The Magic of Autumn: A Traveler’s Guide to the Best Fall Destinations
Catching the peak of fall colors can transform a simple road trip into an unforgettable experience. The vibrant hues of yellow, orange, red, and even purple create a magical atmosphere that many travelers dream of capturing. To help you make the most of your autumn getaway, we turned to Darley Newman, an Emmy-winning TV host and travel expert known for her PBS and streaming seriesTravels with Darley. With her extensive travels across more than 40 countries and throughout the U.S., Newman has developed a keen sense of where and when to find the most breathtaking fall scenery.
The Key to a Successful Leaf-Peeping Trip
Newman emphasizes that planning is crucial for a successful fall trip. “Book early, plan ahead, and consider state parks and national forests—they can be just as stunning without the gridlock,” she advises. This means reserving lodging, park road entries, and popular tours well in advance. She also suggests swapping marquee parks for lesser-known national forests, state parks, and small towns. Timing is equally important. Her favorite tip? “Pack your picnic the night before and be on the trail by sunrise.” If a spot doesn’t take reservations, show up at opening (often 4 p.m.) to avoid the dinner rush.
Top Fall Destinations According to Darley Newman
Quebec, Canada (Eastern Townships + Chemin du Roy)
Quebec is a fall traveler’s dream, especially the “King’s Highway” between Québec City and Montréal. This scenic route runs along the north bank of the St. Lawrence River and offers picturesque views of lakes, farms, and small resorts. Newman recommends taking a Hydravion seaplane for aerial views of fall foliage.
What to do:
– Drive the historic Chemin du Roy from Québec City to Montréal.
– Stop at farm stands and stay at small resorts.
– Stand-up paddleboard on quiet lakes for peak-color views.
– Take a Hydravion Aventure Seaplane tour over La Mauricie National Park for stunning aerial views.
Where to stay:
– Station touristique Duchesnay, a nature center on a lake with onsite stand-up paddleboards and trails.
– Le Baluchon, an eco-resort.
– Book a glamping village with yurts or cabins by a lake.
Darley’s Pro Tip:
“You have to book popular access roads and national park entries well in advance now.”
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a vast 50,000-acre area along the Atlantic Coast, primarily on Mount Desert Island. It’s known for its classic New England granite coasts and vibrant fall colors. However, it can get very crowded during peak season.
What to do:
– Arrive at sunrise to drive Summit Road and reserve a timed entry.
– Pack a pre-dawn picnic and head out before the rush.
Darley’s Pro Tip:
“It can be incredibly busy this time of year, and most hotels and restaurants book up way ahead of time. If a restaurant doesn’t take reservations, arrive at opening (4 p.m.) to skip lines.”
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan borders three Great Lakes and offers a remote, wild landscape with lakes, waterfalls, and deep forests. Its fall colors are often underappreciated but breathtaking.
What to do:
– Take scenic drives and stop at waterfalls.
– Mix hiking with lake overlooks.
– Aim for late September to mid-October for the best views.
Darley’s Pro Tip:
“Consider state parks and national forests like these—they’re often less crowded than marquee national parks.”
West Virginia (Monongahela NF + New River Gorge Area)
West Virginia is perfect for fall foliage, with rugged landscapes, historic sites, and a former coal town. Newman recommends rafting the New River Gorge, which is now a national park, and exploring waterfall trails.
What to do:
– Take a waterfall-drive trail with short hikes.
– Rock-climb via the Via Ferrata with NROCKS outdoor adventures.
– Raft the New River Gorge National Park.
– Ride the Durbin Rocket vintage train for scenic views of changing leaves.
Where to stay:
– Caboose camping via the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
– Glamping cabins nearby.
Darley’s Pro Tip:
“Expect limited cell service and be prepared to go a bit off-grid.”
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park stretches along the Blue Ridge Mountains and features wetlands, waterfalls, and rocky peaks. Skyline Drive offers big-sky overlooks, and the park is large enough to find quieter spots.
What to do:
– Pick lesser-trafficked overlooks and trails away from the most famous stops.
– Explore nearby state forests to avoid peak congestion.
Darley’s Pro Tip:
“Start early (or late afternoon) to enjoy the views with fewer people.”
Finger Lakes, New York (Keuka Lake)
The Finger Lakes region in New York is known for its rolling vineyards, lakes, and meandering trails. Keuka Lake, nicknamed Crooked Lake, is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding with mirrored foliage views.
What to do:
– Visit wineries and harvest stops for tastings.
– Take a side trip to Saratoga Springs for apple-picking and downtown strolls.
– Stay at the woman-owned Saratoga Arms.
Darley’s Pro Tip:
“Build a flex day to chase best-color micro-pockets lake-to-lake.”
Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known as the “Hawaii of Asia” and offers volcanic coastlines and stunning fall foliage. Newman recommends a sunrise hike of Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic tuff cone, and coastal walks with cliff views.
What to do:
– Sunrise hike of Seongsan Ilchulbong.
– Coastal walks with cliff views.
Darley’s Pro Tip:
“Go for sunrise; it’s busy but unforgettable.”
