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Fall Foliage Cruises: Best Cruises For Leaf Peeping

The rustic fall foliage show that New England puts on every year is a must-visit attraction at least once in your lifetime. No other part of the continent can compare to the flood of reds, oranges, and yellows you'll find along the East Coast in the autumn months. Cruises aren't exclusive to the summer season, so why not take in some of the world's best fall sights from the Atlantic Ocean? Check out Norwegian's fall-worthy cruises that are sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Canada & New England cruises .

7-Day Norwegian Breakaway Cruise: Bar Harbor & Newport

Cruise alaska on norwegian bliss & norwegian encore.

This seven-day cruise vacation on Norwegian Breakaway takes you on a tour of the best fall foliage spots on the East Coast. You'll enjoy the fall sights among the tall skyscrapers as you cruise from New York, New York. Cruises from New York are a great way to start any getaway. On your next stop, you get to experience an immersive overload of fall colors in the wooded landscape of Newport, Rhode Island. Stop off at two Maine spots: Portland and Bar Harbor , both offering a unique autumn vibe.

Cross the Atlantic border into Canada's oldest incorporated city, Saint John Bay of Fundy. Your last stop aboard this fall foliage cruise is in Halifax , Nova Scotia, where you can peep the leaves on one of the world's longest boardwalks. That itinerary only covers a small portion of the fun, though. Keep the fun and excitement going aboard Norwegian Breakaway with three Broadway shows and five multistory water slides. Don't forget about the quarter-mile-long oceanfront promenade, perfect for taking in the views as you arrive at the port.

7-Day Norwegian Pearl Cruise: Maine & Boston

Hop aboard Norwegian Pearl for a seven-day cruise with seven stops, giving you a brief and beautiful compilation of some of the best fall shows on the East Coast. This Canada and New England cruise starts in Quebec City before making its way to Prince Edward Island, where you can indulge in fresh seafood with a vibrant backdrop of reds and oranges. Head over to Cape Breton Island for the perfect mix of rich history and breathtaking views. It's also known as the largest fortified city outside of Europe. Halifax is your last stop on your Canada Cruise before heading to the U.S. to see Portland, Maine . Next is Bar Harbor before finishing this once-in-a-lifetime fall cruise in Boston.

Spend the nights dancing and creating memories you'll cherish for a lifetime at one of the lively nightclubs. If you're looking for a cruise to unwind, this fall Norwegian Pearl cruise is for you. Relax between port stops at the world-class spa with one of over 50 treatments, or take a stroll through one of the serene garden villas.

7-Day Norwegian Escape Cruise: Portland & Bar Harbor

An autumn tour aboard Norwegian Escape is every fall foodie's dream. Depart from the culinary capital of the U.S., New York, New York, and make your way to port stops in Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine. Cruise from NYC to Saint John and Halifax, covering all the bases for a memorable fall experience on the East Coast.

Escape the dreaded end of summer blues by squeezing in a fall cruise aboard Norwegian Escape. Enjoy fine dining, indulging in your favorite flavors with the sunset on one side and the beauty of the East Coast on the other. With over 21 bars and lounges on board, you'll have plenty to do in between each port stop. Stock up on the latest fall fashions with an on-site boutique, take in a movie in the entourage room, or pamper yourself at the spa and salon.

RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Canada & New England from Quebec City to Boston 10-Day Canada & New England from Boston to Quebec City 11-Day Canada & New England from Quebec

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7-Day Norwegian Gem Cruise: Quebec & New England

Depart from Boston for a true fall vibe. Then, enjoy the best of fall on a seven-day cruise aboard Norwegian Gem. This cruise takes you from Boston to Bar Harbor. You can paint the town red with a full-day stop in Halifax while you capture all the fall foliage colors. Quick stops on Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island give you more rural fall vibes. Then, Norwegian Gem takes you to two stops in Quebec: Saguenay and Quebec .

You'll spend your time dining, attending magic shows, taking a dip in the pool, or catching up on some "me" time at the spa between leaf peeping stops. Many of the spacious, comfortable staterooms aboard Norwegian Gem have waterfront views. Just imagine waking up in the morning, sipping your coffee on your own private sundeck as the beautiful fall views of the East Coast welcome the sunrise. These are the views you'll dream about for months to come.

Sure, you can expect your social media accounts to be filled with autumn colors this fall. But, there's something special about the deep blue tones of the ocean flowing into the crisp fall colors on land. There's nothing quite like watching the vibrant blues of the ocean turn to shades of autumn colors as your cruise gets closer to the port.

Want to learn more about Norwegian's exciting fall foliage cruises? Sign up today for access to all the latest deals on Norwegian cruises.

5 best fall foliage cruises in New England, Canada and beyond

If you feel left out whenever your social media feeds blow up with beautiful pictures of fall foliage, you probably should plan your own leaf-peeping trip. Sure, you could arrange an epic road trip, complete with traffic jams and overpriced, overcrowded tourist traps. Or, you could take a fall foliage cruise.

From a cruise ship, you can enjoy the autumnal hues of the Canadian and New England coastline as you sail between northeastern U.S. home ports like New York and Boston and Canada's Montreal or Quebec City. Book shore excursions for a more relaxing day out; the bus driver will navigate the traffic along tree-lined byways to scenic vistas, and your mealtimes will be prearranged (or held on board your ship's multiple dining venues).

If you'd rather explore fall's colors outside of the Northeast, a few cruise lines will take you to fall foliage destinations in other parts of the U.S., too.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

You'll want to book your Canada and New England cruise at least six months (if not a year or more) in advance for the best pricing and availability. Here, we present the five best fall foliage cruises you should consider in New England, Canada and beyond.

7-day Canada and New England Discovery cruise on Holland America

Holland America 's 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam is a delightfully midsize ship, so you don't have to worry about crowds as you sail between Boston and Quebec City. The ship starts sailing this route in late August, but for the best leaf peeping, you'll want to book one of the two October departures.

Ports of call include Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Portland or Bar Harbor, Maine. Take your pick of scenic drives or strolls through gardens or along hiking paths, camera at the ready. On board, spend your evenings rocking out to live music or enjoying a leisurely meal of steak or seafood at the Pinnacle Grill.

Best for : Holland America attracts mainly retirees and couples who appreciate the line's focus on fine dining and live performances. Zuiderdam's itinerary is ideal for anyone who doesn't mind flying in and out of different cities in order to travel farther north into Canada than the one-way sailings.

Related: 11 best cruises to Canada and New England

7-day Canada and New England cruise on Princess Cruises

For an easy round-trip New York cruise that leans more into New England than Canada, consider Princess Cruises ' weeklong October sailings on the 3,660-passenger Enchanted Princess. Choose from itineraries with four or five ports, including Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Bar Harbor; Halifax; and (only on certain sailings) Saint John, New Brunswick.

If seascapes are your thing, don't miss the beautiful coastal landscape by the Bay of Fundy (from Saint John) or Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. Head to the hills in Bar Harbor for elevated views, or escape to sea with a harbor cruise from Newport.

Best for : Princess Cruises also attracts mature couples and lovers of classic cruising, but the 2019-debuted Enchanted Princess is much larger and bigger than Holland America's Zuiderdam. Kick back with the line's signature Movies Under the Stars (complete with blankets for fall nights in New England), or enjoy multiple specialty restaurants devoted to Italian specialties, steakhouse fare and seafood. Bundle up for a romantic breakfast on your balcony while the colorful coastline passes by.

Related: The best time for a Canada and New England cruise

7-night Canada cruise on Royal Caribbean

Combine an easy Boston round-trip sailing with a fall foliage cruise focused more on Canadian than New England ports with Royal Caribbean 's seven-night voyages on the 2,191-passenger Jewel of the Seas, setting sail in September and October 2024, and 2,142-passenger Brilliance of the Seas, departing in September and October 2025. Most itineraries call in Portland, Maine; Saint John; Sydney; and Halifax.

The ships are among Royal Caribbean's older and smaller ships, so don't go in expecting a humongous megaship with wild top-deck amenities (a good thing or not, depending on your style). You'll still find plenty of dining options (including Izumi for Japanese cuisine and Giovanni's Table for Italian), the line's signature circular Viking Crown Lounge and — perfect for fall weather — an indoor, adults-only solarium.

Best for : Royal Caribbean fans seeking a midsize ship experience with fewer children on board should book this cruise. Anyone looking for a round-trip cruise to Canada that doesn't require a passport will appreciate the convenient Boston departure port (with plenty of beautiful fall foliage on its own) and three port calls in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Related: Canada and New England cruise packing list: What to pack for every season

7-night Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruise on American Cruise Lines

Canada and New England aren't the only regions of the U.S. known for their fall foliage. American Cruise Lines offers several small-ship sailings in October to other leaf-peeping regions, including the Hudson River Valley, the Upper Mississippi and the Chesapeake Bay.

But for something completely different, why not try the line's seven-night, round-trip Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruise from Seattle on the 90-passenger American Spirit or the 170-passenger American Constellation?

Your itinerary will take you to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Port Angeles (gateway to Victoria, British Columbia, and Olympic National Park), Port Townsend and Poulsbo, Washington, with a day spent cruising around the San Juan Islands. Take advantage of the Fidalgo Island walking trails near Anacortes, and don't miss the photogenic Deception Pass nearby. Gaze at the Olympic and Cascade mountains in their fall glory, and enjoy the fall weather in historic waterfront towns.

Best for : Travelers looking for a different destination for their fall foliage cruise, but also cruisers who prioritize time on shore over time on the ship. American Cruise Lines' ships are tiny, just four to six decks, with amenities limited to a restaurant, a couple of lounges, small fitness areas and a sun deck, perhaps with a putting green. Be prepared to entertain yourself in the evenings — or go to bed early so you're energized for a full day in port nearly every day. Also, know that these ships generally draw an older retiree crowd.

12-day Canada and New England Fall Foliage cruise on Seabourn

Smaller ships can visit more off-the-beaten-path ports than their big-ship counterparts. Seabourn 's 458-passenger Seabourn Quest (2024) and Seabourn Sojourn (2025) sail 12-day cruises between New York and Montreal. Itineraries vary slightly by sail date, but visit several destinations in Quebec, including Trois-Rivieres, Quebec City, Baie-Comeau and Saguenay, with scenic cruising along the Saguenay Fjord. The ship also visits Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Halifax, Nova Scotia; it stops at a couple of American ports, too, such as Newport, Rhode Island, and Boston, Martha's Vineyard or Provincetown, Massachusetts.

This is also one of the best fall foliage cruises if you're looking for an all-inclusive voyage in luxurious surroundings. On Seabourn Quest, every cabin is a suite with a view (not to mention a walk-in closet and spacious bathroom with tub). You can enjoy gourmet cuisine, complimentary wine and cocktails and a friendly crew that will go above and beyond for you.

Best for : Luxury lovers who wish to be pampered on their leaf-peeping vacation will enjoy this nearly two-week cruise around Canada and New England. The extended itinerary features several days at sea to enjoy the ship's spa or delicious afternoon tea service, as well as some lesser-visited ports and, on select departures, an overnight in Halifax. It's ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their fall Northeast trip.

