13 Colorful Places Around the World to See Fall Foliage
When autumn arrives, the world transforms into a display of golden leaves and crisp air that invites travelers to explore. From quiet mountain valleys to lively city parks, some destinations offer truly unforgettable views of fall colors. These places showcase nature’s beauty at its peak, where trees turn red, orange, and yellow in every direction. Whether you enjoy scenic drives, peaceful lakes, or forest trails, the season brings a sense of warmth and calm that makes every journey feel special.
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Hudson Valley, New York
The Hudson Valley in New York is one of the most enchanting places to experience the full splendor of fall. The region stretches along the Hudson River, offering endless views of rolling hills blanketed in rich reds, yellows, and oranges. Scenic routes like the Taconic Parkway and the Palisades Interstate Parkway bring travelers past forests, farms, and charming small towns that seem frozen in time. Many visitors enjoy stopping at apple orchards to pick their own fruit and savor freshly made cider or warm donuts.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Hudson Valley has a strong sense of history and community. Mansions such as the Vanderbilt Estate and Olana Historic Site look out over hillsides glowing with autumn color. The region’s farmers’ markets, art galleries, and cozy inns add an extra layer of warmth, making it a favorite for both weekend drives and longer getaways.
New England, USA
New England is perhaps the most iconic destination for fall foliage, known for its breathtaking combination of mountains, lakes, and forested valleys. The colors here are especially vivid due to the region’s dense mix of sugar maples, birches, and oaks. Whether driving through Vermont’s Green Mountains or exploring New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, visitors are treated to an unforgettable display of color stretching as far as the eye can see.
In small towns like Stowe, Woodstock, and North Conway, the charm of old colonial houses and white church steeples adds to the scenery’s storybook quality. The season also brings fairs, pumpkin festivals, and cozy gatherings in local inns, giving travelers a true taste of autumn life in New England. Many visitors return year after year, drawn by the beauty and tradition that define this region each fall.
Japan
Japan’s autumn is as celebrated as its famous cherry blossom season, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire the crimson maples and golden ginkgo trees. Kyoto becomes a highlight in November, when temple gardens like Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando, and Tofuku-ji glow under a canopy of fiery red leaves. The peaceful reflection of the foliage on temple ponds and riverbanks gives the scenery a dreamlike quality.
In northern Japan, Hokkaido’s vast national parks turn into a kaleidoscope of color earlier in the season. Locals and visitors alike take part in momijigari, the traditional activity of leaf viewing, which celebrates nature’s fleeting beauty. Whether exploring mountain trails, ancient shrines, or city parks, Japan’s fall scenery blends art, culture, and nature in a way that feels deeply serene.
South Korea
South Korea’s autumn colors create a striking contrast between the vibrant leaves and the country’s traditional architecture. The best time to visit is from mid-October to early November, when the landscapes shift into brilliant tones of amber and scarlet. Nami Island, famous for its tree-lined pathways, becomes a romantic spot for couples and photographers alike. The changing colors along the Han River in Seoul also make city walks especially scenic during this season.
Outside the capital, national parks such as Seoraksan and Naejangsan showcase breathtaking mountain views framed by red maples and golden ginkgo trees. Hiking trails lead to ancient temples tucked into the hills, where visitors can pause to take in the stillness of autumn. The crisp weather, local street snacks, and quiet temples create a peaceful atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season perfectly.
Canada
Canada’s vast wilderness offers one of the most spectacular displays of fall foliage in the world. From Ontario’s Algonquin Park to the Laurentians in Quebec, the forests turn into a mix of ruby, orange, and gold. The reflection of these colors on calm lakes makes the scenery even more breathtaking. Road trips through regions like Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail or the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia are especially rewarding in autumn.
Canadian cities also embrace the season in their own way. Montreal’s Mount Royal and Toronto’s High Park are both filled with color and life during October. Local markets fill with seasonal produce like pumpkins, apples, and maple syrup, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that balances nature and urban life beautifully.
Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria’s fall season is filled with charm and tradition. The Bavarian Alps, with their mix of dense forests and clear blue lakes, become coated in deep gold and crimson hues during October. Scenic drives along routes such as the German Alpine Road or the Romantic Road provide countless spots to stop for photos of castles framed by colorful hillsides. Neuschwanstein Castle, in particular, looks like something out of a fairytale when surrounded by the colors of autumn.
