Leaf Peeping: Top 10 Locations to View Fall Colors!

Virginia is only a few hours north of my home state of North Carolina, so we can easily pack a picnic and day-trip up to our sister state.

Skyline Drive: You have many options for Peeping Skyline Drive. The 105 mile road in Shenandoah can be enjoyed by car, bike, or even hiking many of the trails accessible right from the road. There are 75 overlooks to enjoy some leaf gazing.

Appalachian Trail: Also in Shenandoah National Park, there are 101 miles of the famous trail available for Leaf Peeping adventures.

Scenic Drives: There are a myriad of great driving routes in VA. Choose from routes in the Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Roanoke & Staunton areas. Any route you choose will take you by food and amazing autumn views.

Autumn, Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
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Maine is the Autmn is absolutely brilliant! Crisp, cool and quiet. Don't forget to indulge in some fine Maine seafood while you're there!

Acadia National Park Loop Road: This is a 27 miles long loop road. You will drive by a little bit of everything: lakes, mountains, ocean, forest. Take plenty of time and stop along the side of the road to enjoy each and every aspect of this gorgeous park.

Route 1: This driving route will take you down the entire length of oceanside Maine right by Megunticook Lake. Visit lighthouses, great food, and hike up to Maiden's Cliff.

Washington County: Leaf Peep in a canoe! Take in the sights of Fall during a canoe tour down St. Croix River.

Autumn Colours of Forest, Maine, USA
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My husband is from Pennsylvania, so we get the opportunity to drive up from NC to north PA many times a year. Fall is my favorites, of course! With 17 million acres of forest, there are plenty of Leaf Peeping sights to see.

Poconos Mountains: Have you ever been horseback riding? Try Leaf Peeping by horse back through the Poconos!

Caledonia State Park: This 1.320 acre state park is located between Chambersburg and Gettysburg. There are 10 miles of hiking trails including a portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Keystone Country: Take a drive through Keystone during the autumn harvest. There are fresh apples, pumpkin patches, country fairs, and Beaver Falls Farmers' Market.

Fall In The Poconos
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I haven't been to Arkansas yet, but I'm doing my research! Here are some places I'd like to visit.

White Rock Mountain: Tour the Ozark Mountains for great autumn vistas. White Mountain Rock is know for Rim Walk - a 2.1 mile loop which takes you around the mountain top and past many amazing views.

Scenic Drives There are so many wonderful Leaf Peeping drives in Arkansas. Choose from Scenic Byway 7, Great River Road, Ark. 309/Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, Talimena Scenic Drive, and Crowley's Ridge Parkway, just to name a few.

Syllamo Mountain: Syllamo Mountain Bike trails includes 50 miles of biking trails and 5 loops of varying lengths. Bring your bikes and a good lunch and bike through beautiful scenery.

Autumn at White Rocks, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Arkansas, USA
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Huh? Texas?? Yep, Texas is home to one of the most popular Leaf Peeping and Dog-Friendly National Parks.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park: The most popular foliage adventure is the seven-mile hike through McKittrick Canyon with a fabulous view at "The Notch."

Lost Maples State Natural Area: This park includes 2174 acres of scenic views. There are 4 trails ranging from 1-5 miles round trip. Red and Lacy Oaks are prevalent in this area.

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When I was in Colorado on Fall of 2009 I was lucky enough to see the very view below. It was amazing! The light cascading over the golden leaves is not a memory I will soon forget!

The Peak-to-Peak Scenic and Historic Byway: Colorado's aspen trees turn a brilliant shade of gold in the fall. This drive from from Black Hawk to Estes Park will guide you through the fabulous aspen views.

Rocky Mountain National Park: There are over 300 miles of hiking trails at RMNP. Many of the hikes are 10 miles or less. There are so many great destinations. Hike over to Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, Sky Pond and many more.

Cottonwood Pass: Cottonwood Pass is west of Buena Vista. The road itself is in between 2 14,000 foot mountains: Mount Princeton and Mount Yale. Take in the colors of the Fall and be amazed by Colorado peaks!

Sunset Over Mount Wilson with Fall Colored Aspen Trees, Colorado, USA
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I live in North Carolina, so I get the opportunity to Leaf Peep in this state more than any other. I love the amount of the State Parks and variety of the foliage!

Smoky Mountains: Located on I-40, Asheville is nestled in the Smoky Mountain National Park. You can take Zip Line tours, drive the country side, ride your bike, chase the Monarch butterflies, and don't forget to visit the Biltmore Estate all decked out for Fall!

Blowing Rock: Take a hike in the midst of the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit Blowing Rock's cliff that overlooks Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below!

Chimney Rock:Visit the Chimney at Chimney Rock Park. Hike up the 315-foot rock formation (there are stairs) and view the Fall foliage across Hickory Nut Gorge.

Hanging Rock:North Carolina is not lacking in massive rock formations (and people like me who like to climb them). My favorite is Hanging Rock State Park. Take the 1.2 mile hike up to the ledge and Peep the vaalley of colors below!

Trees in a Forest, North Carolina, USA
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I have visited Vermont many times, but this Fall I will get to go during Leaf Peeping Season! I'm so excited to grab a mug full of local hot apple cider and drive the countryside!

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park: This is Vermont's first national park is dedicated to conservation. Drive over to Mount Tom Forest and explore the 20 miles of historic carriage roads and scenic trails.

Route 100:This smaller Vermont route twists and turns down the entire length of the state. Along this route you can also visit the Ben and Jerry's Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill & Moss Glen Falls.

Lake Champlain: Route 78 take you across Lake Champlain through the Champlain Islands. If you like to fish check out the town of Swanton.

Fall Foliage, Vermont, USA
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I grew up in Oregon, so it was in this state that I developed my love of the rich, delicious colors of the Fall! I remember drives in the country, on the way to the coast, where I would watch mesmerized out the back seat window.

Lane County: Housing Eugene, OR, Lane County boast of some of the most gorgeous view in the state. Check out Pre's Trail, Cottage Grove's Row River trail, and Diamond Woods!

Willamette Valley: Drive down I-5 through Albany, head east on 22 and visit Clear Lake Resort.

Columbia Gorge River: Take a drive down I-84 to view the leaves and the river. Don't forget to stop and climb the 620-foot Multnomah Falls.

Coastal Drive: The one-hour trip from Salem to Lincoln City is a delight to the senses!

Autumn Leaves Float in a Pond at the Japanese Garden of Portland, OR
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What?? New York? How can that be? Yes! Upstate New York is one of the best locations to tour Fall foliage!

Catskills: The Catskills are known as "America's First Wilderness." Take a drive out to Belleayre Mountain - it's not just for skiiing. Set out on a trail, sit by the beach, or take a skyride on the ski lifts!

Adirondack Mountains: Take back packing tours, check out Indian Lake, or you can hop aboard Adirondack Scenic Railroad to view the leaves from the comfort of the train.

Niagra: Visit Letchworth State Park for the finest Leaf Peeping in the area. But don't forget there is also shopping, wineries and the gorgeous Niagra Falls.

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