Bottom line

You might be surprised by how many choices you have for late-September and October fall foliage cruises. In addition to Seabourn, all the major luxury cruise lines dedicate a few cruises to this region, including such lines as Silversea Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Windstar Cruises , Oceania Cruises and Crystal . Big ships like NCL's Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway also get into the leaf-peeping action.

Here, we've picked the best fall foliage cruises for different itinerary configurations and ship styles. They might be our favorites, but only you know which combination of ports and onboard experience is the perfect match for your travel style.

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These Cruises May Be the Best Way to See Fall Foliage

Sit back and enjoy the views.

On fall foliage road trips , the journey is the destination, but why not make the journey as carefree and hands-off as possible? Hop aboard a leaf-peeping cruise with American Queen Voyages , and you can skip the navigating, route planning, and long hours of driving. Instead, your adventure could look like sailing between quaint towns with stunning fall foliage and plenty of time to explore at stops along the way.

Nothing officially separates an American Queen Voyages leaf-peeping cruise from a non-leaf-peeping cruise; what sets it apart is simply the time of year in which it takes place. Book a fall sailing and you can hit the best leaf-peeping spots at peak season — and do it from the cozy stateroom of your small-ship river or ocean cruise for a unique experience.

Courtesy of Hornblower Cruises

One option is the Montreal to Chicago route, which hits Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the southern Canadian coast, including overnight stays in Toronto and Mackinac Island . But you’ll have to plan pretty far in advance, as the September 2022 voyage has passed, with the next one slated for September 2024.

Boston to Saint John, New Brunswick , sails twice in October 2022 and twice in October 2023. Along this route, you’ll catch classic New England fall foliage from the water while cruising along the coast. The fiery fall colors of Bar Harbor, Maine, contrasting with the steep granite cliffs of the Acadia National Park region is a sight to behold toward the end of the journey.

While the New England area is a crowd favorite for fall foliage, the Pacific Northwest has some gorgeous seasonal scenery, too, and the Spokane to Portland route has available dates through November 2022 (and into 2023 and 2024 as well). 

As the four-deck American Empress — the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi — sails along the Columbia River, the vivid colors are never out of sight for long; every day, passengers will find themselves surrounded by spruce and pine forests, rolling vineyard hills, or groves of cherry trees. Best of all, each stateroom comes with a window, and many also have a veranda for your own private viewing of one of nature’s best shows. And when you disembark in Portland, make sure to check out the Portland Japanese Garden for yellows, oranges, and reds straight out of a storybook.

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10 amazing fall foliage cruises you can take up the Hudson River this fall

Including brunch cruises with live music

You don't need a car to see peak fall foliage in New York—you can take a boat! A number of NYC leaf-peeping boat cruises leave right from Manhattan and sail up the Hudson River, delivering your autumn dreams of gorgeous changing leaves. 

RECOMMENDED: Where to see fall foliage in NYC

This October, we took the  Circle Line: Bear Mountain Full-Day Cruise , which as the name suggests, took us 50 miles north from Pier 83 to Bear Mountain and gave us three hours to hike trails and visit museums and its animal refuge before setting back down the river. It was a wonderful opportunity to escape the city sans car and train for the day and get some fresh air. Better yet, the cruise celebrates Oktoberfest with bratwurst, pork schnitzel, German potato salad, Prop & Peller Bavarian pretzels, and Sam Adams Oktoberfest beer and Warsteiner lager and a live Oompa band. It was a blast to get in party mode while anticipating our hike, seeing the beauty of the Palisades and Hudson Valley, listening to the captain point out landmarks and then relaxing on the way back home to NYC. The cruise goes on Saturdays and Sundays through October 31 and begins at $69 per person, which is really worth it.

Here are some other fall foliage cruises you should consider this autumn:

Seastreak: NYC Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise

Leaving from West 39th Street at 11:30am, this three-and-a-half-hour cruise takes you through Sandy Hook Bay, under the Verrazano Bridge, and along New York Harbor. You'll also see the shores of Hastings-on-the-Hudson, Tarrytown, Ossining, Croton Point, Haverstraw and Stony Point and get as far north as West Point. A buffet brunch is served while on deck with apple salad, tortellini salad, fingerling potato salad with haricot vert, butternut squash bisque, smoked salmon, flank steak, southwestern grilled chicken with mango salsa, and assorted pastries. This cruise is also narrated so you'll learn all about the sites you pass along the way. The cruise is offered Saturdays and Sundays through October 31. Tickets are $119 per person.

Classic Harbor Line's  Fall   Foliage  Cruises & Sails

Don’t have a full day to spend admiring the changing colors? Reserve a seat on the brunch cruise with Classic Harbor Line from Pier 62 for a shorter route, leaving just enough time for you to admire the gold, red and russet-hued leaves of the Palisades. From October 15 to November 14, these two-and-a-half-hour cruises offer the perfect trip up the Hudson:

• Manhattan II : Grand Palisade Fall Foliage Cruise ($88-$106 per adult and $64 per child 3-14)
• Full Moon: Fall Foliage Cruise on Full Moon from Chelsea Piers ($88-$106/adult and $64/child 3-14)
• Kingston : Fall Foliage Cruise aboard Kingston ($88-106/adult and $64/child 3-14)
• Adirondack : Fall Foliage Schooner Sail (3.5 hours; $88-106/adult, $64/child 5-14)

We suggest heading out on a weekend brunch cruise, which comes with a three-course prix fixe menu (includes New York bakery pastries, salmon and lox, chef’s autumn salad with roasted vegetables, oven-roasted ham and more) inside the glass observatory of the Yacht Manhattan and Manhattan II across two-and-a-half hours. It takes off on Saturdays and Sundays and tickets are $124-142 per adult and $72 per child 3-14.

The top-rated, two-hour Fall Foliage Luncheon Cruise on Fridays and Saturdays has a multi-course menu including homemade soups such as a spice roasted butternut squash soup or a cauliflower soup topped with prosciutto and Manchego cheese. A roasted pumpkin and candied walnut salad with Chef’s maple vinaigrette, and assorted tea sandwiches are also in rotation on the menu. Each booking group is seated at a private table separated by clear partitions, with the option to open sliding glass windows throughout the vessel. Tickets are $96-132 per adult and $72 per child 3-14.

Your ticket to a Classic Harbor Line trip also includes an autumnal spiked hot cocoa, as well as a well-curated selection of beer, wine, champagne, and soft drinks.

City Cruises by Hornblower New York Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise

Head out from Pier 61 on the   Bateaux New York Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise  on October 20 or on the  New York Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise Saturdays through October (October 16 and 23) for a three-hour cruise up the Hudson River with a freshly prepared buffet (jumbo shrimp cocktail starter, salad, honey sesame chicken, oven-roasted flounder, baked ziti and more), paired with seasonal cocktails, onboard entertainment with a live DJ, interactive games, a rooftop lounge and unlimited coffee and tea. Tickets for the cruise are $78.90 or $103.90 per person for a window table and $99.85 or $129.85 per person for the Bateaux cruise.

Majestic Harbor Cruises Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise

You’ve got to go across the river to Weehawken, New Jersey to board Majestic Harbor Cruises’ three-hour leaf-peeping cruise. But if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy day party, this is the option for you. A DJ will be spinning live music as you snack on a buffet lunch (featuring salad, penne rigate, baked tilapia, and chicken Francaise) while voyaging north to those picturesque cliffs at the Palisades. Wine and cocktails from the cash bar only make the views sweeter. Tickets start at $59 per adult and $29.50 per child.

And if you really want to ball out this fall, you might want to check out even more autumnal fun like a Hudson Valley leaf peeping tour by helicopter or a trip to one of these best fall day trips .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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New England Fall Foliage Cruises and Boat Tours

New England is the holy grail of fall foliage in the U.S. , and one of the best ways to view it is from the water. The Northeast is abundant with lakes and rivers, lined with shade-shifting sugar maples, red oaks, and dogwood trees. Come mid-October, their leaves will put on an unrivaled spectacle of orange, crimson, and gold. Hop on one of the region's countless boat tours and cruises for an up-close look.

In 2020, many tours and cruises have been canceled or altered. Check the websites of organizers for updated information.

Cruise Lines With New England Itineraries

Several major cruise lines offer New England and Canada sailing itineraries that coincide with peak fall foliage times. The routes are typically similar, but durations vary between six and 14 days. These cruises hug the Atlantic coastline: Some visit the Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, while others travel to or from Quebec ports via the St. Lawrence River.

• Celebrity Cruises : The Celebrity Summit travels from Boston to Portland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec City, and back over 12 days. These cruises depart periodically, but the best one to board for top views of foliage sets sail in early October.
• Holland America : Bar Harbor, Prince Edward Island, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, and Nova Scotia are stops on this seven- or 14-day excursion. On shore, you can take a horse-drawn carriage through Maine's autumnal Acadia National Park.
• Norwegian Cruise Lines : NCL offers seven-, nine-, and 10-day cruises from Boston (or New York City) to Canada, some including ashore time in Portland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and ports in Quebec.
• Princess Cruises : Fabulous fall foliage sights are provided on the deck of your Princess ship when you choose a five- to 24-day cruise to ports like Quebec City, Halifax, Bar Harbor, and Newport.
• Royal Caribbean : Royal Caribbean offers a vast variety of Canada and New England cruise itineraries, sailing from New Jersey, Montreal, or Quebec City. Ports of call include Bar Harbor, Portland, New Brunswick, Halifax, and Prince Edward Island.

Fall Boat Tours in Connecticut

Both the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound offer prime, foliage-packed cruising options.

• Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruises :   Leaf peeping is a side note on this Sea Jet cruise, which provides a narrated tour of eight New England lighthouses. Still, though, you'll see ample color decorating the Connecticut shore. The top deck is an ideal location for picture taking. In 2020, Cross Sound Ferry's fall lighthouse cruises have been suspended.
• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat :   Though organized by a steam train company, the one-hour, 15-minute Becky Tatcher Riverboat cruise is one of Connecticut's most beloved. First, you travel by old-school locomotive for an hour to Deep River Landing, where you board the tri-level riverboat for a voyage showcasing Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, the Haddam Swing Bridge, and the pristine nature along the water's edge.
• Lady Katharine Sunday Brunch Cruises :   Take your leaf peeping with brunch and live entertainment aboard the Mystique, departing from Haddam, Middletown, or Hartford. In 2020, Lady Katharine's Brunch Cruises have been canceled.

Fall Boat Tour in Rhode Island

Blackstone Valley Explorer Riverboat Tours  hosts boat trips along Rhode Island's Blackstone River, the scenic and historic waterway that once powered America's Industrial Revolution. Tours center around birding, storytelling, and sometimes even food. Trips are usually offered on Sunday afternoons through late October. However, no dates have been set for the fall 2020 season.

