The best places to visit in the USA in autumn
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21 Best Places to Visit in the USA in Autumn

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Looking for the best places to visit in the USA in autumn? These are the most amazing 21 places for fall foliage and beautiful scenery.

It’s no secret that the USA is one of the top destinations around the world to see autumn foliage.

The scenery as the months turn colder is fantastic, from the vibrant colours in New Mexico and the majestic mountains of New England to the sun-kissed vineyards of California, some of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn will really take your breath away. 

And there’s so much to do during autumn in the States. Go leaf-peeping, hike through wonderful colours, attend a lively fall festival, or visit a pumpkin patch, there are lots of wonderful things to add to your autumn bucket list.

So, if you want to be captivated by the magic of fall foliage, the aroma of pumpkin-spiced everything, and the spirit of celebration, you’ll definitely want to visit one of these destinations in autumn. 

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The Best Places to Visit in the USA in Autumn

I’ve made a conscious effort here not just to include the most visited spots. Places like New England and New Mexico are famed for their gorgeous autumn scenery, so I’ve also included a few lesser-known spots here that will also help you escape the crowds. 

1. San Francisco, California

Average Temperature: 21°C / 69°F

Admittedly, San Francisco isn’t exactly starting with a secret spot! But the Golden Gate City is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn. 

First of all, the autumn months are actually some of the warmest of the year, with pleasant temperatures, and much less fog than the summer months. It’s also a much quieter time to visit. 

Seals in San Fran in the autumn
Seals in San Francisco in the autumn

The temperatures are comfortable, making this a great time to get outdoors and see some of San Fransisco’s iconic landmarks. Cycle the length of the Golden Gate Bridge, take a boat tour to Alcatraz Island, wander through the Golden Gate Park, and visit the seals on Pier 39. 

There is also usually a great selection of places to see fall foliage in autumn in San Francisco such as Golden Gate Park, Tilden Region Park, or the slightly further afield Napa Valley.

Taking a trip to Yosemite National Park from San Fran is also a great idea and you can reach the park in just over 3 hours.

✅Discover the best hotels in San Francisco

2. Stowe, Vermont, New England

Average Temperature: 10°C / 50°F 

Stowe, Vermont, turns into a beautiful and vibrant display of autumn colours each year so it’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals. It’s an easy drive from I-89 which runs north to south in Vermont. Simply take Exit 10 and then drive about 10 miles north on Route 100 to arrive in Stowe.

New England’s fall climate is unpredictable, yet generally, daytime temperatures in Stowe average around 50°F. This makes it ideal for outdoor adventures, but don’t forget warm layers and a raincoat.

Stowe in Vermont in Autumn

The Stowe Recreation Path is 5.3 miles and is perfect for a fall walk or bike ride. The Gondola Skyride at Stowe Mountain Resort will give you amazing aerial views of the epic fall foliage.

You can even have lunch at the top at The Cliff House! Another popular activity is a horse-drawn carriage ride with Gentle Giants who offers this unique way to experience the town’s scenic landscape. 

Stowe also caters to the foodies big time. Check out the casual vibes at Idletyme Brewing Company or Doc Ponds, both serving up tasty seasonal fare. For a more upscale experience, the Trapp Family Lodge offers exquisite Austrian hospitality.

Remember, Stowe becomes quite the hotspot in the fall, so booking your stay and restaurant reservations in advance is highly recommended.

✅Discover the best hotels in Stowe

3. Mid-Coast Maine

Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F 

Just a scenic drive, 30 to 90 minutes north of Portland, Maine, lies a hidden gem autumn paradise. To truly soak in the beauty of this region, having your own car is essential.

Temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-60s from September through December, offering the perfect crisp backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Mid-coast Maine is where the fiery New England fall foliage meets the inky coast. It’s an ideal time to visit, with summer crowds gone and nature putting on a spectacular show. Time restrictions for when dogs are allowed on the beach are lifted too. The trees seem ablaze with colour.

Mid coast Maine is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn
Maine is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn

Our recent fall trip led us to some remarkable spots that you should visit too. The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge offers an easy, picturesque walk along the water, framed with autumn colours.

Then there’s the Giant’s Stairs Trail, where you can scramble over unique geological formations with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. The 30-minute drive there is equally stunning, with foliage-lined inlets and coves.

