Fall foliage destinations see a surge in popularity as travelers book cozy getaways, with vacation rentals driving the trend. Booking platforms highlight September through November as the peak months for autumn road trips, when highways, hiking trails and small towns blaze with red, orange and yellow leaves. Cooler days also invite people outdoors, where cycling routes, hiking paths and harvest festivals make fall one of the busiest seasons to explore.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.
Landscape drives and picture-perfect views aren’t the only attractions this season. Wine tastings and local flavors give travelers a reason to linger in these towns. Paired with cheaper flights and the appeal of cabins with fireplaces and decks, many trips stretch into full fall retreats.
Fall travel hits the road
Road trips are driving much of this season’s travel, with 52% of travelers planning to get behind the wheel. Searches for affordable October getaways are climbing, showing that people want to stretch their budgets while still making the most of the season. Travel platforms report that many are planning multi-city itineraries, turning a single trip into a circuit of stops.
Foliage destinations are leading the way, with travelers seeking out mountain trails, scenic byways and small-town main streets. The pull of crisp air and brilliant leaves is enough to fill cars and keep roads busy throughout peak color season.
Autumn scenery draws travelers
Travelers chasing autumn scenery are finding more than just picturesque views. Vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow turn highways into photo ops and add drama to weekend cabin stays or walks through small towns. The backdrop makes every hike or drive feel postcard worthy.
Cooler weather adds to the appeal, opening trails and cycling routes that can be sweltering in midsummer. Fall also brings harvest festivals, wine tastings and regional food events, giving trips a cultural flavor that pairs perfectly with the scenery.
Popular destinations leading the way
Tourists seek fall palette viewing spots this season, with many looking to Colorado, Upstate New York, Maine and Kentucky for peak color and easy access. These getaways are timed to catch the short window when foliage is at its brightest.
In Colorado, Boulder delivers mountain views along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, a 55-mile drive known for aspen stands that light up the hillsides. Farther east, the Hudson Valley offers riverfront parks and ridge hikes that frame wide fall vistas within a short drive of historic towns.
Maine blends foliage with coast, from overlooks above Camden to Midcoast peninsulas where forested roads meet working harbors. In Kentucky, horse country roads through Woodford County showcase stone fences, rolling pastures and oak canopies that turn a sunny drive into a postcard.
Seasonal fun beyond foliage
Fall travel isn’t just about chasing leaves on the highway. Seasonal activities lure visitors off the road and into experiences that fit seamlessly with autumn scenery. Train routes through wooded valleys offer passengers a slow-moving view of the changing canopy, while vineyards mark harvest with tastings that feel as much about the landscape as the glass in hand.
Farms are opening gates for family weekends built around pumpkins, apples and hayrides. Community festivals add music, food and crafts to the season, turning small towns into lively stops for travelers looking for more than just a photo of the trees. Farm stays round it out, letting visitors spend a night where the harvest is happening, with the colors of fall just outside the door.
Affordable travel meets autumn charm
Fall trips have become easier on the wallet as airlines cut prices during the shoulder season, the stretch between summer rush and winter holidays. Lower fares make foliage getaways more accessible, with savings often extending to hotels and rentals.
On the ground, cabins and cottages near scenic routes are in high demand. Visitors favor crackling fireplaces, wide decks with views and kitchens that make it easy to stay in after a day outdoors. These details turn a leaf-peeping trip into a cozy retreat, matching the comfort inside with the beauty outside the window.
Autumn escapes become a mainstay
Fall foliage travel has become a hallmark of the season, blending scenic landscapes with cultural events and affordable getaways. Longer stays and cozy rentals reflect how travelers want more than a quick glimpse of the leaves.
Drives along colorful backroads, harvest festivals and autumn traditions have shifted from side trips to main attractions. With demand rising and hillsides putting on their annual show, fall travel seems set to keep drawing crowds eager for a front-row seat to nature’s best performance.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
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