Fall Boat Tours in New Hampshire

Board the  M/S Mount Washington  for a graceful jaunt along Lake Winnipesaukee, surrounded by trees for optimal leaf peeping. The boat departs from Weirs Beach, Wolfeboro, and Alton Bay. There's either a two-and-a-half-hour Sunday champagne brunch cruise for morning people or a two-hour evening foliage dinner cruise for night owls. In 2020, fall cruises have been suspended.

Fall Boat Tours in Maine

A fall cruise in Maine will make you choose between zoning in on shade-shifting leaves or passing seals. You can board a humble Hardy Boat for an hour-and-a-half lesson on local nature and history, or a bigger schooner belonging to the Maine Windjammer Association. These antique vessels offer two- to six-day fall foliage cruises in September and early October.

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The 10 Best Fall Foliage Cruises

We love fall for so many reasons: The air gets crisp; weekends are spent apple picking, cider sipping, and leaf-peeping. And there are few better ways to catch the rich reds, deep oranges, and vibrant yellows than on a cruise along the rugged coastline of New England and Canada. Sail during peak leaf viewing season, which runs from late September through October, and you’ll see unforgettable landscapes, not to mention eat some amazing seafood. Here are the 10 best fall foliage cruises for catching nature’s most colorful season on display.

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An Early Peek at Fall Foliage Cruises

By Heidi Sarna

It's almost August, which means Labor Day's around the corner. School starts right after that and before you know it, the days are shorter and you've swapped those Madras Bermuda shorts for a fleece and your favorite boots. In the spirit of "it's never too early to start planning," it may be time to noodle on some September and October leaf-peeping cruises along the coast of New England and Eastern Canada.

Think old money mansions, rustic fishing boats and bearded old men in yellow rain coats and Wellingtons; rocky bluffs, crashing surf and lobster traps are all a part of the classic scene. History rears up both on shore and inland in the form of centuries-old crumbling fortresses and churches, Paul Revere's Boston House, the Titanic exhibit at the Maritime Museum in Halifax and Québec City 's 17th-century Notre-Dame des Victoires Church .

The pace of a New England/Eastern Canada cruise is slow and easy, the antithesis to the hot and sizzling party-hearty Caribbean cruise vibe. The temperature will be cool and the sun may not always be shining; these routes are for those with an appreciation for the simple pleasures of being on a ship at sea.

Depending on the size of the ship and the length of the cruise, itineraries may include passing through Nantucket Sound, around Cape Cod , or into the Bay of Fundy or Gulf of St. Lawrence. Some ships traverse the St. Lawrence Seaway or the smaller Saguenay River. New England/Canada cruises range from 4 nights to about 12 nights, with most sailing to or from New York , Boston , Montréal , and Québec City.

Keep in mind, on a giant mega ship, you won't be cruising close enough to the coast to get a glimpse of the brilliant foliage; you'll have to wait until you pull into a port of call. On the other hand, the smaller ships of lines like Seabourn, will often be close enough to the shore to see the brilliant hues of the changing leaves.

Here's a roundup of the main players plying the coastal waters of New England and eastern Canada during late summer and fall 2007.

Carnival Cruise Lines (tel. 888/CARNIVAL ; www.carnival.com ). Through late Sept. the 2,758-passenger Carnival Victory, travels round-trip from New York City.

• 4 nighters call on Saint John (New Brunswick)
• 5 nighters Halifax and Saint John
• 7 nighters Halifax, Saint John, Boston and Portland

Celebrity Cruises (tel. 800/647-2251 ; www.celebrity.com ). Sept.-Oct., 1,950-passenger Constellation, round-trip from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

• 13 nighters call on Newport, Portland, Bar Harbor,Halifax, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island and Boston

Crystal Cruises (tel. 888/799-4625 ; www.crystalcruises.com ) Sept.-Oct., 940-passenger Crystal Symphony, round-trip from New York or between New York and Montréal

• 7 nighter calls on Halifax, Boston, Bar Harbor and Newport
• 11 nighters visit Halifax, Boston, Bar Harbor, Newport, Quebec City, and Saint John

Cunard (tel. 800/7-CUNARD ; www.cunard.com ). Sept., 2,620-passenger QM2 , round-trip from Brooklyn, New York.

• 9 nighter calling on Halifax, Boston, Bar Harbor and Quebec City

Holland America (tel. 877/SAIL HAL ; www.hollandamerica.com ). Through Oct., 1,266- passenger Veendam and Maasdam , between Montréal and Boston, between Montréal and New York, or round-trip from Boston.

• 7 nighters ( Maasdam ) call on Halifax, Bar Harbor, Sydney (Nova Scotia), Prince Edward Island and Québec City
• 10 nighters ( Veendam ) visit Boston, Halifax, Sydney, Prince Edward Island, Québec City, and either Bar Harbor, Newport, Saguenay and/or New London (CT).

Norwegian Cruise Line (tel. 800/327-7030 ; www.ncl.com ) . Sept.-Oct., 1,966-passenger Norwegian Spirit , round-trip from New York.

• 6 nighters call on Martha's Vineyard, Halifax, Boston and Bar Harbor or Saint John

Princess Cruises (tel. 800/PRINCESS ; www.princess.com ). Sept.-Oct., 3,080-passenger Crown Princess on 7 nighters round-trip out of New York and 2,600-passenger Grand Princess on 10 nighters between New York and Quebec City.

• 7 nighters call on Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John and Halifax
• 10 nighters visit Prince Edward Island, Sydney, Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport

Royal Caribbean (tel. 866/562-7625 ; www.royalcaribbean.com ). Sept.-Oct., 3,114-passenger Explorer of the Seas on 9 nighters round-trip from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, and 1,950-passenger Grandeur of the Seas on 9 nighters round-trip from Baltimore.

• 9 nighters on Explore r call on Portland, Bar Harbor, Halifax, New London, Saint John and Boston
• 9 nighters on Grandeur call on Portland, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Saint John and Boston

Seabourn (tel. 800/929-9391 ; www.seabourn.com ). Sept.-Oct., 208-passenger Seabourn Pride , between Montréal and Gloucester/Boston.

• 10 nighter calls on Lunenburg and Baddeck (Nova Scotia), Prince Edward Island, Port Saguenay, and Quebec City or calls on Quebec City, Gaspe, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Louisbourg (Nova Scotia), Halifax and Portland

The Marquee Ports

There's plenty of good old fashioned down home charm in the region's Victorian mansions, cobblestone streets, lighthouses and bustling harbors. Most ports in New England and eastern Canada are places you can explore on foot, strolling along historic streets dotted with cafes, gift shops and local museums. Walking tours are popular excursions here as are bus tours to neighboring communities.

Bar Harbor, Maine

A far cry from its heyday 100 years ago when Bar Harbor was the place for posh families to get away from it all, the humble port is still appealing, you're just more likely to find ice-cream parlors, lobster shacks and t-shirt shops than a socialite out for a morning stroll. Overlooking Frenchman's Bay from its perch on Mt. Desert Island, which is connected to the mainland via a bridge, Bar Harbor's real pull is its accessibility to the lush Acadia National Park , which covers most of the 13- by 16-mile island.

Once in town -- ships either dock or anchor about 10 minutes from the shore -- typical tours of the Park include guided walks, bike excursions, horse-drawn carriage rides, or bus tours along Arcadia's 27-mile Park Loop Road, which wends around 1,530-foot-high Cadillac Mountain , the highest point on the Atlantic coast.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Just about all ships call here at the city's natural deep-water port with an especially pleasing harborside setting and tree-lined streets. Halifax's identity is a stew of French and British heritage, mixed together with a strong shipbuilding, trading and military history.

Within walking distance of the docks is Pier 21, Halifax's version of Ellis Island, where more than a million immigrants have entered Canada. A few steps from here is the very worthwhile Maritime Museum of the Atlantic , where exhibits include an impressive collection of Titanic artifacts and ship models -- Titanic victims were brought to Halifax after the ill-fated sinking. For panoramic views of the area, head to the Halifax Citadel, built in the early 19th century in the shape of a star.

Other tour options include pub crawls, city walking and bus tours, and excursions to Peggy's Cove, a picturesque hamlet along the rugged Atlantic shoreline, and the Fairview Cemetery just outside of town, where 120 Titanic victims were buried in 1912.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is classic New England. With a scenic rocky coastline and picture perfect harbor, it's no surprise fat cats like the Vanderbilts to the Astors built summer mansions in Newport a century ago. Yachting was the favorite pastime of the Newport elite and has remained a big part of the town's identity. As you're shuttled through Newport's colorful harbor between your ship anchored offshore and the downtown pier, you can see the handful of 12-meter America's Cup racing yachts moored there. In town, cobblestone streets, shady trees, cute cafes, and 18th- and 19th-century colonial, Federal, and Victorian houses, make the sightseeing here quite worthwhile.

Oh, and let's not forget about those famous mansions (Listings, opening hours and maps at www.newportmansions.org ), which include the Marble House, featuring more than 500,000 square feet of white marble, and The Breakers , an over-the-top Italian Renaissance-inspired palace, which has two rooms originally constructed in France and reassembled in Newport. All ships offer guided excursions to see them. A great way to visit the mansions and have a scenic walk to boot is to follow the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, which meanders between Newport's rocky coastline and many of the town's Gilded Age mansion estates. It provides better views of many of them than can be seen from the street.

Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John is another main port on the big ship circuit because of its convenient deep-water harbor. Set along the Bay of Fundy at the mouth of the St. John River, the restored historic district known as Trinity Royal and the City Market, are the best places to see the city's heritage, though overall, Saint John lacks Halifax's charm and more impressive historical attractions.

Among the most worthwhile ways to spend the day is to take a gander at the Reversing Falls Rapids, a much-photographed spot where the Bay of Fundy meets the St. John River, and strong tidal conditions cause harbor currents to reverse. You can also tour the city by San Francisco-style trolley or an open-air carriage that seats just a handful of couples, with the guide discusses the sights along the way.

The Offbeat Ports

Founded 350 years ago, New London , Connecticut offers a taste of Colonial history in its vintage 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century homes and buildings. If you're willing to travel a few miles, other nearby attractions include Mystic Seaport, Eugene O'Neill's summer home, and the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos.

Martha's Vineyard , in Massachusetts, is New England's largest island. Besides its handsome old towns, the Vineyard is a haven for nature lovers. You'll find great beaches, though many are private, as well as dramatic cliffs and meadows that make for great long walks and bicycle rides.

Maine's largest city, Portland , is set on a peninsula in scenic Casco Bay. The top attractions include the Portland Headlight, America's oldest lighthouse in continuous use, and that bastion of practical outdoor ware, L.L.Bean, located in nearby Freeport.

Just southwest of Halifax is Lunenburg , Nova Scotia's main fishing port and a great area to spot whales. The 19th-century architecture that survives in this former British Colonial settlement landed Lunenburg on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list.

