Autumn Escapes: Top 27 US Destinations for Fall Foliage and Adventure in October
October in the USA isn’t just a month; it’s a feeling. It’s the crisp scent of fallen leaves on a hiking trail, the cozy warmth of a flannel shirt, and the spooky fun of a ghost tour in a historic town. Summer’s intense heat has faded, the crowds have thinned, and the entire country puts on its best autumn colours.
We’ve chased fall across the country, from watching the sunrise over fiery forests in Acadia to hiking through golden canyons in Zion. We know that when you’re planning an October trip, you’re not just looking for a place, you’re looking for an experience. Whether you’re after peak fall foliage, a spooky Halloween adventure, or a sun-drenched escape, we’ve got you covered.
Top 5 October Experiences in the USA
- Best for Peak Fall Foliage: The Catskills, New York
- Best for Spooky Vibes: Salem, Massachusetts
- Best for National Park Adventures: Zion National Park, Utah
- Best for Fall Festivals & Food: Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Best for a Warm Weather Escape: Maui, Hawaii
Best Places for Peak Fall Foliage
This is for the travellers who want to step into a real-life autumn postcard. These destinations are the gold standard for brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. For the best colours, plan your trip for the first two weeks of October in the northern spots and mid-to-late October for the more southern locations.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
- Best for: Leaf Peeping, Antique Shopping, Arts & Culture
- October Weather: Crisp and cool, Avg. Highs 55-60°F (13°C)
- Why in October: Peak foliage typically arrives in the first half of the month, painting the rolling hills in brilliant colours.
Why Visit: We drove through the Berkshires one October and couldn’t stop pulling over for photos; the colourful foliage was that incredible. This corner of western Massachusetts is peak New England. If you want art, foliage, and flannel, this is the place for your fall getaway.
Top Things to Do
- Hike Monument Mountain
- Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum
- Go apple picking at local farms, or find cozy harvest festivals.
Insider Tip: This destination is great for the whole family. Book early for October weekends. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday.
Stowe, Vermont
- Best for: Scenic Drives, Cozy Small Towns, Fall Flavours
- October Weather: Chilly and crisp, Avg. Highs 50-55°F (10°C)
- Why in October: This is the gold standard for fall foliage. Early October is often the absolute peak for colour, especially in and around the scenic drives of Stowe.
Why Visit: We’ve never seen fall like we did in Vermont; it was like walking through a postcard. The small towns like Stowe come alive with autumn charm, and the maple syrup is flowing. It’s an iconic fall trip destination for a reason.
Top Things to Do
- Drive the Smugglers’ Notch State Park pass for breathtaking foliage.
- Visit a sugar shack or the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and donuts.
- Hike to the top of Mount Mansfield for panoramic views.
Insider Tip: Peak foliage moves from north to south. Check a live foliage tracker online before your trip to find the most vibrant areas.
Acadia National Park, Maine
- Best for: Hiking, Coastal Scenery, Sunrises
- October Weather: Cool and often windy, Avg. Highs 50-55°F (10?13°C)
- Why in October: The clash of crimson foliage against the deep blue Atlantic is breathtaking. The crowds thin dramatically after the long weekend.
Why Visit: We caught a sunrise over Cadillac Mountain wrapped in blankets, thermos in hand, and it remains one of our favourite travel memories. Acadia mixes rugged coastline with blazing foliage like nowhere else. We spent days hiking trails framed by fire-coloured trees and evenings eating lobster rolls by the sea.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: Parking lots for popular trails like Jordan Pond fill up by 9 AM, even in October. Go early or use the free Island Explorer shuttle.
Asheville, North Carolina
- Best for: Mountain Vistas, Breweries, Live Music
- October Weather: Mild days and cool nights, Avg. Highs 60-65°F (16?18°C)
- Why in October: Fall colour sweeps down the mountains, with peak views in mid-to-late October. The crisp air is perfect for hiking.
