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If you’re not ready for leaf-peeping season to end, it doesn’t have to be. Many destinations across America are just seeing their arboreal colors turn. While New England’s fall scares may be behind us, here are 10 places you can still find fall foliage in America.
Ozark Mountains, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma
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According to Arkansas State Parks, prime fall is expected in late October in the peaks and forest areas of the Ozarks. To enjoy the beauty of fall, take a drive along Arkansas’ scenic 7 Byway. Or, hike to Ha Ha Tonka State Park for vistas across the Lake of the Ozarks. And speaking of water, book a boat ride on the region’s namesake lake, or glide through warm colors on a paddle trip along the Buffalo National River.
Flagstaff, Arizona
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According to Discover Flagstaff’s leaf-ometer, 2,025 colors have not yet been affected as of this article’s publication. This means that the area will likely see a golden hue in late October and early November. To soak up the view, ride the Arizona Snowbobble Scenic Gondola to about 11,500 feet, then visit Oak Creek Canyon to see the mosaic of colorful spins and motifs in the Cocino National Forest. Don’t sleep on the city of Flagstaff. It also has its share of yellow spins across the city.
Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
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Color typically peaks in Georgia by mid-October, then crescendos in late October and early November. That’s expected to change before the higher elevations, but in places like Ammecula Falls State Park, shadows break out around Halloween time. Admire the colorful scenery, complete with a tree-shaded boardwalk trail and the longest cascading waterfall in the Southeast. Stay at Park Lodge to cap off each leaf-peeping day with a cozy fall campfire.
Kischi National Forest, Louisiana
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While many of the trees in Louisiana’s Kesiche National Forest are evergreen, some, like the bald cypress and sweet gum trees, delight travelers with pops of ruby red and orange every fall. According to local station Ktal News, the 600,000-acre patch of grasslands, mesas and streams turned colors in November. Spot them while hiking the area’s more than 100 trail miles, or by horseback or bike.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas
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If you’re looking for the best fall foliage in Texas, look no further than Lost Maple State Natural Area, a cluster of maple forests and beautiful reservoirs 90 miles northwest of San Antonio. The colors here usually bloom from mid to late November. An important note: this park experienced flooding this year, so wear sturdy hiking shoes, prepare for water crossings, and stay on the trails.
Gale National Forest, New Mexico
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With varying elevations, Gale National Forest puts on an extended show every fall. You can see the color shift on the higher peaks in October. Then in November it moves to cottonwood and sycamore forests New Mexico Magazine. The drama continues till December in the lesser valleys. Although it’s hard to find a bad view in this 3.3 million-acre area of peaks, hills, and forests, some of the best are along the Gale River or accessible on hikes at the Peak Fire Lookout sign.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
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As one of the largest tracts of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests, Kangri National Park is stunning in any season. When fall hits central South Carolina, it gets extra spectacular. From late October to late November, this playground of tupelos and oaks transforms into quite a colorful scene, with a 2.6-mile boardwalk that runs through its heart. For another multi-level view, kayak the tree-lined Cedar Creek Canoe Trail.
Napa Valley, California
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If you prefer your leaf peeping with a side of wine, head to Nipa in late November, when the leaves hit their peak. According to Visit Valley, November brings the most eye-popping displays, with golden poppies adorning the region’s vineyards. This region goes all out with its leaf peeping efforts. Get an aerial view with a hot air balloon ride, or join a hike and asp tour to sample the local sights and flavors. Even the vineyards have fun in the fall, including Barringer Vineyards, which boasts its own imaginative displays on 200 acres of tree-lined grounds and gardens.
Toria State Park, Florida
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Florida isn’t the first place that comes to mind for fall foliage, but the Sunshine State offers a lesser-known escape for leaf peeping: Toria State Park. This gateway, known for its rare trees, shifts dramatically into autumn in November. Its hardwood forests are dressed with color, and the park’s 16 miles of hiking trails provide excellent views. Hike the Weeping Ridge Trail to see leaves deep within a stream. Or, combined with the Rock Creek Loop for polychromatic forests and gurgling ravines.
Asheville, North Carolina
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While Asheville’s high elevations first turn colorful in October, late fall brings spectacular color to the region’s lower reaches, where the scene often lasts into November. Hike to a waterfall in DuPont State Park, visit the North Carolina Arboretum, or just relax on a fall afternoon along Lake Lore. And, if you don’t break the bank with your tree-hunting adventures, you’re in luck: Asheville has been named the most affordable fall foliage destination in America this year.
