Leaf Peeping Trips

Leaf Peeping Weekend Getaways

October brings the sweep of fall color through North America. It's an enchanting time, perfect for weekend trips to take in nature's beauty (and snap a few photos). With the chill of autumn creeping in, this is the ideal time for relaxing getaways, complete with cozy sweaters, warm drinks and beautiful vistas. When is the peak time to go leaf peeping? Generally speaking, fall's color season progresses from north to south. But elevation plays a key factor; the cooler temperatures further up mean the leaves turn more quickly than the low, warmer valleys. For instance, the Great Smoky Mountains are predicted to hit their peak the first and second weeks of October, while central Kentucky will reach its peak in mid-to-late October. Dedicated leaf peepers pay attention to peak color heat maps and plan their weekend excursions accordingly; if you're smart, you can hit multiple vacation spots during their most beautiful moments this fall! by Amanda Harper

Blue Ridge, GA

Just 90 miles north of Atlanta, Blue Ridge is a wonderful weekend escape. There are tons of outdoor activities, agritourist attractions and scenic areas to enjoy, with even more attractions just a short drive away in surrounding counties. Rent a cabin and enjoy a hot toddy by the fireplace or on the back deck. From beautiful waterways to idyllic mountain hikes, you'll love what Blue Ridge has to offer. → Must Do: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Ride → Must Eat: The Black Sheep → Must See: Toccoa River Swinging Bridge → Must Stay: Airbnb/vrbo a cabin

Brown County, IN

Art, charm and incredible outdoor fun convene in Brown County. The local arts and craft scene will offer you lots to see and enjoy while there are dining options aplenty. Brown County State Park encompasses 16,000 acres of beauty that you will want to explore through hiking, horseback riding and biking. This area offers wonderfully unique lodging opportunities that will make you feel like a true local.

Upper Peninsula, MI

The UP touches Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This odd little swath of land above the Michigan Mitten is a world unto itself. Yoopers know that the beautiful fall foliage peaks early, but the evergreens ensure it's a beautiful place to visit any time. We recommend renting a cozy little spot that has a fi re pit so you can sit outside and bask in the (admittedly chilly) Michigan evenings. → Must Do: Visit Presque Isle Park → Must Eat: Jean Kay's Pasties → Must See: Kitch-iti-Kipi → Must Stay: Airbnb/vrbo a cabin or cottage

Brown County Tourism

→ Must Do: Go birding in Brown County State Park → Must Eat: The Original → Must See: All the public art! → Must Stay: Robinwood Inn

Red River Gorge, KY Gorge, KY

Located inside the Daniel Boone National Forest, RRG offers a wonderful little in-state getaway that feels a world away! From hiking to kayaking, there are countless opportunities to experience fall's splendor up-close. Rent a cabin, treehouse or room at the lodge and explore the beauty of your own state. This area can be bustling with hikers on weekends, so we suggest making yours a weekday trip! → Must Do: Ride the Skylift → Must Eat: The Rockhouse in Campton, KY → Must See: Nada Tunnel, the "Gateway to The Gorge" → Must Stay: Canopy Crew treehouses

Asheville, NC

Explore Asheville

This exciting North Carolina city offers you a choose-your-own-adventure weekend. Will you take in the 30+ art museums? Bar hop and enjoy some live music? Take a hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains? Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway? Take in the stunning fall color from the steps of the Biltmore estate? Sip wine, take a drive, pick apples, shop or explore? There are so many diversions you might forget to take in the beautiful fall foliage surrounding the city! Fortunately, you can save some of the fun for future weekend getaways; it's a quick trip you'll absolutely want to make again and again! → Must Do: Stroll through Biltmore Village Great Smoky Mountains, → Must Eat: Chestnut in Downtown → Must See: Mount Mitchell → Must Stay: Grand Bohemian Hotel NC & TN

If you've only explored Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, there's so much more to see in the Smokies! Scenic byways can take you through stunning forests and mountain passes. From Cherokee to Roaring Fork, railroads to waterways, bears to bicycles, there's so much to see and do! Cades Cove is a beautiful, historic village on an 11-mile loop of some of the park's prettiest views. Newfound Gap and the Roaring Fork Motor Trail offer great drives with beautiful sights. Cataloochee Valley is a gorgeous area with lots of history in Waynesville, NC. → Must Do: Drive the Cades Cove loop → Must Eat: Log Cabin Pancake House in Gatlinburg, TN → Must See: Clingmans Dome Road → Must Stay: Airbnb/vrbo a cabin or cottage

Stowe, VT

Looking to star in your own Hallmark Channel rom-com? There's a reason so many of their seasonal fl icks start in Vermont; The Green Mountain State is gorgeous in the autumn (and winter)! Stowe is most famous for its hiking and skiing, but it's still a fabulous place to go leaf-peeping! Staying at a quaint B&B will absolutely charm your socks off. → Must Do: Look for covered bridges → Must Eat: Bistro at Ten Acres → Must See: Moss Glen Falls → Must Stay: Stone Hill Inn