Back in the glorious years of 2017-2019, you typically wouldn’t find me home for most of October. It is hands down my favorite month to travel. Fall always seems to come and go so quickly, so every year, I try to make the most out of the magical yet fleeting season.
I’ve been on a lot of really fantastic fall trips over the past few years, including destinations such as Asheville, West Virginia, and Montreal. Of course, I took plenty of Blue Ridge Mountain excursions when I lived in Virginia (especially in 2020!)
There are still many incredible fall leaf-peeping destinations that I want to explore in the U.S. I plan to visit a couple of these destinations this fall, and I can’t wait to share all my finds with you!
If you’re looking for a bit of inspo for your next fall trip, here’s my current fall travel bucket list.
Fall Travel Bucket List
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Vermont
I’m happy to report that I’ll be headed to Vermont in a couple of weeks — Woodstock, VT specifically. This is a charming, quintessential New England small town that’s been on my travel bucket list for years, and I’m so glad that I can finally make it happen. The foliage is next level, and there are plenty of hikes, scenic drives, and great restaurants and breweries to visit in the state.
If you’re headed to Woodstock this year, I’d check out Jess Ann Kirby’s guide — it’s super detailed, and I’ll be hitting plenty of spots on her list!
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Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Psst: you know you can go leaf-peeping on the west coast too, right?
An hour outside Portland is the Columbia River Gorge, which has some incredible foliage and hikes available. In addition to the stunning views, you can also visit world-class wineries, breweries, and cideries, enjoy farm-to-table restaurants and take “The Infinity Loop” road trip, including parts of the original Oregon Trail.
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Aspen, Colorado
Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the country. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Denver, Boulder, and Breckenridge, but Aspen is one city that’s still on my list.
Not only is fall a gorgeous time to visit Aspen, but it’s also a pretty budget-friendly time to go as well. Most crowds come in for either summer or ski season, and you can find pretty low rates on lodging in September and October.
Don’t worry: even in the off-season, there are still plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions that stay open in Aspen in the fall!
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Taos, New Mexico
I got the opportunity to visit New Mexico for the first time during my cross-country road trip this past summer, and I was in awe. It’s a beautiful state with so many hidden gems!
I know — when I think of New Mexico, I think of miles and miles of desert. However, it’s one of the most diverse states geographically, and in the town of Taos, you can enjoy some pretty stunning leaf-peeping. So yes, you can enjoy fall in the Southwest!
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Bar Harbour, Maine
Bar Harbour is a quaint coastal town located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. It’s packed with charming shops and delicious restaurants, and it’s near Acadia National Park, which is home to the tallest mountains on the East Coast.
This destination seems to be quite popular, so I’d book your hotels sooner rather than later if you want to visit during leaf-peeping season.
What’s on your fall travel bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
Photos by Tom McGovern
