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Fall is a magical time of the year, and personally it is my favorite season. From sipping on chai lattes to enjoying a breezy walk on a shady trail, fall time is a blissful season. If you’re looking to catch the first glimpses of autumn colors in September, there are some truly picturesque places to visit.

Here are five beautiful destinations known for their early fall foliage:

1. Aspen, Colorado

Why Visit? Aspen is renowned for its stunning display of golden aspen trees, which begin to change color in early to mid-September. The vibrant yellow leaves against the backdrop of rugged mountains create a breathtaking scene, something everyone should see! Be sure to check out the top spots to see the fall foiliage: Maroon Bells, Independence Pass, and Castle Creek Road offer some of the best views.

Activities & Attractions in Aspen, Colorado:

• Hiking: Explore the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail for stunning views of the twin peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, surrounded by golden aspens.
• Scenic Drives: Take a drive along Independence Pass, one of the highest paved roads in North America, offering panoramic views of the foliage.
• Mountain Biking: For an adrenaline rush, try mountain biking on trails like the Rio Grande Trail, surrounded by vibrant fall colors.

There are many ways to take in and experience the fall foliage first hand! One idea that offers adventure and thrill would be a gondola ride. Consider riding the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain to see the expansive views of the fall color from above! Walking around downtown Aspen on foot is also a great and easy way to explore the colors of the leaves. Make sure to visit the John Denver Sanctuary, where the trees are ablaze with color.

Local events are always a fun way to experience a destination and grasp onto what the culture is like. Aspen Filmfest is a September film festival that showcases international and independent films, offering a cultural experience amidst the fall scenery.

2. Stowe, Vermont

Why Visit? Stowe is a classic New England destination for fall foliage. By late September, the trees in Vermont start to turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Make sure you stop by some of the top spots to check out the beautiful changes in the leaves this fall season. Top spots I recommend are: Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Mount Mansfield, and Stowe Recreation Path are great places to soak in the scenery.

Activities & Attractions:

• Hiking: Climb Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, for a breathtaking view of the fall foliage stretching across the landscape.
• Scenic Drives: Drive through Smugglers’ Notch Pass, a narrow mountain pass with winding roads flanked by vibrant fall colors.
• Biking: The Stowe Recreation Path is a great way to bike through the town and countryside, with stunning foliage along the way.

Some of the best ways to experience the fall foliage would be getting a bird’s eye view of the changing leaves with a hot air balloon ride over the Green Moutains. Canoeing on Watervury Reservoir is another way to take in the scenery and paddle on the tranquil waters, surrounded by the reds and oranges of the autumn leaves.

If you find yourself in Stowe, Vermont in early October, the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival event is held at that time, featuring craft vendors, food, and live music. Snuggled in the backdrop of fall colors, this festival is worth the visit!

3. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Why Visit: The Berkshires are famous for their rolling hills and charming towns, making them an ideal spot for early fall foliage. The area comes alive with color starting in mid-September. Some great top spots to see the fall colors are: Mount Greylock, the Mohawk Trail, and Tanglewood are popular spots for leaf peeping.

Activities & Attractions:

• Hiking: Trek up Monument Mountain or Mount Greylock for panoramic views of the autumn landscape.
• Scenic Drives: The Mohawk Trail is a classic New England drive that winds through the Berkshire Mountains, offering stunning fall vistas.
• Cultural Attractions: Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge or catch a performance at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Enjoy a peaceful picnic on the grounds of Tanglewood, surrounded by the colors of fall or even become more adventurous and kayak on Laurel Lake. Spend your afternoon paddling through calm waters framed by brilliant fall foliage.

If you are up for it and want to feel the local vibe, the Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival takes place around this time! It is an annual event featuring local crafts, food, and live music, celebrating the season’s harvest and color.

4. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

Why Visit: The Great Smoky Mountains offer a long foliage season due to their varied elevations. By late September, you can begin to see the colors change, especially at higher altitudes. See the best of the fall foliage from the most favorited top spots: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are must-visit locations.

Activities & Attractions:

• Hiking: Explore trails like Alum Cave Trail or the Appalachian Trail for stunning views of fall colors, especially in higher elevations.
• Scenic Drives: Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or Newfound Gap Road for some of the most scenic foliage views in the area.
• Historic Sites: Visit Cades Cove, a historic valley offering a glimpse of pioneer life, surrounded by colorful fall foliage.

A few other ways to take in the scenery would be to hike Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, the top of the highest point in the park for a panoramic view of the fall colors. If you are feeling up to it, horseback riding offers a unique way to experience the foliage through the forested trails.

If you find yourself here in October, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair takes place. This event features local artisans and crafts set against the backdrop of fall colors.

5. Door County, Wisconsin

Why Visit: Door County is known for its picturesque waterfronts and charming small towns. By late September, the peninsula’s hardwood forests begin to display beautiful fall colors. Make sure to take the time and check out the top spots: Peninsula State Park, Door Bluff Headlands Park, and the Village of Ephraim offer stunning views.

• Activities & Attractions:
  • Hiking: Explore Peninsula State Park, with its miles of trails offering views of Lake Michigan and vibrant fall foliage.
  • Scenic Drives: The Door County Coastal Byway offers stunning views of the shoreline and forests ablaze with autumn colors.
  • Apple Picking: Visit local orchards like Seaquist Orchards for apple picking, a classic fall activity.

Although there are many ways to experience the fall foliage, boat tours can be a unique and different option. Take a scenic boat tour around the peninsula to see the fall colors from the water, especially around Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. If you are feeling more up for something more physical, cycling gives you the chance to bike the scenic backroads of Door County to enjoy the colorful landscapes up close.

Held in early October in Egg Harbor, the Pumpkin Patch Festival celebrates the harvest season with live music, arts and crafts, and plenty of pumpkins, all amidst the fall colors. What says fall more like pumpkins?

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Each of these destinations offers a unique way to experience fall foliage, from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Whether you’re hiking, driving, or attending local festivals, you’ll find plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn!

Comment below which place you like the most, and why that town stuck out to you. Happy leaf sight-seeing and enjoy this fall weather!