As summer time turns to fall, journey plans additionally transition from the beach to leaf-peeping hot spots. However throughout peak color times, a lot of these locations are sometimes teeming with individuals.
Should you’d fairly take pleasure in nature than hordes of different individuals, this listing is for you.
We have picked 11 lesser-known fall foliage locations to go to between late September and late October. From idyllic U.S. cities to beautiful Croatian nationwide parks and even a main northern lights spot, these are the perfect locations to see fall foliage with out the large crowds.
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Pine Creek Gorge extends 1,450 toes down at its deepest level. Pine Creek flows by the gorge — usually referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania — and tree-covered, rolling hills flank all sides.
The gorge runs for about 47 miles, with the deepest level close to the southern finish in Waterville in northern Pennsylvania, a few four-hour drive northwest of Philadelphia. Pine Creek Gorge presents plentiful alternatives for climbing, biking, horseback using or a scenic drive.
Climbing the Barbour Rock Trail in Tioga State Forest is a should for memorable views of the gorge. Within the fall, these views embody a veritable rainbow of autumn leaves, made much more vivid by the evergreen timber that dot the panorama.
TPG tip: Towards the northern finish of the gorge, you will discover regionally owned bed-and-breakfasts, inns and campgrounds. If you wish to use your factors, there is a Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in Lock Haven, a 20-minute drive south of Waterville. Charges begin at $116 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time in October.
Dubuque, Iowa
Within the fall, bushy timber in various hues towards a vivid blue sky with fluffy white clouds make Dubuque, Iowa, appear to be one thing out of a Bob Ross portray.
Get a hen’s-eye view of the panorama from the highest of the Fenelon Place Elevator, listed within the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Referred to as the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway, the 296-foot-long railway takes passengers on one-way or round-trip excursions from Dubuque’s Fourth Avenue to Fenelon Place.
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From the highest, you’ll be able to view downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and hundreds of “glad little timber.” Using the Fenelon Place Elevator requires a small price ($2 one-way or $4 round-trip), and you will need to pay in money. Kids below the age of 5 are free.
TPG tip: Use your IHG One Rewards factors on the Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, only a five-minute stroll from the elevator. Charges begin at $107 or 22,000 IHG One Rewards factors per night time in October.
Finnish Lapland
Should you thought the perfect time to go to Finnish Lapland was within the winter, assume once more. Should you go to in mid-to-late September, you will be handled to a fiery prism of leaves and the uncommon alternative to see the northern lights. The aurora is often seen starting as early as late August, and is usually most energetic across the fall and spring equinoxes.
In the course of the day, you’ll be able to take pleasure in autumn actions like berry selecting, mushroom foraging and climbing in scenic spots just like the Vikakongas hiking trail and the Auttikongas waterfall and nature trail.
Associated: Best hotels to see the northern lights
TPG tip: You do not have to surrender the attractive outside views if you guide a keep on the Arctic Treehouse Hotel through World of Hyatt. The property has 60 non-public suites and villas, together with its namesake treehouse suites with panoramic home windows. Charges begin at $332 or 22,125 World of Hyatt factors per night time this September.
Lexington, Kentucky
While you consider Kentucky, horse racing and bourbon most likely come to thoughts. You will discover each in Lexington, together with vibrant fall colours. View the autumn leaves on foot with a 3.8-mile hike alongside the Kentucky River Palisades Path in Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve, or take to the skies with a treetop cover zip line tour with Boone Creek Outdoors. To discover by automobile, go for a drive alongside the Old Frankfort Pike Scenic Byway’s rolling hills.
For the total Kentucky expertise, strive a picturesque horseback trip at Kentucky Horse Park, adopted by a go to to Keeneland’s fall racing meet. If you wish to mix city exploration and leaf-peeping, try the City Department Path. The mixed-use path hyperlinks downtown to Lexington’s Distillery District, the place you will discover eating, purchasing and, after all, bourbon.
TPG tip: The Sire Hotel is within the historic Gratz Park neighborhood, solely a brief stroll from downtown Lexington and fewer than 10 miles from each Keeneland and Kentucky Horse Park. Charges in October begin at $167 or 55,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time.
Katy Path State Park, Missouri
Katy Trail State Park is house to the nation’s longest leisure rail path, which will be traversed by foot, bike or horse. The path follows the trail of the Missouri River between the cities of Machens, simply north of St. Louis, and Clinton, in western Missouri, providing many alternatives to absorb the autumn surroundings alongside the best way.
There are greater than 26 trailheads alongside the 240-mile-long path, many near bike rental amenities, eating and tenting.
If you wish to see the sights with out doing the legwork, seasonal tram tours can be found on two Tuesdays month-to-month in Could, June, September and October.
TPG tip: Alongside the path, select from historic inns, trip leases, primary factors resorts and tenting choices for lodging. After an extended climbing or biking journey, pamper your self on the spa at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Charges in early November — when peak foliage is predicted for Missouri — begin at $479 or 49,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.
Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park, Ohio
In case your fall travels take you to the Buckeye State, Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s vivid orange and yellow foliage will cease you in your tracks. The park has a scenic railway, lots of of miles of trails and entry to the Cuyahoga River so you’ll be able to expertise the sights at your personal tempo.
