Although summer is usually peak travel season, fall vacations shouldn’t be overlooked. One of the best reasons to take a trip during the autumn months? Leaf peeping. Traveling to a place specifically to see fall foliage. Many destinations are especially scenic at that time of year, particularly the Northeast region and upper Midwest.
So, if you’re thinking about planning a vacation this fall, consider visiting a place where you can take in some vibrant fall colors. We’ve put together a list of destinations with exceptional leaf peeping opportunities that you can fly to from Riverton, WY for less than $350 roundtrip. Before booking a trip, we encourage you to check the destination’s local public health guidelines and be considerate of any recommendations and suggestions for people to wait to visit.
Note: The ‘Book Now’ link with each destination is for a flight with an affordable fare during peak season for fall colors at that particular destination. This fare is subject to change based on availability and demand. If you have specific dates in mind, we recommend using Google Flights to search for the best fares during that date range.
1. Charlottesville, VA
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: OCTOBER
Just under an hour from Shenandoah National Park is the charming small town of Charlottesville. The north entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway is also nearby, which you can take all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you’re up for a little road trip. Or, stick closer to the Charlottesville area and experience beautiful colors at one of the many wineries, an orchard, or along nearby country roads.
BOOK NOW >>
2. Portland, OR
Roundtrip fares as low as $298
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER TO MID-OCTOBER
You can find some pretty prime leaf peeping places in Portland and the surrounding area.
The Columbia River Gorge is even more impressive when vibrant fall colors dot the canyon. Another must-stop attraction in the area is Multnomah Falls. The towering falls framed by colorful trees makes for a stunning
Nearby Mt. Hood is also a sight to behold during the fall. From Portland, drive along Highway 26 toward Mt. Hood and you should see plenty of vibrant reds and oranges mixed in with the evergreens. There are several options for scenic fall drives in the Mt. Hood area.
BOOK NOW >>
3. Allentown, PA
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: OCTOBER
There are certain places that truly celebrate fall, and the Poconos is one of them. Located a little less than an hour from Allentown, this mountain region offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy fall foliage.
Another fun way to see the fall colors is by a chairlift ride at Blue Mountain Resort which is about a half hour away from Allentown. Or, do a covered bridge driving tour.
BOOK NOW >>
4. Albany, NY
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER THROUGH OCTOBER
Albany is conveniently located between two of the mountain ranges in New York state—the Adirondacks and the Catskills, both of which are wonderful places to explore in the fall.
Other places within 90 minutes of Albany that offer excellent fall foliage viewing opportunities include Manchester, VTand Green Mountain National Forest, Thatcher State Park, and Saratoga Spa State Park.
BOOK NOW >>
5. Burlington, VT
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: MID-SEPTEMBER TO MID-OCTOBER
On the eastern shore of Lake Champlain lies Burlington, VT. One great way to see fall foliage is to do some paddling on the lake. Another way is to take a drive. From Burlington there are scenic drives in all directions. A few that are especially stunning during the fall include the Green Mountain Byway, Lake Champlain Byway, and the Mad River Byway. These drives will take you through areas brimming with historic charm including the Waterbury Village Historic District, Stowe, and the Mad River Valley.
BOOK NOW >>
6. Manchester, NH
Roundtrip fares as low as $338
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER THROUGH MID-OCTOBER
With Manchester as your starting point and/or home base, you can explore much of New Hampshire including the White Mountains, Lakes Region, and the Seacoast. Manchester is also close to a couple state parks worth visiting—Winslow State Park and Bear Brook State Park.
New Hampshire has over 1,000 miles of scenic and cultural byways. For some scenery, history, and beautiful fall foliage, a short road trip is a great option. Take a scenic drive around the Lakes Region, into the White Mountains, or along the shoreline.
BOOK NOW >>
7. Duluth, MN
Roundtrip fares as low as $288
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: EARLY SEPTEMBER THROUGH MID-OCTOBER
Duluth is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, and is a great place to start exploring the entire region that includes Two Harbors, Lutsen, Grand Marais, and others. From Duluth, you can take the North Shore Scenic Drive where you’ll likely come upon many places want to pull over and take in the views.
There are also eight Minnesota state parks in this area offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreation. Voyageurs National Park is about 2.5 hours from Duluth, and is absolutely stunning in the autumn months. This national park is best seen by boat, canoe, or kayak.
Another breathtaking way to experience fall foliage in this area is to take a gondola ride at Lutsen Mountains Resort.
BOOK NOW >>
8. Asheville, NC
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: MID-OCTOBER THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER
In and around Asheville, there are numerous incredible autumn experiences and opportunities to appreciate the vibrant fall colors. Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Pisgah National Forest are, of course, popular places for leaf peeping.