Why Visit: We stayed in a mountain cabin just outside Asheville and woke up to mist over the Blue Ridge every morning. Fall hits this region with full force. The city itself is artsy and relaxed, with craft breweries and murals around every corner.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: The Blue Ridge Parkway can get very congested on weekends. For a similar Appalachian vibe with fewer crowds, consider exploring nearby West Virginia.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Best for: Peak Foliage, Scenic Drives, Challenging Hikes
- October Weather: Chilly, Avg. Highs 45-55°F (7?13°C), especially at elevation.
- Why in October: This region offers some of the most intense and celebrated fall foliage in the country, peaking in early to mid-October. The Kancamagus Highway is legendary for a reason.
Why Visit: Driving the Kancamagus Highway is one of the most unforgettable fall experiences we’ve ever had. Every curve in the road reveals another photo op. Hiking trails here reward you with sweeping views of the most vibrant foliage in New England.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: “Leaf peeper” traffic is intense on weekends. Drive the Kancamagus Highway early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the worst of the traffic jams.
Aspen, Colorado
- Best for: Golden Aspens, Photography, Mountain Luxury
- October Weather: Crisp and cool, Avg. Highs 50-60°F (10-15°C), with cold nights.
- Why in October: The entire mountainside surrounding the valley turns a uniform, brilliant gold. Early October is your last chance to see this incredible natural spectacle before the snow arrives.
Why Visit: The first time we saw the Maroon Bells in early October, it stopped us in our tracks. It’s not just a few colourful trees; entire mountainsides look like they’ve been dipped in gold. It’s a different kind of fall foliage; intense, dramatic, and set against the sharp peaks of the Rockies.
Top Things to Do
- Photograph the Maroon Bells at sunrise (reservations required).
- Hike the Cathedral Lake Trail.
- Drive over Independence Pass before it closes for the season.
Insider Tip: The fall colour here is fleeting and peaks very early, often in the first week of October. Plan accordingly, as you can miss it in the blink of an eye.
Salem, Massachusetts
- Best for: Halloween Events, Colonial History, Witchcraft Lore
- October Weather: Crisp and cool, Avg. Highs 55-60°F (13°C)
- Why in October: The entire month is one long festival called Haunted Happenings. The city, famous for the 1692 witch trials, becomes the unofficial Halloween capital of the country.
Why Visit: We expected Salem in October to be a bit kitschy, and it is, in the most fun way possible. But walking through the old cemeteries and standing at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is genuinely chilling. The city balances festive fun with its somber history perfectly.
Top Things to Do
- Explore the Peabody Essex Museum.
- Visit The House of the Seven Gables.
- Take a guided history walk to the Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery.
Insider Tip: Book accommodation and tours months in advance. Seriously. If you can, visit on a weekday, as the weekends in October are incredibly crowded.
New Orleans, Louisiana
- Best for: Ghost Tours, Unique Cemeteries, Voodoo Culture
- October Weather: Warm and pleasant, Avg. Highs 75-80°F (24°C)
- Why in October: The oppressive summer humidity finally breaks, making it perfect for evening ghost tours through the French Quarter. The city’s haunted reputation is on full display.
Why Visit: We did a cemetery tour through the above-ground tombs of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and the stories are more fascinating and haunting than any horror movie. New Orleans fully leans into its spooky side, from voodoo shops to vampire tours. It’s a city that feels alive with stories of its past.
Top Things to Do
- Take a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (the only way to enter).
- Join a ghost, vampire, or voodoo tour in the French Quarter.
- Experience the Krewe of BOO!, the official Halloween parade.
Insider Tip: Many of the best ghost tours are after dark. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on uneven, historic streets for a couple of hours.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
- Best for: Literary History, Jack O’Lanterns, Classic American Folklore
- October Weather: Cool and crisp, Avg. Highs 60-65°F (16?18°C)
- Why in October: The setting of Washington Irving’s legendary ghost story comes alive. You can visit the actual locations from the story and attend numerous Halloween-themed events.
Why Visit: There’s nothing quite like visiting the Old Dutch Church at dusk and walking through the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, knowing you’re in the heart of the Headless Horseman legend. It feels like stepping right into the classic American ghost story we all grew up with.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: A car is almost essential for this trip, as key attractions are spread out between Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, and other nearby Hudson Valley towns.
