September 17, 2020

The Best Leaf Peeping Places For 2020

Picture of Jessica Freeman
Jessica Freeman

Peep, Peep, Here Comes Fall!

With the gradual loosening of domestic travel restrictions underway, many travelers are looking to the breathtaking spectacle of fall's changing foliage as an opportunity to once again get out and travel. See the list below, perfectly curated by the on-the-ground team at Excursionist, for their top leaf-peeping destinations in 2020. 

Mass1.The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires invite guests to join a local foliage enthusiast for a private guided tour of off-the-beaten-path viewing spots, then cap off the afternoon with some world-class art viewing at the renowned MASS MoCA or Norman Rockwell Museums.

Maine2. Bar Harbor, Maine

Widely regarded as one of the nation's foremost leaf-peeping destinations, Acadia National Park offers visitors the chance to experiences its kaleidoscopic fall colors on foot, bicycle or even in an authentic vintage biplane!

vermont3. Stowe, Vermont

Covered bridges, quaint villages and inspiring hues of orange and yellow mark Stowe as one of the foremost leaf-peeping destinations in the USA. Explore the mountains, then round out the day with a delicious guided tasting tour of Stowe's best local breweries and cideries.

NY4. The Adirondacks, New York

Upstate New York's Adirondack Mountains lay claim to one of the country's longest leaf-peeping seasons. For a novel birds-eye vantage point of the fall display, head to The Wild Center for a pre-opening tour along its elevated treetop canopy walk. 

oregon-15. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

If the perfect Instagram-worthy snapshot is what your clients are after this autumn, look no further than Oregon’s dazzling Columbia River Gorge, where the fall colors of the temperate rainforest join towering waterfalls to create one of mother nature’s most photogenic works.

CT6. Litchfield, Connecticut 

Conveniently located just a short drive away from the northeast's major metropolises, Litchfield is a quintessential New England town known for its historic charm, covered bridges and densely forested hills that offer unparalleled foliage-viewing opportunities.

jackson-17. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

With the summer crowds gone and the ski rush just around the corner, the normally-bustling Jackson Hole quiets down just long enough in late September for fall to announce its presence with a brilliant explosion of color. 

park-city8. Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah is a fall destination that beckons to leaf-peepers with a taste for adventure. Experience panoramic vistas of fall peak at mile-high elevations from the top of the Deer Valley ski lift, then venture into the alpine forests by foot, mountain bike or off-road vehicle.

Aspen9. Aspen, Colorado

Lending their name to the upscale idyllic mountain town, Aspen’s groves are as abundant as they are breathtaking– seemingly glowing shades of yellow and gold against the sweeping Rocky Mountain backdrop. 

 

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