Eclectic Fall Color Destinations Across the U.S.

Feel the chill in the air? The following colorful autumn spots will put a spark in your travels

September 17, 2026

Image Caption: The brilliant red, orange, and yellows of changing maple leaves mark the start of fall color in the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, October 12, 2016. There are a number of reasons why West Fork is one of the most popular trails on the Coconino National Forest. West Fork is fantastic throughout the year, but in autumn, the canyon is ablaze with color. Red and gold leaves float in clear reflecting pools along the creek, under a canopy of solid color. As for the trail itself, it's an easy stroll, but you do have to cross the stream in a number of places. Usually, that involves negotiating a few strategically placed stepping stones or taking a couple of steps in shallow water. The trail is marked and maintained for the first three miles. It ends at a deep pool in a narrow spot in the canyon. Parking is available at Call of the Canyon picnic site for a fee. This is a special fee site run by a concessionaire. Photo by Deborah Lee Soltesz, October 12, 2016. Credit: Coconino National Forest, U.S. Forest Service. Learn more about the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, Trail No. 108, Call of the Canyon picnic site, and the Coconino National Forest.

No fall road trip is complete without some side trips to glance the autumn foliage. Simply find when the peak foliage occurs, add it to your itinerary, and find RV parks close to your route.

The following locations may not be known for their fall colors, but the foliage at these destination rise to the occasion during the season. Sample this eclectic menu of arboreal scenery, and you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!

Liberty Park, New Jersey

Just across the Hudson River from New York’s Ellis Island, Liberty State Park offers a refreshing break from the energy of the city. Wander through its wide-open green spaces, enjoy sweeping waterfront views, or explore the Liberty Science Center, where interactive exhibits entertain visitors of every age.The park is also home to the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, a moving tribute to those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, visible across the harbor in Manhattan. During the fall, the golden trees provide a colorful accent to the New York City’s imposing skyline across the harbor.

Central Park, New York

From Liberty Park, take a jaunt to the Big Apple. In the heart of Manhattan, 843-acre Central Park becomes a playground for families, friends, picnickers, dog-walkers and athletes. Stretching for 2.5 miles between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West, this world-famous green space has appeared in countless books, plays and films. You could easily spend an entire day exploring its fountains, statues, conservatories, lakes, carousel, zoo, boathouse and beautifully landscaped Shakespeare Garden. Central Park may be the city’s most famous park, but Brooklyn’s Prospect Park offers its own irresistible blend of nature and urban energy. The park features a 60-acre lake, numerous ball fields, a zoo and the country’s only urban Audubon Center. It also sits along the Atlantic Flyway, making it a prime bird-watching destination where more than 200 species have been spotted.

During the fall, the scenery explodes with colorful foliage in colors of gold and crimson. It’s a worthy side trip, and you can cap. your day with a hot meal at one of the city’s legendary eateries.

Adirondack Park, New York

Ready for a trip Upstate? New York State is home to both the nation’s largest city and the largest protected natural area in the contiguous United States. Covering roughly six million acres, Adirondack Park is larger than the country of Belize and offers seemingly endless opportunities for hiking, biking and outdoor adventure. After exploring the park’s rugged landscapes, visit nearby Lake George, ride the attractions at Six Flags Great Escape, relax in Saratoga Springs or discover the region’s many other charming communities and attractions.

As you can imagine, Adirondack park transforms as the weather cools, gilding the mountain sides with spectacular late-year colors. Spend some time hiking through this autumn wonderland.

Hershey, Pennsylvania

More than a century ago, Milton Hershey began producing chocolate in the Pennsylvania town that would eventually carry his name. Today, his legacy lives on at Hersheypark, a candy-themed amusement park filled with thrilling roller coasters, family attractions and exhibits guaranteed to bring out your inner chocoholic. To delve deeper into the story of Hershey’s chocolate empire, visit Hershey’s Chocolate World and Founders Hall at Milton Hershey School. Families with energy to spare can keep the fun going at Adventure Sports in Hershey, where go-karts, miniature golf and arcade games promise hours of entertainment.

During fall, the landscape around Hershey takes on a shade that could be described as “caramel” mixed with gold and crimson. Enjoy a spectacular show with your treats.

Poconos, Pennsylvania

Every October, the forests of Pennsylvania’s Poconos transform from green to brilliant shades of crimson, rust and gold. One of the best places to experience the spectacle is Delaware State Forest, home to the 82-acre Tarkill Forest Demonstration Area. Follow the self-guided nature trail for a closer look at the region’s diverse ecosystem. Visitors can also enjoy boating, hunting and horseback riding along 26 miles of designated trails, as well as biking and ATV routes suited to a range of skill levels.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Perched on the western shore of Lake Superior, Bayfield offers a distinctly coastal experience in the heart of the Upper Midwest. Browse the downtown shops and galleries, stop by a fish market for fresh trout, pick up locally grown berries or settle into a cozy coffee shop to watch boats glide through the harbor. The surrounding area is dotted with wineries and apple orchards, while the annual Applefest—held October 5–7—is widely considered one of the region’s best fall celebrations. For a scenic drive, follow Highway 13 northwest to Old County Highway K Road and then continue along Little Sand Bay Road to reach a beautiful Lake Superior beach at Wisconsin’s northernmost point. The fall colors here amaze visitors.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

One of Nevada’s best-kept autumn secrets is Great Basin National Park—a remote destination that rewards every mile of the journey. Set at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, the park is a desert oasis in every season. As you approach, the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak rises dramatically above the landscape, like a sentinel presiding over the changing forest. Unlike Nevada’s familiar desert flatlands, Great Basin offers high-elevation trails, cool mountain air and campgrounds surrounded by fall color. Stroll through aspen groves glowing with shades of red, gold and orange, or venture underground to explore the spectacular Lehman Caves. Be sure to visit the ancient Great Basin bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living trees on Earth. Many are estimated to be between 4,700 and 5,000 years old. Camping inside the park is rustic and best suited to smaller RVs, while travelers with larger rigs can find full hookups just outside the entrance in the town of Baker.

Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona

For travelers who enjoy warm days without the intense heat of summer, autumn is the perfect time to visit Arizona. Leave the hotter Sonoran Desert behind and head into the higher elevations of the Verde Valley, where crisp temperatures, pumpkin-spice lattes and hot apple cider set the mood for the season. The changing colors are especially striking along Oak Creek Canyon, the scenic route connecting Flagstaff and Sedona. Trails such as West Fork Oak Creek showcase the region’s wildlife, dramatic scenery and vibrant fall foliage, which often remains on display well into November. The Verde Valley makes an excellent home base, with nearly a dozen Good Sam Parks offering convenient access to some of Arizona’s most beautiful autumn landscapes.