Other nearby places that display exceptional fall colors are the Biltmore, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock State Park.
Within a couple hours’ drive of Asheville, you can also explore Grandfather Mountain State Park, Bryson City, Nantahala River Gorge, and take a train ride with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
BOOK NOW >>
9. Knoxville, TN
Roundtrip fares as low as $318
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: MID-OCTOBER THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER
Because it’s located less than an hour from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville is an ideal destination for those interested in exploring that area. When it comes to leaf peeping, the national park is the obvious place. But, there are plenty of other places within a couple hours of Knoxville where you can see more leaves and less crowds. A few of those places are Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, Norris Lake, Chilhowee Lake, Big Ridge State Park, and Cherokee National Forest.
Another fun way to see the fall foliage in the Knoxville area is by taking a steam train ride on the Three Rivers Rambler.
BOOK NOW >>
10. Appleton, WI
Roundtrip fares as low as $298
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER TO MID-OCTOBER
The Appleton and Fox Cities region of Wisconsin is a delightful destination itself, but what makes it even more appealing is its proximity to Door County, WI. Just over an hour north of Appleton, Door County has some of the most spectacular fall foliage in Wisconsin.
You can also see beautiful fall colors at High Cliff State Park which is only about 20 minutes from Appleton along Lake Winnebago.
BOOK NOW >>
11. Bangor, ME
Roundtrip fares as low as $338
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER THROUGH MID-OCTOBER
Fall is definitely one of the best times to see Acadia National Park, and it’s a must-visit when in the Bangor area. Driving the Park Loop Road will likely leave you in awe as you take in the colorful foliage around every turn.
Other destinations within a couple hours of Bangor that offer great opportunities for leaf peeping are Moosehead Lakeand Baxter State Park. Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, located in the Longfellow Mountains. Maine’s highest mountain, Mount Katahdin, is located in Baxter State Park.
BOOK NOW >>
12. Grand Rapids, MI
Roundtrip fares as low as $308
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: OCTOBER
Within an hour of Grand Rapids, you can experience see beautiful fall colors at Fisk Knob, Fallasburg Park, and Pickerel Lake Park.
Those interested in road tripping a little farther from Grand Rapids can head north to the Traverse City area or even up to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.
BOOK NOW >>
13. Seattle, WA
Roundtrip fares as low as $298
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: OCTOBER
Pacific Northwest fall foliage may not be as renowned as the New England states’, but it’s still pretty amazing. Within Seattle city limits, the Washington Park Arboretum features a wonderful display of color during the fall.
Mount Rainier National Park is about two hours from Seattle, and the scenery there is especially striking in the fall. Hiking, scenic drives, and foraging tours are all great ways to enjoy the autumn months in this area.
A couple other scenic drives and areas to explore within a few hours of Seattle are the Cascade Loop and Mount Baker Scenic Byway.
BOOK NOW >>
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: OCTOBER
Just under an hour from Shenandoah National Park is the charming small town of Charlottesville. The north entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway is also nearby, which you can take all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you’re up for a little road trip. Or, stick closer to the Charlottesville area and experience beautiful colors at one of the many wineries, an orchard, or along nearby country roads.
BOOK NOW >>
2. Portland, OR
Roundtrip fares as low as $298
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER TO MID-OCTOBER
You can find some pretty prime leaf peeping places in Portland and the surrounding area.
The Columbia River Gorge is even more impressive when vibrant fall colors dot the canyon. Another must-stop attraction in the area is Multnomah Falls. The towering falls framed by colorful trees makes for a stunning
Nearby Mt. Hood is also a sight to behold during the fall. From Portland, drive along Highway 26 toward Mt. Hood and you should see plenty of vibrant reds and oranges mixed in with the evergreens. There are several options for scenic fall drives in the Mt. Hood area.
BOOK NOW >>
3. Allentown, PA
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: OCTOBER
There are certain places that truly celebrate fall, and the Poconos is one of them. Located a little less than an hour from Allentown, this mountain region offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy fall foliage.
Another fun way to see the fall colors is by a chairlift ride at Blue Mountain Resort which is about a half hour away from Allentown. Or, do a covered bridge driving tour.
BOOK NOW >>
4. Albany, NY
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER THROUGH OCTOBER
Albany is conveniently located between two of the mountain ranges in New York state—the Adirondacks and the Catskills, both of which are wonderful places to explore in the fall.
Other places within 90 minutes of Albany that offer excellent fall foliage viewing opportunities include Manchester, VT and Green Mountain National Forest, Thatcher State Park, and Saratoga Spa State Park.
