Every year, New England steals the spotlight when its forests ignite in fiery shades of red and gold. But America’s fall magic stretches far beyond the Northeast. From the peaks of the Rockies to the quiet valleys of Oregon, there are countless places where leaves paint the landscape in unexpected brilliance—without the crowds. Here are nine stunning destinations where fall foliage takes center stage in surprising ways.

Discover the fall season in the U.S. with HomeExchange

Quick Guide: Where to See Fall Foliage Beyond New England

Destination Highlight Experience Best Time to Visit
Big Bear, CA Boat tour on Big Bear Lake Late October–Early Nov
The Ozarks, AR/MO Pig Trail Scenic Byway drive Mid–Late October
Washington, D.C. Rock Creek Park hikes Late October
Asheville, NC Blue Ridge Parkway vistas Early Oct–Early Nov
Vail, CO Aspen groves in White River National Forest Late September–Mid Oct
Upstate NY Catskill Scenic Trail & Adirondacks Late Sept–Mid October
Michigan M-119 "Tunnel of Trees" Mid October
Montana Lamar Valley in Yellowstone Late Sept–Mid October
Southern Oregon Crater Lake & Rogue-Umpqua Byway Early–Late October

Big Bear, California: Autumn by the Lake

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear is proof that Southern California has a fall season worth celebrating. Maple and aspen trees blaze with lime, orange, and crimson around Big Bear Lake and the Rim of the World Byway. Take a boat ride on the Big Bear Queen or enjoy mountain views from the lakeside Hotel Marina Riviera.

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HomeExchange tip: A cozy mountain cabin swap here means family hikes by day and board games by the fire at night.

The Ozarks: Hidden Autumn Wonderland

Stretching across Missouri and Arkansas, the Ozarks transform into a patchwork of fiery forests each fall. Drive the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, hike Kessler Mountain, or take in sweeping views from Top of the Rock overlooking Table Rock Lake.

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HomeExchange tip: Swap into a rustic Ozark lodge for the season and join locals at small-town fall festivals.

Washington, D.C.: Monuments Framed by Color

In the capital, fall foliage softens the city’s monuments with a golden glow. Rock Creek Park and the National Arboretum are peaceful escapes, while Great Falls Park and Harpers Ferry add dramatic river views surrounded by trees in full color.

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HomeExchange tip: Imagine a home swap near Georgetown—walk along the canal in the morning, and picnic under scarlet maples in the afternoon.

Asheville, North Carolina: Colors of the Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a front-row seat to one of the longest and most diverse foliage displays in the country. Between October and November, every elevation bursts with color. Hikes in Graveyard Fields or Grandfather Mountain showcase the Appalachian magic.

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HomeExchange tip: Swap homes with an Asheville family and live like a local—farmers’ markets, mountain trails, and evenings by the fire.

Vail, Colorado: A Golden Mountain Escape

Aspen groves blanket Vail in shimmering yellow each fall. Guided hikes and jeep tours lead to breathtaking overlooks like Piney River Ranch in the White River National Forest. When the sun hits the aspen leaves, the mountains look like they’re glowing.

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HomeExchange tip: A home exchange in Vail means your family can swap ski boots for hiking shoes and still enjoy a storybook mountain village.

Upstate New York: Northeast Without the Crowds

From the Catskills to the Adirondacks, Upstate New York is a paradise of autumn color. Trails like the Catskill Scenic Trail and hikes around Mirror Lake offer endless views of fiery maples and golden birches.

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HomeExchange tip: Trade homes with a Catskills family and enjoy weekends filled with mountain hikes, cider donuts, and small-town charm.

Michigan: The Tunnel of Trees

Michigan shines in fall, with over 19 million acres of forest. The M-119 tunnel of trees near Harbor Springs is a bucket-list drive, while chairlifts at Boyne Mountain Resort soar over canopies of red and gold. In the Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula glows with views over Lake Superior.

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HomeExchange tip: A lakeside home exchange means cozy mornings with coffee on the deck as leaves fall into the water.

Montana: Wild Colors of the West

In Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, cottonwoods and aspens turn bright gold against rugged mountains and roaming bison. Around Bozeman, trails in Hyalite Canyon and along the Gallatin River glow with fall shades, framed by snow-capped peaks.

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HomeExchange tip: Swap into a Montana ranch home and step into the kind of scenery usually reserved for postcards.

Southern Oregon: Where Lava Meets Leaves

Here, fiery foliage meets dramatic landscapes. At Crater Lake National Park, the sapphire water contrasts with autumn leaves. The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway winds past waterfalls and canyons filled with color, while Ashland and Jacksonville charm with maple-lined streets.

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HomeExchange tip: A home swap near Ashland means crisp hikes by day and evenings at local theaters or cozy wine bars.

A New Way to Experience Fall

Chasing autumn colors doesn’t need to mean fighting crowds in Vermont or New Hampshire. With HomeExchange, you can swap your home for a cozy cabin, lakeside retreat, or mountain lodge in one of these unexpected destinations. It’s not just about saving on accommodation—it’s about living fall like a local, from apple-picking weekends to small-town festivals.

Find some marvellous places with HomeExchange