Savannah, Georgia
- Best for: Southern Gothic Atmosphere, Historic Squares, Haunted Pubs
- October Weather: Mild and pleasant, Avg. Highs 70-75°F (21?24°C)
- Why in October: The weather is perfect for evening strolls through its famously haunted squares. The Spanish moss dripping from ancient oaks gives the entire city a mysterious and spooky feel.
Why Visit: Often called one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah lives up to the hype. Walking through its historic squares at night, with the Spanish moss creating shadowy figures, feels like you’re on a movie set. We did a haunted pub crawl, and the stories were as good as the drinks.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: Savannah’s Historic District has an open-container policy. You can grab a “to-go cup” from a local pub to enjoy while on your evening walking tour.
Newport, Rhode Island
- Best for: Coastal Walks, Historic Mansions, Gilded Age Ghosts
- October Weather: Cool and breezy, Avg. Highs 55-60°F (13?16°C)
- Why in October: The summer crowds are gone, leaving the opulent mansions feeling a bit more atmospheric and, some say, haunted.
Why Visit: We explored Newport’s famous Cliff Walk on a windy October morning, and it was magical. The coastal mansions, historic harbour, and crisp fall air give it a Gilded Age-meets-Halloween vibe. It’s quieter than summer, which makes the ghost stories feel a little more real.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: October is a popular month for fall weddings in Newport. For the best rates and a more peaceful getaway, book your stay midweek.
October is harvest time, and these cities come alive with incredible food, drink, and cultural festivals. The weather is perfect for exploring markets, dining on outdoor patios, and soaking up the vibrant, festive atmosphere.
12. New York City, New York- Best for: Museums, Theater, Festive Atmosphere
- October Weather: Crisp and pleasant, Avg. Highs 60-65°F (16?18°C)
- Why in October: The weather is perfect for walking endless city blocks. The fall foliage in Central Park is cinematic, and the entire city buzzes with energy leading up to Halloween.
We’ve done NYC in every season, but October has that special magic. The crisp air feels invigorating, the brownstones are decked out in spooky decorations, and the Village Halloween Parade is an unforgettable spectacle. It’s the New York you see in the movies.
- Walk the High Line and see the fall colors in Central Park.
- Catch a Broadway show or see the Village Halloween Parade.
- Explore food markets like Smorgasburg or Chelsea Market.
Dress in layers. October mornings can be quite chilly, but afternoons can warm up significantly, especially when walking in the sun.
13. Santa Fe, New Mexico- Best for: Art Galleries, Culture, New Mexican Cuisine
- October Weather: Sunny days and cold nights, Avg. Highs 60-65°F (16?18°C)
- Why in October: The high-desert light is famously beautiful, making the adobe buildings glow. The crisp, dry air is perfect for walking, and the scent of roasting green chiles fills the air.
We’ve returned to Santa Fe multiple times in October, and it never disappoints. The art scene on Canyon Road buzzes, and there’s nothing cozier than enjoying a bowl of green chile stew by a kiva fireplace after a day of exploring.
- Browse the hundreds of art galleries on Canyon Road.
- Explore the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market.
- Take a cooking class to learn the secrets of New Mexican cuisine.
Don’t miss trying the local delicacy: green chile. You can find it on everything from cheeseburgers to apple pie. The hotter, the better!
14. Austin, Texas- Best for: Live Music, Festivals, Outdoor Patios
- October Weather: Warm and sunny, Avg. Highs 75-85°F (24?29°C)
- Why in October: The summer heat finally breaks, bringing pleasant temperatures perfect for enjoying the city’s outdoor culture and major festivals.
We once hit Austin in October and didn’t want to leave. The weather was ideal, and every patio with outdoor seating was full. It’s perfect for outdoor dining, listening to live music, and indulging in some of the best tacos and barbecue in the country.
- Attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival (typically the first two weekends).
- Eat your way through the city’s legendary food truck parks.
- Enjoy the perfect patio weather at a local brewery or restaurant.
Make restaurant and hotel reservations far in advance, especially during festival weekends when the city books up completely.
