When to Go for the Best Fall Foliage

Vermont

With its rural landscape and dense tree population, Vermont offers the quintessential fall foliage experience. The first signs of autumn start to appear up north in early or mid-September, and then the leaves descend upon the rest of the state before ending in the south in late October. There are plenty of scenic drives to choose from across Vermont, and each offers a different view of the range of colorful leaves. The first two weekends in October are the busiest of the year, so plan accordingly.

(Photo: Index Open)

Washington

Most people relate Washington to overcast weather and bright green landscapes, but in fact, the state has quite a few sunny days and certain areas welcome fall with a colorful festival of changing leaves. The North Cascades provide a scenic escape to bid farewell to summer and welcome in autumn with a burst of color peaking in late October through early November.

(Photo: Index Open)

Ohio

If Ohio isn't one of the first places that comes to mind when thinking about fall foliage, think again. This Midwestern state has been wowing visitors with its impressive array of colors for years. The northern part of the state begins to turn in late September, and the process trickles down to the southern areas by the end of October. Keep an eye on the different regions' conditions to see which will be offering the most color at the time of your visit.

(Photo: iStockphoto.com)

Michigan

Sit back and let Mother Nature be your guide through Michigan. With so many different driving tours to choose from, you can experience a whole different side of this Great Lakes state. Many of the drives include stops at country markets, orchards, wineries, and possibly a few haunted houses. Most of the northern areas peak from late September through mid-October, and the southern regions peak from early through mid-October.

(Photo: Index Open)

New Hampshire

New Hampshire and fall foliage go hand-in-hand. The state has long been a popular draw for some of the most brilliant colors in New England. Northern trees peak around the end of September, while the southern region hits its stride in early to mid-October. Check foliage reports to plan the ideal autumn getaway.

(Photo: Index Open)

West Virginia

Offering a scenic backdrop to the rainbow of reds, yellows, and oranges that cover the state, West Virginia celebrates the changing of the seasons with fall-worthy festivals. Most of the state is usually covered in dramatic colors in mid- to late October, but hints of the coming season can be seen in late September. For a picture-perfect outing, take a drive through some of the best foliage-viewing areas.

(Photo: Index Open)

Colorado

As an outdoor lover's dream getaway, Colorado is the ideal place to take out the binoculars and welcome fall in style. The leaves typically peak in September, but nature can be fickle. Your best bet for spotting the array of autumn is to plan your trip, and then choose one of the different routes that has the most significant changes at the time of your visit.

(Photo: Tom Stillo/CTO)

Illinois

Illinois celebrates the coming of autumn with flair. Many Fall-O-Ween festivals and events take place during the same time as the changing of the leaves, making it possible to enjoy the beauty of the seasons with lively entertainment. Six scenic drives highlight the best that autumn has to offer, beginning in September, and possibly lasting through November.

(Photo: Index Open)

Massachusetts

A chill in the September air announces the arrival of fall. The first green leaf turns a golden hue, and it's clear before long the rest will follow in one last burst of regal color before tumbling to the ground. This tiny sliver of time when trees across the country show off their autumnal tones is quite magical, but it varies from state to state. Read on for the best times to catch Mother Nature's artistic side.

Massachusetts explodes into color in late September, generally peaking over Columbus Day weekend. Every region of the state is touched by russet tones at some time during the fall season. Be sure to book as far in advance as possible, especially for stays during the holiday weekend. Though many of the more popular drives are a leaf-peeping delight, you'll find solitude amongst the trees along back roads.

(Photo: iStockphoto.com)

North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway can't be beat for a dramatic view of rolling hills covered in crimson, pumpkin, and gold. Although the South has been experiencing a drought, which may affect the timing, most are hopeful that this year will shine just like all the rest. Since the leaves continue to change at different elevations from the end of September through early November, avoid the crowds in mid-October by visiting before or after. For further tips on when and where to go, visit the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

(Photo: iStockphoto.com)