5 Last Minute Leaf Peeping Locations Around the Country

Leaf peeping season is rapidly flying by and if you haven’t yet managed to immerse yourself in the fiery colors of the season, all is not lost – because there are still some last minute opportunities to enjoy fall.

There are still places across the country to catch a glimpse of all that fall has to offer. From the stunning mountains of North Carolina to the vineyards of California, there are plenty of memorable options for a last minute fall leaf peeping getaway.

Here are some of the top picks:

Sedona, Arizona

Each fall, Sedona becomes a living canvas of colors, says LaDell Carter, founder and lead luxury lifestyle travel designer for Royal Expression Travels.

“I’ve just returned from Arizona, and I can say that Sedona did not just impress me, it moved me,” Carter told TravelPulse. “In the fall it becomes an open gallery of rust-red cliffs, gentle light and soulful energy that is impossible to replicate.”

Because Sedona sits lower then other locations in the state, such as Flagstaff, peak season for fall foliage arrives later – running from mid-October through November.

When the peak does finally arrive in Sedona, the region becomes a kaleidoscope of amber, scarlet and gold thanks to the many golden cottonwoods and fiery maples. Some of the best places to get out and explore the scenery include Sedona’’s West Fork Oak Creek Trail and Huckaby Trail, suggests Carter.

“West Fork Oak Creek Trail winds through a deeply wooded gorge, lined with pools and narrow passages of red rock,” says Carter. “Turn after turn along the trail is more beautiful than the last.”

Sonoma County, California

Perhaps best known for its world-class wine and rolling hills covered by vineyards, Sonoma County is also an under-the-radar fall favorite.

“Sonoma County’s gorgeous rolling vineyards and mixed woodlands come alive in October and November with russet, amber, and gold tones that rival more traditional leaf-peeping regions,” says Birgitt Vaughan, director of public relations for Sonoma County Tourism.

One of the top places to take in the colors of the season is the Jack London State Historic Park, which encompasses a home and ranch once owned by novelist Jack London. Here, visitors can explore the artifact-filled Museum of Happy Walls and also tour the cottage in which London and his wife, Charmian, lived.

The park also features more than 20 miles of trails spread over elevations ranging from 600 to 2,300 feet. “Either by hiking, biking, or horseback riding, you’ll end up with jaw-dropping vistas of red, orange, yellow, and gold foliage, but even if you stick to the valley floor, you’ll still see vineyards and a wide array of tree species ablaze with color,” says Vaughan.

Yet another way to enjoy the fall foliage show, stop by one of the many Sonoma County wineries. Many offer expansive views of colorful vineyards and lush hillside foliage, including the Benziger Family Winery and Bartholomew Estate, a winery and 375-acre private park open to the public, where visitors can enjoy a three-mile hiking trail through oak woodlands and vineyards, horseback rides, and wine tastings.

“Beyond the visual appeal, this is harvest season, when wineries buzz with activity, local chefs highlight autumn produce like apples and squash, and the air carries that crisp edge that makes a glass of Pinot Noir by a fire pit feel just right,” says Vaughan, who offers one more tip: “Scenic drives along the Russian River and many different valleys, or hikes along the Pacific coastline, reveal layers of vineyard color framed by native oaks and maples.”

Upstate New York

It’s hard to go wrong when heading to upstate New York during fall foliage season. Nearly the entire region offers a stunning show. But there are some local favorites to take note of.

The Finger Lakes region of New York is one of them. Here you can explore the quaint donation of Ithaca for a quintessential New York fall experience. You can also explore the foliage by hiking to Taughannock Falls or exploring Robert Treman State Park. 

Visitors can stay at the Inn at Taughannock Falls (located alongside Taughannock Falls State Park and overlooking Cayuga Lake) for prime leaf views. 

Meanwhile, Watkins Glen, also in the Finger Lakes region, is another great place for leaf-peeping – including a stop at Watkins Glen State Park, famous for its Gorge Trail, which has 19 waterfalls.

The Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Adirondacks are another region of the state that still holds onto their color this time of year, so it’s a great option if you’re thinking about a last-minute getaway, says Kendra Wagner, owner of Kendra Wagner Travel, a boutique travel agency.

“One of my recommendations is to just drive along the Hudson River or through the mountains and take it all in,” says Wagner. “There’s something about all of the fall colors that never gets old. Along the way, I recommend stopping in small towns, hiking to a waterfall, or swinging by a local orchard for some cider.”

North Carolina 

Like upstate New York, there are numerous places in North Carolina that provide a dazzling fall display.

Asheville, for instance, is one of the go-to locations for late-season leaf peeping. Even when other places are winding down, the higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway keep the region’s color alive, says Wagner.

“I recommend hikes in Pisgah and Dupont State Forest — lots of waterfalls and beautiful colors will surround you in the fall,” Wagner adds. “The town itself is great, too — farm-to-table restaurants, local breweries, and little art galleries make it a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and culture.”

.Jackson County, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains is in peak fall foliage season right now through early November. 

Fall foliage experiences here include hiking to the top of Whiteside Mountain for a dramatic view in the Appalachians, forest bathing at Pinnacle Park while surrounded by vibrant leaves or taking a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway – all at little to no cost. 

For a one-of-a-kind fall experience, witness the “Shadow of the Bear” at Rhodes Big View Overlook, one of the most unique leaf peeping experiences in the country.

This naturally occurring phenomenon makes an appearance, showing the “Shadow of the Bear”, for just 30 minutes as the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain mid-October through early November.

And as you’re exploring the region, don’t miss stopping in small towns like Sylva, Cashiers and Dillsboro, where travelers can sip craft beer with mountain views, browse local shops and enjoy farm-to-table dining.

Georgia

Just an hour east of Atlanta, fall foliage hunters will find the picturesque small town of Madison. Officially recognized by The Arbor Day Foundation as a certified “Tree City USA” destination, each autumn Madison’s oak and magnolia-dotted landscape transforms into a foliage canvas of fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep orange hues, says Jennifer Rosa-León, executive director of the Madison Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“The contrast of fall leaves against the town’s late 19th- and early 20th-century homes and architecturally stunning Historic Downtown Square is a sight to behold,” Rosa-León adds.

Madison’s canopy of hardwood trees delivers a full spectrum of autumn color through late October and early November—perfect for historic home tours and Instagram-worthy strolls.

While in town, hop on the new trolley tour from Madison Trolley Co., which offers an opportunity to take in the town’s architecture and vibrant fall colors from the comfort of a trolley that’s affectionately been name “Maddie.”
And don’t miss Hard Labor Creek State Park, one of the largest state parks in Georgia and another popular destination to experience the fall colors.

“The park, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, offers two lakes for kayaking and canoeing, 24 miles of hiking trails, a modern campground, and 20 cottages,” says Rosa-León.

And one last note for those bound for Madison, it’s growing food scene also leans into the flavors of fall, with places like The Patisserie on Main, an authentic French bakery, offering colorful tarts and pastries, and Oconee Coffee Roasters offering seasonal fall blends.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan and book your fall trip.