Top 12 places for Leaf Peeping

As a local of the Hocking Hills region, I have to admit that the charm of autumn leaves has sometimes been lost on me. While most people are in awe of the changing colors in the fall season, I found myself dreading it at times. However, as I venture out, embracing different regions across the US, I realized that it's not the leaves that I took for granted but the beauty outside my backyard. In this blog post, I will take you through a journey of the top 12 places across the US to go leaf peeping, so you can experience the magic of autumn leaves as I did.

Rangeley Lakes, Maine: Colorful trees reflecting off the pristine blue of Rangeley Lake makes this place a paradise for leaf peepers. Don't miss out on taking a boat ride on the lakes for an enchanting experience.

Letchworth State Park, Western New York: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park takes on an extra beautiful appearance during the autumn season. Take a walk through the park's miles of hiking trails and witness the stunning views for yourself.

Kancamagus Scenic Highway, Lincoln, New Hampshire: The Kancamagus Scenic Highway has been named one of the best fall foliage drives in America. The drive takes you through the heart of the White Mountains, where the colors are in full display.

Big South Fork National Recreation Area, Kentucky: The Big South Fork National Recreation Area is a hidden gem for leaf peepers. The area offers a range of hiking trails that showcase the beautiful colors of autumn. Don't miss out on the John Muir Overlook for a breathtaking view of the Burning Jim Branch Canyon.

Lake Geneva Area, Wisconsin: The Lake Geneva Area is known for its beauty throughout the year, and the autumn season is no exception. The crisp air, pumpkin patches, and fall colors make for a cozy vacation away from the city.

Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: Take a scenic drive across the Skyline Drive, and you will witness a panoramic view of the Shenandoah National Park. The park is known for its incredible foliage displays, which are on full display in the autumn season.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee: The aptly named Great Smoky Mountain National Park is home to over 100 different species of trees, which contributes to an impressive display of autumn colors. The park has a range of hiking trails for those wanting an up-close experience of the fall foliage.

Estes Park at Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: The beauty of Estes Park is enchanting all year round, but the autumn season turns the place into a paradise. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the changing colors of the leaves, making the experience an unforgettable one.

Hawksbill Crag, Whitaker Point, The Ozark National Forest, Arkansas: The Hawksbill Crag is known for hiking and camping, but the autumn season makes this place an absolute gem. The sharp rock formations, combined with the beautiful colors, make for a stunning view.

Olympic National Park, Washington: Olympic National Park is a beautiful location to visit during fall. From the mountains to the ocean, the park has something for everyone. Don't forget to take a stroll to Lake Crescent, which is surrounded by verdant trees.

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, Utah: The Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is known for its picturesque views all year round, but the autumn is something special. The vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange are complemented by the stunning rock formations, making a beautiful environment.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: Home to a variety of trees, the Grand Teton National Park provides the perfect destination to go leaf peeping. The colors are in full display as the trees slowly shed their leaves.

As we take in the beauty of the autumn colors across the US, we can appreciate the uniqueness of each place. From the reflective Rangeley Lake in Maine to the sharp rock formations of the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas, each location stands out on its own. We hope that this blog post has helped you discover new places to travel to for leaf peeping and make lifetime memories with your loved ones.