Catching peak color at just the right moment can turn a fall getaway into a forever memory. A road trip through blazing yellows, oranges, reds—and even purples—feels downright magical. To find the best of it, we tapped Emmy-winning TV host and travel expert Darley Newman. Having explored more than 40 countries for her PBS and streaming series Travels with Darley—and crisscrossed the U.S.—she’s practically honed a leaf-peeping playbook.
The number-one rule? “Book early, plan ahead, and consider state parks and national forests—they can be just as stunning without the gridlock,” Newman says. That means reserving lodging, park road entries and popular tours well in advance. You may also want to swap marquee parks for national forests, state parks and adjacent small towns. Timing matters, too: “My favorite hack? Pack your picnic the night before and be on the trail by sunrise.” If a spot doesn’t take reservations, she adds, show up at opening (often 4 p.m.) to beat the dinner rush.
As for destinations, she’s seen many an autumn display—but these are the ones that truly stand out.
Related: 20 Most Stunning Leaf-Peeping Destinations to Visit This Fall
Québec, Canada (Eastern Townships + Chemin du Roy)
Why go: “Quebec is amazing. I’ve been there twice in the fall,” says Newman. The “King’s Highway” between Québec City and Montréal is lesser-known to many U.S. travelers, but it’s a historic, scenic tourist destination along the north bank of the St. Lawrence River in Canada. Drive past picture-postcard lakes, farms and small resorts—or try Newman’s recommendation—take the Hydravion seaplane for incredible aerial views of fall foliage.
What to do:
- Drive the historic Chemin du Roy (Québec City to Montréal); stop for farm stands and stay at small resorts.
- Stand-up paddleboard on quiet lakes for peak-color views.
- Hydravion Aventure Seaplane sightseeing over nearby La Mauricie National Park for stunning foliage views from above.
Where to stay:
- Station touristique Duchesnay nature center on a lake; find onsite stand-up paddleboards and trails.
- Le Baluchon eco-resort (“Baluchon… great resort,” says Newman.)
- Book a glamping village with yurts/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
Photo by Douglas Rissing on Getty Images
Why go:Acadia National Park is an almost 50,000-acre recreation area along the Atlantic Coast, primarily on Maine’s Mount Desert Island and parts of the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. It’s known for its classic New England granite coasts and blazing color in the fall, but beware—crowds tend to spike to catch a glimpse. Hikes will take you past woodland areas, rocky beaches and glacier-traced peaks and you may even see a moose or a bear. The bayside town of Bar Harbor, Maine, is a popular access point.
What to do:
- Make sure you’re up at Sunrise to drive Summit Road in the morning—reserve a timed entry ahead of time.
- 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. (You may just be ready after that sunrise hike!)
Related: 7 Biggest Fall Travel Trends of 2025, According to Experts
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Photo by Dale Boettcher on Getty Images
Why go: This forest region in Michigan borders three Great Lakes, extending outward from Wisconsin and above Mackinac Island. Here, you’ll find a remote, wildnessness with lakes, waterfalls and deep forests—and in the fall, its color is under-sung. “Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is absolutely gorgeous during the summer, spring and fall, but especially during the changing leaves. Michigan is not a place that everybody always equates with the changing leaves, but the UP is very natural and very beautiful,” says Newman.
What to do:
- Scenic drives and waterfall stops; mix hiking with lake overlooks.
- Aim for late Sept–mid Oct windows.
Darley’s pro tip:
- Consider state parks and national forests like these—theyr’e often less crowded than marquee national parks.
West Virginia (Monongahela NF + New River Gorge area)
Photo by Douglas Rissing on Getty Images
Why go: This Southern West Virginia state park is perfect for fall foliage and features rugged, scenic landscapes, historic sites and a former coal town. “I’ve been to West Virginia for the changing leaves and really loved it,” says Newman. “I’ve gone rafting on the New River Gorge, which is now a national park, which is pretty awesome. There’s a waterfall trail that you can drive and hike to waterfalls. You can go fishing, you can go hiking, even rock climbing.”
What to do:
- Waterfall-drive trail with short hikes.
- Rock-climb Via Ferrata with NROCKS outdoor adventures—you’re “attached to a cable—great for adventurous, not crazy adventurous,” says Newman.
- Raft the New River Gorge National Park.
- Ride the Durbin Rocket vintage train. “It takes you out into the woods, where you’re seeing changing leaves,” says Newman.
Where to stay:
- Caboose camping via the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad or glamping cabins nearby.
Darley’s pro tip:
- Expect limited cell service and be prepared to go a bit off-grid.
Related: 7 Travel Mistakes People Make in the Fall—And How to Avoid Them
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Photo by John Baggaley on Getty Images
Why go: Extending along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia (part of the Appalachian Trail), you’ll find wetlands, waterfalls and rocky peaks among its vast network of hiking trails. Don’t miss big-sky overlooks along Skyline Drive. “It’s super popular, but it’s a large park, so you could find some places that might be a bit less visited there, too,” says Newman.
What to do:
- Pick lesser-trafficked overlooks and trails away from the most famous stops.
- Nearby state forests are also great so you 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)
Photo by Walter Bibikow on Getty Images
Why go: This chain of 11 lakes in Central New York is some of the prettiest landscape in the state. Here you’ll find rolling vineyards, lakes and meandering trails—and it’s gorgeous with color in the fall. Darley recommends SUPing Keuka Lake, nicknamed Crooked Lake, for its Y-Shape with two north points and one south point, for mirrored foliage views.
What to do:
- Winery/harvest stops—it’s a fun, low-key wine region with plenty offering tastings.
- And if you have time, take a side trip to Saratoga Springs, New York, to stroll downtown streets, and go apple-picking. 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
Photo by Henn Photography on Getty Images
Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere reserve, “The Hawaii of Asia” has volcanic coastlines and fall color galore. “Another one that people don’t think about is in South Korea. I went to Jeju Island to see the changing leaves. It’s known as the Hawaii of Asia, but they actually have great fall foliage,” says Newman. You’ll also find an array of otherworldly natural beauty, including Mount Hallasan, volcanic craters like Seongsan Ilchulbong and lava tubes. You can hike the highest peak in South Korea, see epic waterfalls and taste local delicasies like black pork.
What to do:
- Sunrise hike of Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic tuff cone that’s super popular for engagements and photo shoots.
- Coastal walks with cliff views.
Darley’s pro tip:
- Go for sunrise; it’s busy but unforgettable.
To find out how to watch Travels With Darley, visit her website.
Related: These 6 Quiet New England Towns Are Fall Hidden Gems—Say Travel Pros
