Franconia Notch State Park | White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire Image credit: Winston Tan via shutterstock

Unexpected US Places With The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage

Fall foliage is one of nature's most beautiful displays. The leaves turn a spectrum of colors providing a wonderful show for weeks on end. While most people expect the best fall foliage to be in places like New England or the Mid-Atlantic, there are some unexpected US places that boast extraordinary autumn scenery. So, if you're looking for an amazing fall foliage destination, check out these seven spots!

Walla Walla, Washington

Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla, Washington - Image Credit CSNafzger via Shutterstock

This charming town in southeastern Washington is best known for its world-class wine, but it's also a great place to enjoy the changing seasons.

Head to one of the many nearby vineyards for a day of leaf peeping, take part in the yearly Fall Release Weekend, or take a scenic drive through the Blue Mountains. No matter how you choose to experience it, the fall foliage in Walla Walla is sure to impress.

Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesota - Image Credit Thanawan Chanttasahawat via Shutterstock

If you're looking for a place to see some of the most beautiful fall foliage, Duluth, Minnesota is the place for you. The city is nestled among towering pines and maples, providing a stunning backdrop for the changing leaves. And because Duluth is located on the shores of Lake Superior, there's also the added bonus of being able to enjoy the crisp autumn air while taking in views of the water.

There are plenty of ways to take in the fall foliage in Duluth. The park has a number of hiking trails, making it the perfect spot for a nature hike or walk. Another great option is to take a scenic drive along the North Shore Scenic Drive, which winds its way along the shoreline of Lake Superior. With its numerous lookout points and photo ops, it's no wonder this drive is one of the most popular ways to experience Duluth's fall foliage.

No matter how you choose to take in the fall colors, Duluth is sure to impress.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia - Image Credit LHBLLC via Shutterstock

Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular places to see fall foliage in Virginia. The park stretches for over 500 miles, offering plenty of opportunities to take in the colorful scenery.

Skyline Drive is a particularly popular spot, as it winds its way through the park and offers stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire- Image Credit Jon Bilous via Shutterstock

Franconia Notch State Park is a great place to enjoy all that New England has to offer in the fall. The park is home to the famous Old Man of the Mountain, as well as a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives.

Whether you're looking for an easy hike, a challenging climb, or you want to break out your kayak or canoe, you'll find it here. And of course, the fall foliage is simply incredible.

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio - Image Credit Kenneth Keifer via Shutterstock

Hocking Hills State Park is one of the best-kept secrets in Ohio. Hiking trails wind through the park, providing ample opportunity to take in the autumn scenery. The Old Man's Cave area is particularly spectacular, with its towering cliffs and hemlock forests. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and camping in the park.

This secluded park is also home to a variety of scenic waterfalls and caves. The fall foliage is simply stunning, making it the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful hike in Conkle’s Hollow or zipline through the fall foliage.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature escape or an action-packed weekend adventure, Hocking Hills State Park is sure to please.

Tallulah, Georgia

Tallulah, Georgia
Tallulah, Georgia - Image Credit Sean Pavone via Shutterstock

Tallulah, Georgia is a small town located in the northeastern part of the state. It is situated just 4 hours from the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its beautiful fall foliage. The town is home to Tallulah Falls, which is a series of six waterfalls that cascade down a rocky cliff. The falls are accessible via a short hike from the parking area. There are also several other hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the autumn leaves.

The best time to visit Tallulah is from mid-October to early November when the leaves are at their peak color. During this time, the town comes alive with visitors from all over who come to see the spectacular sights. If you're looking for a place to enjoy fall colors, Tallulah should definitely be on your list!

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota - Image Credit Mary Key via Shutterstock

The Black Hills National Forest is home to a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, and aspens. These trees produce some of the most beautiful fall colors in the country. In fact, many people travel from all over the world to see the Black Hills National Forest during peak leaf-changing season.

If you're looking for a new place to enjoy some stunning fall foliage, or camp out at one of the 650 individual campsites on the grounds, be sure to add the Black Hills National Forest to your list!

In Summary

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than by taking in the fall foliage. Luckily, there are plenty of great places to do just that in the United States. So, if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next vacation, be sure to check out our list of seven amazing spots for fall foliage. And don’t forget to share your own tips and tricks in the comments below!

Share

More in Places