As autumn arrives, the vibrant reds, oranges and golds across the USA create breathtaking landscapes that attract leaf peepers in droves. However, if you're looking to sidestep the crowds and discover your own peaceful pocket of seasonal beauty – or perhaps skip the foliage altogether for a more tranquil autumnal retreat – we’ve rounded up hidden gems from coast to coast for the perfect fall escape.
Click through this gallery to discover the crowd-free spots for enjoying autumn colours in the USA...
Despite its vast forestland, Arkansas – known as The Natural State – is often overlooked by leaf peepers. However, the Ozark National Forest, which stretches over a million acres and blankets the Ozark Mountains, bursts into vibrant crimson when autumn arrives. Campsites are scattered beneath the oak-hickory canopy, while Mount Magazine, the highest point in the area and the state at 2,753 feet (839m), offers sweeping views over the fiery foliage below.
The forest is also home to elusive elk, most active at dawn and dusk. During their mating season, which runs from September through October, the orange-hued forest comes alive with the eerie bugle calls of Eastern elk. Woodland trails like the River's Edge Trail provide a chance to spot wildlife such as kingfishers and blue herons, adding to the enchantment of an autumn hike here.
Far from New England, in America's sun-baked Southwest, the compact desert town of Taos is cloaked in gorgeous colours by late September. The dinky town is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range, which is crisscrossed with hiking trails. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, a picturesque driving route, also spools out from Taos and slices through the peaks.
Late summer and early autumn mark the harvest season in New Mexico, with the iconic chile harvest taking place around town. Ristras of dried peppers are hung on storefronts, adding a festive touch well into autumn. September is also prime festival season, and the Taos Fall Arts Festival showcases works by local artists along Civic Plaza Drive, where the street is closed off for a lively night of art, music and celebration.
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Southwest USA is synonymous with rugged red rocks and rambling desert, but there are flashes of autumnal foliage too. The city of Sedona is right in the middle of ‘Red Rock Country’ where, come autumn, orange-topped trees sprout from rust-coloured crags and hiking trails run through forestland bright with golden hues. A top route nearby is the West Fork Oak Creek trail: around nine miles (14km) north of the city, the path follows Oak Creek ,which is lined with colour-changing trees.
For those wanting to skip the leaf-peeping altogether, the golden mounds of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a pretty good place to start. The protected dunes are the tallest in North America, reaching a whopping 750 feet (229m) at their highest point, and they're a favourite spot for sandboarding and sledding.
Yet pockets of yellow do still pop up across the park's sandy expanse, which is home to some aspen and conifer forest. Mosca Pass Trail winds some seven miles (11km) through meadows and woodland, gaining 1,400 feet (427m) in elevation as it goes. Head for the half-mile (800m) Montville Nature Trail for a much shorter, gentler forest hike with views of the dunes.
While this swathe of Virginia is often overshadowed by the northeast, Shenandoah National Park is a sure bet for an autumn road trip. The Skyline Drive Scenic Highway beats a path through the park and takes around three hours to travel in total. At its best when glowing with amber and gold, the highway is studded with a series of overlooks offering panoramas over the dappled foliage.
Many wineries and cideries (at their best in autumn) spread out across the area too. The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail and the Shenandoah Spirits Trail each weave through the best of the bunch, awash with crisp ciders and Virginian varietals, plus plenty of mountain views to boot.
The white-sand beaches of Pensacola, a stunning oceanfront city in Florida, are glorious year-round. As summer winds down and the sunbathing crowds thin out, the temperatures remain pleasantly warm. The Bands on the Beach programme, featuring musicians from various genres performing for beachgoers, offers a perfect soundtrack to your autumn beach getaway.
Beyond the beach, Pensacola's historic downtown area is home to the T. T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, which chronicles Floridian history. This is also prime time for foodies to visit. Late in the season, usually at the end of September, the Pensacola Seafood Festival fills the downtown area with seafood stalls, live music and more.
Denali's wild expanse is famed the world over – but given its sheer size, most visitors find they have plenty of elbow room. This is the third-largest national park in the US, but only some 600,000 visitors per year enter its borders. During autumn, Denali’s aspen and birch trees put on a dazzling display of colour, and visitors might even witness the Northern Lights overhead during the darker fall nights, thanks to Denali's prime location and low light pollution.
Wildlife such as moose (whose mating season is in autumn) and bears are particularly active: moose use this time to store up fat for the bracing winter, while bears prepare for hibernation by consuming as much food as they can find. Visitors should note that the shuttle bus service in Denali National Park ends in mid-September, so travelling by personal vehicle is necessary after that. Be ready for unpredictable weather and challenging road conditions during this time.
The colour-splashed cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are beautiful all year round, but they take on an added charm in autumn. This protected area of Lake Superior's shore is characterised by its unspoiled strands and stripy scarps, which are blanketed with orange. Grand Portal Point (pictured), a rocky precipice jutting into the water, is a popular spot along the shore, with views over the vast lake and across to other picturesque cliffs.
