Beautiful Fall Leaves: 12 U.S. Destinations for a Colorful Solo or Social Getaway
When autumn rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a trip where the trees are your main attraction. Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the crunch of leaves underfoot make fall travel feel a little more magical. For solo travelers, chasing beautiful fall foliage can be both peaceful and energizing — a perfect excuse to slow down, explore at your own pace, and soak up nature’s color show.
Below, you’ll find a quick-reference for when to go, how to get there, and what to expect followed by more detailed descriptions to help you plan your perfect fall getaway.
Quick-Reference:
| Destination | Best Time to Visit | Closest Airport | Solo Selfie Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodstock, VT | Late Sept–Mid Oct | Lebanon Municipal (20 mi) / Burlington Intl (90 mi) | Middle covered bridge |
| Asheville, NC | Mid Oct–Early Nov | Asheville Regional (15 mi) | Craggy Gardens overlook |
| Stowe, VT | Late Sept–Early Oct | Burlington Intl (40 mi) | Gondola SkyRide platform |
| Telluride, CO | Late Sept–Early Oct | Telluride Regional (6 mi) / Montrose Regional (65 mi) | Top of gondola ride |
| Door County, WI | Early–Mid Oct | Green Bay Austin Straubel Intl (75 mi) | Eagle Bluff Lighthouse |
| Bar Harbor, ME | Early–Mid Oct | Hancock County-Bar Harbor (12 mi) / Bangor Intl (50 mi) | Jordan Pond |
| Lake Placid, NY | Late Sept–Early Oct | Adirondack Regional (16 mi) / Albany Intl (140 mi) | Mirror Lake |
| Shenandoah NP, VA | Mid Oct | Charlottesville-Albemarle (30 mi) / Dulles Intl (75 mi) | Thornton Gap Overlook |
| Upper Peninsula, MI | Late Sept–Mid Oct | Sawyer Intl (70 mi) | Miners Castle |
| Jackson Hole, WY | Late Sept–Early Oct | Jackson Hole Airport (5 mi) | Oxbow Bend |
| North Georgia Mountains, GA | Mid Oct–Early Nov | Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (95 mi to Helen) | Brasstown Bald overlook |
| Great Smoky Mountains NP, TN | Mid Oct | McGhee Tyson, Knoxville (40 mi) | Clingmans Dome |
Destination Details
1. Woodstock, Vermont
Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October
Closest Airport: Lebanon Municipal Airport (20 miles) or Burlington International Airport (90 miles)
Things to Do: Stroll the historic village green, hike Mount Tom for sweeping leaf views, visit Sugarbush Farm for cheese and maple syrup tastings
Solo Vibe: Cozy, picturesque, and walkable — perfect for a slow-paced, reflective getaway
Solo Selfie Spot: Middle covered bridge framed by golden and crimson trees
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to early November
Closest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport (15 miles)
Things to Do: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike at Craggy Gardens, explore the River Arts District’s studios and cafés
Solo Vibe: Artsy, nature-loving, and easy to navigate with plenty of solo-friendly tours
Solo Selfie Spot: Craggy Gardens overlook at golden hour
3. Stowe, Vermont
Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October
Closest Airport: Burlington International Airport (40 miles)
Things to Do: Ride the gondola up Mount Mansfield, bike the Stowe Recreation Path, enjoy cider tasting at Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Solo Vibe: Quintessential New England charm with endless hiking and photography opportunities
Solo Selfie Spot: Gondola SkyRide platform with rolling hills of color
4. Telluride, Colorado
Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October
Closest Airport: Telluride Regional Airport (6 miles) or Montrose Regional Airport (65 miles)
Things to Do: Ride the free scenic gondola, hike Bear Creek Trail, visit the Telluride Historical Museum
Solo Vibe: Majestic and peaceful, ideal for mixing light adventure with quiet moments in nature
Solo Selfie Spot: Top of the gondola ride overlooking a valley ringed with golden aspens
5. Door County, Wisconsin
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October
Closest Airport: Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (75 miles)
Things to Do: Explore Peninsula State Park, tour historic lighthouses, take a fall foliage boat cruise
Solo Vibe: Friendly, small-town Midwest charm with relaxed lakeside strolls
Solo Selfie Spot: Eagle Bluff Lighthouse surrounded by fiery red maples
6. Bar Harbor, Maine
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October
Closest Airport: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (12 miles) or Bangor International Airport (50 miles)
Things to Do: Hike in Acadia National Park, drive the Park Loop Road, take in sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
Solo Vibe: Outdoorsy yet quaint, with plenty of cafés to warm up in after your hikes
Solo Selfie Spot: Jordan Pond with colorful foliage reflecting in the water
7. Lake Placid, New York
Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October
Closest Airport: Adirondack Regional Airport (16 miles) or Albany International Airport (140 miles)
Things to Do: Paddle Mirror Lake, ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain, explore the Olympic sites
Solo Vibe: Peaceful mountain retreat with a sporty, adventurous side
Solo Selfie Spot: Mirror Lake with mountains splashed in orange and gold
8. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October
Closest Airport: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (30 miles) or Dulles International Airport (75 miles)
Things to Do: Drive Skyline Drive, hike Old Rag or Hawksbill Mountain, stop at scenic overlooks along the way
Solo Vibe: Serene and meditative — a perfect “clear your head” kind of trip
Solo Selfie Spot: Thornton Gap Overlook with a sea of autumn colors
9. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October
Closest Airport: Sawyer International Airport (70 miles)
Things to Do: Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, hike in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, explore waterfalls framed by foliage
Solo Vibe: Wild and rugged, ideal for travelers who love unspoiled nature
Solo Selfie Spot: Miners Castle rock formation against turquoise water and bright leaves
10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October
Closest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (5 miles)
Things to Do: Explore Grand Teton National Park, take a wildlife safari, stroll the wooden sidewalks of historic downtown
Solo Vibe: Scenic and adventurous with a western twist — perfect for mixing outdoor thrills and small-town charm
Solo Selfie Spot: Oxbow Bend with the Tetons and golden aspens in the frame
11. North Georgia Mountains, Georgia
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to early November
Closest Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (95 miles to Helen, GA)
Things to Do: Drive the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, hike to Anna Ruby Falls, wander the Bavarian-style streets of Helen
Solo Vibe: Laid-back mountain charm with a mix of nature, small-town strolling, and cozy cafés
Solo Selfie Spot: Overlook at Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, surrounded by a patchwork of fall colors
12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October
Closest Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville (40 miles)
Things to Do: Drive Newfound Gap Road, hike to Clingmans Dome, explore the historic buildings in Cades Cove
Solo Vibe: Peaceful and photogenic — perfect for nature lovers who want a mix of short hikes and scenic drives
Solo Selfie Spot: Clingmans Dome observation tower with waves of colorful ridges in the distance
Please Note: Peak color changes year to year based on weather, so check local foliage trackers before booking! And since these spots can draw leaf-peeping crowds, consider midweek travel for a quieter experience.
Check out this map as a great resource: https://www.explorefall.com/