Don’t miss Georgetown, especially in the off-season. It’s perfect for a road trip, with winding country roads enveloped in red and yellow leaves. End at Reid State Park, a serene spot for beachcombing, and in the fall, you can practically have the place to yourself.

✅Discover the best hotels in Maine

4. New York City, New York

Average Temperature: 18°C / 64°F

If you are considering visiting the USA in autumn, New York is one of the best places to visit. I always think of Tom Hanks in You’ve Got Mail, saying, “Don’t you love New York in the fall?”

With its crisp, cool temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, New York is irresistible in the autumn months. Fall is the perfect time for taking long walks around the city, particularly through Central Park and along Park Avenue.

The views from the top of the Empire State Building and the High Line are beautiful this time of year, too!

New York City in the autumn
Image credit: Intentional Traveling

The average temperatures for New York in the fall range from 60-77 degrees in September, 50-68 degrees in October, and 40-55 degrees in November. Be sure to bring a warm coat for the low temperatures in the evenings.

To get to New York, you can fly into JFK International Airport or LaGuardia Airport. If this is your first time visiting New York City, I would recommend staying in Midtown Manhattan so that you can easily walk to all the main sights and attractions.

✅Discover the best hotels in New York City

5. Manitou Springs, Colorado

Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F 

Just over an hour’s drive south of Denver, Colorado is the charming town of Manitou Springs, which offers the perfect escape for those seeking a picturesque fall retreat. 

During this time of the year, the town welcomes visitors with average high temperatures ranging from 52 to 73°F and lows between 25 and 43°F. This means visitors can breathe the crisp autumn air that complements the stunning surrounding foliage!

Telluride in Colorado in the autumn

Another reason to spend some time in this town is to visit the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods and the iconic Pikes Peak. For those who don’t know, Garden of the Gods is known for its towering red rock formations.

Meanwhile, Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in the state and is the perfect viewpoint for admiring all the golden hues of autumn that envelop the region.

Plus, the small town is full of fun attractions, boutique shops, and tasty food! So, if you’re ready for a scenic autumn adventure, consider a little getaway to Manitou Springs!

✅Discover the best hotels in Manitou Springs,

6. Zion National Park, Utah

Average Temperature: 19°C / 66°F 

Tucked away in Southern Utah, hiking through the monoliths and rivers of Zion National Park is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn. 

To reach Zion National Park, the closest major airport to Zion is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, roughly a 2.5-hour drive away. Alternatively, you can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport for a scenic 4-hour drive to the park.

Zion national park is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn

As for the weather, well, it’s just perfect. The peak of the summer crowds, along with the heat, subsides to daytime temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, making Zion’s many unshaded hikes much more comfortable.

The changing hues of the golden cottonwoods and maples against the backdrop of red rock formations also create a gorgeous contrast of colours.

There’s always plenty to do on a Zion National Park itinerary during the fall. Hiking is a must, and summiting Angel’s Landing should be a top priority. A close-second contender is wading through the Virgin River of The Narrows. Plus, the Virgin River foliage is among the most impressive in the park.

✅Discover the best hotels in Zion National Park

7. Flagstaff, Arizona

Average Temperature: 17°C / 62°F 

Flagstaff, located in Northern Arizona, is one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in the Southwest. You may be surprised to learn that yes, even in Arizona, there is amazing fall foliage.

The Aspen trees in Flagstaff turn bright yellow each October. With a mountain backdrop, it makes the most picturesque scene.

Flagstaff is a little over 2 hours North of Phoenix, and makes for a great stop while driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon! It is best to rent a car while in Arizona so you can have the freedom to tailor a road trip to your liking. 

The Aspens reach their peak between the end of September through mid-October. The fall months see temperatures as high as 74°F and lows into the 30s, so it’s key to dress in layers in this desert climate.

Flagstaff in Arizona

While in Flagstaff in the autumn months, be sure to ride the gondola to catch one of the best views of the Aspens from above. You can also hike the Inner Basin trail, a moderate half-day hike into a picture-perfect Aspen Grove. 

Hikers looking for more of a challenge can climb Arizona’s mountain, Humphrey’s Peak, and catch glorious views of the Aspens as well. When you’re not exploring and adventuring outdoors, stop by one of Flagstaff’s many breweries or local coffee shops.

