Top 5 Cities for Great Fall Colors

Where can you go to see some great fall colors? Traditionally, New England gets the nod, but many areas of the country experience the changing colors of fall.

Seasonal changes bring about the splendor and wonder that makes us glad to enter another season. Some anticipate the newness of spring, others the warmth of summer, while some people admire the cool wonderland of winter. While these seasons are pretty cool, its difficult to beat the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that make up the fall color spectrum that we admire.

Here are five great cities where you can experience great fall colors.

Leavenworth, Washington

Why wouldn’t you find great fall foliage in Washington? This northwestern state is the perfect place to enjoy the changing colors that can take your breath away. Leavenworth, Washington provides a Germanic feeling with the celebration of Oktoberfest during the named month every year. This mountain town brings incredible views, amazing style, and a celebration that’s hard to beat. You’ll love the beauty of the landscape and the incredible brilliance set into this wonderful mountain village.

If you want to take some red, orange, or yellow leaves home with you, start with the red maples along the trails in Waterfront Park where you’ll find Blackbird Island. This spit is perfect for viewing the lovely trees along the Wenatchee River.

Troutdale, Oregon

Another northwestern state with great fall colors is Oregon. One of the best cities to visit where you can view these beautiful colors is Troutdale. Located only minutes from the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, Troutdale can be your gateway to the fall foliage you want to enjoy. This scenic path offers 90 waterfalls, most of which can be easily accessed via a short hike through the forest. Check out the National Scenic Area, which provides the most waterfalls in one area in the entire country.

Just imagine the wonder of some beautiful waterfalls, like Multnomah Falls, backdropped by the beautiful hues of autumn. This romantic and magical scene could make Troutdale a place where you regularly visit during your vacations. If you’re up for some added adventure, take one of the waterfall tours and immerse yourself in the wonder of this amazing area.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is one of the hottest mountain tour towns in the country. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this small town on the edge of Tennessee and North Carolina is the perfect place to visit when you want to see the changing leaf colors. The Smoky Mountains offer many amazing overlooks, waterfalls, and scenic tours of various difficulty levels, making it easy to explore regardless of your age or skill level.

If you want to enjoy a unique experience near Gatlinburg, head to the top of Clingsman Dome and view the leave changing across four different states. Of course, you can also take an airlifted ride in the town and see the natural beauty of the area from an elevated position.

Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City is known for being far above sea level in the Rocky Mountains. Although Denver is typically thought of as a ski destination, the tree-covered mountains surrounding this city can be the perfect place to see some great fall colors. This area boasts one of the longest-running autumn color seasons, with golden aspen trees and incredible reds and oranges strewn throughout the area. This city is an incredible place to view some of the most beautiful fall colors, with leaves changing from late September through mid-November.

If you’re a fan of cycling and want to enjoy the autumn colors while riding your bike, the tree-lined Cherry Creek Bike Trail offers 40 miles of gorgeous trees that offer incredible views you can admire during a ride.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Another amazing northern location where you’ll find the gorgeous oranges, reds, and yellows that you want to enjoy in the fall is located at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This amazing town offers tree-lined estates that offer incredible views of large homes with gorgeous trees changing colors for the season. Lake Geneva is only one hour from downtown Milwaukee, making it easily accessible from the larger city. You’ll find orchards, country roads, shops, festivals, and wineries along the way.

Many wealthy business tycoons, including the Wrigleys and Schwinns, have made Lake Geneva their home, building incredible estates in the area. You can walk down the 21-mile shoreline path that winds its way through this historical area lined with amazing estates.

When you want to see great fall colors where will you go? These five cities offer some excellent alternatives to traditional New England destinations.