Fall Travel Preview: Best U.S. and International Destinations for Autumn Colors
Summer may have just begun here in the Northern Hemisphere, but now is the perfect time to plan your fall getaway to see one of nature's most brilliant and colorful displays – vibrant fall foliage. Whether you are looking to jet set away on an international escape or take a road-trip a little closer to home, fall is the best time to fully take advantage of the beauty of Mother Earth.
In this guide we will share our top ten U.S. and international travel destinations to experience the beauty of autumn, including the estimated best time to visit (based off of previous trends) and photography tips to ensure that you capture the most beautiful snapshots to look back on for years to come.
5 U.S. Destinations for Fall Foliage
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Sometimes called, “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway running for 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. It links Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This parkway has been the most visited part of the National Parks System almost every single year since 1946 and has many cities such as Roanoke, Waynesboro, Boone, and Asheville to stop and base yourself out of. With miles of hiking trails and hundreds of overlooks along the road, there is no shortage of places to stop and see the vibrant fall leaves.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-to-late October typically has the peak foliage, but colors can often be seen even in early November.
2. Stowe, Vermont
New England is synonymous with cozy fall weather and Stowe in Vermont is one of the best places to see the changing leaves. Located at the base of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, Stowe is a picture-perfect New England town. Vermont is about 80% forested with many sugar maples, meaning visitors can expect red, gold, and yellow leaves all around the state. Those with a car can drive along the iconic Smugglers’ Notch Pass through the Green Mountains for sweeping views, perfect for seasoned and aspiring photographers.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-September to mid-October bring the brightest colors, but colors begin changing as soon as early September.
3. Northwoods, Wisconsin
Those looking for a midwestern fall getaway should look no further than the Northwoods of Wisconsin. This area, comprising of five counties, has thousands of lakes and forests, perfect for a relaxing and memorable experience. Rent a cabin in Minocqua, Rhinelander, or Eagle River to fully enjoy the crisp fall air while overlooking breathtaking sunrises over your lakefront cabin.
Art lovers will enjoy the Northwoods Art Tour where you can drive along and stop at various sites featuring local artists who make jewelry, stained glass, sculptures, paintings, and other art works. The Northwoods have no shortage of activities to do while visiting.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-to-late September to early October typically offers the best fall leaves.
4. Aspen, Colorado
Colorado features fall foliage against rugged mountains, with Aspen being one of the most ideal places in the state to see the colors. The area becomes aglow in a vibrant golden color with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from to see the colors up close. For those who enjoy hiking, a day at Cathedral Lake, Hunter Creek, or Crater Lake are popular options to experience the colors. Photographers should not miss the Maroon Bells, an iconic series of bell-shaped, wine-colored peaks rising over 14,000 feet in height. Or take a drive along Independence Pass or bike along the many roads in Aspen. For adrenaline junkies, take to the skies and soak in the scenery on a paragliding tour.
Best Time to Visit: Peak foliage is typically mid-to-late September.
5. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is a stunning location to capture the brilliant fall foliage. Mount Rainier, with a summit over 14,000 feet above sea level, offers 360-degree views. Drive along the White Pass Scenic Byway to Chinook Pass to see some of the most spectacular fall colors with stunning crimsons, ambers, and gold leaves. Hike along the Skyline Trail to capture the bright foliage with the snowy mountains in the background.
Best Time to Visit: Leaves in higher elevations begin to turn in late- September but some areas still feature colors in early- November.
5 International Destinations for Fall Foliage
1. Bavaria, Germany
If castles, enchanting alpine villages, and festivals are your preference, then look no further than Bavaria in Germany. This state in southeast Germany is the largest German state by land area with many notable cities including Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg. This region is home to the Neuschwanstein Castle, a stunning castle located in the foothills of the Alps near the border of Austria and served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland. Hikers will enjoy the countless footpaths in the Bavarian Alps that aglow with color in the autumn breeze. Festival goers will enjoy the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, the world’s largest Volksfest, featuring beer, music, and carnival rides. With perfect temperatures and vibrant colors, an autumn trip to Germany should not be missed.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-to-late September to mid- October offer the best fall colors.
2. Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva is the perfect lakeside town with parks and gardens with stunning autumnal colors. Visit the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see rows of grapevines with the lake and Alps in the background. Or stop by the Chillon Castle on the shore of the lake for a rustic and homey view of the fall foliage. A trip to Lake Geneva guarantees stunning views and a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Best Time to Visit: Fall leaves tend to peak in mid-to-late October into early November.
3. Seoul, South Korea
As the capital of South Korea, Seoul offers visitors history and culture against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers and a busy nightlife. During the fall, the city’s parks come to life with fiery autumnal colors. Just outside of the city center, visit Namsan Park, Changdeokgung Palace, and the Olympic Park to capture the perfect photos to share with family and friends back home. Do not forget to try the traditional Korean dishes such as hotteok, or sweet pancakes, that typically have seasonal flavors to celebrate the fall season.
Best Time to Visit: To maximize your chances of seeing the fall foliage, visit in mid-to-late October or early November.
4. South Island, New Zealand
For those looking for a fall getaway while it is still spring back in the Northern Hemisphere, a trip to New Zealand is a perfect option. Fall arrives in March, but the true fall colors start to show up in April and May. The South Island is known for its endless options of outdoor activities including a boat ride or hike through Milford Sound, walking along the shore of Lake Tekapo, or exploring the quaint village of Arrowtown. Even the largest city of Queenstown comes to life with golden fall leaves that light up during the sunrise.
Best Time to Visit: Visit during mid-to-late April for the most vibrant and beautiful displays.
5. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
Another great option in the Southern Hemisphere is to head to the more rugged and remote Patagonia region in Argentina and Chile. Patagonia is jaw-dropping year-round, but the colorful fall foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to the region. Bright reds, oranges, and yellows contrast against the grey rock of the Patagonia peaks leaving a truly unforgettable site. Be sure to pack your best hiking gear and camera to take stunning photographs with the mountains and glacial lakes, with the fall leaves in the forefront.
Best Time to Visit: Time your travels from mid-March to late April for the most stunning views.
5 Festive Fall Photography Tips
Golden Hour is Magical: Utilize the golden sunlight and shoot just before sunrise or after sunset for the most magical and flattering lighting. For accurate sunrise and sunset times, use this calculator.
Include a Subject: Make your photograph interesting by adding a focal point to add scale to your shot. Whether this is yourself, another hiker, building, or natural landmark, adding another element adds an extra factor to your photo.
Buy a Tripod: No matter what type of camera you use, a tripod helps to stabilize your equipment for the cleanest shot. Tripods are essential for any long exposure shots you make take a twilight or in the early morning. If you are limited in space, find a compact travel tripod to use.
Bring Filters: If your equipment and space allow, utilizing filters that attach onto your camera enhances the natural colors and reduces any glare from water or wet rocks or leaves.
Use What You Have: You do not have to invest thousands of dollars in fancy camera gear. Instead use what you have! If you have a smartphone, use the lock exposure feature for better contrast with the light and snowy mountain peaks. Set up a 10 second timer to allow you to better use the long exposure feature for twilight shots.
A fall getaway is the perfect way to slow down and appreciate nature’s beauty. Whether you take a road trip down the Blue Ridge Highway, hike among the golden aspen trees in Colorado, or take in the stunning leaves in far away Seoul, an autumn vacation invites you to see and photograph the scene, for a lifetime of memories. If you are ready to plan your autumn escape, contact the team at Avondale Travel today!