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If you’re looking for the best small towns in the US for fall foliage with colorful forests and charming neighborhoods filled with reds, yellows, and oranges, then this is the place to be. Many US small towns have world-famous fall color shows you shouldn’t miss.
It’s the season to get in your car, fill up the tank, and hit the road to explore the US’s top small towns for fall colors. You’ll get to experience intense foliage and enjoy charming local festivities in the process.
From friendly Midwest communities to mountain villages, these towns will leave you with plenty of fun memories. Below are the 12 best small towns in the US for fall foliage.
Bar Harbor, Maine
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This coastal community is where many people go to get fall colors. The rolling hills surrounding the city are home to endless hiking trails and small roads perfect for a fall drive.
Head into the nearby Acadia National Park, where you’ll have over 50,000 acres of pristine forest to explore. The region’s maples, oaks, birches, and willows burst into vivid colors that will feel like a dream.
After taking it all in, head downtown for cider donuts or to sample the town’s famous seafood. Bar Harbor has plenty of fall festivals, too, including the popular Maine Leaves and Lobster HOP. Bring your appetite for all things lobster and maybe an extra change of shirts, it’s going to be messy.
Read also: Stunning Destinations for Fall Foliage in the US
Salem, Oregon
Salem is a beautiful small city with a small-town vibe that’s perfect for fall. You’ll have tons of festivals like the Bauman’s Harvest Festival and holiday decorations to enjoy.
For the ultimate fall color show, hit the road from Salem to the McKenzie River Scenic Byway. You’ll pass by colorful forests and the famous vineyards of the Willamette Valley. Then, you’ll drive into the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
For extra fall fun, head to the shores of the McKenzie River for some of the country’s best fly fishing. Then, end your fall getaway in the romantic town of Vida and visit the picturesque Goodpasture Bridge, one of the state’s most iconic landmarks.
Read also: Fabulous Places in the US To See Fall Foliage
Charlottesville, Virginia
This small community is surrounded by dense forests that turn into a kaleidoscope of color during the fall. The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the town are full of trails and roads perfect for day trips and long hikes.
Head to Shenandoah National Park to experience some of the best overlooks in the country. You’ll gaze out over the valleys and take in endless stretches of fall foliage.
In town, you’ll have fall markets and harvest festivals to enjoy. The popular Corn Maze Festival features a giant corn maze and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Then check out Fall Fest Weekend for vendors selling artisanal products and food, plus live music and plenty of good vibes.
Read also: Cheap US Destinations for Fall
Breckenridge, Colorado
The Colorado Rockies transform every fall into one of the most colorful regions in the country. The small community of Breckenridge is the perfect gateway to the beautiful mountain foliage.
The town is located at almost 10,000 feet above sea level. If the high altitude doesn’t make you feel loopy, the intense colors will.
Nearby is the beautiful Boreas Pass. This intensely beautiful drive takes you through some of the best hiking and wildlife viewing in the country. With the unforgettable views, you’ll want to book a ticket to Breckenridge every fall.
Read also: Amazing Fall Hikes in the US
French Lick West Baden, Indiana
This small resort town is full of relaxing places to enjoy the fall colors—intense hues of red, yellow, and orange turn the Hoosier National Forest into a colorful spectacle.
The town has some of the Midwest’s best hiking trails. Head out on these well-marked trails, and you’ll travel through a sea of colors and breathtaking natural scenery.
For the ultimate fall color show, hop on the French Lick Scenic Railway and ride through the beautiful national park. You’ll get to take in the views in style on one of the country’s most beloved fall color tours.
Read also: Scenice Fall Road Trips in the US
Woodstock, New York
The charming city of Woodstock is the gateway to the Catskill Mountains. This gorgeous mountain range is home to world-famous fall foliage. It also has some of the best fall-color scenic drives in the country.
In town, you’ll have small family-run shops to keep you shopping for days. Grab the local tie-dyes and beads and visit the Woodstock Farm Fest. Then, take in the small-town movie vibes at the Woodstock Film Festival.
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Nearby, take a drive along the Hudson River. You’ll get to visit some of the most charming small towns in America, each with something new going on in the autumn.