✅Discover the best hotels in Flagstaff

8. Telluride, Colorado

Average Temperature: 12°C / 53°F 

If you’re looking for a combination of towering mountain peaks and stunning fall colours, head to Telluride, Colorado. This picturesque mountain town is nestled deep in Colorado’s famous San Juan mountains in the Southwest corner of the state.

Telluride also sits at the perfect elevation for aspen trees, which paint the town gold during the fall.

To get to Telluride you can either set out on a 6+ hour road trip from Denver or fly into Montrose, Colorado. Driving from Montrose to Telluride takes about 90 minutes.

During the fall, daytime temperatures in Telluride are typically in the 50s and 60s (F), but it’s also possible to experience warm days or snow (Colorado mountain weather is unpredictable!).

The top activity you have to do when visiting Telluride in the fall is riding the free gondola. The dog-friendly gondola takes you through an aspen forest from downtown Telluride to Mountain Village, where you can find tons of free parking. 

To stretch your legs and get up close to golden aspens, hike the Bear Creek Trail or Jud Weibe Memorial Trail. Remember you’re hiking in the mountains, so things may feel more difficult than usual. Take things slowly and be sure to carry plenty of water!

✅Discover the best hotels in Telluride

9. Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia

Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F 

The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the most iconic landscapes of Virginia and along the American east coast. The mountain range extends 550 miles across 8 states with endless hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks. 

The Blue Ridge Mountains are aptly named for the blush haze colouring the mountains when viewed from a distance. During the fall, the mountains begin to shift their colours from this striking blue tint to shades of red, yellow, and orange making this one of the best times to visit the region. 

Blue ridge mountains, Virginia

There are many vistas for taking in panoramic views of fall foliage. In fact, the Blue Ridge Parkway which runs for 469 miles along the mountain ridge, has 280 scenic overlooks.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are undoubtedly the best destination for viewing fall foliage in Virginia and its surrounding states. 

This region is also renowned for its traditional, folk, and bluegrass music. During the fall, the mountains are host to numerous festivals and cultural events including the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, Graves Mountain Harvest Festival, and the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.

This is a great time to experience the rich history and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

✅Discover the best hotels near the Blue Ridge Mountains

10. Upstate South Carolina

Average Temperature: 16°C / 60°F 

For beautiful fall foliage without the crowds, head to Upstate South Carolina! With peak colour happening in late October and early November, a visit here is the perfect way to get some late-season leaf peeping in. 

October and November temperatures are mild, hovering around 70 for the average high and 45 for the average low. 

Upstate South Carolina is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn
Upstate South Carolina is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn

Base your trip in Walhalla, South Carolina, which is about an hour’s drive from Greenville. From Walhalla, you can visit multiple waterfalls including Yellow Branch Falls (shown in photo), Riley Moore Falls, Issaqueena Falls, and Station Cove Falls.

All of these trails are beautiful during the fall, thanks to the bright blazes of colour in the trees. 

Another of the best things to do in Walhalla is the annual Octoberfest, which offers up family-friendly fun along the town’s quaint Main Street.  

For even more fall fun, stay in the historic cabins at Oconee State Park, which date back to the 1930s. This park is particularly beautiful in the fall, and there are even more hiking opportunities here. You can also join in the weekly square dancing in the recreation hall each Friday! 

✅Discover the best hotels near Walhalla

11. Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio

Average Temperature: 21°C / 69°F 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a hidden gem in Ohio that, come the third week of October, is filled with gorgeous fall foliage. However, because few people know about this amazing spot, it lacks the crowds of many best places to visit in the USA in autumn.

Therefore, this place is an easy pick for one of the overall best autumn travel destinations. 

To visit, book a flight to Akron International Airport and enjoy a quick, 25-minute drive to the park. Also, pack plenty of layers since fall temperatures can reach the low 70s F during the day and dip below freezing at night. 

Cuyagoga Valley National Park in Ohio

Next, check into a room at the Stanford House before heading over to Brandywine Falls. Take a scenic bike ride along the Erie Canal Towpath Trail, grab some photos at Everett Covered Bridge, and take in awesome panoramic views from the Ledges Overlook. 

