Best Places to Travel in the USA in Fall (Sept-Nov)
The U.S. Fall is really magical. The plants become golden, the mountains seem fantastic, and even the lakes become calmer. You like sharp mountains, beautiful roads, quaint small towns, and there is such an ideal place to go.
The crowds subside between September and November, the weather is perfect, and nature is at its best. I gathered some of the best places to visit during this fall you will have amazing scenery, entertainment, and everything warm.
Best Places to Travel in the USA in Fall
Acadia National Park, Maine
When you need the most epic fall foliage site, you must place Acadia National Park in New England first, in your list. This park is located in a very rugged area along the Maine coastline, and the vibrant, autumnal colors combined with the enormous ocean landscapes make it an amazing experience to remember.
There is Cadillac Mountain, the highest above the sea, and the sunrise is seen over a sea of red, orange, and gold. The Park Loop Road scenic drives and trails, such as Ocean Path, Beehive Loop trail hiking give you lots and lots of photo opportunities.
Taking a relaxing break, visit Jordan Pond House and have their popular popovers, or do a kayaking trip, boat tour, and even swimming, at the Sand Beach (weather conditions permitting).
You can see much in one day, but two days will allow you to visit the more peaceful side of the park and enjoy even more of its beauty. The area around Bar Harbor is the ideal place to base, as it has lobster rolls, local shops, and a place to calm down upon completion of a day outdoors.
Fall in Acadia, with its fresh air, smaller crowds, and shimmering scenery, is as New England as it can be.
Sedona, Arizona (Hot & Scenic)
Average temperature: 70°F – 95°F
Sedona does not get the typical fall foliage, but fall is actually one of the most favourable months to visit. The season is cooler, the summer masses are gone, and the red rock vistas are astonishing.
What is unique, then, is the combination of gold cottonwoods and red rocks. Oak Creek Canyon, and in particular, the West Fork Trail, is not to be missed in late October as the yellows and oranges burst.
Tonnes of great hikes, such as Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, or Bell Rock, easy to reach, are also available in Sedona. And after sightseeing, you can find plenty of quaint restaurants, crystal stores, and spas in town to unwind.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains are the most popular national park in the U.S., and this is the best time to visit during the fall. There are more than 100 varieties of trees, and the colors here are amazing.
The best places to see fall include Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap Road, and Cades Cove, where old cabins and even deer or black bears can be spotted. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another beautiful drive with waterfalls and short hikes.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
One of the prettiest drives in the U.S. and particularly during fall, is the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 469-mile highway passes along the Appalachian Mountains, with vistas, winding loops, and golden woods along the way. October is the best time to go.
The best known of them is the Linn Cove Viaduct, a wavy bridge on the side of Grandfather Mountain that appears to be floating in the air. In the fall, with the fall trade, it is beautiful, and you can take some trails around and have a closer view.
Craggy Gardens, Graveyard Fields, and Mount Pisgah are some of the best hikes that you will find near Asheville. Asheville in itself is a fun base, and there is a variety of breweries, restaurants, and local art.
Door County, WI
Best for total relaxation
There is Door County with Great Lakes views, quiet beaches, and small towns in Wisconsin. It is beautiful here in the fall, but the real attraction is the slow, laid-back atmosphere.
Do: See more than 50 beaches and tour state parks such as Peninsula State Park and Whitefish Dunes. And be sure to visit the Ridges Sanctuary, where you can even take a guided walk in a rare boreal forest.
Eat: Get breakfast at Good Eggs, pizza at Wild Tomato, or check out a classic fish boil at the Old Post Office. Indulge in dessert, go to Wilson to get their mile-high sundaes, and go to Island Orchard cider to get unbelievable fall cider.
Chattanooga, TN
Best for culture and nature
The home of the Scenic City, Chattanooga, is located in the Appalachian foothills and has a walkable historic downtown by the Tennessee River and an abundance of breathtaking views of the ridge.
Do: See the traditional sights at Rock City and Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain, or the contemporary side at the Hunter Museum of Art. Visitors can hike, climb, or view the marvelous river displayed at the Tennessee Aquarium.
Dine: Main Street Meats, sandwiches and potato salad; Calliope, dinner: its Levantine dishes and chicken shawarma hummus are incredible.
Lake Tahoe, CA
Best for crowd-free landscapes
Avoid the summer storm and relax in the beauty of Lake Tahoe in the fall. Explore aspen groves, embrace snow-covered mountains, and absorb the serene shoulder season atmosphere.
Do: Hike part of the Tahoe rim trail, go wine tasting in a boat, or go to the beaches. To get more foliage, head to Hope Valley, or head north with Piping Rock Stables to take a trail ride.
Eat: Freshies, Base Camp, or Himmel Haus on the south shore do veggie dishes, pizza, or German, respectively. In the north, take breakfast at the Old Post Office Cafe or lunch at Old Range Steakhouse.
In Summary
It is what Acadia, Lake Tahoe, and all of fall in the USA are about: slowing down and appreciating nature at its best. There is something unique to each destination, be it adventure, relaxation, or culture. Wherever you may go, these fall getaways will give you memories as colourful as the leaves themselves.
FAQs
Which state in the USA is most beautiful in the fall?
Fall is glorious and golden in Vermont, full of mountain ridges, silver small towns, and golden forests. It is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful states to visit during the fall because of its clear air and colourful trees.
Where’s the best place to travel in the fall?
The Acadia National Park is one of the best places to visit in Maine during, fall. It seems to be an ideal combination of the beauty of nature and the cosy atmosphere of autumn with its gorgeous trees, breathtaking hills, and views of the sea.
Where is the cheapest place to travel in October in the US?
In October, Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a cheap place to visit. No one will find you in long lines, and it will be a marvellous, cheap fall vacation with all the benefits of the old downtown, nature walks, and museums.
Is October a good time to travel to the USA?
Yes, October is a great month to travel to, USA. The weather is more temperate, the number of people is reduced, fall colors turn the landscapes with brilliant shades, and it is the time to plan scenic visits and a comfortable vacation.
