15 Best Fall Foliage Destinations Around the World
As the temperatures cool and the days grow shorter, some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes come alive with vibrant color. From fiery red maples in North America to golden ginkgo trees in Asia, autumn is a magical time to travel. Whether you’re drawn to peaceful countryside drives, mountain hikes, or charming historic towns, fall foliage season offers unforgettable views and a refreshing change of pace.
Here are 15 of the best destinations around the world to experience the full splendor of fall—perfect for planning your autumn getaway.
1. Vermont, USA – Classic New England Charm
Vermont is synonymous with fall in the United States. Its rolling hills, white-steepled churches, and covered bridges are surrounded by vibrant maple forests that glow in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Small towns like Stowe and Woodstock are ideal for scenic drives, pumpkin festivals, and sipping hot cider by the fire. Peak foliage usually occurs in late September to mid-October, drawing leaf peepers from across the globe. Don’t miss Route 100—often called the most scenic drive in New England.
2. Kyoto, Japan – A Tranquil Autumn Wonderland
Known for its historic temples and peaceful gardens, Kyoto becomes even more captivating during the fall. The city’s maple and ginkgo trees transform temples like Tofuku-ji and Eikando into a stunning mosaic of crimson and gold.
The changing leaves typically reach their peak in mid to late November, creating a tranquil, almost spiritual experience for visitors. For a quieter moment, explore the Philosopher’s Path or Arashiyama’s bamboo groves under a canopy of autumn color.
3. Bavaria, Germany – Castles and Colorful Hillsides
Southern Germany’s Bavarian region is a postcard-perfect destination in autumn, with forests, lakes, and fairy-tale castles wrapped in autumn hues. The region’s rolling foothills of the Alps are particularly stunning around Neuschwanstein Castle and Lake Tegernsee.
Mid-October is the best time to visit, and fall festivals are often still in full swing. Combine the foliage with warm Bavarian hospitality, hearty food, and crisp mountain air for a seasonal experience that feels straight out of a storybook.
4. Ontario, Canada – Maple Majesty in Muskoka
Just a few hours north of Toronto, Ontario’s Muskoka region is famous for its brilliant fall foliage reflected in serene lakes. Dense forests of maple, birch, and oak explode in color by late September, offering breathtaking views on every hiking trail and lakeside drive.
Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the top spots to explore the changing colors by canoe or along elevated trails. Fall also brings harvest festivals, cozy cabins, and cool nights perfect for stargazing.
5. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland – Rugged Autumn Beauty
Autumn in the Scottish Highlands is wild, dramatic, and deeply atmospheric. The rugged landscape glows with copper, gold, and rust as the moorlands and glens shift into fall.
Travelers can hike the Cairngorms, explore Loch Ness, or drive through Glencoe surrounded by crimson foliage and misty peaks. The region’s solitude adds to its charm—especially in late September and early October before winter closes in.
6. Seoul, South Korea – Urban Fall with Mountain Views
South Korea’s capital city bursts into color each autumn as ginkgo, maple, and zelkova trees transform parks and palace grounds into vibrant displays. Seoul’s fall foliage typically peaks from mid-October to early November, offering incredible color in both urban and natural settings.
Popular spots include Namsan Park, the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the nearby Bukhansan National Park for hiking trails with panoramic views. Seasonal street food and crisp air complete the fall experience in this energetic yet peaceful city.
7. Loire Valley, France – Vines and Villages in Autumn Glow
The Loire Valley in France offers a softer, golden-hued version of fall surrounded by vineyards, châteaux, and sleepy riverside towns. As the grapevines turn amber and the forests blaze with yellow and orange, the countryside becomes a painter’s palette.
This is also harvest season, so travelers can combine wine tastings with scenic drives or bike rides along the Loire River. Early to mid-October is ideal for warm days, fall markets, and fewer crowds at the region’s famous castles.
8. Great Smoky Mountains, USA – Appalachia in Full Color
Straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited places in the U.S. for fall foliage—and for good reason. The park boasts over 100 species of native trees, creating a kaleidoscope of color from late September through early November.
Scenic drives like Clingmans Dome Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer stunning overlooks and photo opportunities. Combine leaf peeping with hikes to waterfalls or a cozy cabin stay in Gatlinburg or Cherokee.
9. Lake Bled, Slovenia – Tranquil Beauty in the Julian Alps
Lake Bled is enchanting at any time of year, but in autumn, the mirror-like lake reflects vivid forests, a hilltop church, and distant Alpine peaks. The crisp air and warm fall tones transform this Slovenian gem into a quiet, romantic escape.
Take a rowboat to the island, stroll around the lake, or hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint for panoramic views of the changing colors. Late October is typically peak season, and it’s a perfect time to enjoy peaceful trails and local cuisine.
10. Hokkaido, Japan – Early Autumn in the North
Japan’s northernmost island is where fall arrives first, usually starting in late September. Hokkaido is known for its rugged beauty, and parks like Daisetsuzan and Shikotsu-Toya National Park put on a dazzling autumn display.
The scenery ranges from crimson mountain peaks to golden larch forests, with steaming onsens waiting at the end of a hike. For travelers who want to beat the crowds and experience Japan’s fall foliage ahead of schedule, Hokkaido is a must.
11. Transylvania, Romania – Medieval Towns and Autumn Forests
Transylvania’s rolling hills and fortified villages become even more atmospheric in the fall, cloaked in layers of golden leaves and morning mist. Bran Castle and the Carpathian Mountains make the perfect backdrop for scenic hikes or road trips.
October is the ideal time to visit, especially as Halloween draws near, adding a slightly spooky vibe to the region’s myth and legend. For travelers seeking fall beauty off the beaten path, Transylvania offers color and charm in equal measure.
12. The Dolomites, Italy – Alpine Color with Dramatic Backdrops
The jagged peaks of the Dolomites are even more stunning in the fall, when golden larch forests blanket the valleys below. This region of northern Italy offers some of Europe’s most dramatic alpine scenery, made even more magical by autumn light.
Take a cable car to high-elevation viewpoints or hike through meadows set ablaze with color. The towns of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei are great bases for exploring during the fall shoulder season when prices are lower and trails are quieter.
13. Patagonia, Argentina – Southern Hemisphere’s Autumn in Reverse
For those traveling during the Northern Hemisphere’s spring, Patagonia offers a second chance at fall. In March and April, Argentina’s southern region comes alive with red lenga trees and golden valleys.
Hike through Los Glaciares National Park or take in the views of Mount Fitz Roy framed by fiery foliage. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Patagonia’s natural beauty before winter closes in and crowds thin out considerably.
14. Jiuzhaigou Valley, China – A Hidden Gem for Foliage Lovers
Located in Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and forest-covered mountains. In autumn, the scenery becomes even more surreal as vibrant foliage reflects in the crystal-clear waters.
Mid-October is the best time to visit, though the area is remote and requires advance planning. The reward is a truly unique fall experience away from the typical tourist trail.
15. Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, Ireland – Emerald Isle Turns to Gold
While Ireland is known for its green, autumn brings a whole new palette. The Wicklow Mountains, just south of Dublin, are blanketed in bracken, heather, and changing leaves that turn the landscape warm and golden.
Glendalough offers peaceful lakeside walks, and the city of Dublin hosts seasonal festivals and markets. Fall is a great time to visit before the rainy winter settles in—plus, you’ll find fewer tourists and cozy pubs with roaring fires.