Finally, warm up inside the Canal Exploration Center. It’s a charming museum where visitors can learn about the construction of the famous Erie Canal during the early 19th century. 

Afterwards, catch a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and do a bit of leaf peeping from the comfort of a cool, vintage train.

✅Discover the best hotels near Cuyahoga Valley

12. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F 

The Kancamagus Highway (or “The Kanc”) is a 34.5-mile stretch of road in the stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s one of the best places to see fall foliage in New England. Picture winding, mountain roads surrounded by trees with brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red.

Some of the best stops on The Kanc include the Lincoln Woods Trailhead which starts with a scenic suspension bridge across the Pemigewasset River; the CL Graham Wangan Overlook with beautiful views of the White Mountains peaks in the distance; and Sabbaday Falls, a waterfall that’s easy to get to via a short trail.

The Kancamagus Highway is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn

Since The Kanc is in the northern part of New England, you can expect peak fall foliage from the end of September through mid-October (a bit earlier than in southern New England). 

Temperatures are typically in the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit) this time of year. You can enter the highway from the west side of the town of Lincoln or the east side of Conway.

✅Discover the best hotels near the Kancamagus Highway

13. Muskegon, Michigan

Average Temperature: 13°C / 55°F 

Nestled along Lake Michigan’s Eastern shore, Muskegon offers the quintessential Midwestern beach town experience. Best-known for white sands and towering dunes that bring in crowds during the summer months, Muskegon’s quieter fall makes it perfect for foliage and landscape exploration. 

In the autumn, Muskegon enjoys mild temperatures lingering in the mid-50s, making it a great atmosphere for outdoor adventures. With temperatures rarely dipping below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, daring travellers can even choose to camp in the area.

Muskegon in Michigan

Visitors to Muskegon can take an easy hike through Muskegon State Park, explore South Pierhead Lighthouse and the dunes, and savour craft beer at one of seven local breweries.

Pigeon Hill Brewing Company is a favourite for its creative beer uniquely targeting the flavour of holiday cookies. 

Accessing Muskegon is convenient via various options: a 3-hour drive from Detroit, a short 45-minute drive from Grand Rapids, or a 3.5-hour drive from Chicago.

✅Discover the best hotels in Muskegon

14. Tarrytown, New York

Average Temperature: 17°C / 62°F 

Just an hour away from New York City by either train or a scenic drive up the Taconic State Parkway, Tarrytown is a historical village nestled along the eastern bank of the Hudson River.

While the town is known for being the inspiration for Washington Irving’s spinetingling tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this charming village is also a picturesque haven in the autumn. 

In the fall, the average temperatures hover around the comfortable mid-60s Fahrenheit. It’s the ideal weather to explore Tarrytown’s charming boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, or to take a stroll through the nearby woods and see the vibrant reds of the autumn leaves.

Tarrytown in New York State

Every year, Tarrytown’s Main Street comes alive with fall decorations. Nearby, the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery beckons with its tree-lined paths and historical gravesites. This is also where you can find the iconic bridge featured in Irving’s story.

You can explore the gardens of Kykuit, and the Rockefeller estate, while taking in views of the Hudson Valley or wander the trails of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve while it’s blanketed in fall colors.

As one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn, Tarrytown offers a serene retreat that’s well worth the visit.

✅Discover the best hotels in Tarrytown

15. Petoskey, Michigan

Average Temperature: 13°C / 55°F

Fall in Petoskey, Michigan is a a magical place. With rolling hills, stunning fall colors, and a vibrant downtown it’s a fall destination worth visiting time and time again. Petoskey is located in Northern Michigan along Little Traverse Bay which flows into Lake Michigan.

It’s almost to the top of the mitten, so fall does come early, and when it does, you’ll want to be there to enjoy it.

In early fall, the skies are blue, the leaves are still green and the temperatures are in the high 60s to low 70s, perfect for hiking at Petoskey State Park, searching for Petoskey stones, or strolling the downtown streets popping in and out of unique boutiques. 

Petoskey Michigan

Evenings tend to be cooler – even dipping as low as the 40s, but bundle up and enjoy the clear night sky over a campfire and you won’t mind at all. By late fall, it’s much cooler with highs in the 50s and 60s, but you’ll get to enjoy the blazing fall colours.

The closest airport to Petoskey is in Traverse City (about an hour south), so you’ll want to fly in there and rent a car.