Should you love having choices, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad sells an Explorer Pass, which lets you trip the practice in a single route and hike, run, kayak or bike to your start line.
The foliage peaks close to Brandywine Falls in mid-October. Comply with the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Loop path to see pink sugar maples pop towards the darkish brown leaves of the white oaks and the white foam of the 60-foot waterfall.
TPG tip: The nationwide park is only a 30-minute drive south of downtown Cleveland. Examine in to the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade, positioned in a historic 1890 shopping center within the coronary heart of downtown. Charges in October begin at $129 or 9,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time.
Greenville County, South Carolina
Whereas everybody else is heading to the Blue Ridge Mountains, in-the-know vacationers will head to the mountain vary’s foothills to go to Greenville, South Carolina. Whereas downtown Greenville has the anticipated purchasing and eating, you may be stunned that you simply need not depart downtown to expertise the world’s fall colours.
The easiest way to see the world’s waterfalls, river and sweeping inexperienced areas is on the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy, positioned downtown. The uniquely formed, curved pedestrian bridge spans 345 toes and has panoramic views of the altering foliage.
TPG tip: Positioned inside the park, the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection has rooms with views of the falls. Charges begin at $283 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this October.
Killarney Nationwide Park, Eire
There is not any scarcity of pure magnificence in Killarney National Park‘s 26,000 acres of tranquil lakes, craggy mountains and luxurious forests, however the historical past of this space of southwest Eire makes it much more alluring. You’ll be able to go to a 4,000-year-old prehistoric settlement, a citadel and abbey constructed within the fifteenth century, and centuries-old grand estates.
Trails vary from wheelchair accessible to a “very tough” path that results in the summit of Torc Mountain. Along with fall’s fiery, red-hued leaves, you’ll be able to try to spot the nation’s final indigenous herd of pink deer.
TPG tip: Simply exterior the park, Killarney Glamping presents glamping suites, luxurious lodges and personal cabins, all with en suite loos and heating. The resort’s sauna, set on the banks of the River Flesk, is offered to friends. Charges begin at $280 per night time in October.
Use your Hilton Honors factors on the Cahernane House Hotel, an SLH hotel, a late-Nineteenth-century manor house between the nationwide park and the city of Killarney. October charges begin at $275 or 60,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time.
Grizedale Forest, England
Grizedale Forest, named for the Grizedale Corridor property that after stood on the grounds, is in Northwest England’s Lake District. Forestry England manages the land, which supplies ample alternatives for guests to discover the world on foot, horseback, bike or a excessive ropes course.
The blanket of inexperienced timber that covers the hills and valleys in spring and summer time provides strategy to a kaleidoscope of pink, orange and yellow hues within the fall.
Whereas having fun with the colourful leaves painted by Mom Nature, you can too go to a sculpture trail with items solid from pure supplies, a kids’s playground and a restaurant. In case you are visiting with children, do not miss the Gruffalo orienteering course for a little bit of academic enjoyable.
At night time, go stargazing on the Grizedale Observatory and Planetarium, which opened in 2025.
TPG tip: The Swan Hotel & Spa is a 20-minute drive from Grizedale Forest. It presents commonplace rooms and personal cottages beginning at $147 per night time in October.
Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Park, Croatia
Opened in 1949, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one in every of Croatia’s oldest and largest nationwide parks, however the forces that carved the park’s caves and water options are a lot older. Over the course of hundreds of years, water flowing over the park’s rocks created distinctive, multilevel lakes and waterfalls that move between them. Plitvice Lakes’ year-round dreaminess is additional heightened within the fall when the turquoise waters distinction dramatically with the autumn leaves.
There’s a fee to enter the park, however admission contains entry to sightseeing boats and practice excursions. You may also hike from the parking zone to see the lakes (and leaves) on foot.
TPG tip: Hotel Jezero is simply subsequent to the park entrance and presents perks like free parking and complimentary transportation to pick areas contained in the park. While you guide the Plitvice Lakes Autumn Charms Package (from $110 per night time in October), you will additionally get park entry for the size of your keep and complimentary breakfast.
Eryri Nationwide Park, Wales
Inside Eryri National Park, additionally identified by its English identify Snowdonia, you will discover Yr Wyddfa — the very best mountain in Wales. Fortunately, you do not have to hike 3,560 toes to the summit to see the sensible fall foliage (except you wish to). There are climbing, biking and horseback using trails to swimsuit all ranges, in addition to paved paths which can be accessible for wheelchairs.
Should you go to in mid-to-late October, you will take pleasure in an array of orange and yellow leaves throughout the mountainous peaks.
TPG tip: If you wish to absolutely immerse your self in Wales’ fall magnificence, there are resorts, bed-and-breakfasts and campsites within the park. The Grapes is a comfy family-owned lodge and pub within the village of Maentwrog, bookable through Chase Journey. Charges in October begin at $142 per night time.
Backside line
Whether or not you propose to journey a brief distance to take a look at the leaves on a crisp autumn day or fly to a different continent for a full fall-iday, you will discover what you search — with out the crowds — in these locations.
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