Head for the hills when you debark in industrial Sydney , on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. It's the Cape Breton Highlands where you want to spend your time. The 175-mile-long Cabot Trail, all lakes, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic vistas, is the island's main attraction. You'll see Acadian fishing ports, pristine valleys, and some of the most picturesque coastline anywhere. If you're lucky, you'll spot moose, bald eagles, puffin, and humpback whales in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

In Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island , Canada's smallest province and the birthplace of Canada in 1867, you can visit historical sites, including the house of Lucy Maud Montgomery, who wrote the well-known novel Anne of Green Gables about the innocence and beauty of turn-of-the-20th-century life on the island. Or opt for a drive along one of the island's scenic highways, which wend past sandstone cliffs, rocky coves, lovely beaches, and fishing villages.

The string of humble towns along the beautiful Gaspe Peninsula on the southern shores of the St. Lawrence River, are set amidst the best of nature's bounty. Search for whales, go birding, or enjoy a walk along a seaside trail in Gaspe, Perce, or Bonaventure Island.

Not to be confused with Saint John, New Brunswick, a port that sees much more traffic than this small outpost, St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and the oldest city in all of Canada, dating back to 1582. The landscape in these parts is brooding and soulful, it's not surprise that the film The Shipping News, a montage of stunning seascapes, was filmed in Newfoundland.

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• 1 For the Reluctant Outdoorsman: Lake Placid, New York
• 2 For Hopeless Nostalgics: Rhinebeck and Arkville, New York
• 3 For Art Enthusiasts: New Windsor, Ghent, and Beacon, New York
• 4 For Suckers for Small-Town Charm: Nantucket, Massachusetts
• 5 For Romantics: Banff National Park, Canada
• 6 For Ocean Lovers: Big Sur, California
• 7 For Families: Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont
• 8 For Food and Wine Lovers: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• 9 For Photography Fans: Grand Tetons, Wyoming
• 10 For Adrenaline Junkies: Park City, Utah

The Best Fall Leaf-Peeping Trips for Every Type of Traveler

Fall is here, people, and that means cozy sweaters, steaming cups of cocoa, and show-stopping nature. Here, we rounded up 10 leaf-peeping trips for taking in the best foliage of the season.

See recent posts by Ben Solomon

For the Reluctant Outdoorsman: Lake Placid, New York

If you’re the sort that prefers to take in nature from a wraparound porch, glass of wine in hand, head to Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. At Lake Placid Lodge , you can take a private tour of the lake—and the vibrant maples, oaks, and birches along its shores—in the hotel’s mahogany Hacker-Craft (accompanied by a flute of champagne, of course). Play a round of golf at the historic, tree-lined Lake Placid Club , then head to dinner at the Mirror Lake Inn ’s The View restaurant for dishes like house-smoked trout and prime beef filet. For a jaw-dropping view of the foliage without the hike, hop aboard the Cloudsplitter Gondola , which leads up to Little Whiteface Mountain. The observation deck looks out onto Lake Champlain and Lake Placid village.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Lake Placid, NY hotels

For Hopeless Nostalgics: Rhinebeck and Arkville, New York

Take in fall’s colors like it’s 1929 with a ride in a restored New Standard D-25 biplane at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome . Up to four passengers sport goggles and helmets for the 15-minute flight over the Hudson Valley’s spectacular foliage, which is easy to view thanks to the open cockpit. History buffs can also board the Art Deco rail cars of the Rip Van Winkle Flyer, operated by the Delaware & Ulster Railroad . “Leaf Peeper” trains run twice daily on weekends, taking passengers on a two-hour round-trip from Arkville to Roxbury, through the Catskill Mountains and along the east branch of the Delaware River.

RELATED: Your Perfect Catskills Vacation: Where to Stay and What to See

For Art Enthusiasts: New Windsor, Ghent, and Beacon, New York

Start at the Omi International Arts Center , in the northern Hudson Valley, which includes the Fields Sculpture Park, set on 60 acres of rolling farmland and woods that blaze into color in the autumn. Ninety minutes to the south, Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre sculpture park with works by artists like Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, and Roy Lichtenstein and vibrant foliage throughout the month of October. A free tram takes visitors on an overview of the park, but we recommend exploring off-the-beaten-path areas at your own pace with an on-site bike rental. Across the Hudson River, Dia:Beacon houses a collection of modern art in a stunning contemporary space created from a former Nabisco box printing factory. After a tour, head to lunch at the Roundhouse at Beacon Falls, where the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the river.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Beacon, NY hotels

For Suckers for Small-Town Charm: Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket may be best known as a summer getaway, but fall has some of the island's best events. This year, its fall edition of Restaurant Week takes place from September 30 through October 6, with three-course, prix fixe menus available at top restaurants across the island. Foodies won't want to miss Barlett Farm's Farm-to-Table Dinners , where farm-fresh dishes are available for takeout each weeknight. The Nantucket Arts Festival from October 4–13 includes theatrical, musical, and fine arts events throughout the week, while the 16th Annual Cranberry Festival offers visitors the chance to explore the island's cranberry bogs. Save time for a bike ride past the changing trees to Cisco Brewers to sample the seasonal "Pumple Drumpkin" brew accompanied by New England food truck fare like lobster rolls from Lobster Trap Truck . At night, take in the dark autumn sky at the Loines Observatory , which hosts stargazing evenings with professional astronomers.

For Romantics: Banff National Park, Canada

Alberta’s Banff National Park provides one of the season’s most gorgeous displays, with vivid tones of yellow from its golden larch trees juxtaposed against the glistening blue of the park’s lakes. Begin a trip here with a canoe ride across Lake Louise toward the towering Victoria Glacier (for an extra-photo-worthy trip, rise before dawn and experience sunrise on the water). Join Brewster Adventures for a half-day horseback ride through the Canadian Rockies for views across Mirror Lake, followed by lunch and a hot cup of tea from a menu of more than 100 varieties at Lake Agnes Tea House , on the shores of Lake Agnes. A treatment at Fairmont Banff Springs ' Willow Stream Spa is the perfect way to end the day. Book the “Rockies Healing Retreat for Two,” which includes a side-by-side full body massage and a bath in a deep soaker tub.

RELATED:  The Most Incredible Places to Visit in Canada

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Banff, Canada hotels

For Ocean Lovers: Big Sur, California

Big Sur should be on every traveler’s bucket list, especially during fall when the trees burst with color and the water is a vibrant blue. Start with one of the area’s most iconic hikes, the McWay Falls Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , which takes visitors along the coast and to McWay Beach, where a waterfall drops to the sand. Refuel with an Ambrosiaburger (a ground steak sandwich served on a French roll) at Nepenthe . Spend the afternoon exploring the redwood groves of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or take a kayaking tour of the Central Coast, where you'll spot marine life like whales, dolphins, sea lions and otters. End the day with a spa treatment at the luxe, adults-only Ventana Big Sur . We recommend the "El Sur Grande" massage, which uses warmed jade stones collected from nearby beaches and basalt river rocks to loosen muscles.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Big Sur, CA hotels

For Families: Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont

The sun has barely risen, but the brood is up and ready. Luckily, Vermont’s Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch have a long list of activities to keep everyone entertained. In Smuggler’s Notch , families can get a bird’s-eye view of the trees via Arbortrek Zip Line Canopy Tour , which takes riders along 4,500 feet of zip lines and sky bridges built across the Green Mountains. Groups can also navigate through the leaves at Stowe Mountain Resort’s Treetop Adventure , which features six courses of suspension bridges, rope ladders, and nets winding their way across the forest. Younger leaf-peepers can take in the scenery in a private horse-drawn wagon ride with Gentle Giants . Stowe’s 5.3-mile recreation path takes bikers along the West Branch River, past farms, meadows, covered bridges and wooded areas of stunning foliage. Bike rentals for adults and kids are available at Mountain Ops .

RELATED: 8 Adorable Towns for Your Next Vermont Getaway

For Food and Wine Lovers: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Foodies on the hunt for foliage will find their bliss in Oregon’s Willamette Valley , home to some of the country’s best wineries and restaurants, but much less crowded than California’s Napa or Sonoma valleys. Taste your way through the towns in the Yamhill Valley region; in McMinnville, Thistle is a favorite for farm-to-fork fare, while Nick’s Italian Café won a James Beard America’s Classics award for its Northern Italian dishes and on-point wine list. In Dundee, Tina’s is a longtime go-to for seasonal plates paired with local vintages. Up the street, Red Hills Market sells gourmet salads and sandwiches, perfect for taking on a picnic and a day of wine tasting in the Dundee Hills region. For some of the most spectacular views of the golden vines, stop at Bella Vida Vineyard , where the tasting deck looks out onto the rolling hillsides.

For Photography Fans: Grand Tetons, Wyoming

Channel your inner Ansel Adams with a visit to this iconic Wyoming mountain range, where the cottonwoods turn the landscape into bright yellow during the fall. At Jenny Lake Lodge , located within Grand Teton National Park, you'll be in the perfect spot to join acclaimed photographer Cody Downard for a fall foliage photo workshop . Alpenglow Tours also runs photography tours throughout Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks—we'd opt for the Sunset Tour, which starts with snapping wildlife around the National Elk refuge, and ends with learning how to capture the spectacular colors splashed across the sky at sunset.

RELATED: 9 Incredible Leaf-Peeping Trips NOT in New England

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Moose, WY hotels

For Adrenaline Junkies: Park City, Utah

Experience the rush of G-forces and speeds of over 60 miles per hour at the Utah Olympic Park , where visitors can take a ride on the Comet Bobsled, which travels along the official 2002 Olympic sliding track. Next, hit the 400-plus miles of public hiking and mountain-biking trails; the best views are from the Lost Prospector trail and the Mid Mountain Trail, which takes hikers through forests of vibrant Aspen trees. You can also head into the hills on horseback via a 90-minute excursion with Red Pine Adventures . Or get an eagle’s-eye view of the foliage during a tandem ride with Paraglide Utah . Come evening, toast your return with a flight of house-made whiskeys at the High West Distillery & Saloon , served alongside hearty dishes like three-bean and poblano chili or chicken pot pie with wild mushrooms.

• 11 Epic Fall Foliage Road Trips to Drive This Year
• 6 Underrated Weekend Trips from NYC
• 8 Rustic Cabins for the Perfect Fall Getaway

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27 top places to see fall foliage in the u.s..

Plan a weekend escape or an extended getaway to see autumn's peak foliage.

The Top Places to See Fall Foliage

Getty Images

Hit the road or the trail to view vibrant fall leaves across America.

There's no other time of year quite like fall. Brisk, cool mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons, and the dropping temperatures create a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change before winter sets in. The displays of color are different across the U.S., but they're all brilliant when leaf-peeping season is at its peak.

In the West, the reds, oranges and bright golden hues of the quaking aspens are dramatic against the backdrop of the mountains and the verdant pine, spruce and fir trees. In the Northeast – such as New England – and other parts of the country where species like maple and birch are prominent, the trees are radiant with bold displays of yellows, deep reds, coppers and oranges.

Peak leaf season varies by region and by year, depending on the weather, so it's best to check with local sources before you go. Many top destinations to view fall's splendor have leaf and foliage maps and trackers so you can follow the local predictions and current conditions – and arrive just in time for the best of the season. Some of these destinations will be familiar, while others are lesser-known locales where you can capture and embrace fall's beauty.

So, pack your jacket and jeans, then grab your camera to capture one of nature's most spectacular spectacles.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park covers nearly 50,000 acres along the rocky coast of Maine. Located about 160 miles northeast of Portland , the park boasts the diverse natural beauty of the Atlantic shoreline, including majestic mountains. Peak leaf season in Acadia traditionally falls in the middle of October. This is when you'll see the vibrant displays of oranges, reds and yellows, especially along the Acadia All-American Road, one of the best scenic drives to view the fall colors.

While visiting Acadia, plan to stay at the nearby coastal town of Bar Harbor , considered to be the gateway to the park. Bar Harbor Inn & Spa , situated along picturesque Frenchman Bay, is an outstanding choice for an overnight stay: The historic property offers impressive views of the water as well as Maine's Porcupine Islands. While in town, you can take a whale watching tour and treat yourself to a traditional lobster dinner at Beal's Lobster Pier.

See more of Acadia National Park:  Things to Do  |  Hotels

McKenzie River Scenic Byway, Oregon

Melanie Griffin | Courtesy of Eugene, Cascades & Coast

The 34-mile McKenzie River Scenic Byway extends from the vineyards of the Willamette Valley to the forests of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon , treating travelers and road-trippers to views of some of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful landscapes. Plan your visit for peak season when the golds and reds are most vibrant, usually in mid-October.

The McKenzie River boasts some of the best fly-fishing in Oregon, so anglers will want to cast off for native redside rainbow and cutthroat trout along the way. Other highlights include stops at local farm stands, at the historic McKenzie Hatchery in Leaburg and at Goodpasture Bridge in Vida, which is the state's second-longest covered bridge. For an extended romantic getaway that includes days spent fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and hiking to waterfalls, make reservations at the Eagle Rock Lodge, a bed-and-breakfast for couples in Vida.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Situated about 130 miles west of Boston and surrounded by mountains, the Berkshires are one of the most scenic places in Massachusetts to view the foliage. The leaves begin changing at the end of September, but peak season starts around mid-October. You can expect to see colors ranging from golden yellows to vivid oranges to deep reds. If you're up for a hike, take the Stony Ledge trail from the Williamstown side of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the Berkshires at nearly 3,500 feet. This route offers one of the best viewing points of the foliage from midway up the mountain.

Back on the ground, the Berkshires feature world-class arts and entertainment offerings plus a deep-rooted food culture with many locally focused dining options. You can also explore the apple orchards and hops farms along the Berkshire Beer and Cider Trail. For accommodations , plan to splurge on a stay at The Williams Inn, an upscale hotel with a contemporary design that emulates local farmhouse architecture.

Read: Fall in New England: When & Where to Go

Charlottesville, Virginia

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, Charlottesville offers spectacular scenery accentuated by fall's vivid hues. Mid-to-late October is when you'll usually see the most dazzling red, orange and yellow leaves, but the colors can linger into early November, depending on the weather. Some of the best viewing spots with scenic overlooks are along the neighboring Blue Ridge Parkway and the connecting Skyline Drive in nearby Shenandoah National Park .

When you're not leaf peeping, plan to visit Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, the former home, gardens and grounds of the third U.S. president. Travel along the Monticello Wine Trail to sample some of Virginia's award-winning vintages at wineries such as Michael Shaps Wineworks, Barboursville Vineyards and Jefferson Vineyards. In the evenings, travelers can unwind over dinner and enjoy live music at The Mill Room before settling in at the historic Boar's Head Resort .

Payette River Scenic Byway, Idaho

Payette River Scenic Byway's 114-mile drive in Idaho begins west of Boise and heads north on state Highway 55. Depending on the year's weather patterns, travelers can see changing leaves as early as the end of August, but peak leaf season typically arrives in early to mid-October.

Highlights along this route include whitewater rafting in Cascade and camping overnight in Lake Cascade State Park. For an extended getaway, make plans to stay at Shore Lodge , a premier property in McCall. Situated on Payette Lake with the Idaho Rockies as the backdrop, this beautiful resort offers plenty of outdoor adventures to see the foliage. Try your hand at off-roading on an all-terrain vehicle or explore the shores around the lake by canoe or boat. You can also go hiking in Ponderosa State Park or relax in the soothing waters of nearby natural hot springs.

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Visit Bucks County

Bucks County's picturesque country roads and covered bridges create an idyllic setting for viewing fall's colorful palette. Located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania and bordered by New Jersey and the Delaware River to the east, Bucks County has a rich Revolutionary War history and is known for its thriving cultural and arts community. Peak leaf season typically runs the last two weeks of October, bringing vibrant hues of yellows, oranges, reds and browns to the area.

For a scenic escape to the Pennsylvania countryside, make reservations at The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, a luxury B&B in Holicong. You can spend your brisk fall days exploring the shops and restaurants in New Hope or checking out the annual Scarecrows in the Village display at Peddler's Village in Lahaska. Visitors may also want to take a self-guided driving tour of Bucks County's 12 covered bridges or sip and savor local wines along the Bucks County Wine Trail.

Read: The Top Fall Festivals in the U.S.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Fall in Cheyenne boasts golden prairie grasslands in the high plains and vibrant seasonal colors from the quaking aspens. Visitors can also take in the stunning palette of reds, oranges and yellows from the trees lining the streets of downtown Cheyenne; the best viewing for these begins in late September and usually peaks by mid-October. You'll find even more brilliant foliage at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and the High Plains Arboretum – the latter features 60-plus species of trees and shrubs.

After leaf peeping, don't miss a visit to Cheyenne's Frontier Days Old West Museum, whose artifacts celebrate the history of the American West. It's known for the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days outdoor rodeo, which takes place at the end of July. On your autumn visit, you can enjoy the museum's extensive collection and rotating exhibits. For outdoor adventures outside of town, head about 25 miles west to Curt Gowdy State Park and spend afternoons hiking, biking or boating. For accommodations in the park, you can rent a hilltop cabin or reserve a campsite and sleep under the stars.

French Lick West Baden, Indiana

Courtesy of French Lick Resort

Located in southern Indiana, French Lick West Baden is a resort community nestled in the hills of Hoosier National Forest that features some of Indiana's best leaf-peeping locales. The yellows, oranges and reds are usually the most vivid from mid-October and later, with peak colors appearing at the end of the month. For active adventures in the colorful scenery, go hiking, biking or horseback riding. You can also hop on board a train ride into the forest on the French Lick Scenic Railway. When you want to kick back and relax, spend an afternoon sipping wine with a view on a Fall Foliage Wine Cruise on Patoka Lake.

There are two hotels to choose from at the historic French Lick Resort. A must-see, no matter which one you pick, is the stunning atrium at the West Baden Springs Hotel . Spanning 200 feet wide, and constructed more than a century ago, this engineering feat was once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." While at the resort, you can enjoy all of the amenities, including three golf courses, two spas and a Vegas-style casino.

The Mississippi River Valley, Minnesota

Colorful wooded bluffs, steep hillsides and quaint river towns are all highlights of the Mississippi River Valley region in southern Minnesota, best enjoyed on a leisurely drive. The nearly 90-mile route from the town of Red Wing to La Crescent also features scenic overlooks, including two must-see locations at Great River Bluffs and Frontenac state parks. This drive along the Mississippi River – part of the 3,000-mile Great River Road, which begins in Minnesota and runs south through 10 states to conclude in Louisiana – celebrates peak fall colors around mid-October.

As you take in the brilliant hues of russet, red and gold along the ride, be sure to stop for an afternoon snack at a roadside apple stand. Bird lovers may be eager to see the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. While in this city, grab dinner and a beer before spending the night at Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast and Brewery. Further down the road, don't miss the town of Winona, home to the small but impressive collection of European, American and contemporary works at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Situated at 9,600 feet above sea level in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is one of the first places in Colorado to witness fall's brilliant changing of the leaves. While the aspen trees' golds, reds and oranges usually peak by mid-September, the season can linger into early October. For optimal leaf viewing, plan to drive the 22-mile Boreas Pass: This route begins in Como and heads north to Breckenridge.

While visiting, enjoy brisk fall days hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or fly-fishing surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies. If you're in town in mid-September, you can don your best alpine gear and attend the festivities at Breckenridge Oktoberfest. For an extended stay with a view, reserve accommodations at The Lodge at Breckenridge . This property nestled atop a forested cliff is regarded as one of the world's highest-altitude hotels at 10,200 feet.

Hudson, New York

Situated in the Hudson River Valley in Columbia County, around 120 miles north of New York City, Hudson is a small town that offers a distinct food, arts and farming culture. There's also a unique history to explore, especially when it comes to architecture: Known as a "dictionary of architectural history," Hudson boasts many well-preserved buildings from almost every major period in America. The area's bounty of trees produces brilliant red, orange and yellow hues beginning at the end of September, with peak viewing time falling around mid-October.

For a unique way to see the foliage, get a designated driver and plan a road trip around the Hudson Valley Wine and Craft Beverage Map, which features more than 100 wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. After the drive, browse the town's boutiques and antique shops before checking into The Hudson Whaler Hotel, a beautifully restored property in the heart of downtown.

Read: The Best Weekend Getaways from New York City

Stowe, Vermont

Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, Stowe is one of the most picturesque villages in New England. It's also one of the best places to view the annual fall spectacle, with colors changing from mid-September through the end of October. Vermont is around 80% forested and boasts plenty of sugar maples, so autumn visitors can admire vibrant displays of red, orange and yellow leaves across the state. One of the prettiest drives to see the foliage is along the Smugglers' Notch Pass through the Green Mountains in Smugglers' Notch State Park.

If you're planning for several days of leaf-peeping activities, a room at the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge can be your home base while you go horseback riding, rent a canoe or hop on the seasonal Stowe Gondola SkyRide to the summit of Mount Mansfield for unparalleled views. Back in town, check out local breweries like The Alchemist or von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Fall is one of the most picturesque times to visit "The Scenic City." Chattanooga is situated along the Tennessee River between the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, providing plenty of options for viewing the splendor of colorful forests. In peak season, usually in early November, trees showcase brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. Nearby hiking trails offer some of the best close-up views, such as Rainbow Lake Trail on Signal Mountain.

For panoramic vistas overlooking the Tennessee Valley, ride the incline railway to the top of Lookout Mountain. You can even book a sightseeing riverboat cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle. For unique lodging in Chattanooga with easy access to outdoor adventure, reserve one of Treetop Hideaways' two boutique treehouses located on the side of Lookout Mountain. If you prefer to stay in the city, check out The Read House, a historic 1920s-themed hotel with modern amenities in the heart of downtown.

Read:  The Best Treehouse Hotels in the World

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Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Set in the White Mountains of New Hampshire , Bretton Woods is one of the top destinations in the state to view fall foliage. Leaf-peeping season begins in mid-September and continues through late October – this is when the most vibrant yellows, oranges, reds and even purples will paint the surrounding mountains. Due to the many tree species, it can be hard to predict peak foliage in this area but you'll likely have the most luck around the second week of October.