Read also: Awesome Fall Foliage Train Rides in the US
Stowe, Vermont
Deep in the mountains of Vermont, Stowe is like an oasis in the middle of endless fall colors for leaf-peeping opportunities. Nearby is the state’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Climb the colorful mountain via the world-famous Stowe Gondola SkyRide, and you’ll have unparalleled views of the forest and valleys.
In town, you can take in Stowe’s small-town charm at one of its many fall events and festivals. The largest is the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival. In early October, this charming New England town transforms into a hub of local craft beer, artisanal products, and live music.
During the mornings and evenings, many locals head out to hike the trails. There are several amazing viewing areas where you can take in the fall colors when the leaves change and the natural scenery. You may even see some famous jam bands running through the forest. Who knows, it’s Vermont after all.
Read also: Historic Small Towns in America
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Harbor Springs is a small vacation destination in Northern Michigan. Although it turns into a summer paradise full of boaters wearing Polo shirts and loafers, in the fall, it’s a road-trippers paradise.
The town is the starting point for one of the country’s most famous fall drives, the Tunnel of Trees. For 20 miles, you’ll drive along the hilly coast of Lake Michigan as huge trees with bright colors cover the entire road. This tunnel of color is a spectacle unlike anywhere else in the country.
Nearby the town are other small communities with fun fall events to enjoy. In Harbor Springs, don’t miss the fun Fall Fest Pumpkin Patch to find the season’s best pumpkins and sample the local pies.
Read also: American Small Towns for Cultural Experiences
South Lake Tahoe
California’s gorgeous mountain lake, Lake Tahoe, is where boaters, hikers, and skiers come for endless nature. It’s also a beautiful place to visit in the fall.
Surrounding the lake, the forests turn into vivid display of fall color. Hit the miles of world-class trails to really take in the sights or simply sit by the lake and enjoy the colorful spectacle.
In the first weekend of October, take in the costumes, decorations, and fun events at the Lake Tahoe Fall Festival. You can also check out the popular Oktoberfest celebration at Camp Richardson. Here, you’ll get to sample local beers while participating in goofy activities and fun.
Read also: Charming Small Towns for Fall Foliage Across the World
Highlands, North Carolina
Highlands is a tiny community deep in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. This is where bluegrass music was created and you can feel the musical heritage throughout the region.
While here, take a drive or hike through the beautiful Nantahala National Forest to take in intense hues of colors. You’ll find waterfalls and other incredible natural landmarks as well as caves and hidden viewpoints.
In town, check out the town’s charming cafes and restaurants or see live music at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. In October, the town hosts the Highlands Food and Wine Festival. This annual event draws in thousands of visitors who come for, well,… Highlands’ food and wine!
Read also: Amazing Cities in the World To See Fall Foliage
North Conway, New Hampshire
This small town is New Hampshire’s premier destination for fall color viewing. You’ll be at the base of Mount Washington, the northeast’s tallest mountain. Here, you can take a quick ride to the top to experience unparalleled views of the colorful countryside.
While in Conway, don’t miss riding on the Conway Scenic Railroad. You’ll travel through the windy valleys of White Mountain National Forest while viewing intense hues of reds, yellows, oranges, waterfalls, and other natural landmarks.
After seeing the countryside, head into town to enjoy North Conway’s charming small-town vibes and fall events. Head to the Settlers Green Outlet Village to check out the fun decorations and artisanal products at the Settlers Green Fall Fest.
Read also: Breathtaking Train Rides for Fall Foliage
Ithaca, New York
If you want to explore romantic vineyards, postcard-worthy lakes, and some of the best fall colors in the country, then head to Ithaca. This beautiful community in Up-State New York is a fall destination unlike any other.
Starting the season, downtown Ithaca hosts the exciting Apple Harvest Festival and Cider Week. Here, you’ll get to sample the best ciders and cider donuts on the planet while enjoying live music and games.
After the fall festivities in downtown Ithaca, hit the road through the Finger Lakes to take in the views. The entire landscape fills in with bright reds and yellows. You’ll see the colorful foliage glitter off the lakes, making this one of the most stunning autumn shows in the country.
Read also: Gorgeous Fall Foliage Destinations Across the Globe
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