The Best Places In America For Fall Foliage Photos

New England may be famous for its fall foliage and the photos that come along with it, but 49 out of 50 U.S. states see striking shades of red and gold each autumn. Wherever you are in the United States, you can find some incredible fall foliage. Here are some of the best destinations for fall foliage photo opportunities, along with the photos that will convince you they’re worth traveling for! For more incredible photos of unique and beautiful destinations across the USA, follow us on Instagram.

Vermont

Stowe is an iconic fall foliage getaway with so much to do and see! Visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge and celebrate Oktoberfest or enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of Mount Mansfield. If you’re not up for a hike, don’t worry; you can take a gondola up! Lake Willoughby, pictured, is a gem of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, and a must-visit for photographers!

Tennessee

You can’t go wrong if you visit the Great Smoky Mountains during fall foliage season. Chattanooga is a fall foliage favorite, and Gatlinburg is gorgeous all year round. If you’re looking for a scenic drive, Natchez Parkway is the way to go, and if hiking is more your thing, head to Burgess Falls State Park, pictured.

Maryland

There are plenty of picturesque places to enjoy fall foliage in Maryland, from Patapsco State Park to Sugarloaf Mountain, but one of our photogenic favorites is Swallow Falls State Park, pictured. It is actually home to several waterfalls, the largest of which is Muddy Creek Falls. The tallest waterfall in Maryland, Muddy Creek Falls shines when surrounded by fall foliage.

Oregon

Mount Hood, Silver Falls State Park, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are all fantastic places to see fall foliage. Whenever you visit, you’re in for a treat! However, an often overlooked area for autumn colors is the Natural Bridges area, pictured. The colors may be more subtle but the splendor of the backdrop can’t be denied. You’re sure to get some great fall foliage photos!

Arkansas

In Arkansas, you’re going to want to head to Hawksbill Crag for fall foliage photos. In addition to the colorful foliage (the shot below was snapped late in the season), you’ll enjoy views of the Buffalo National River and the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Take the moderate (under 3 miles) Whittiker Point Trail for some of the best scenery.

Colorado

The magical Maroon Bells (pictured) may be even more magical in the fall, surrounded by the vibrant golden leaves of the Aspen trees. Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road, and Kebler Pass are also terrific spots to watch the leaves change color. Fall in Colorado may be more yellow than red, but it’s no less beautiful!

New York

Home to three major mountain ranges, the Catskills, the Adirondacks, and the Appalachians, New York State is a spectacularly scenic spot to take an autumn hike and snap some foliage photos. The fall colors are diverse, and you can expect shades of red, orange, and gold! The photo below was snapped in the Adirondacks. There are more than 100 peaks in the Adirondacks, the highest of which is Mount Marcy. 5,344 feet above sea level, it’s home to Lake Tear of the Clouds, the highest lake in New York State and the source of the Hudson River.

Ohio

Lanterman’s Mill in Youngstown, Ohio is a fantastic fall foliage photo stop; Of course, it’s not the only place to watch the changing leaves! Cuyahoga Valley National Park, home to Everett Covered Bridge, is another gem. If you’re looking for a scenic foliage drive, travel along the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. Stop at Hocking Hills State Park if you have the time; Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls are must-visits.

New Hampshire

Henniker Covered Bridge and Piper Mountain are picturesque foliage photo spots, but you really can’t go wrong anywhere in New Hampshire. Head to the White Mountain National Forest for some of the most amazing foliage in the Northeast. The Kancamagus Highway is our top pick for a scenic autumn drive; be sure to stop and take photos along the way!

Utah

Utah may not be the first state to come to mind when it comes to fall foliage photos, but it’s absolutely breathtaking. Pine Canyon Road, pictured, is sure to delight. You’ll also want to visit Provo Canyon, Alpine Scenic Byway Loop, and Sundance Resort! And of course, let’s not forget the national parks, like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon!

Wherever you decide to explore this fall, colorful foliage isn’t far off! Hawaii is the only state without a drastic change in fall foliage, but the rest of the US has you covered. Do you have a favorite fall foliage destination? Let us know! For more fall foliage, check out the video below! For a 2023 fall foliage map, click here. For more fall photos, click here!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The Best Fall Foliage Destinations In The United States, And The Photos That Will Convince You To Visit

Kristen

Author