BOOK NOW >>
5. Burlington, VT
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: MID-SEPTEMBER TO MID-OCTOBER
On the eastern shore of Lake Champlain lies Burlington, VT. One great way to see fall foliage is to do some paddling on the lake. Another way is to take a drive. From Burlington there are scenic drives in all directions. A few that are especially stunning during the fall include the Green Mountain Byway, Lake Champlain Byway, and the Mad River Byway. These drives will take you through areas brimming with historic charm including the Waterbury Village Historic District, Stowe, and the Mad River Valley.
BOOK NOW >>
6. Manchester, NH
Roundtrip fares as low as $338
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER THROUGH MID-OCTOBER
With Manchester as your starting point and/or home base, you can explore much of New Hampshire including the White Mountains, Lakes Region, and the Seacoast. Manchester is also close to a couple state parks worth visiting—Winslow State Park and Bear Brook State Park.
New Hampshire has over 1,000 miles of scenic and cultural byways. For some scenery, history, and beautiful fall foliage, a short road trip is a great option. Take a scenic drive around the Lakes Region, into the White Mountains, or along the shoreline.
BOOK NOW >>
7. Duluth, MN
Roundtrip fares as low as $288
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: EARLY SEPTEMBER THROUGH MID-OCTOBER
Duluth is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, and is a great place to start exploring the entire region that includes Two Harbors, Lutsen, Grand Marais, and others. From Duluth, you can take the North Shore Scenic Drive where you’ll likely come upon many places want to pull over and take in the views.
There are also eight Minnesota state parks in this area offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreation. Voyageurs National Park is about 2.5 hours from Duluth, and is absolutely stunning in the autumn months. This national park is best seen by boat, canoe, or kayak.
Another breathtaking way to experience fall foliage in this area is to take a gondola ride at Lutsen Mountains Resort.
BOOK NOW >>
8. Asheville, NC
Roundtrip fares as low as $328
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: MID-OCTOBER THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER
In and around Asheville, there are numerous incredible autumn experiences and opportunities to appreciate the vibrant fall colors. Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Pisgah National Forest are, of course, popular places for leaf peeping.
Other nearby places that display exceptional fall colors are the Biltmore, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock State Park.
Within a couple hours’ drive of Asheville, you can also explore Grandfather Mountain State Park, Bryson City, Nantahala River Gorge, and take a train ride with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
BOOK NOW >>
9. Knoxville, TN
Roundtrip fares as low as $318
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: MID-OCTOBER THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER
Because it’s located less than an hour from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville is an ideal destination for those interested in exploring that area. When it comes to leaf peeping, the national park is the obvious place. But, there are plenty of other places within a couple hours of Knoxville where you can see more leaves and less crowds. A few of those places are Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, Norris Lake, Chilhowee Lake, Big Ridge State Park, and Cherokee National Forest.
Another fun way to see the fall foliage in the Knoxville area is by taking a steam train ride on the Three Rivers Rambler.
BOOK NOW >>
10. Appleton, WI
Roundtrip fares as low as $298
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER TO MID-OCTOBER
The Appleton and Fox Cities region of Wisconsin is a delightful destination itself, but what makes it even more appealing is its proximity to Door County, WI. Just over an hour north of Appleton, Door County has some of the most spectacular fall foliage in Wisconsin.
You can also see beautiful fall colors at High Cliff State Park which is only about 20 minutes from Appleton along Lake Winnebago.
BOOK NOW >>
11. Bangor, ME
Roundtrip fares as low as $338
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: LATE SEPTEMBER THROUGH MID-OCTOBER
Fall is definitely one of the best times to see Acadia National Park, and it’s a must-visit when in the Bangor area. Driving the Park Loop Road will likely leave you in awe as you take in the colorful foliage around every turn.
Other destinations within a couple hours of Bangor that offer great opportunities for leaf peeping are Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park. Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, located in the Longfellow Mountains. Maine’s highest mountain, Mount Katahdin, is located in Baxter State Park.
BOOK NOW >>
12. Grand Rapids, MI
Roundtrip fares as low as $308
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: OCTOBER
Within an hour of Grand Rapids, you can experience see beautiful fall colors at Fisk Knob, Fallasburg Park, and Pickerel Lake Park.
Those interested in road tripping a little farther from Grand Rapids can head north to the Traverse City area or even up to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.
BOOK NOW >>
13. Seattle, WA
Roundtrip fares as low as $298
BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS: OCTOBER
Pacific Northwest fall foliage may not be as renowned as the New England states’, but it’s still pretty amazing. Within Seattle city limits, the Washington Park Arboretum features a wonderful display of color during the fall.
Mount Rainier National Park is about two hours from Seattle, and the scenery there is especially striking in the fall. Hiking, scenic drives, and foraging tours are all great ways to enjoy the autumn months in this area.
A couple other scenic drives and areas to explore within a few hours of Seattle are the Cascade Loop and Mount Baker Scenic Byway.
BOOK NOW >>
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