Autumn is upon us: Top locations to witness the changing leaves this year

It's official: Autumn has arrived, and if you want to experience the vibrant colors of changing leaves, now is the time to plan your leaf-watching getaway.

Reports indicate that drought conditions are likely to significantly affect fall foliage across various regions, which may require you to travel farther to witness the most brilliant seasonal colors.

According to Blue Ridge Mountain Life, a tourism website for the area, two crucial factors to consider when organizing a leaf-peeping trip are timing and elevation. "Leaves start to change at higher elevations, and this color transformation gradually descends to lower elevations."

Every autumn, several forecasting tools attempt to predict the timing of fall foliage by analyzing data such as historical rainfall, temperature statistics, forecasts, leaf peak patterns, and observations from previous years.

Predicting fall foliage can be quite the challenge, and while the tool provides helpful insights, it can't guarantee the exact timing or location of peak foliage—especially in light of unpredictable weather patterns. Nevertheless, travelers can use it as a reference for planning their trips, keeping in mind that the foliage may lag a few weeks behind the forecast.

Top destinations to witness fall foliage this year

As early as late September, the leaves may start changing color in northwest Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, with cottonwood and aspen trees in Grand Teton National Park turning brilliant gold. This is also an ideal time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, as the mountains resonate with the calls of the annual elk rut. Additionally, late fall foliage can still be spotted in southern Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, and parts of Utah.

Utah's national parks—like Arches, Zion, and Bryce Canyon—are primarily celebrated for their stunning sandstone formations and remarkable arches, but they also offer spectacular views of fall foliage this season. The autumn light casts a beautiful glow on the red rocks, enhancing their natural beauty.

For those traveling along the East Coast, the leaves in many popular leaf-peeping states in New England begin to shift in late September, though they might not yet have reached their peak vibrancy.

In Maine, the fall foliage season kicks off in the northern region at the end of September, gradually making its way south until late October. Acadia National Park is a fantastic destination during this period—alongside breathtaking foliage, you can witness the first sunrise in the U.S. from the 1,530-foot peak of Cadillac Mountain. Vermont and New Hampshire also offer excellent opportunities for hiking and leaf-peeping, followed by indulging in apple picking and cider donuts.

The vicinity around Portland, Oregon, is famous for its stunning landscapes, with much of Oregon's natural beauty bursting into vibrant colors throughout October and into November. Consider taking a steamboat ride to enjoy the changing leaves from the water, or drive along the Columbia River Highway, which is designed specifically for its breathtaking views.

October presents an ideal opportunity to discover the Berkshires, a mountainous region in Western Massachusetts nestled between New York City and Boston.

October is also one of the prime months for experiencing the fall foliage while hiking in New York's Adirondack Mountains, with travelers now enjoying extended time to explore thanks to the unseasonably warm weather.

By late October, it's time for travelers to shift their focus towards the Mid-Atlantic states and the Southeast.

The region surrounding the Smoky Mountains is one of the most stunning areas in the country, making the namesake national park a must-visit this season. For breathtaking views, head to the observation deck atop Clingman's Dome, or opt for one of the famous scenic drives in the vicinity, like Cade's Cove Loop Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway.

As November approaches, much of the nation typically experiences foliage that has already peaked, according to the prediction map. However, there are still certain regions across the U.S. that continue to display vibrant colors throughout the month, allowing travelers to enjoy late-season hues in specific destinations.

For example, consider Kansas and parts of Missouri, including a visit to the Lake of the Ozarks. The maple, oak, hickory, and ash trees lining the 1,150 miles of shoreline will transform into vivid, artistic shades in November—although the American smoke tree, which can reach a striking electric pink, typically peaks much earlier.

Alternatively, take a picturesque drive along the country roads that weave through the rugged landscapes of the Ozark Mountains for even more spectacular views.

Travelers can also explore the southern regions of Arizona and New Mexico for late-season fall foliage, which is expected to peak in November. Additionally, the American South, ranging from Texas to Florida, offers opportunities to experience autumn colors as well.

Located in the southwestern tip of Texas, Big Bend encompasses the largest protected expanse of the Chihuahuan Desert in the nation. November is an ideal month for camping, hiking, and backpacking. Explore the Chimneys Trail, which meanders through striking rock formations, or take on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail that follows the Rio Grande River.

Another fantastic spot to experience fall foliage in Texas during November is the Guadalupe Mountains, where bigtooth maple trees burst into vibrant colors throughout McKittrick and Pine Canyons.

For those willing to venture a bit further south, consider visiting Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. This vast area spans over 600,000 acres of woodlands, and much of the state is likely to showcase its peak foliage in November, along with central Florida.

Bottom line

Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year is shaping up to be another significant one for visits to national and state parks as well as scenic road trips throughout the country.

While the fall foliage map cannot provide definitive predictions, it serves as a helpful guide for planning your leaf-peeping adventures this season. Be sure to keep informed about local regulations, prioritize your health and safety wherever you travel, and maintain flexibility in your plans, particularly with the potential for seasonal delays in foliage changes.

It's more crucial than ever to safeguard your travel investment, so think about getting travel insurance and opting for flexible fares and rates that let you cancel or rebook without incurring penalties.