10 Stunning Locations to Experience Fall Foliage in 2024

As summer's leisurely days come to an end and the air takes on a refreshing chill, there’s no need to feel down. Fall is a magnificent season, a final celebration before the harsh winter winds arrive.

Discover the most breathtaking spots to enjoy vibrant fall colors across the globe.

1. Nara, Japan

Autumn in Japan is just as breathtaking as the fleeting cherry blossom season in spring. The phenomenon of Kouyou (autumn leaves) can be observed throughout the country, beginning in the northern island of Hokkaidō and quickly moving south by late September. The ancient city of Nara, just a short train journey from Kyoto, offers a spectacular viewing experience. Its expansive park is filled with vibrant colors, showcasing stunning vistas of red, gold, and yellow leaves along the paths leading to Tamukeyama shrine in the northeast.

2. Forest of Dean, England

This ancient woodland in Gloucestershire once served as a royal hunting ground, with its trees used to construct Tudor warships. Today, it’s an ideal location for the more leisurely activity of leaf peeping. The combination of oak, beech, and sweet chestnut creates a stunning display of rusty yellows and golds. The Forest of Dean is easily navigable on foot or by bicycle, but watch out for the wild boar that have made this area their home since 2006. Alternatively, explore one of England's top national reserves or city parks for additional autumn hues.

3. White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA

New England is synonymous with autumn, and choosing a single must-visit location is a challenge. However, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are undoubtedly among the best places to experience fall colors — not only in New England but worldwide. Trek through the hills in early October to witness brilliant red maple leaves, or drive to Silver Cascade Falls in Carroll County to see the trees illuminated beside the 250-foot waterfall.

4. Loire Valley, France

As the leaves on the vines change color and the summer crowds dissipate, autumn is the perfect season to explore France's Loire Valley. The rolling vineyards glow as they transition from the greens of summer to the warm yellows, browns, and burnt oranges of fall. It's also the harvest season, so you can watch the grapes being collected in the fields before settling down in a cozy spot to enjoy the view with a glass of local wine.

5. Bishop Creek Canyon, California

Just because the northeastern U.S. boasts incredible fall colors doesn't mean the West Coast should be overlooked. California's inland forests provide a stunning alternative, with vibrant reds and yellows lingering longer due to the state's varied elevations. Bishop Creek Canyon is among the best spots to take in this beauty, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where golden leaves contrast beautifully against the rocky hills.

6. Pitlochry, Scotland

Scotland's pine forests may not shift in hue, but its deciduous trees display some of the most stunning fall colors in Europe. Take a stroll from town to the dam and fish ladder that divides the Tummel River and Loch Faskally for an ideal view of the waterside trees as they drop their leaves. Every October, Pitlochry also hosts the Enchanted Forest, an evening event where trees are illuminated to uplifting music in the nearby woods.

7. Lombardy, Italy

Even as leaves begin to drop, Lombardy in northern Italy remains pleasantly mild, making it a fantastic spot to witness the vibrant colors of mainland Europe. The native Lombardy poplars blanket the landscape in bright yellow before shedding their leaves. If you can't escape to the countryside, Milan's public gardens provide a lovely urban perspective on autumn.

8. Dandenong Ranges, Australia

In Australia, autumn truly begins in March (which corresponds to spring in the northern hemisphere). While you might not typically think of this sun-kissed land known for beaches and surfing as a destination for stunning fall foliage, the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne defy expectations. This national park is filled with breathtaking scenery and beautifully maintained gardens. A visit to the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is a must, especially when the lawns are blanketed with fallen leaves and the trees shimmer with color.

9. Agawa Canyon, Canada

This autumn, board the Agawa Canyon Tour Train for a breathtaking journey through some of the planet's most stunning fall foliage. Departing from Sault Ste. Marie, the train covers 114 miles of pristine wilderness that reaches peak beauty as days grow shorter. This picturesque landscape inspired renowned Canadian landscape artists like Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven in the early 20th century. Don’t delay: the vibrant leaves reach their pinnacle for a fleeting moment at the end of September and the start of October.

10. Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

Alongside its Polish counterpart, Slovakia's High Tatra National Park is a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve. Spanning 740 square kilometers, this area boasts beech and spruce forests that transform into a vibrant tapestry of colors in autumn. Here, stunning glacial lakes and alpine meadows, adorned with wildflowers, invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore numerous hiking trails. As you wander, keep an eye out for native wildlife such as marmots and chamois. After a day of leaf-peeping, relax at the lakeside spa retreat of Štrbské Pleso.