Small Bavarian villages come alive during this season with harvest festivals and local markets. Visitors can enjoy warm pretzels, roasted chestnuts, and seasonal beer while strolling through cobblestone streets. The combination of crisp mountain air, alpine peaks, and traditional charm makes Bavaria one of Europe’s most photogenic fall destinations.
Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
Jiuzhaigou Valley in China’s Sichuan Province offers a fall landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. The valley is filled with turquoise lakes, multi-colored forests, and cascading waterfalls that turn into a vibrant canvas during autumn. The changing leaves mix with the crystal-clear waters to create breathtaking reflections that shift with the sunlight.
The area is also home to Tibetan villages, where visitors can experience local culture amid stunning natural surroundings. Trails wind through forests and meadows that showcase an incredible range of colors. With snow-capped peaks in the distance and the soft sound of waterfalls nearby, Jiuzhaigou in autumn feels both peaceful and magical.
The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands offer a raw and dramatic version of fall beauty. The landscape’s mix of moors, glens, and lochs takes on deep hues of gold and rust during October. Drives along the North Coast 500 or through Glencoe reveal misty mountainsides and valleys dotted with ancient castles. The light in autumn gives the scenery an almost mystical glow, perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Wildlife becomes more visible during this time, with red deer often spotted among the heather-covered hills. Local pubs and inns provide warmth after a day of exploring, serving hearty meals and traditional ales. The peaceful quiet of the Highlands in autumn makes it one of the most soulful places to enjoy nature’s change of season.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled in Slovenia is breathtaking in any season, but autumn brings a special kind of magic. The lake’s calm waters mirror the surrounding trees, which turn brilliant shades of red and gold. The small island with its church, set against the backdrop of the Julian Alps, looks even more picturesque under fall colors. Morning mists and clear reflections make it a dream spot for photographers.
Visitors can hike the nearby trails for panoramic views or enjoy a warm slice of the famous Bled cream cake at a lakeside café. The crisp air and slower pace of the season make it easy to relax and appreciate the scenery. Lake Bled’s gentle beauty captures the peaceful charm that defines autumn in Central Europe.
The Lake District, England
England’s Lake District offers a softer yet equally beautiful version of fall color. Rolling hills, mirror-like lakes, and forests of beech and oak trees transform into shades of copper and amber. Classic walking paths around Derwentwater, Windermere, and Ullswater provide plenty of opportunities to see the scenery up close.
Writers like William Wordsworth once found inspiration here, and it is easy to see why. The peaceful blend of water, woodland, and mountain views makes the Lake District feel timeless. Small villages with stone cottages and cozy tearooms add a touch of comfort to any visit during this season.
The Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley in France combines vibrant fall colors with a sense of romance and history. The region’s vineyards and forests come alive with golden tones as harvest season begins. Scenic drives and bike paths along the Loire River reveal grand châteaux surrounded by trees dressed in their autumn best.
Many visitors time their trips to coincide with local wine festivals and harvest celebrations. The mild weather makes it easy to explore the countryside at a leisurely pace, with stops for fresh pastries or local cheese. The Loire Valley in autumn offers a perfect mix of color, culture, and comfort.
The Dolomites, Italy
Italy’s Dolomites are breathtaking throughout the year, but in autumn they take on a whole new beauty. The jagged peaks of the mountains rise above forests that turn fiery orange and gold. The light at this time of year adds warmth to the stone cliffs, making them appear to glow during sunrise and sunset.
Villages like Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo offer cozy lodging and authentic Alpine food after a day of hiking or scenic drives. The region’s peaceful trails and reflective lakes make it an ideal place to experience the quiet beauty of fall. The combination of mountains, forests, and Italian charm creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Great Smoky Mountains, USA
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places in America to witness fall’s changing palette. The park’s dense forests of sugar maples, oaks, and hickories create a dazzling blend of red, yellow, and orange. The rolling mist that gives the Smokies their name makes the colors appear even more vivid against the mountain backdrop.
Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome are among the most popular viewing spots, offering panoramic views that stretch across miles of forested hills. The park’s scenic drives and hiking trails provide countless ways to experience the season’s magic. With its crisp air and peaceful valleys, the Smoky Mountains deliver the essence of an Appalachian autumn.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.