The Au Sable Light Station, rising its head from a dense canopy, is another scenic view. The lighthouse dates back to 1873, soaring around 107 feet (33m) above the lake. While tours of the lighthouse typically run during the summer months, ending in late September, the lighthouse remains an impressive sight in autumn when viewed from afar, especially as it peeks through the vibrant colours of the surrounding trees.
Far from the foliage-seeking crowds, this serene stretch of coastline in the Outer Banks offers powdery golden sands and windswept waters. September temperatures can still reach a balmy 28°C (82°F), only cooling slightly through October. However, it's always wise to check the forecast before heading out, as hurricane season runs from July through December.
Abandoned fishing cabins and three historic lighthouses line this picturesque shoreline. While Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is usually a climbable attraction, it will remain closed for restoration until 2026. However, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is open for climbing until mid-October. This stretch of seashore is also a paradise for birdwatchers, where you can spot species like black skimmers and American oystercatchers. The nearby campgrounds typically stay open until the end of November, though it's advisable to check the park's website for any updates.
Dramatic Tallulah Gorge plunges to one thousand feet (305m), with water carving its way through two miles (3km) of forest-covered rock. In autumn, the woods are flecked with orange and yellow, and the hiking trails winding around the rim of the canyon offer spectacular views across burnt orange and blushing red foliage. Permits are typically required to hike down by the water's edge; check the website for updates.
Highlights of the park include the gushing Hurricane Falls, which is accessible via the Hurricane Falls Trail, a two-mile (3km) loop studded with scenic outlooks. Not for the faint-hearted, there's also a dizzying suspension bridge which swings some 80 feet (24m) above the gorge floor and offers close-up views of the bright autumn leaves.
This gorgeous Texan maple forest gives the northeast a run for its money. The site rambles for more than 2,000 acres, sewn with around 10 miles (16km) of hiking trails. The West Trail covers the most ground, and includes a breathtaking overlook, while the shorter West Loop Trail whips through a tranquil ashe juniper grove.
The area is popular with keen birdwatchers too: visitors should look out for the eye-popping yellow face of the golden-cheeked warbler, which is endemic to the area. The trees tend to turn in the final weeks of October, and the Texan state parks website publishes regular updates.
Blazing leaves and lofty views await in Alabama’s Cheaha State Park this season. The park is swallowed by the Talladega National Forest, which bursts into hues of rust and blonde once autumn settles in. It’s also home to the highest point in the state, the pinnacle of Cheaha Mountain, so it offers unparalleled views.
Many visitors enjoy sunrise or sunset hikes along the scenic trails that weave through this forested park, which is dotted with waterfalls and lookout points. While the Cliffside Restaurant offers breathtaking views, it is currently closed. The park also features campgrounds and cabins, and it's recommended to book these accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Stretching out across northern Utah, the Wasatch Mountains are an adventure playground year-round and a beacon of foliage come autumn. Two hiking routes wind to the summit of 11,749-foot (3,581m) Mount Timpanogos, the second-highest peak in the range, while lofty ATV and horse-riding trails snake through Wasatch Mountain State Park too.
Dinky towns are dotted across the mountains too, with picture-perfect spots like Park City (pictured) offering panoramas of the peaks. Park City’s downtown is lined with snug spots for hot chocolate and seasonal bakes and mountain-bike trails wiggle out around the town. The area's annual biking event, Tour des Suds, winds through a seven-mile (11km) mountain route with fancy dress encouraged.
The Bluegrass State has little shortage of parks, but this one comes to life in autumn. The thundering falls are fittingly nicknamed the 'Niagara of the South', and are hemmed in by leaves of crimson and chestnut come fall. The park is also famous for its rare 'moonbows' or 'lunar rainbows': natural spectacles created by the dim moonlight and the spray from the falls.
The best views of the park are found along the five-mile (8km) Cumberland River Trail, which weaves its way upstream with blazing trees offering cover all the way. Another top sight is the elegant Edward Moss Gatliff Bridge, completed in the 1950s – it arches across the Cumberland River, reflecting in the still water, the autumn colours of the surrounding trees painted alongside it.
In autumn, the southern parts of Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest offer a tranquil escape, showcasing stunning foliage without the crowds found in busier areas like Stowe. The forested trails wind through a breathtaking mix of deep reds, oranges and golds, with the colourful hardwoods creating a perfect backdrop for hiking and leaf-peeping. In October, trails like the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail or the Branch Pond Trail are ideal for a quiet, scenic walk through the vibrant forests, with the crisp fall air adding to the experience.
Tucked away in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest, Lake Dunmore offers the perfect escape for those seeking Vermont’s autumn beauty without the crowds. Located near the charming town of Salisbury, this 985-acre gem invites visitors to indulge in peaceful outdoor adventures like boating, fishing and hiking. For a truly picturesque experience, head to nearby Branbury State Park, where scenic trails and lakeside views showcase the vibrant fall colours in all their glory.