5 Best Rural Locations for Leaf Peeping

Planning a leaf peeping vacation this year? We’ve got you covered! We gathered the top 5 small towns with the best, must-see fall foliage views in the United States.

If you’re planning a fall road trip, we highly recommend adding leaf peeping to your list of to-dos.

“Leaf Peeping” is one of the top fall activities to do in the country. It’s the term associated with individuals who enjoy traveling to view, photograph, and marvel at the changing colors of autumn leaves across the United States (and Canada). 

During this time of year, certain areas across the country will be dotted with vibrant reds, yellows and oranges as the leaves begin to change. National parks, small rural towns, wooded areas and forests all offer a nature-inspired experience unlike any other at this time of year.

If you’re curious about why and how leaves change colors (a fascinating phenomenon), check out our article, The Science Behind Why Leaves Change Color in Autumn.

Now let’s get to planning that leaf peeping trip of yours!

Read on for our favorite rural small town gems for viewing fall foliage, and when to visit*.

*Note: All “When to Visit” dates are just predictions and are weather-dependent in that specific area. Before visiting, we recommend checking the prediction maps linked throughout this article and calling the town visitor’s center to inquire about accurate timing.

1. Western North Carolina

We may be partial, as several of our writers reside here, but Western North Carolina is a must-visit during the autumn season.

Many of the small and rural towns boast vibrant colors come late September, offering leaf-peepers spectacular and jaw-dropping views up until early November.

Although the area was badly impacted by Hurricane Helen in 2024, it has largely recovered and is now open and eager for leaf peepers to return this Fall season.!

A few insider tips on where to go:

• Drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the famous Linn Cove Viaduct bridge in Avery County, North Carolina: This bridge winds along the face of Grandfather Mountain, overlooking miles upon miles of mountain views. Stop along the parkway at the many overlooks to marvel at the expansive beauty that is Western North Carolina.
• Mount Mitchell, located in Burnsville, North Carolina, is another spot to add to your fall travel list. Known as “the highest point in the East”, Mount Mitchell reaches 6,684 feet above sea level, offering wide and open views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from its stone observation platform. Spend some time exploring the various hiking trails to fully immerse yourself in the fall colors.
• Linville, North Carolina, is home to Grandfather Mountain, where the world-famous “Mile High Swinging Bridge” is located. Walk across the highest suspension footbridge in the United States at an elevation of 5,305 feet. You’ll experience spectacular views of the mountains and a lush array of colorful leaves around you.
• We can’t forget to include beautiful Asheville, North Carolina, in the mix! Explore this world-famous city while taking in the gorgeous fall colors dotting the mountainsides. We found this elegant interactive map to help you plan an Asheville fall foliage trip based on your travel dates.
  
  

When to Visit: Late September to Late October/Early November

2. Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

East Tennessee is heralded for being the birthplace of the country singer Dolly Parton. A visit to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will grant you access to cabin life, fun, and adventure at the area’s theme park, Dollywood and of course, the gorgeous wooded surroundings known as the Great Smoky Mountains.

During a fall trip here, you can expect to see leaves turning those vibrant hues. Tree species include sugar maples, sweetgum, red maple and scarlet oak, to name a few.

And to help plan your trip, check out the 2024 Fall Foliage Prediction Map for the entire Great Smoky Mountains area here.

When to Visit: Early October to Early November

3. Stowe, Vermont

Autumn in Stowe, Vermont, is well worth your time. This quaint and charming rural town brims with bright fall colors along its mountainsides and valleys.

Known for its yearly display, Stowe has been dubbed one of the best tourist destinations for seeing fall foliage in the United States. Drive, bike, or walk through this tiny town to take in the breathtaking foliage views in what’s known as “fall’s color capital”.

To plan your trip, start with the Stowe, Vermont Foliage Finder, to stay up-to-date on where colors are popping around town. And be sure to check out these scenic drives and share your fall foliage adventures in Stowe with the hashtag #stowefoliage. 

When to Visit: Early September to Late October

4. Bar Harbor, Maine

Spend a fall getaway at Bar Harbor, Maine, where the trees put on a spectacular show of reds and oranges at every turn. This cute little waterfront town attracts tourists year-round for its easy access to Acadia National Park (one of the top leaf peeping spots in the US!).

Here is a guide to some of the area’s best fall foliage photo ops, and be sure to check out Cadillac Mountain and the Cranberry Islands for a stunning nature-filled fall adventure.

When to Visit: Mid-September to Mid-October

5. Lake Placid, New York

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid, New York, is a popular spot for peeping at beautiful fall colors. This small lakeside town grants you access to the Olympic Trail scenic byway, a road that takes you straight through Lake Placid. Along the road, you’ll see pops of red, orange and yellow as it is lined with birch, maple, beech and oak trees.

Before your visit, we recommend checking out the Adirondack Fall Foliage Tracker for up-to-date information on when the leaves are turning.

When to Visit: Late September to Mid-October

A Few Other Contenders

With so many great options for leaf peeping, it was hard just to pick five. Below are a few more scenic options for viewing leaves this autumn:

• Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts: Visit late September to mid-October
• Breckenridge, Colorado: Visit mid-September to early October
• Jasper, Arkansas: Visit mid-October to early November

Can't Travel? No Biggie! Try Virtual Leaf Peeping Instead

You read right, virtual leaf peeping is also a thing these days. With the advancement in technology and live webcams, you can now view the changing of the seasons from the comfort of your own home!

Here are a few virtual webcams to check out:

• Mountain View Cam at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
• Wrangell Mountains from Park Headquarters at Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska
• St. Mary Visitor Center at Glacier National Park in Montana

We hope this article gives you some inspiration as you plan your upcoming fall road trip. Enjoy the sights, and remember to stay safe (keep your eyes on the road, you leaf peepers!).

Happy Fall, y’all!