World Tourism Day: 5 Best Places to Watch Fall Foliage in the USA

Most of us are not ready for summer to end, but we are well aware that it’s not all bad news. World Tourism Day is right around the corner and we at Quadtrek would love to help you plan a mini-vacay with the fam this fall season. The crisp fall season winds are already starting to blow, and over the next few months, we will begin to experience unique views of the fall season. Classic leafy views in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York are always a great go-to, but you can also find amazing leaf changing action in states like California and New Virginia. 

So, as you prepare for sweater weather, hot apple cider, and best of all, seeing the leaves change from the lush greens of summer to the bright golds, oranges, and reds of autumn—we at Quadtrek, have rounded up the best places to see fall foliage around the country. Here are five other places you can visit this fall season.

Napa Valley, California

For fall foliage to treat your eyes, you should definitely consider California’s most popular wine region! Napa Valley is an ode to tourism, and what better day to please your eyes than World Tourism Day? For travelers who have never experienced the life cycle of leaves on a grapevine—it changes from yellow to gold, to oranges and bold crimsons. It’s a stunning sight you don’t want to miss–made even better by fabulous bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and vintages that one of the world’s best wine-producing regions has to offer. The Silverado Trail is known to be the best route to take for views of vineyard foliage against Napa River in the backdrop. Another alternative would be to book passage on the Napa Valley Wine Train and combine a love of wine, fine food, and foliage for one unforgettable trip.

Upper Peninsula and Gold Coast, Michigan

Another hotspot to visit on World Tourism Day would be Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—its stretches across seven million acres of forest. The trees vary in 100 different species with vivid blue waters of Lake Superior setting the tone to a beautiful fall foliage view. On the other hand, you can visit Lake Michigan, if it is more of your style. All you need to do is set off on a drive down the Gold Coast. Neverthless, a gorgeous view of the seasons changing awaits. Enjoy the bright and fiery maple and oak leaves in contrast to the green of fir, spruce, and pine trees.

The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Columbia River cuts into the Cascade Mountains like a slithering snake, forming an 80-mile long gorge that’s home to some incredible fall season colors. This amazing holiday hotspot in the northwest consists of views of tumbling waterfalls, white rapids, and bubbling streams. Treat you eyes to the golden hues of cottonwoods, twisted pines, Oregon ash, big-leaf maples, and firs. What stands out as significant is the incredible array of species, all interpreting the fall in their own artistic menas. As a traveler, you can drive along the Columbia River, which gives you an up-close view of the colors. A hike on gorgeous trails along the river’s edge will add that spice of adventure to your vacation. You could even grab a kayak or raft and jump right in the river. All-in-all, you will only have about a month or so to watch the colors change, so planning trips from mid-September to mid-October is best. It is also just around World Tourism Day and what better way to celebrate that day than travel with colors.

The Great Smoky Mountains, Virginia

The Great Smoky Mountains that range across the Appalachians and stretch from the southwestern corner of Virginia and down along the North Carolina—are a ravishing sight for the fall season. The mountain peaks rise to a height of 6,600 feet sometimes above those glorious clouds. There are over multiple species of trees in the mountains, so as a fall foliage gazer, you can enjoy the yellows of the American beech, the oranges of sassafras and maple, and the glowing reds from pin cherry and ash as they collect along the mountainside. Travelers who start their color-changing trip in Virginia can travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway and catch fall foliage on dogwoods, sourwoods, and black gums. The fall foliage starts as early as the end of September just when World Tourism Day falls. Then, if you drive your way through the mountains during fall, you’ll catch all the best colors as they pop. The best route to take is through Newfound Gap and Cades Cove for views of foliage among streams and waterfalls.

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County is one of the Midwest’s best fall foliage destinations along highway 57 down the Lakeside of the peninsula. This tourism spot in New England consists of picturesque lighthouses and white-frame buildings that accompany bursts of scarlet, gold, russet, and vermilion along the highways and form canopies over country lanes. You’ll find numerous things to do in its charming towns as well as apple orchards to go apple picking along the way.

We understand that you and your family would be looking forward to getting in some scenic driving. Lucky for you, the peak leaf-peeping season is coming sooner than you think. So, in light of celebrating World Tourism Day, it’s time to start packing the binoculars and strap on your Quadtrek all-terrain snow cleats. Get ready to fire up your Instagram feeds with some autumn adventures.