Check Out These Destinations for Fall Foliage Without the Crowds

Fall is here, which means the season for leaf-peeping is either in full swing or just getting started, depending on which part of the country you’re in.

Each fall, crowds tend to descend upon picturesque destinations throughout New England and Atlantic Canada, where the foliage can turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

But the season can also come with crowds. It seems more than a few travelers have the same idea during the autumn months, all seeking their own slice of zen in a cranberry bog or near a bucolic lake with glasslike reflections of the vibrant colors above.

Here are a few destinations you might not have considered for your autumnal leaf-peeping, and they generally come without the hordes of foliage-viewing visitors as some of the more popular spots.

Washington DC/Northern Virginia

Better known for spring foliage in the form of cherry blossoms, the Potomac River’s leaf-peeping is also spectacular. Take in the seasonal color change with the backdrop of national monuments, or head into Virginia and stroll Alexandria’s cobblestone streets and admire the historic architecture.

The fall colors are particularly striking along the river on Mount Vernon Trail. Stay right in Alexandria’s historic Morrison House or head into the District for stays at the notorious Watergate Hotel or the storied InterContinental The Willard Washington DC.

Colorado

Colorado is also an ideal place to go leaf-peeping. It’s a big state with a lot of trees, but the autumn season also comes in a sort of visitor lull between the summer and ski seasons. Many of the mountain resorts are at their quietest during the autumn months, but the scenery is an embarrassment of riches.

From Denver’s tree-lined avenues (Molly Brown House Museum is a good place to while away the hours) to Boulder’s cozy little front-range enclave, to the abundant aspen trees in and around Beaver Creek, the Rocky Mountain State is tops for fall fun.

Fall colors in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Jim Glab)

In Denver, book a high floor room at Thompson Denver and dig into a hearty meal at Tavernetta or the Michelin-starred (and green-starred) Brutø. Be sure to spring for the extra portion of hearth-baked bread—it’s worth it.

In Boulder, indulge in Italian regional cuisine at Frasca Food & Wine, and in Beaver Creek, head up the mountain for a lavish repast at Beano’s Cabin, surrounded by the turning Aspen trees. When it’s time to retire, bask in luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, and watch the plumes of golden aspen crawl up the mountainside.

Alaska

How about foliage—and glaciers? Alaska Helicopter Tours offers their Knik Glacier tours year-round, and their base in the Knik Valley is packed to the gills with birch trees for leaf-peeping vistas, both from the base and from the air during the helicopter tour.

Or drive south from Anchorage along the spectacular Turnagain Arm to Girdwood and spend the night at Alyeska Resort, which is open year-round but delightfully quiet during the autumn months. It’s also a great time to go forest bathing at the resort’s Nordic Spa.

Fall foliage in Denali, Alaska. (photo by Patrick Clarke)

Tennessee

Southern, but still brilliant in the autumn is Tennessee, specifically the Nashville Area. A longtime area for foliage viewing is the Natchez Trace Parkway, just 30 minutes from the city. In the city, try Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park for scenic trails to watch the leaves fall.

The boutique luxury Hutton Hotel awaits tired leaf-peepers, perhaps they can warm up with a plate of the jalapeño cheddar corn bread at Evelyn’s.

Chattanooga is also renowned for fall foliage—from just about anywhere in town with a view of the Tennessee River. Nestle right into the foliage by booking a night at Treetop Hideaways.

Oregon

Heavily forested Oregon is a top leaf-peeping destination, with plenty of maple, cottonwood, and white oak trees. The foliage is especially prominent in Portland and at the junction of the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Redmond, nestled in the Cascade Range, is also a prime spot for foliage.

Check into SCP Redmond Hotel and take in the surrounding vistas from the rooftop with small plates and craft cocktails. For a coastal experience, try the Salishan Coastal Lodge in Gleneden Beach—there may even be the drama of a Pacific storm to add to the views.

Fall colors on Lake Padden in Bellingham, Washington. (Photo Credit: Adobe/David)

Washington

Washington abounds in leaf-peeping spots, from Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie to the whole coast of the Puget Sound region from Tacoma to Bellingham, where fall colors are particularly striking against the backdrop of Bellingham Bay. In Seattle, check into the Four Seasons or The Edgewater for views of Elliott Bay.

The views are no less thrilling in Eastern Washington. The Historic Davenport Hotel is just steps away from the Spokane River—a great place to take in the crisp autumn air and bright colors.

Arizona

Arizona also gets it share of fall colors, particularly in the north of the state. Flagstaff is particularly delightful in autumn, specifically the brilliant yellow-gold of the aspens in Coconino National Forest. The city of Flagstaff even operates a Leaf-ometer on their website so visitors can check the conditions of the foliage before heading out.

San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Photo Credit: Adobe/mdurson)

In Prescott, there’s plenty of hiking and leaf-peeping in Prescott National Forest – where the native trees are known for vibrant hues of red. Both are close enough to Phoenix that it’s convenient to retire after a long day at the urban escape Global Ambassador Hotel to take advantage of its top-notch eateries.

Montana

Another spot for a birds-eye view of the foliage is The Resort at Paws Up, where visitors can ascend into the tree canopy with their Sky Line Aerial Adventure Park. For those wishing to remain earthbound, the resort is a good place for foliage in autumn, just a half hour from Missoula. Take your pick from luxury vacation homes onsite or a number of luxury glamping sites.

The foliage is also pretty wonderful at Glacier National Park, just up the road near Kalispell. For lodging near the park, try the Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

Autumn sunset in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia. (Photo Credit: Adobe/SeanPavonePhoto)

Georgia

Georgia’s tallest mountain, Brasstown Bald, is an ideal place for foliage hunting. To escape the crowds, lodge up in Blairsville, a small mountain town just two hours north of Atlanta (and about a half hour from Brasstown Bald).

In Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens is also a popular-but-underrated spot for leaf-peeping. Wander through the “rock gardens” and enjoy the views from the top of the mountain, where it’s possible to see four states (Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina) on a clear day. In the evening, retire to the Bellyard, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Atlanta’s up-and-coming West Midtown neighborhood. 

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