While in the Petoskey area, a few other fun fall activities include exploring the lovely wineries along the Petoskey Wine Trail, playing a round or two of golf at one of the many courses in the area, and renting a bike to cycle on the Little Traverse Wheelway.

✅Discover the best hotels in Petoskey

16. Augusta, Georgia

Average Temperature: 23°C / 73°F

Augusta, GA is a beautiful hidden gem in the States that I personally recommend visiting during the fall to avoid extreme temperatures and truly enjoy the natural landscape.

It’s 2 hr 30 minutes away from Atlanta, GA and 2 hours 40 minutes away from Savannah. It also has its own regional airport.

August is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn

This unique city is well known mainly for two things: the Masters Golf Tournament and for being the home of James Brown. 

A few things you can’t miss if you decide to visit Augusta are the Phinizy Swamp (insider tip: this place is amazing if you want to take pictures in the autumn), the Museum of History, the Canal Historic Trail, and the Morris Museum of Art.

✅Discover the best hotels in Augusta

17. North Cascades, Washington

Average Temperature: 5°C / 41°F

North Cascades National Park is located in northern Washington state, along the Canadian border. 

While many may not think of the Pacific Northwest as a fall foliage destination, the North Cascades are fantastic in autumn, with the wildflowers and shrubs carpeting its mountain slopes turning brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red.

Best of all, the North Cascades is one of the best places in the world to see larch trees, a special type of conifer whose needles turn a brilliant shade of gold before falling to the forest floor for winter. 

North Cascades is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn
North Cascades is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn

The best trail to see larches in the North Cascades is the Heather Maple Pass Loop, a challenging trail that passes countless groves of larch trees and traverses along a ridgeline, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks. 

For an easier trail, check out the Cutthroat Lake Trail, which ends at an alpine lake, surrounded by mountain slopes strewn with larches.

The North Cascades are located approximately four hours north of Seattle by car. The mountains usually enjoy cool temperatures that feel pleasant while hiking in October, with highs in the 50s—but make sure to plan your visit before mid-October! After that, you may run into snow and ice on the trails and roads.

✅Discover the best hotels near the North Cascades

18. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Average Temperature: 16°C / 60°F

Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a charming town in the Blue Ridge Mountains and a splendid destination for anyone wanting to experience spectacular fall foliage. The weather in the fall ranges between the mid-60s and low 30s, making for lovely weather to enjoy the outdoors. 

Located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock is easily accessed by car or plane. Charlotte International is the closest airport to Blowing Rock, and the Piedmont Triad Airport in Greensboro would be your next closest option. You can rent a car from these airports to get you the rest of the way. 

Blowing rock is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn
Image credit: Follow Soots

Blowing Rock explodes with colour during the autumn season and offers a variety of activities for everyone. A definite favourite is to admire the stunning fall foliage at Moses Cone Memorial Park.

Or you can take a stroll through downtown, where you’ll find local shops, art galleries, and wonderfully delicious restaurants.

Of course, a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must, or you may prefer to visit Grandfather Mountain for the incredible views. If you love the outdoors during autumn, there are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to chase in Blowing Rock.

✅Discover the best hotels in Blowing Rock

19. Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Kentucky

Average Temperature: 18°C / 65°F

If you enjoy good bourbon, you will love visiting the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which is home to just under 50 different distilleries. The best time to go to the bourbon trail, in our opinion, is in the fall. 

The roads are lined with leaves changing colours and beautiful horse ranches. The mix of the multi-coloured fall leaves, a tasty old-fashioned, and the crisp weather gives perfect autumn vibes.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The best way to get to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is to fly into the Louisville airport (SDF). From there you will head east, out of the city, and into the beautiful countryside.

Depending on when you visit in the fall, your temperature highs will range from around 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit and lows will range from about 40-60 degrees.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is perfect for a fall getaway. We would recommend a long weekend for your visit as the distilleries are close together and you can easily visit a handful in just a couple of days. Plus long weekend trips are a great way to maximize your vacation days. 

Pick a few of your favourite brands, map out your course of the adventure, and book your flights to Kentucky!

✅Discover the best hotels near the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

20. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Average Temperature: 18°C / 65°F

Starved Rock is an absolutely beautiful, underrated attraction in the Midwest United States, and easily one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn.

