New England maples versus Colorado aspens: which US region offers the best autumn foliage?

Some places will always be compared. In this series, two enthusiastic writers face off to highlight why their selected destination deserves your visit.

The chill of morning has arrived, and you know what that signals. It’s time to book that fall foliage tour and enjoy the spectacular display of nature’s autumn spectacle. But where do you want to kindle that first fire? Which forest do you wish to explore during the day?

Will you lace up your classic duck boots, throw on jeans and a wool sweater to wander through New England's vibrant red and orange hills, or will you wear your Patagonia puffer and hiking boots to bask in Colorado's stunning golden vistas? Whichever resonates with you, these two Dinogo Planet writers will leave you pondering whether to tap a maple or hear the whispers of the aspens.

Why New England stands out as the ultimate destination for fall foliage

Having grown up and currently residing in Upstate New York, travel writer Lauren Breedlove has been perfectly situated to explore the entire New England region for years—and she certainly has. After studying in Burlington, Vermont, and developing her skills as a photographer, she has traveled across the northeastern states with her camera to capture the autumn colors every year. Her extensive writings on New England have appeared in several publications, including Dinogo Planet. 

Although New England is stunning all year long, there’s one season I always dedicate to this region: fall. I’ve enjoyed autumn in various locations, including Colorado, and while each place offers its own charm, nothing compares to fall in New England. Mornings are crisp at a scenic lake, as fog lifts to reveal a brilliant reflection of vibrant foliage in the still water. Hiking boots crunch through the leaves while approaching a lofty summit, my camera snapping away in excitement at the endless mountains cloaked in a rustic autumn quilt. The sound of crackling campfires accompanies sunsets behind peaks dressed in lively reds, deep golds, and fiery oranges. Truly unmatched. 

New England boasts a vibrant cocktail of colors 

I appreciate aspens, too. Those bright, sun-kissed trees that grace Colorado in the fall are indeed breathtaking—but in New England, we offer a richer variety in our autumn foliage repertoire. Our expansive forests and mountains explode with a dazzling spectrum, thanks to our collection of maple trees; a special mention goes to the red and sugar maples for their striking red and orange tones. The palette is further enhanced by beeches, birches, oaks, and hickories. Remarkably, a single tree can showcase multiple colors at once. It’s not just about the variety; it’s the intensity that counts. New England's perfect blend of climate, temperatures, and rainfall creates incredible pigments. But you don't have to rely solely on my word—just look at the throngs of visitors that flock to New England each year in September and October.

Alright, I'll concede that most of Colorado’s major mountains are taller than ours. However, that doesn't mean we're lacking in elevation. We have giants like New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, Maine’s Katahdin, and Vermont’s Mount Mansfield, along with challenging hikes and diverse terrain. Plus, we have the coast! It’s a rare treat to breathe in ocean air while admiring a foliage display. New England may have some large cities, but it also boasts vast expanses of wilderness to explore. In areas like Maine’s secluded Baxter State Park, you’re more likely to encounter a moose than another person. It feels easier to escape into the wilderness in New England and find solitude. Many of Colorado's backcountry trails demand four-wheel-drive vehicles on rugged logging roads, whereas in New England, most great trails are accessible by a standard car. We also enjoy the chance to see foliage in different states throughout the season, as the colors begin in northern Maine first and gradually move southward. New England in the fall is perfect for road-tripping.

Fall in New England has an unmistakable vibe

Autumn isn’t solely about the leaves (though they are significant). It encompasses the entire ambiance, and New England truly excels in that. Apologies, Colorado, but fall feels cozier here. We have charming historic towns scattered everywhere, enchanting visitors with handmade scarecrows, roadside farmstands, and pumpkins decorating the porches of nearly every Victorian or Colonial house. Old churches and covered bridges are plentiful, and delightful general stores await discovery, offering fresh cider, donuts, and local treats like our iconic maple syrup.

Why Colorado stands out as the premier destination for fall foliage

Having relocated to Colorado over a decade ago, writer Sarah Kuta has developed a strong passion for leaf-peeping. From mid-September to mid-October, she dedicates her weekends to exploring the Colorado Rockies, soaking in the stunning views of the state's golden-yellow aspens.

At the close of every summer, I eagerly anticipate the first brisk morning that heralds the arrival of fall in Colorado. For me, this signifies it's time to indulge in one of my favorite activities: leaf-peeping. I embark on scenic drives, hike, mountain bike, picnic, and ride gondolas at ski resorts – all to immerse myself in Colorado’s stunning fall foliage.

Colorado is renowned for its quaking aspen trees – there's even a well-known mountain town and ski resort named after these tall, white-barked wonders. Aspens (Populus tremuloides) are among the few deciduous species tough enough to thrive in the Colorado Rockies. Thriving at elevations between 5,600 and 11,000 feet, they blanket 5 million acres, or about 20 percent, of the state's forests, according to the Colorado State Forest Service.

You might assume that aspens turn a consistent, golden-yellow color. However, upon closer inspection (and by observing various trees in different areas and at different times during the fall), you'll notice their foliage showcases a broader spectrum of colors – ranging from bright yellowish-green to vibrant orange and deep red. These variations stem from a mix of weather conditions and the trees’ genetics.

Aspens are typically found alongside evergreens. The interplay of dark green needles, yellow leaves, and the bright blue sky (as the sun is almost always shining in Colorado) creates a stunning color palette. When a cool breeze sweeps through, it makes the aspen leaves “dance” (or “quake,” which is how they got their name). I could easily spend hours gazing up at the shimmering leaves fluttering in the sunlight – it’s genuinely enchanting. Just thinking about it brings me a sense of calm.

Aspens are vital to the ecosystem

Aspens are not just beautiful; they’re also scientifically intriguing – and as a self-proclaimed nerd, that’s another reason I admire them. Given the brief summer in the mountains, aspen seeds often lack the time to germinate. Instead, the trees produce suckers from their roots, which grow into new mature trees. This unique reproduction leads to all aspen trees in a given area being clones, identical siblings sharing an interconnected root system. In nearby Utah, a grove of cloned aspens known as “Pando” is one of the largest living organisms on Earth, consisting of around 40,000 trees covering 106 acres.

Furthermore, aspen trees thrive in sunny spots where other species might struggle to survive, even in areas scorched by wildfires. Once sufficient aspen trees are established, they create valuable dappled shade, allowing other plants to flourish. Moose and elk enjoy munching on aspen leaves and bark, while the trunks offer nesting sites for woodpeckers and other birds. During a camping trip a few years back, I saw a moose expertly strip leaves from branch after branch in an aspen grove.

The optimal time to witness Colorado’s aspens

From mid-September to mid-October, Colorado’s aspens showcase a stunning display, though the specific timing each year varies with the weather. The trees at higher elevations are the first to transform their colors, followed by those at lower elevations.

During this period, you can visit almost any mountain town in Colorado – such as Aspen, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Silverthorne, Leadville, or Winter Park – and you’ll likely spot several stands of aspens still shimmering in gold. I also suggest taking a road trip along one of Colorado’s Scenic & Historic Byways, many of which are now equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles.