The Best Places in the World to Experience Fall Foliage

Everybody knows that Massachusetts is a great place to see fall foliage. But surely there are other places in the US to catch the leaves turning green to a reddish-golden hue? The short answer is yes, there’s plenty of regions in the States where trees herald the coming of winter by the stunning changing of their plumage – and not to mention the rest of the world is also having its own leaf-changing ceremonies.

So wrap up warm, crack out the cider, and get your phone snapping nature at her best.

Please review and follow all state and local guidelines while traveling.

October 27, 2021

By: Lucy Sherriff

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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

As if the endless canopies of russet-colored leaves isn’t enough, at this jaw-dropping park you can climb the Blue Ridge Parkway, which takes you thousands of feet into the skies, where a mountain mist descends on the treetops. So not only will you see fall, you’ll see it shrouded in an ethereal cloak of fog.

Aspen, Colorado

Continuing on our mountainous theme, Aspen - as its name suggests - doesn’t fail to impress with its backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains. Head to the iconic vista of Maroon Bells to gaze into mirror-like lakes to see double: on a calm day, the mountains and trees are reflected in the tranquil, still waters.

Catskills, Upstate New York

If spotting fall in one state isn’t enough, head to the Catskills, where you can see five states at once. Head to the Northern Catskills of Greene Country, to the ‘Five State Lookout’ in Windham, where you can view treetops in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, as well as beautiful vistas of the Hudson River Valley.

Bavaria, Germany

Take a trip into a Brothers Grimm fairytale by scoping out the Black Forest in Germany. Not only can you catch breathtaking views – such as medieval turreted castles emerging from red, green and golden trees against a backdrop of mountain ranges and lakes – but you can experience the region’s autumn traditions, such as the ‘Almabtrieb’ event, bringing in the cattle from the pastures, and local parish fairs, called ‘Kirchweih-Feste’ where beer and bratwurst abound.

Tokyo, Japan

The April cherry blossoms in Tokyo are fantastic, but the next best time – and a less crowded time – is from around 15 October to mid-December, when you can see the fall foliage match the red temples. Head to the capital city and take a stroll around Hibiya-Koen Park, between Ginza and the Imperial Palace, or the mesmerizing Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in the city and particularly lovely during autumn. Meiji-Jingu Shrine also boasts an enchanting forest surrounding its humbling shrine, and during the peak foliage time of mid-November, it feels as if everything has been carefully and intentionally color-coordinated.

Edinburgh, Scotland

This city is made for fall with its tree-lined streets and big open parks. Crunch crispy browned leaves underfoot as you walk around the perimeters of the famed castle, and gaze up at the cacophony of colors in the tree canopies. Head to Princes Street Gardens in the heart of the city, which is home to some of the city’s most iconic monuments, such as the storybook-esque Gardeners’ Cottage and the Scott Monument, or take a hike through Holyrood Park, marveling as the russet tones carpet the rugged, rolling hills which climb up to the famed Arthurs Seat – offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.