Located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Chicago, Starved Rock makes a perfect day or weekend trip for visitors looking to escape the city and experience beautiful fall foliage in the great outdoors. I recommend renting a car because public transportation options are limited.  

Starved Rock is one of the best places to visit in the USA in autumn
By Alyssa from An Apple a Plane

Illinois isn’t usually known for its adventurous activities but Starved Rock provides a stunning change of scenery.  It also happens to be located just 10 minutes from Matthiessen State Park, so it is perfect for a two-in-one!  Both state parks are free of charge and parking is free.  

What makes Starved Rock even more underrated is its incredible fall foliage. There are many amazing things to do in Starved Rock from exploring beautiful canyons to catching a waterfall after a rainy day. If you are back in town for the winter, the frozen waterfalls are a real treat!  

Average high temperatures in the fall are 65F and average low temperatures in the fall are 43F.

✅Discover the best hotels near Starved Rock

21. Asheville, North Carolina

Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F

One of the best fall travel destinations is Asheville, North Carolina. Located near the Blueridge Mountains, you can fly into the Asheville Regional Airport and use a rental car to drive 15 minutes into downtown.

After all, Asheville is home to some of the best foliage in the USA since it has extreme elevations and over 100 different deciduous trees. 

Ashville in the autumn

However, plan your visit for late September or early October so that you can see fall colours in downtown Asheville and along the Blueridge Parkway. Additionally, Linville Gorge and Lookout Mountain feature an array of hiking trails with stunning panoramas of the mountains.

But, prepare for variable weather and potentially some rain. Daily highs can also range from 25°C (77°F) to 14°C (57°F) while daily lows can range from 14°C (57°F) to 3°C (37°F). 

It’s all worth it to do fun things in Asheville like grab The Cardigan (it’s like a pumpkin spice latte) at Izzy’s, go leaf peeping during a one-hour hot air balloon ride with Asheville Balloon Company, or take in fall foliage during a zipline canopy tour with Navitat Canopy Adventures.

✅Discover the best hotels in Asheville

What’s the weather like during fall in the USA?

The weather during fall in the USA can vary significantly depending on the region.

In the northern parts of the country, such as New England and the Upper Midwest, fall temperatures can range from mild to chilly. Expect daytime highs ranging from 4°C to 20 °C (40s to 60s Fahrenheit). However, these areas often experience vibrant fall foliage, so braving the colder climates might be worth it.

Flagstaff is beautiful in the USA in autumn

In the southern US, fall temperatures are milder compared to the hot summer months, with daytime highs often ranging from 15°C to 30°C. The weather tends to be more comfortable, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.

The weather in the western USA can vary widely. Coastal areas may experience milder temperatures, while inland areas and mountainous regions may see cooler temperatures and the possibility of early snowfall at higher elevations.

What to pack for the USA in the fall?

Like with the weather, what to pack for the USA in the fall really depends on which part of the country you are visiting. But in general, I’d suggest bringing:

  • Lightweight layers: T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and sweaters for variable temperatures.
  • Jacket or coat: Bring a versatile jacket that provides warmth but can be easily removed when it’s warmer. Consider a water-resistant one if you anticipate rain or a lightweight one if you’re visiting one of the warmer states.
  • Jeans or pants: Comfortable bottoms suitable for cooler weather.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: Either trainers or comfortable hiking boots or shoes for exploring.
  • Camera: Fall foliage can be beautiful, so consider bringing a camera to capture the scenery.
  • Sunscreen: Even in the fall, UV rays can be strong, especially at higher altitudes or in sunny areas.
  • Moisturizer: Cooler temperatures can be drying, so keep your skin hydrated. I also recommend Lipbalm for this same reason.
  • Travel insurance: Consider getting quality travel insurance for medical emergencies and unexpected events.
  • Reusable water bottle: An insulated bottle is essential for staying hydrated throughout your travels.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in the USA in Autumn

Overall, the USA is a fantastic place to visit in the autumn and these best places to visit in the USA in autumn really help you see that.

There are beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking fall foliage, and such a variety of destinations to visit that anyone can find something that they’d enjoy.

Plus, with some of these secret spots, you can see the beauty of the US in the fall whilst avoiding the crowds. 

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

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