If fall has you dreaming of leaves crunching underfoot and cozy getaways, we’ve got some ideas for you. These U.S. destinations offer the perfect combo of fabulous foliage, outdoor adventure, fall festivals and events, and fantastic luxury hotels and resorts for resting and recharging after a full day. Pull on your favorite sweater, grab your hot beverage of choice, and get ready to admire all the autumnal beauty.
The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondacks in upstate New York not only offer six million acres to explore, but the mountain region also has one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country, with autumnal colors on view from late September through the end of November. That means visitors have plenty of time to admire the colorful scenery on mountain hikes, while biking the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail, or by pedaling one of Revolution Rail Co.’s custom-built rail bikes.
You can also take in the scenery in much more leisurely ways if you’d prefer. That includes driving tree-lined byways, riding on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, and even admiring the autumnal landscape from the skies with SunKiss Ballooning.
Where to stay:
No two of the 30 guest accommodations are the same at Lake Placid Lodge, a waterfront resort that embraces its Adirondack Great Camp architectural style. The Relais & Châteaux property makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors however you desire, whether that’s hiking, biking, or just relaxing in an Adirondack chair on the lawn.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa offers guest rooms and suites overlooking its namesake lake and the Adirondack High Peaks. Guests can not only enjoy all of the amenities on site, but they also have priority access to sister property Whiteface Club and Resort.
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine
These two popular southern Maine villages shine in the fall, and you can take in the foliage by bike, kayak, canoe, and even lobster boat tour. The Edwin L. Smith Preserve includes 10 miles of trails wandering past brooks and bridges through a forested landscape ideal for leaf peeping, and the Kennebunk Bridle Path offers views of the Mousam River and local salt marshes for bikers and walkers.
Cruising along scenic Ocean Avenue is also a good idea during the fall, as is wandering Dock Square with a warm cider or coffee in hand. Fall festivals and apple picking opportunities add to the seasonal fun.
Where to stay:
Stay in sophisticated coastal style at White Barn Inn, Auberge Collection, a local landmark for more than 150 years. Lodging options include houseboats along the banks of the Kennebunk River with private rooftop decks for gazing at the autumnal views.
Kennebunkport Inn puts you in the heart of Dock Square within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the waterfront. Rooms and suites exude classic New England charm, and an on-site gastropub serves up lobster bisque, baked stuffed haddock, and other hearty fare.
Park City, Utah
The Wasatch Mountains glow with golden aspens and other colorful foliage during the fall, and the season’s pleasant temperatures make it the perfect time of year for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities in Park City. For the best fall foliage, time your visit to early October, and then head to spots like Bloods Lake Trailhead and Silver Lake Trail.
Fall is also a great time for fly-fishing in the Park City area, and seasonal events like the Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival, Park City Wine Festival, and family-friendly Howl-O-Ween! provide fun ways to enjoy the region’s autumnal vibe.
Where to stay:
You can cozy up by the fire in your guest room or suite at Montage Deer Valley, and many rooms also offer mountain views and private balconies. There are activities and amenities for all ages, from kids programming and nightly s’mores to fly-fishing, horseback riding, and guided hiking experiences.
Stay at The St. Regis Deer Valley and you can leaf peep from the only funicular at a North American ski resort. A traditional champagne sabering takes place at dusk each evening, and you can follow that up with nightly s’mores.
Walla Walla, Washington
Fall colors are easy to find in Walla Walla. You can go big by heading to spots like Umatilla National Forest, which encompasses 1.4 million acres in the Blue Mountains. Or you can take a relaxing stroll through the city’s tree-filled Pioneer Park. Another good option? The self-guided Whitman College Outdoor Sculpture Walk, which adds an artistic element to leaf peeping.
Fall is also harvest season in this much-loved wine region, which culminates in the annual Fall Release Weekend the first weekend of November. With more than 120 wineries throughout the Walla Walla Valley, there’s no shortage of spots for sipping a glass of cabernet sauvignon or syrah as you admire the area’s fall colors. Echolands Winery, Amavi Cellars, and Alton Wines are some good choices for tasting rooms with sweeping views.
Where to stay:
Stay in one of the ultra-charming cottages or houses at The Inn at Abeja, original outbuildings on Abeja winery’s 49-acre farmstead that were carefully restored to preserve their craftsmanship. An Abeja wine tasting and gourmet breakfast are included with each stay.
The Marcus Whitman puts guests right in the heart of downtown Walla Walla. The historic hotel blends 1920s-era design features with modern touches like newly renovated guest rooms, and on-site tasting rooms make it easy to sample local vintages.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport’s more than three-mile Cliff Walk offers water views in one direction and glimpses of Gilded Age mansions in the other at any time of year. But during the fall the scenic pathway becomes even more enchanting when accented by colorful foliage. Fort Adams State Park is another good spot for an autumnal stroll, with vibrant leaves complimenting the views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
The park is one of the highlights along the Newport Scenic Byway, also known as Ocean Drive, which winds along the coast and offers up dreamy fall vista after vista. Time your visit with the annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival to sample lobster rolls, chowder, clams, and oysters as the city’s foliage hits its peak.
Where to stay:
Hotel Viking recently reopened after a multimillion-dollar transformation timed to the hotel’s centennial year. Redesigned rooms, suites, and public spaces honor the property’s historic character while giving it a fresh, modern feel, and four new culinary concepts from two-time James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Robert Andreozzi add even more reason to visit.
Located in a historic Gilded Age mansion, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection offers an elegant escape in the heart of Newport. Guest rooms and suites are done up in moody shades of blue, and dining options include a sunny conservatory and a clubby dining room.
Wilmington, Delaware/Brandywine Valley
The Wilmington area might not immediately come to mind when you think of fall foliage, but it should. Spots like Brandywine Creek State Park and White Clay Creek State Park boast miles of trails for hiking and biking amid colorful leaves, and the Wilmington & Western Railroad offers an “Autumn Leaf Ramble” that travels across bridges, amid vibrant forests, and through narrow rock cuts.
Three historic covered bridges make for fabulous fall photo ops, and Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library sits in what’s known as Chateau Country, an especially pretty area for an autumnal drive. For more fall fun, head to Ramsey’s Farm for hay rides, a pumpkin patch, and evening bonfires.
Where to stay:
Guest rooms and suites at historic Hotel du Pont are done up in elegant modern European style. That same kind of vibe continues at Le Cavalier at the Green Room, a brasserie where the menu takes inspiration from the flavors of Provence and incorporates local Delaware ingredients.
Wilmington’s first luxury boutique hotel, The Quoin, is also home to the only rooftop bar in the city. Or you can enjoy a craft cocktail at the hotel’s Simmer Down lounge under the room’s original brick ceiling.
Washington, Connecticut
Washington, Connecticut, is said to have been the real-life inspiration for Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, so you know its fall game has to be strong. Shades of red, orange, and gold blanket the area’s rolling hills, and hiking trails wander through tree-filled sites like Macricostas Preserve and Lake Waramaug State Park.
Driving the region’s scenic roadways will have you pulling over for photos, while farms and vineyards will keep you fueled up with apple cider donuts and glasses of vino. And of course there’s a bookstore in town for indulging your inner Rory.
Where to stay:
A stay at the Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Collection is said to have been what first inspired Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino. It’s easy to see why, with its classic New England look, gorgeous setting on 58 acres of gardens and woodland, and farm-fresh cuisine.
A short drive from Washington, The Litchfield Inn sits on 10 acres in the foothills of the Berkshires. Its “modern-meets-traditionalist colonial” style skillfully blends past and present, and it’s just two miles from Litchfield’s equally charming downtown area.
