Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and a kaleidoscope of colors. That’s what’s waiting for you during a scenic fall family getaway. If you’re searching for the best places to see fall foliage, you’ve come to the right website. Across the country, there are stunning fall foliage destinations where families can bond over nature walks, hayrides, and hot cider. You will find yourselves surrounded by red and gold leaves throughout all these activities. Today, I am sharing fall travel ideas that are packed with adventure, relaxation, and Instagram-worthy moments. Get ready to explore the best fall getaways, so you can decide how you want to create lasting memories with your family.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage for Family Leaf Peeping Adventures

Stowe, Vermont – One of the Best Places to See Fall Foliage

One of the best places to see fall foliage is Stowe, Vermont. In fact, this picturesque mountain town is known as the “Fall’s Color Capital”. Between the color of the leaves, and the vibe of feeling like you are walking through a storybook, you may not want to leave this fall foliage travel destination.

I recommend driving along scenic Route 100. This route is also known as Vermont’s Main Street. You will discover plenty of places to stop for family photos and fun.

I recommend visiting a working maple farm to learn how maple syrup is made. Most farms will give you free samples to try. Taste all you want and then make a purchase or two, so you can relive your maple farm memories long after you return home from your family vacation.

Spectacular panoramic views of the fall foliage can be seen during a gondola ride up Mt. Mansfield.

Oh, and if your family wants a few souvenirs, check out downtown Stowe. This charming area is packed with family-owned shops and cafes. The cafes are perfect for when you need a bite to eat. And the shops will have everything you need to remember this family vacation.

Check out these fall family vacations to plan now. 

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long. It weaves through the states of North Carolina and Virginia. Since the elevation along this stretch of road is so diverse, there is usually an extended leaf-peeping season.

During your drive, stop at the overlooks to enjoy a picnic with a view. There are plenty of hiking trails along this parkway. Humpback Rocks is a short trail that is quite family friendly.

Of course, your fall foliage family vacation won’t be complete if you don’t stop to pick apples at a local orchard. The Folk Art Center is another place to visit if you are interested in regional crafts.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts – One of the Best Charming Places to See Fall Foliage

The Berkshires is another one of the best places to see fall foliage. Your fall foliage family vacation will be packed with family friendly outdoor recreation throughout the small artsy towns in the region.

I recommend riding the Hoosic Valley Train to see the vibrant fall scenery up close. Interactive farm experiences are available at Hancock Shaker Village. And you won’t be disappointed with a hike along the trails at the Mount Greylock State Reservation.

There are usually plenty of harvest festivals and farmers markets to visit during the fall in the Berkshires. Add a couple to your list, so you don’t miss out on the best cider donuts in the state.

Door County, Wisconsin

Not too many people think of Wisconsin when they are considering the best places to see fall foliage for their family vacation. And yet, Door County offers everything you would want during fall foliage season and so much more.

A scenic ferry ride to Washington Island is a must during the fall in Wisconsin. The views of the colorful trees from the water are fabulous.

Over in Peninsula State Park, you will want to hike the trails or ride a bike. You will cover more ground by biking. However, slowing down while hiking offers you more of a chance to really take in the beauty of the region.

Apple picking is popular in Door County during the fall foliage season. However, go out and pick cherries too. This unique activity will really get your family to talk about how different fall is in Wisconsin.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another one of the best places to see fall foliage in two different states. While you can spend your time in one state, I guarantee you will love the option of visiting both states during your family vacation.

Stunning views of the colorful trees can be seen while driving along Newfound Gap Road or Cades Cove Loop.

While visiting the park, head into the ranger station. The rangers are always leading family nature programs. These programs are an excellent way to learn more about the area you are vacationing in.

Over in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, you will find plenty of activities to keep your family busy during vacation. Dollywood, aquariums, and mini golf courses are only a couple of the options available to you in those areas.

Check out these other national parks to visit with multiple generations of your family this year. 

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is usually a ski-lovers dream destination. However, it is one of the best fall foliage travel destinations.

Jaw dropping vistas can be seen from the Silver Queen Gondola ride. A hike along the Maroon Bells Scenic Trail will keep your family moving. This hiking trail in Aspen is perfect for all ages. Therefore, no one will need to be left out of this activity during your family vacation.

Nearby Snowmass Village hosts all kinds of fall festivals. And you will discover a pumpkin patch or two that you can visit while you are on a family vacation in Aspen.

Adirondack Mountains, New York

A couple hundred miles is what separates New York City from the fabulous Adirondack Mountains in New York State. The Adirondacks offer six million acres of lakes, mountains, and forests for you to explore as a family.

This amazing fall foliage travel destination is perfect for your family if you want to spend most of your time outside.

A canoe trip on Lake Placid or Mirror Lake is a must during the fall in the Adirondacks. Seeing the colorful leaves from the water offers a unique leaf-peeping experience.

The boardwalk trails are easy to maneuver at High Falls Gorge. Those boardwalks will take you to the numerous waterfalls in the area.

Downtime is available while riding the Cloudspitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain. And you won’t know what to do first when you arrive at the Wild Center. This outdoor attraction has quite a few interactive nature exhibits, as well as a treetop Wild Walk.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village in the state of Washington. This is one of the best fall getaways you can choose for your next family vacation.

Hiking along the Waterfront Park Trail is a must. This trail will take you along the Wenatchee River, where you can see the changing leaves on the trees.

A horse-drawn carriage ride through the village will have your family relaxing while learning more about the area. And you won’t want to skip attending the Autumn Leaf Festival.

Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, Canada

You don’t need to stay in the United States to visit one of the best places to see fall foliage with your family. Just a short drive from Montreal is the Laurentian Mountains. The trees within this mountain range explode with color during the months of September and October.

A ride on the gondola at Mont-Tremblant will allow your family to see panoramic views of the crimson maples and golden birch trees.

There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from within the Laurentian Mountains. The amount of fall foliage you will see during your hikes as a family will amaze you. So, don’t skip out on this incredible activity.

Black Forest, Germany – One of the Unique Places to See Fall Foliage

The Black Forest in Germany is a magical destination during the fall. The entire forest turns into a golden-orange dream in autumn. To experience all this color firsthand, wander along the walking trails in the forest.

A ride on the scenic train will have you seeing so much more. Or you can choose to drive along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, which is the Black Forest High Road.

Hands-on heritage fun is available at the open-air Vogtsbauernhof Museum. And make sure you visit different local restaurants to enjoy all the hearty fall meals on the menu.

Alsace Region, France

Do you love wine? Do you want to spend your family vacation during the fall in wine country? Well, the Alsace Region in France is one of the best places to see fall foliage!

All the vineyards turn a golden color at this time of the year. The cool mountain air will feel good, as you realize all the summer crowds have left and you have space to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Visiting the fairytale towns of Eguisheim and Colmar are a must. And you should make sure Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is on your list of places to see during your fall foliage family vacation.

The markets in France are always incredible. However, during this time of the year, they all have a harvest theme. So, you will be even more impressed with what you discover when it is time to shop.

Whether you’re craving crisp mountain air, golden forests, or charming small towns, there’s no shortage of fall foliage travel destinations. There are so many fall travel ideas to choose from. Each one will allow you to reconnect, slow down, and make memories with your family. Your next fall foliage vacation is waiting for you. And it is full of adventures, relaxation, and lots of leaf-peeping opportunities.

So, are you ready to have me personalize your family vacation in one of the best places to see fall foliage?

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