Have you ever gone leaf peeping, only to find yourself among a crowd? That’s the problem when you plan fall foliage trips to popular regions like New England or Appalachia — lots of other people have the same idea. Since the leaves change during a finite time of the year, a certain amount of congestion is inevitable during leaf-peeping season. But the more you’re willing to travel to lesser-known regions or out-of-the-way locales, the fewer traffic jams you’ll find. Covering cities, shorelines, mountain ranges, and islands, here are eight unexpected places across America to witness the spectacular changing colors of autumn.
Taos – New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, comes alive in autumn, when the aspen trees of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains transform into a spectacular yellow hue. For optimal leaf peeping, plan your visit in the early to mid-fall, when the air is dry and cool and the leaves are at their peak yellow color. The easiest way to see the foliage is on the aptly named Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, an 84-mile loop that provides a comprehensive tour of the landscape, traveling through Taos Valley and into the high alpine scenery. For those who prefer a slower method of travel, you can also admire the foliage by hiking, biking, or hopping on a chair lift into the mountains near Taos.
Eastern Shore – Maryland
The vibrant reds and golds of autumn are visible almost everywhere you look on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, which features plenty of conservation land and numerous varieties of deciduous trees. Bird-watchers will love the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, a favorite of migratory birds in the fall, while Tuckahoe State Park has 20 miles of walking trails, plus canoe and kayak rentals for exploration of the park’s 60-acre lake. To stay close to the shoreline, head to Elk Neck State Park, situated on a narrow peninsula in the Chesapeake Bay, which provides an amazing backdrop of white clay cliffs amid the changing leaves.
Eastern Cascades – Washington
The Northern Cascades are a great place to spot the golden larch, a deciduous conifer tree that changes colors annually. Unlike other members of the pine family, which produce cones while remaining evergreen, the golden larch transforms from emerald green to brassy gold as the weather turns cool. They thrive in the mountains on the eastern side of the Cascades, where they receive plenty of light in the young-growth forest. Since the best way to see these brilliant trees is on foot, check out Blue Lake Hike or Maple Pass Loop off the North Cascades Highway in late September or early October.
Tallulah Gorge – Georgia
From mid-October to early November, the landscape of Georgia transforms into the brilliant hues of autumn thanks to the state’s abundant deciduous trees, including over 30 species of oak. One of the most beautiful places to witness the foliage is Tallulah Gorge State Park. Located in the southeastern section of the state, the canyon shows off an array of colors in the autumn months, with red maples, yellow oaks, and golden birches changing throughout the season. The park’s scenery is best appreciated through the numerous hiking trails and picnic spots that skirt the canyon rim and waterfalls.
Sacramento – California
Usually, admiring fall foliage means getting out of the city, but not in Sacramento. California’s capital city has leaf peepers covered. Sacramento is home to an array of diverse deciduous trees, including ginkgo, Chinese pistache, liquid amber, and scarlet oak. Plus, the state’s mild climate extends the autumn season, which typically lasts from late September until the end of November. For the most impressive foliage, check out Midtown, Land Park, and East Sacramento — each of these neighborhoods is home to mature trees that transform beautifully throughout the fall.
Black Hills – South Dakota
Even though about half of South Dakota is prairie land, the other half is notably striking in autumn. For the best foliage, head to the Black Hills, a mountain range and national forest situated on the state’s western border that’s filled with birch, aspen, oak, and ash trees. Throughout the fall, visitors can expect to find shades of yellow and gold covering these scenic hills. Check out the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, a 22-mile highway that winds through limestone cliffs decorated in shades of gold, or the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, a 70-mile road that travels through Custer State Park and provides epic views of Mount Rushmore.
Roosevelt Island – New York
Forget upstate — New Yorkers don’t have to travel very far to witness fall’s mesmerizing beauty. Situated on the East River between Manhattan and Queens, Roosevelt Island is one of the most beautiful places in the city to witness the changing of the leaves. Accessible via tram from the Upper East Side, the island is home to Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees planted throughout Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedom Parks that turn shades of yellow, bronze, and orange between September and October. While some crowds are to be expected — it is New York, after all — the backdrop of the city skyline makes it a worthy day trip for city-bound leaf peepers.
Sault Ste. Marie – Michigan and Ontario
Situated across from each other on the St. Mary’s River and connected by an international bridge, the sister cities of Sault Ste. Marie are an ideal spot for low-key leaf peeping. The U.S. Sault Ste. Marie, on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is home to the Tower of History, a historic watch tower that provides views of both cities, in addition to the Sault Locks and the Canadian wilderness across the border. If you have time to cross into Canada, the Ontario side of Sault Ste. Marie provides access to the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, which cuts through the wilderness and provides incredible views of the ever-changing foliage.
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