To enjoy the spectacle for several days, make reservations at the Omni Mount Washington Resort . This historic property sits at the base of the highest peak in the Northeast, giving guests a front-row seat to the show. During your stay, dash through the treetops on a zip line canopy tour, enjoy a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride or take a thrilling trip on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. You may also opt to take in the sights on a gondola ride and have lunch atop the mountain. Back on the ground, book a signature spa treatment and relax with expansive views of the Presidential Range, Crawford Notch and Mount Washington from the therapy rooms.

Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in New Hampshire

Lake Superior Scenic Byway, Wisconsin

This 70-mile route follows Lake Superior's southern shore along the Bayfield Peninsula on state Highway 13 in Wisconsin . The Lake Superior Scenic Byway winds through harbor towns, fishing villages, orchards and farms. Expect vistas of sandy beaches, forests and the sparkling waters of Lake Superior. This route begins in the town of Barksdale; it heads north and then around the tip of the peninsula before ending in Cloverland, near the mouth of the Brule River.

Plan your drive for the first week of October, when the area's bright reds, golds and coppers are at their peak. Highlights along the byway include the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area, which are home to an extensive collection of lighthouses. As a side trip, take a ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island at the tip of the peninsula. Afterward, arrange for an overnight stay in Bayfield at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, a 20-room B&B overlooking Lake Superior.

Highlands, North Carolina

This picturesque mountain town sits at more than 4,100 feet in elevation on the Highlands Plateau in the Nantahala National Forest. Highlands sits in a temperate rainforest, so the vegetation is lush, and there are many waterfalls, rivers and lakes to explore in and around the area. Leaf-peeping season runs from the last week of September to the second week of October, when you'll see leaves becoming bright yellows and oranges, as well as deeper hues of reds and rusts.

There are many active outdoor activities to enjoy in this region, such as hiking, fly-fishing and golfing, but the community also has a vibrant cultural arts scene. During your visit, check out the exhibits at The Bascom (a visual arts center) or events at Highlands Performing Arts Center. While in town, reserve accommodations at Old Edwards Inn and Spa . This beautiful Relais & Chateâux property, located in the heart of the town, puts visitors within walking distance of the many restaurants and boutiques located on Main Street.

Read: The Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains

Letchworth State Park, New York

Letchworth State Park, fondly known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is home to some of the most striking fall foliage views in the U.S. The park's 14,300-plus acres of lush forest usually hit their peak in early-to-mid October, when leaf peepers will be treated to yellow, orange and red foliage framing the magnificent Genessee Gorge and Genessee River. Explore this unique setting on miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, including the park's new Autism Nature Trail, a mile-long hiking loop with marked sensory stations. You can also take to the skies in a hot air balloon with Balloons Over Letchworth, the only company that launches from inside the gorge.

While you're visiting Letchworth State Park, be sure to check out the surrounding Wyoming and Livingston counties for fun fall activities. You can soak in the views in Wyoming County with a Fall Foliage Train Ride on the Arcade & Attica Railroad, or head to Livingston for a free ranger-guided walking tour of the Mount Morris Dam. When you're ready to relax, explore local craft beer, wine, cider and spirits along the LivCo Libation Loop. Stay the night in the heart of Letchworth State Park at the Glen Iris Inn, which offers convenient access to both counties and overlooks Middle Falls on the Genesee River.

Read:  The Top Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the World

Tunnel of Trees, Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Known as the Tunnel of Trees, this 20-mile scenic route follows the historic Michigan 119 highway between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. The area's canopies of golds, oranges and crimsons are on display typically from late September to mid-October. A few highlights for travelers include visiting the picturesque waterfront resort town of Harbor Springs and sampling authentic Polish cuisine at the iconic Legs Inn restaurant in Cross Village.

For overnight lodging, plan to stay at The Highlands, a Boyne Resort in Harbor Springs. This property offers many outdoor activities, including zip lining, horseback riding, biking and swimming. While here, reserve a seat on the Heather Express chairlift. This excursion to the top of the mountain affords incredible views of Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs and the area's beautiful fall foliage.

North Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

North Lake Tahoe, which unfurls across both California and Nevada, is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, so there's plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, from kayaking and paddleboarding to boating and relaxing on the area's many beaches. When it comes to viewing fall's splendor, hundreds of biking and hiking trails with 10-plus different species of trees show off the red, orange and yellow foliage.

The best time to see the colorful leaves is from about mid-September to late October, and one of the top viewing spots is Page Meadows in Tahoe City. Other top leaf-peeping locales are Tahoe Meadows, Ellis Peak and Mount Rose Summit. For a memorable getaway, book accommodations at the Everline Resort and Spa at the base of Olympic Valley. Amenities at this luxury resort include a golf course with a view, a luxurious spa and various outdoor experiences, such as guided fly-fishing and rafting.

Read: The Top Lake Vacations in the U.S.

The Ozarks, Arkansas

Situated in the northern part of Arkansas , the Ozark Mountains are the perfect destination to explore the outdoors and marvel at autumn's palette of bright golds, reds and oranges. The transformation typically begins around the second week of October, and peak colors appear by late October. One of the top spots to view the foliage is in the Buffalo National River area around the small town of Ponca. This beautiful wilderness destination in the mountains offers the opportunity to disconnect and get away from it all.

While here, take time to hike or float down the river – all the while keeping an eye out for wild elk. Fall is when the bulls are battling to become king of the herd, so they're especially active during this time of year. Plan to reserve one of the cabins in the mountains above Ponca. Vantage points from these properties yield incredible stargazing opportunities, as well as memorable sunrise and sunset views.

Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway, Maryland

The scenic 38-mile drive from Emmitsburg to Point of Rocks runs along U.S. Route 15 in Maryland . Known as "hallowed ground" and considered sacred by some, this long stretch of road highlights significant Civil War sites and pristine natural areas, including Catoctin Mountain Park, home to presidential residence Camp David. The best time to make the journey to see the foliage on the Maryland route is between late September and early November, with peak season around mid-October.

One not-to-be-missed detour is a stop to see the 78-foot waterfall and gorge in Cunningham Falls State Park. If you're after a challenging hike with great views, travelers say Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson can't be missed. Afterward, spend time exploring the shops and restaurants in the historic city of Frederick. You can book an overnight stay at one of the charming local B&Bs, such as 10 Clarke. If you're up for more fall fun, visit nearby Gaver Farm in Mount Airy, whose Fall Fun Fest has a corn maze and more than 60 attractions.

Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondacks offers leaf-peepers 10 distinct regional destinations covering more than 6 million acres in the northeast corner of New York state. Adventurers can head to the Lake Placid region in late September and early October to hike the Adirondack High Peaks, which offer the best mountain vistas during peak fall foliage. While you're in the region, be sure to visit the Olympic Jumping Complex. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the ski jumps for a bird's-eye view of the Adirondacks before heading back down on a zip line.

In the first two weeks of October, you'll find peak leaf peeping around Lake George, a popular vacation spot with 109 miles of shoreline and 300-plus islands. Hike nearby Prospect Mountain for a breathtaking view overlooking the lake's beautiful blue waters and the vibrant yellows, oranges and reds of the surrounding forest. For an authentic Adirondack stay without sacrificing resort luxuries, book a vacation rental at The Lodges at Cresthaven. Located on the shores of Lake George, this resort property offers a host of amenities along with Adirondack decor and panoramic views of the lake.

See more of the Adirondacks: Things to Do | Hotels

Anchorage to Kenai, Alaska

The epic landscapes of Alaska are awash with vibrant reds, purples, yellows and oranges – and even snow-capped mountaintops – from late August through September as fall arrives in the Last Frontier. The autumn colors across the state's vast wilderness, forests and tundra change quickly as winter approaches, beginning in mid-to-late August in the Arctic regions and lasting as late as October in southern areas like Tongass National Forest. This 158-mile drive on the Seward and Sterling highways from Anchorage to Kenai travels along two National Scenic Byways. You'll find many vantage points along the way to take in the jaw-dropping views and capture photos.

The first 50 miles of Seward Highway follow the Chugach Mountains and the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, where you may catch a glimpse of Dall sheep, beluga whales and eagles. From Tern Lake to Skilak Lake on Sterling Highway, you won't want to miss the sight of the Kenai River's teal glacial waters against the orange and yellow leaves, just as you come around the bend above Kenai Canyon. For a side trip en route, visitors can plan to stay at the beautiful Alyeska Resort, about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage. Be sure to save up enough energy to chase the aurora borealis in the wee morning hours, as the northern lights dance across the night sky from August to April in Alaska .

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

One of the best ways to view the Pocono Mountains' vibrant fall hues of reds, yellows and oranges is with a scenic drive along U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania. This road meanders through charming towns like Milford, Hawley and Honesdale, where you can take in autumn festivities that include the Hawley Harvest Hoedown and Honesdale's Harvest and Heritage Days. Another optimal viewing spot for the foliage is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with its 70,000 acres of forests and wetlands, the two tallest waterfalls in the state, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails.

The peak season for vibrant leaves in the Poconos depends on the region (north or south) and the progression of temperatures in the fall, but you can typically expect the best viewing from the last week of September through October. For up-to-the-minute information, check the fall foliage forecast on the Poconos Mountain website . After a busy day of exploring, The French Manor Inn and Spa is the perfect place to kick back, relax and admire even more of autumn's beauty. This luxury property is perched atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland and offers spectacular views of the kaleidoscope of leaf colors.

See more of the Poconos: Things to Do | Hotels

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The majesty of Mount Rainier, with its summit reaching 14,410 feet above sea level, is even more breathtaking surrounded by fall's vibrant colors. While you can see the peak from miles around, a drive through Mount Rainier National Park can bring you up-close viewing of the spectacle. Top leaf-peeping areas include the White Pass Scenic Byway to the Chinook Pass via Bethel Road – if you have a high-clearance vehicle. Visitors may consider making a side trip to Cash Prairie to see Rattlesnake Drainage and Bismark Peak before venturing on to Timberwolf Mountain. Peak season to capture the brilliant crimsons, ambers and golds can vary, but it typically occurs between mid-October through early November.

While in the park, enjoy other favorite fall activities such as foraging for local mushrooms – chanterelles, hen-of-the-woods and matsutake, for example. You can also book an early-morning Elk Bugling Tour at Northwest Trek to see the Roosevelt elk sparring during their "rut," or breeding season. For rustic accommodations to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting the park, reserve a cabin or campsite at Mounthaven Resort.

See more of Mount Rainier National Park: Things to Do | Hotels

New York City

While many leaf-peepers gravitate toward New York state's forested countryside, New York City is also home to some of the best locations to enjoy autumn's hues. Peak color typically hits the city in late October to early November, often arriving a touch behind the rest of the state. Use Central Park's fall foliage map to check color progress, then meander along its winding paths to soak in the yellow, russet, maroon and purple leaves of 18,000-plus trees from eight different species. Once the sun sets, head to one the many nearby Broadway theaters to catch a show or walk down to Times Square for a different display of dazzling colors. To ensure the best fall foliage views in the morning, grab a luxury suite at the art deco-inspired JW Marriott Essex House New York .

