Each autumn, as temperatures drop and days grow shorter, vibrant colors explode across forests around the globe. From the rolling hills of New England to the rugged mountains of Japan, spectacular seasonal transformations unfold before our eyes.
It’s the perfect time for leaf-peeping enthusiasts worldwide to hit the road and witness nature’s grandest light show. With stunning fall foliage found on every continent, where are the very best places to experience majestic trees ablaze in brilliant reds and oranges?
We’ve scoured the planet to uncover the most breathtaking multi-day road trips for leaf-peeping adventures in 2024.
A Scenic Route Through Upstate New York
One of the most beautiful drives in New York is along Route 97 between the towns of Port Jervis and Hancock. This 70-mile stretch of road is known as the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.
For much of the drive, the road runs alongside the Upper Delaware River. This provides breathtaking views of the natural landscape’s vivid greens, blues, and browns. In the fall, the colors are even more spectacular as the forests explode in oranges, yellows, and deep reds.
It’s possible to drive the entire route in a long day trip from New York City. Port Jervis is about two hours away, and Hancock is around two and a half hours away. But it’s best to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Small towns like Narrowsburg and Cochecton make for lovely stops for lunch. Their charming main streets are also worth exploring during the night. As per MarketWatch, you could explore rising restaurant scenes in places like Kenoza Lake with an extra day. You could also take a side trip to Bethel, the location of the original Woodstock music festival.
This scenic byway through upstate New York offers gorgeous natural vistas. These views are best appreciated over multiple days, and they are not rushed through in a single day.
Experience the Beauty of Chicago Parks
Chicago is a bustling city with lots of ways to take in the splendor of autumn. Situated on the banks of Lake Michigan, the city’s well-known Lincoln Park is a well-liked spot to visit. For those who want to experience the changing colors of the season fully, it’s ideal.
Stroll along the serene Nature Boardwalk, taking in the stunning skyline views, or explore the lush gardens of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. As per Choose Chicago, near the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the North Pond region has beautiful autumn colors. Situated in the heart of the city, Millennium Park is a true celebration of the season.
Marvel at the changing hues surrounding the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean.” You can also explore the hidden gem of the Lurie Garden, which is filled with native plant life. It is located just south of Millennium Park.
Two delightful courtyards encircle the Art Institute of Chicago, which is close by. South Garden and North Garden are these courtyards. Both gardens feature stunning sculptures, fountains, and vibrant fall colors.
One of the most beautiful and important parks in the history of the town is Jackson Park. The Garden of the Phoenix is located in Jackson Park, a bustling community around a lake. This peaceful lagoon is home to a genuine Japanese garden. It’s the ideal location to fully appreciate the splendor of the changing seasons.
For those seeking a unique fall adventure, consider sprinter van rentals in Chicago to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Rental rates for Sprinter vans in the Chicago, Illinois, area typically vary depending on the specific vehicle and other factors.
According to Eminent Limo, based on average market rates, renters can expect to pay between $100 to $135 per hour for a Sprinter van. However, depending on seasonal demand, availability, and other pricing variables, the actual cost may be higher or lower.
Renters should expect rental costs to fluctuate and get quotes tailored to their booking details to find the most accurate rate for their rental needs. While hourly rates provide a general benchmark, it’s best to check with rental companies for up-to-date pricing that reflects current local market conditions.
Leaf Peeping in Japan’s Most Scenic Destinations
With the comforts of home at your fingertips, you can camp in more places and move around more easily. This allows you to fully enjoy the wonders of autumn in Japan.
In Japan, where around two-thirds of the landscape is forested, the changing of leaves in fall is known as koyo. Ginkgo trees turn golden yellow, rowans brighten to orange, and red maples, called Momiji, stand out vividly. As per The Discoverer, Japan’s geography impacts the timing – koyo begins at the earliest in northern Hokkaido and later further south.
September to November is the best time of year for breathtaking drives to see Koyo. The Irohazaka Route, which links Lake Chuzenji and Nikkō, two hours north of Tokyo, is one particularly beautiful route.
Two roads, i.e., one uphill and one downhill, link the areas via 48 sharp turns. Stop at the Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck for stunning views of Nikkō National Park below. From the gondola ride, you can see forested hillsides in vibrant autumn hues. The Irohazaka Route winds dramatically through mountain scenery framed by maple trees. This route offers a scenic way to experience Japan’s famed fall colors up close to the road. Its distinctive bends make for a memorable drive surrounded by koyo beauty.
Kyoto hotspots like the Arashiyama bamboo forest, Tofuku-ji temple, and the illuminated Kiyomizu-dera temple draw big crowds. Photographers love Kawaguchiko’s “Momiji Tunnel” underlining Mount Fuji in red maple frames.
Fodor’s Travel says the Japanese Alps region, which encompasses Kamikochi, Nagano, and Takayama, is renowned for its hiking trails amid vivid colors.
To avoid crowds, you can consider lesser-known spots. From Kyoto, the evening illuminated foliage show at Shiga’s Hiyoshi Taisha shrine can be reached by a 1.5-hour train ride north. Daisetsuzan National Park and Mount Asahi in Hokkaido boast some of Japan’s most spectacular scarlet landscapes.
Distinct Charm in New England’s Fall Foliage
Autumn in New England is a great time to visit not one but six gorgeous states. They are Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Each share in autumn magic yet holds its events.
Rhode Island hosts the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the Warner Fall Foliage Festival brings color to New Hampshire. Maine dazzles with the enormous pumpkin “boats” paraded at the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta, which is also a great option.
Travel + Leisure suggests that rather than rushing between state capitals, slow the journey to experience the highlights fully. Spend days along the coastline in Old Lyme, Connecticut, watching leaves transform above ocean vistas.
Then, head north a few hours to Newport, Rhode Island, and gaze at trees enhancing the famed mansions overhead. After 90 minutes more, finish the trip in Boston, strolling Beacon Hill’s brick homes and winding paths beneath canopies of color.
Take time to immerse in each locale’s unique offerings alongside nature’s seasonal show. New England holds unmatched appeal when exploring its fall attractions leisurely.
FAQs
- When is the best time for leaf peeping?
A: The optimal time to see the vibrant autumn foliage can vary from year to year, as it depends on a number of factors. However, the peak leaf-peeping season is generally during the last week of September and the first or second week of October.
- Is November too late for leaf peeping?
A: While the timing can differ, mid-November is typically considered one of the latest periods to witness significant changes in leaf colors. Areas outside the prime foliage zones usually do not have a substantial number of trees that produce brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues.
- Does Paris have an autumn color display?
A: Yes, Paris showcases beautiful fall foliage throughout the city. The autumn colors can be admired in various green spaces across Paris. Smaller squares like Square Barye offer beautiful views of the changing leaves. Go to Bois de Vincennes or Parc de Sceaux for a larger-scale experience. If you’re looking for the best spots to see the leaves change in the capital, consider these locations. They are among the top options for leaf peeping in Paris.
Wherever your travels take you in 2024, slow down and immerse yourself in the fleeting beauty of the season. Savor long drives surrounded by vibrant scenery and picnic breaks beneath rainbows of maple, oak, and ginkgo.
With a little planning, these multiday routes offer the perfect opportunity to appreciate nature’s grand transformation up close through the changing of leaves. May your leaf-peeping adventures create lasting memories to cradle through the impending winter months.
