TRAVEL · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Best US Destinations for Spectacular Fall Foliage in 2026
WHY IT MATTERS
Travelers can plan their leaf-peeping trips to the best US destinations, taking advantage of the country's diverse fall foliage, from the Northeast to the South, and experiencing the vibrant colors of the season.
What happened
As autumn officially begins on September 22, leaf-peeping season is almost here. The Points Guy has compiled a list of the country's top destinations for witnessing spectacular fall colors.
From the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire to the mountains of Colorado and Oregon's wild landscapes, each region offers a unique experience. However, unexpected weather can shift these dates, and it's essential to check local reports for the most up-to-date information.
With the help of forecast tools like The Old Farmer's Almanac and the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction Map, plan your trip to see the best foliage at its peak. Camping app Hipcamp has also launched an interactive map to find campgrounds for leaf-peeping trips.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Leaf-peeping season is almost here: Where to see spectacular fall foliage across the US in 2026
The Points Guy · Rachel Craft and Andrea M. Rotondo · Discovery and factual synthesis only; publisher copyright terms apply
CORRECTIONS & UPDATES
- Revision 1 · Initial ingestion · Sep 17, 2026, 8:30 PM
- Revision 2 · Source update detected · Sep 17, 2026, 8:30 PM
- Revision 3 · Source update detected · Sep 17, 2026, 8:30 PM
- Revision 4 · Source update detected · Sep 17, 2026, 8:30 PM