If the crowds of Manhattan aren't your cup of tea, head to Brooklyn 's Prospect Park for a warm display of orange and red leaves. The Ravine, a densely wooded area at the park's center, will offer the best autumnal views. Or, for more historic fall foliage, visit the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx and check out Thain Family Forest, a 250-acre woodland area home to the city's biggest patch of old-growth forest.

North Conway, New Hampshire

For prime autumn foliage in one of the best small towns for an adventure, head up to North Conway in New Hampshire. Located roughly 85 miles north of Portsmouth, this small town is encompassed by the White Mountain National Forest and is home to Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. With dozens of foot hike options through the surrounding 700,000 acres of protected forest, there's no shortage of leaf-peeping opportunities. Peak colors typically paint the landscape with vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow in the first two weeks of October.

A ride along the Kancamagus Highway – affectionately called "The Kanc" by locals – is a must-do. The 34-mile scenic drive will immerse you in a fall wonderland as it winds through the New Hampshire countryside, but make sure to fill your tank before you set off, as there are no gas stations or stores along the highway.

While you're in the area, don't forget to indulge in North Conway's other unique activities. Enjoy the perks of tax-free shopping at Settlers Green Outlet Village, for example, or grab a chairlift ride at Cranmore Mountain Resort. If you decide to hop aboard the historic Conway Scenic Railroad, experience 360-degree views of the fall foliage in the Premium Class Dome Car on the 1950s-era Transcontinental streamlined train. When you're ready to settle in for the night, the Cranmore Inn, a boutique inn located in the center of town, blends modern amenities with historical charm.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta grew up in the Shenandoah Valley surrounded by prime leaf-peeping destinations. Through her travels around the East Coast, she has enjoyed taking hikes, scenic drives or historic train rides to see the fall foliage. Whether by planning the perfect leaf-peeping excursion or hopping in the car for an impromptu drive, Vasta believes there's no bad way to take in autumn's hues, but she hopes this guide will help you take full advantage of this incredible season.

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11 Fun Fall Foliage Tours That Take Leaf Peeping to the Next Level

By Annie Daly

One of my favorite sayings of all time is that change is the only constant. This is always true in life, and it is especially true in fall , when it’s practically a guarantee that the leaves will start changing big-time. Watching this colorful show is always a good reminder that no matter what happens, the world keeps moving and the seasons keep turning—and the best we can do sometimes is sit back and enjoy the ride.

But enough with the philosophy. Let’s get to the granular stuff: where to see these pops of color up close and personal. We asked TripAdvisor for some of the best fall foliage tours in the U.S., so you can go beyond your average pull over at a scenic lookout and snap a photo drive-by peeping, and really lean into the experience. These 11 extremely high-rated tours, all of which have at least four out of five bubbles (the TripAdvisor equivalent to stars), will help you make seeing fall foliage more than just a spectator sport. While they cover a wide range of activities, from bike tours to brunch cruises to river sails, they all give you the same thing: a fun, front-row seat to one of nature’s best performances. And many even come with a nice little history lesson, too. Happy peeping!

New York Fall Foliage Sail Up the Hudson River, New York, New York

When you think of leaf peeping, you probably think of immersing yourself in the woods. But it’s a big leaf-peeping world out there, a world that includes lots of other spots from which to peep—like on a sailboat on the river. This nearly four-hour sail ($82 per person), which takes place on an 80-foot yacht, starts in New York City and then takes you up north, past the beautiful Palisades cliffs, and eventually into the orangey, golden Hudson River Valley. Bonus: Drinks are included!

Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Wine and Local Cheese Tour, Hudson Valley, New York

Wine, cheese , and foliage—could there be a more perfect fall trifecta? Yeah, didn’t think so. This six-hour shuttle tour ($165 per person) helps you take advantage of that epic combo by bringing you through some of Hudson Valley’s prettiest small towns, and sampling all of the local wine and cheese along the way. You’ll visit three famous wineries, plus a variety of farm stands, and you’ll also stop for a local-food-filled picnic lunch. By the end of the tour, you’ll be a little tipsy, a little full, and a lot happy about all of the colorful leaves and fall beauty you saw along the way.

New England Fall Foliage Guided Sightseeing Tour, Boston, Massachusetts

All fall fans will probably agree that New England tops the charts when it comes to that leaf peeping life. But just in case you’re on the fence about that, this all-day road trip will bring you to the other side for good. Starting and ending in Boston, the bus tour ($98 per person) will bring you up to New Hampshire, passing through all of the golden leaves along the way. The road trip includes a buffet lunch in the New Hampshire mountains, plus tons of stops at cute little farm stands (think apples , pumpkins, gourds, and more), shops, taverns, apple orchards, and scenic foliage vistas along the way.

Fall Foliage Bike Ride in Boston, Boston, Massachusetts

Seeing the leaves on four wheels certainly has its perks, but going leaf peeping on two wheels is next level. This guided 15-mile bike ride ($75 per person), which takes about four hours total, is a great way to see all of the fall-ness that Boston has to offer. Your guide will bring you through many of Boston’s most foliage-filled landmarks—like the Boston Common and Public Garden, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston’s newest park—while teaching you about the history of each spot along the way.

Sights of the Smokies All Day Tour, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Ahh, the Great Smoky Mountains, one of America’s best gifts for fall fanatics. The park is just packed with orange, red, and golden leaves—and this bus tour ($110 per person), which goes from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., will help you see the absolute best of them. It includes multiple stops throughout the day, plus lunch at a local restaurant, and a guide who will fill you in on the history of the area (lots of Civil War history, for all the history buffs out there).

Climb Zip Swing Adventure Course, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Another way to peep the famously bright Tennessee leaves is to, well, swing right through them—and this zip swing adventure course will help you do just that. The two-hour outdoor adventure ($38 per person) includes a safety training, so that you can swing over the bridge and through the woods with ease. Pro tip: If you want to capture some super epic action shots , attach a GoPro to your helmet and let the leaf shots roll in as you swing.

Fall Foliage Private Sightseeing Cruise, Portland, Maine

Maine’s state slogan is “the way life should be,” and it holds especially true in the fall. This state is seriously beautiful during the PSL season , radiating red and golden hues from all over. And one great way to soak these up is by taking this private 2.5-hour sightseeing boat cruise ($425 for groups up to six people) through Portland that’s actually on a—wait for it—vintage wooden lobster boat. The boat holds up to six guests, plus your captain and a local guide, and the tour itself brings you past all sorts of colorful forests, an iconic lighthouse, and Portland’s beautiful skyline at the end. Bonus: It’s BYOBB—“bring your own boat booze,” that is. They let you bring your own food and drinks on board, so you can turn this coastal adventure into whatever you want it to be.

Cape Cod from Boston: Autumn Day Trip and Sightseeing Cruise, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

While you may associate Cape Cod with the summer season—the beach! the ice cream! the fireflies!—it’s definitely great in the fall, too. This nine-hour tour ($76 per person) starts off on a bus in Boston, which then brings you to Cape Cod, where you will hop on a sightseeing cruise that will take you through Lewis Bay, past the Kennedy Compound, Adams National Historical Park, and lots of beautiful jewel-toned trees on the skyline along the way. You’ll also stop for a perfectly New England lunch on the Cape.

Fall Foliage Tour in New Hampshire, White Mountains, New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s White Mountains are truly spectacular during leaf peeping season. (Just Google Image “White Mountains + fall” to get an idea, if you don’t have one already!) That’s why this all-day fall foliage tour ($114 per person) is so great; it brings you to some epically beautiful spots, and your guide will fill you in on the local mountain history along the way. The tour also comes with lunch in the mountain town of North Conway, plus snacks throughout the day.

Bear Mountain Full-Day Cruise, Bear Mountain State Park, New York

Bear Mountain is one of the most famous hiking and camping spots in upstate New York, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising that the leaf peeping there is extraordinary, too. This eight-hour cruise ($63 per person) begins in Manhattan, and it then brings you north up the Hudson River, past the golden trees lining the riverbanks, before dropping you off at Bear Mountain, where you’ll get to chill for a couple of hours before heading back to the city. But perhaps the best part? The cruise has an Oktoberfest situation happening onboard, complete with German food and beer (available for purchase), and live music on the weekends. Cheers to that!

Central Park Fall Foliage Tour, New York, New York

OK, it may not occur to you head to NYC for the peeping of leaves, but if you’re visiting the city—or even if you live there—this three-hour private walking tour of Central Park ($175 per person) is actually super informative, not to mention beautiful. You get a local guide who will bring you to all of the best (and occasionally hidden) leaf-peeping spots the park has to offer and tell you all about the history of the park along the way, like John Lennon’s favorite spots. Pro tip: This tour is best paired with a post-tour IPA or cocktail . Head to any of the bajillion bars near Central Park to make that happen!

Annie Daly has written about travel for BuzzFeed Travel, Yahoo! Travel, AFAR, United Hemispheres, Cosmopolitan, and more.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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When Autumn Starts in Tennessee: 2024 Fall Foliage

The best times and places to catch fall foliage in full bloom in each region of the state.

Featured in this Article:

Fall Colors Near the Appalachian Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville and Chattanooga Fall Colors Near Nashville Fall Colors Near Memphis

With endless parks and forests throughout the state, Tennessee is the perfect place to get your peak fall foliage fix. Due to the state’s diverse tree species, you can go leaf peeping to see the full spectrum of autumnal colors when the leaves change, from deep reds to vibrant amber. So you might be wondering, "Are the leaves changing in Tennessee yet?" According to the Farmer's Almanac 2024, Tennessee will see peak colors across the state from mid-October to mid-November. Here's where to see peak fall colors in Tennessee for the 2024 season: 

Fall Colors Near the Appalachian Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville and Chattanooga

Best time to visit: Early to Mid-October (depending on altitude).

With dense forests, beautiful hiking trails, and rolling landscapes of mountains and valleys, East Tennessee is considered one of the country’s best places to see fall foliage. Every fall, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees an influx of visitors who have come to hike, camp and take in the area’s autumnal beauty. With more than 100 native tree species in the Great Smoky Mountains, you are sure to see an array of colors. Prime fall foliage in East Tennessee varies by elevation; in the higher altitudes, leaves begin to change at the end of September and reach their peak from early to mid-October, whereas autumnal beauty reaches its prime mid-October in the lower altitudes.

Appalachian Mountains

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and surrounded by Cherokee National Forest , Unicoi County offers autumn outdoor adventurers more than 50 miles of Appalachian Trail, eight waterfalls, Rocky Fork State Park  and dozens of walking and hiking trails. No matter where you are, you’re sure to see stunning fall foliage. A few favorite spots for leaf peeping include the aptly named Beauty Spot (crowned as a “best sunset hike” by Travel and Leisure) Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower and Nolichucky Ridge Cliff. Viewing the vibrant colors of fall is accessible for even more travelers and residents in Unicoi County since one of the state’s colorblind viewfinders is located at the I-26 Westbound Scenic Overlook . From this viewfinder, you’ll see views of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina’s stunning hills and valleys. 

