outdoor courtyard and High Ground, which is the city's highest rooftop cocktail bar with sweeping skyline views over the colorful landscape.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
