A 2021 Fall Foliage Map: When & Where to See The Leaves Changing This Year

2021 Update: The best fall leaf viewing for this year is from SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER, so start planning your ideal road trip now!

If you’re looking for a fall foliage map, you’re in the right place.

Spooky Season is officially here and it’s now socially acceptable to pull out the fall decor, fall scarves, and PSLs (no shame in this coffee game). And, for us hikers and nature lovers, that also means a few blissful, fleeting weeks of absolutely epic hiking options to see the best fall foliage in the US.

It’s been a long dream of mine to do a fall road trip across the US to check out the greens, yellows, oranges, and, if I’m lucky, vivid reds. 

But where to go?

Well, in a moment of pumpkin spice-fueled inspiration, I sat down and researched the best places for fall foliage in the US, including regions, states, national parks, and specific fall hikes.

And then I created this fall foliage map.

Shall I go on? 

I’ve got a full list of the best fall hikes in the US for epic leaf-peeping here. And I’ve broken it down by region and the best times to see fall leaves, below.

Where to see fall foliage in the Northeast 

The Northeast is famous for its gorgeous fall colors and many say it has the best fall foliage in the United States. Periodt.

The leaves start turning colors typically around mid-to-late September and peaking around mid-October.

Looking for a destination trip to see fall foliage? Don’t miss Acadia National Park, The White Mountains, and almost anywhere along the Appalachian Trail to see some of nature’s best work. 

Best states:

• New Hampshire
• Maine
• New Jersey 
• Connecticut

Where to see fall foliage in the Midwest

A little behind the Northeast, October is the best time to be in the Midwest to enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage. Fall colors can start in early September through about the third week of October (sometimes later). And maple leaf colors are best the last week of September into the first week of October.

Want a state-by-state rec? You’ll see the best fall foliage in early October in Minnesota and Michigan; mid-October in Iowa, Ohio, and most of Indiana and Illinois; and late October in Missouri. 

In my opinion, hiking around Lake Superior is not just one of the best things to do in Duluth, Minnesota in the fall, but is just an all-around great weekend trip you should consider adding to your list if you’re looking for a getaway. 

Best states:

• Minnesota
• Indiana
• Missouri

Where to go leaf-peeping in the West

I will say, the west coast isn’t always on the must-see fall foliage map for most people. But that would be a mistake!

There are amazing parks from upper Oregon (and into Canada, if you’d like) and down to Yosemite in California all the way over to Colorado. 

That being said, Colorado and Wyoming, often boast the best fall foliage in the US. There’s no denying that a glimpse of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado or the chance to see fall foliage in Teton Valley in Wyoming from mid-September to mid-October is a treat you’ll remember forever.

But you should also add to your fall foliage map Oregon and the beautiful Blue Mountains. They flaunt some great color late September until the end of October.

And, if you are in California, you should definitely visit Yosemite National Park. The contrast of autumn’s yellow, gold, and amber against a backdrop of dark green coniferous forests is quite amazing. 

Best states:

• Oregon
• California
• Wyoming
• Colorado

Places to put on your fall foliage map in the South

Want to extend your fall hiking season? You’ll be happy to know that the best time to see fall foliage in the South is a bit later.

The most brilliant leaf changes in the South usually occur sometime between the end of October and early November. But you just might see bursts of color in early October. While Alaska up North is the earliest place in the US to be blanketed in beautiful fall colors, the Great Smoky Mountains, on the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina, is one of the last. 

In this region, fall foliage starts peaking in late September at higher elevations. The colors creep down the mountains through October and November.

I’ve had the good fortune to drive through the area during this time of year. I can confirm that the Smokies are one of the best places to see fall foliage in the US.

Best states:

• West Virginia
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Georgia
• Tennessee

Fall means comfy warm sweaters, hot apple cider, and best of all: the opportunity to see the leaves change to the bright golds, scarlet, oranges, and reds.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker and want to spend a weekend in the backcountry amidst these epic colors, or you’re looking for a memorable drive and day hike, this fall foliage map won’t steer you wrong.

Just remember: there is no single best time to see fall foliage in the US. 

It depends on the particular weather patterns this year, the elevation, and the region. So, if you’re ready for a fall road trip or are ready to make this year the year you go on your first backpacking trip, start by mapping out the where then fill in the when.

Plus, going to see the fall foliage in the US has become such a popular trip, that most official state tourism websites and state park websites have detailed on-time fall foliage maps as well as park hours, fall camping options (not all camping spots and hiking trails are open all year) and route suggestions. That will make sure you get the most up to date information when you’re ready to hit the trails.

Note: Traveling during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things. 67% of families canceled their holiday travel plans in 2020, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip your upcoming road trip. Check the restrictions and safety recommendations for your state and the states you are going to for a safe, healthy getaway!

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