Ober Mountain - Gatlinburg

Take a ride on the Ober Mountain  for a breathtaking view of the Smoky Mountains. This two-mile ride to the attraction provides aerial photo opportunities for fall. Once at the top, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster and experience the Smoky Mountains in a whole new way. Zoom down a more than half mile of track through dense forest at speeds of more than 25 mph as the vibrant colors of changing leaves fly past.

Historic Rugby

Be swept away in cozy fall feelings in Historic Rugby . Dive into the history of the idyllic town with an historic tour of the buildings and hear stories of some of the town's colorful characters. Shop at local boutiques and dine at local restaurants. And, if you want outdoor adventure, hiking and mountain biking can be enjoyed at Obed Wild and Scenic River and Big South National River & Recreation Area .

Southern Belle Riverboat - Chattanooga

As one of the top places for outdoor activities in Tennessee, Chattanooga is an amazing place to take in the loveliness of autumn. See a brilliant display of fall colors from the water on the  Southern Belle Riverboat . The three-hour fall color ride travels down the Tennessee River to the River Gorge for an amazing view of brightly colored foliage. Included on the ride is live music, tour information and a delicious lunch.

Sharp's Ridge - Knoxville

In Knoxville , you can hike up to Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park for a stunning view of the city and distant mountains thanks to the overlook platform located about halfway up the ridge. There is a 1.2-mile, all-access, adaptive nature trail with 4.7 miles of multi-use trails that wind through the wooded hills, perfect for hiking and biking. The park has sheltered picnic areas as well and is a great place for wildlife viewing and birding.

Fall Colors Near Nashville 

Best time to visit: Mid to Late October.

In Middle Tennessee, the leaves begin to change around mid-October, reaching their peak at the end of the month.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park - Nashville

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park , one of Nashville’s most popular attractions year-round, is a beautiful spot to see fall foliage within the city. The main lawn is lined with a variety of trees that come alive with color in October. The park always has events and festivals, especially in the fall, so you can make a full day of this stop on your fall foliage tour.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

One of the most picturesque places in Tennessee,  Fall Creek Falls State Park  is known for its lush forests and stunning array of gorges, streams and the highest waterfall in the area of the same name. In addition to Fall Creek Falls, other scenic waterfalls within the state park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. Due to the area’s botanical diversity, you'll experience a bright display of changing leaves in autumn, making the park full of fall photo opportunities. 

Natchez Trace Parkway - Franklin

The Natchez Trace Parkway traverses Middle Tennessee and goes through Williamson County, which has stunning photo opportunities on the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. This bridge is surrounded by fall colors toward the end of October and you can see for miles. While in the area, stop by the historic town of Franklin, also located off the Parkway. The quaint, historic architecture here creates a beautiful backdrop for seasonal colors. Franklin is also full of autumn festivities and fall decorations.

Fall Colors Near Memphis 

Best time to visit: Late October to Early November.

In West Tennessee, fall foliage begins to emerge mid-to-late October, typically reaching the height of autumnal beauty in the weeks before and after Halloween. This part of the state is full of forests with a wide array of tree species that yield bright ranges of colors in autumn.

Natchez Trace State Park - Wildersville

Natchez Trace State Park has some of the best scenic locations in the fall in Middle Tennessee, with endless trails to explore and snap some photos. Rent a kayak to take out on Pin Oak Lake to see a stunning display of autumnal colors reflecting off the water.

Reelfoot Lake State Park - Tiptonville

Located in the Northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake State Park is a beautiful place for fall outdoor activities. Fall color pontoon cruises take place on the weekends during October and November at Reelfoot Lake. See the changing leaves and water birds on a two-hour tour with an experienced naturalist. Tour guides will share their knowledge of the area’s history and ecology while helping you find the best photo ops for fall foliage. Large groups of eagles and ducks migrate to Reelfoot Lake for the winter, arriving just as autumnal colors reach their peak.

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park - Millington

Home to gigantic beech, oak and elm trees, the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park comes alive with a myriad of colors toward the end of October. See the foliage by water in a canoe on Poplar Tree Lake, or hike one of the many trails within the park. The 3-mile loop Woodland trail has some stunning vantage points for changing leaves. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is also known for abundant wildlife, so explore the trails for some critters to add to your foliage photos.

Memphis Botanic Garden - Memphis

The Memphis Botanic Garden is another beautiful place for fall photo opportunities in West Tennessee. The 96 acres of gardens and trails have all kinds of trees displaying fall foliage in late October to early November — even some flowers are still in bloom during this time. The Memphis Botanic Garden offers classes year-round, including educational tours and oil painting.

For more information on Tennessee's fall foliage:

Tennessee Fall Foliage Map

Find Colorblind Viewfinders around Tennessee

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Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Located in the shadow of the Capitol in downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall gives visitors a taste of Tennessee's history, natural wonders and serves as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial Celebration, which was June 1, 1996.

Natchez Trace State Park

Natchez Trace State Park is located on an alternate route of the old Natchez Trace. This route of the old trace is on the opposite side of the Tennessee River from the Natchez Trace Parkway. The name originally applied to a series of trails and paths that

Memphis Botanic Garden

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Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace is a scenic road trip through the heart of Tennessee.

Reelfoot Lake State Park

Reelfoot Lake State Park is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee and is noted for its fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. The 15,000 acre lake was created by a series of violent earthquakes in 1811-1812 that caused the Mississippi River to flow

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a 12,539-acre hardwood bottomland area bordering the mighty Mississippi River 13 miles north of Memphis featuring mature Bald Cypress and Tupelo swamp. Most of the facilities are on top of the majestic Chickasaw Bluffs t

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Models wear creations for the Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2024-2025 collection presented Wednesday, June 26, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

A model wears a creation for the Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2024-2025 collection presented Wednesday, June 26, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

A model wears a creation for the Viktor&Rolf Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2024-2025 collection presented Wednesday, June 26, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

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PARIS (AP) — Elie Saab again transported his VIP guests, including Avril Lavigne and Ellie Goulding at Paris’ Musee des Arts Decoratifs, to a realm of magic and splendor. With silks and velvet, the Lebanese couturier once again conjured a fantastical, almost fairytale world of bridal queens, gleaming foliage and midnight shadows. This season, the fashion world also had another peek at couture for men, which is a slowly growing phenomenon.

Here are some highlights of Wednesday’s fall-winter 2024 couture collection.

Elie Saab gleams for men and women

The Lebanese designer’s fall collection came with dramatic flair, strikingly at midnight, enveloping the audience in a welcome dark mood. Models in black leather opera gloves and graphic bands of black satin set the tone.

Men’s couture capes, part of Saab’s theme since fall 2022, were embroidered with sequins and gleaming threads, resembling silver foliage kissed by morning dew. Saab’s opulent men’s couture line continues to add a new dimension to his brand, catering to a market segment that craves visibility.

In the predominantly women’s display, organza whooshes swirled upward from the waist in a feat of artistry. As the collection progressed, the color palette softened. Tried-and-tested floor-length silhouettes dazzled in gemstone hues.

A standout piece was a shoulderless gown in powder red, where sequins on the bodice morphed into a sea of feathers cascading down the mermaid-like skirt. The transformation of textures underscored Saab’s craftsmanship.

While Saab’s designs may not always break the mold in innovation or surprise, the commitment to his signature style ensures that his creations remain timeless. His starry clientele appreciates the red carpet-ready classicism. Wednesday’s influential front row was a testament to Saab’s enduring appeal.

Viktor & Rolf expand the box

Dynamic design duo Viktor & Rolf are often praised in couture for thinking outside the box. This season, they expanded the box – literally and figuratively. Couture looks paraded past a visibly amused VIP audience, morphing models with cubic and rectangular structures. One of the first creations featured minimalist fabric with rectangular shoulders, as if the model had been wrapped as a gift or encased in couture for some sort of luxury delivery. Topping off the look, she donned a red, dog-collar-hybrid neck adornment that added an extra layer of whimsy.

Elsewhere, the boxy structures beneath garments riffed on the concept of rigid shoulder pads, recalling in a tongue-in-cheek way the glamour years of Hollywood. The pièce de résistance was a clashing ensemble featuring a blue houndstooth shirt, pastel-striped mini skirt, and a Bordeaux embroidered jacket with gargantuan, box-like ‘shoulder pads’ towering above the model’s forehead. It was a sight to behold, blending past and future in a surreal collision.

“The human body intersects with three-dimensional, abstract geometric shapes like cubes, triangles, and spheres ... as well as from a child’s block set,” the house said, acknowledging “a certain absurdism.”

Known for their theatrical presentations, Viktor & Rolf once again delivered an engaging and entertaining show that transcended traditional fashion. Hairpieces were stiff and android-like, whimsically swept by the wind, enhancing the surrealist and ironic humor that has become their signature.

Their meticulous construction techniques and structural experimentation shone through, recalling past feats like exaggerated shoulder lines and detachable corsets from a Nosferatu-inspired show. This season’s designs were not just garments but a commentary on fashion itself, and the absurdity of couture. Viktor & Rolf have once again shown that they are the grand architects of high fashion, deconstructing and rebuilding the box with every stitch.

De Libran’s nostalgic charm

French couturier Julie de Libran is renowned for her intimate shows. She often enlists her close friends as models and muses, evoking a nostalgic charm reminiscent of traditional couture presentations.

On Wednesday, de Libran took her signature style even further with the models, including the designer’s niece Julia and even de Libran herself!

Models held numbered cards, a nod to the historical way collections were once presented for a light and airy display.

This vintage touch was complemented by details like a pink feather trim on a limp-waisted gown, which exuded a 1930s flair. Yet, the gown’s vivid red hue injected a contemporary twist.

De Libran’s affinity for vintage-inspired fabrics shone through in a Bordeaux column dress and a coat with large proportions, both adorned with gleaming lamé velvet flowers. These pieces exemplified her commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and upcycling. Using exquisite fabrics from Lyonnaise mills, her creations are often unique and cannot be replicated, highlighting the artisanal nature of her work.

As a rare independent designer on the couture calendar, de Libran continues to captivate with her blend of nostalgic elegance and modern sophistication.

The art of the invitation

In the Paris luxury industry, the art of the chic invite is vital. Fashion houses vie to create the most inventive and flamboyant show invitations, often delivered by gas-guzzling couriers to each guest’s personal or professional address, with little regard for the environment.

The miniature masterpieces sometimes hint at the forthcoming collection, while at other times they are simply whimsical.

Chanel’s latest invitation, a pair of opera glasses, hinted at the show’s theme inside Paris’ opera house. Staying true to its classic roots, Dior sent out beautifully penned cards by an age-old calligrapher, evoking the maison’s timeless elegance. Schiaparelli’s giant gold key invitation reflected the surrealist legacy of founder Elsa Schiaparelli, promising an avant-garde showcase.