Sonoma, California
- Best for: Wine Tasting, Foodie Experiences, Relaxed Atmosphere
- October Weather: Mild and sunny, Avg. Highs 70-75°F (21?24°C)
- Why in October: It’s harvest season. The wineries are buzzing with activity, the vines are golden, and the weather is perfect for cycling between tastings.
Why Visit: We visited Sonoma during the grape harvest, and the golden vineyards were absolutely glowing. It’s less crowded and more laid-back than Napa, and the farm-to-table food scene is at its absolute peak with the autumn harvest.
Top Things to Do
- Go wine tasting along the Sonoma Valley Wine Trail.
- Explore downtown Sonoma’s historic plaza and its excellent restaurants.
- Attend a winery’s harvest party or grape stomp event.
Insider Tip: October is a popular time due to the harvest. Book wine tastings and dinner reservations well in advance, especially for well-known vineyards.
Charlottesville, Virginia
- Best for: Wineries, History Buffs, Mountain Views
- October Weather: Mild and pleasant, Avg. Highs 65-70°F (18?21°C)
- Why in October: The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are ablaze with peak fall color, and it’s an ideal time for visiting the many wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail.
Why Visit: We stumbled into Charlottesville during a fall road trip and ended up staying three nights. The Blue Ridge Mountains turn orange and gold, and the town is packed with charm, history, and incredible food and wine. The sunsets over the vineyards are unreal.
Top Things to Do
- Go wine tasting on the Monticello Wine Trail.
- Tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
- Go apple picking and get fresh apple cider donuts at Carter Mountain Orchard.
Insider Tip: You absolutely must stop at Carter Mountain Orchard. They have the best apple cider donuts and a hilltop perch with one of the most incredible views of the city and mountains.
Chicago, Illinois
- Best for: Architecture, Museums, World-Class Dining
- October Weather: Crisp and cool, Avg. Highs 55-60°F (13-16°C)
- Why in October: The weather is perfect for an architecture boat tour or exploring different neighborhoods. The city often hosts major cultural events like Open House Chicago.
Why Visit: We love Chicago’s energy in the fall. The crisp air off Lake Michigan is perfect for exploring the city’s amazing architecture and then ducking into a cozy neighborhood restaurant. The food scene here is on another level, from Michelin-starred dining to deep-dish pizza.
Top Things to Do
- Take the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise.
- Explore the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Check out the fall festivities at Lincoln Park Zoo or the Morton Arboretum.
Insider Tip: The wind off the lake can make it feel much colder than the forecast suggests. Always pack a warm hat and a windproof jacket.
Best National Parks & Outdoor Adventures in October
With summer crowds gone and temperatures dropping to perfect hiking levels, October is arguably the best month to explore America’s great outdoors. You get all the epic scenery with a fraction of the people, making for a wilder, more peaceful experience.Zion National Park, Utah
- Best for: Hiking, Dramatic Landscapes, Photography
- October Weather: Mild and sunny, Avg. Highs 65-75°F (18?24°C)
- Why in October: Cooler temperatures make iconic hikes more pleasant, crowds are thinner than in summer, and the golden cottonwoods along the Virgin River create a stunning contrast with the red rock canyons.
Why Visit: We hiked The Narrows one crisp October morning. The water icy, the canyon glowing gold, and it was absolutely unforgettable. Zion in October offers fewer crowds and cottonwoods that turn every trail into a golden tunnel. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
Top Things to Do
- Hike Angels Landing (permit required) or The Narrows.
- Drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Route.
- Stargaze at Kolob Canyons.
Insider Tip: Permits for Angels Landing are lottery-based and highly competitive. For an equally epic view with no permit, hike to Observation Point from the East Mesa Trailhead.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Best for: Wildlife Viewing, Photography, National Parks
- October Weather: Cold and crisp, Avg. Highs 45-55°F (7?13°C), with a chance of snow.
- Why in October: It’s the quiet season between summer and winter. The famous elk rutting season is in full swing, and the golden aspens against the sharp Teton peaks are a photographer’s dream.
Why Visit: We visited Grand Teton National Park right before the snow hit, and the elk were bugling in the valley; it felt like stepping into a National Geographic spread. The aspens light up in gold, the Tetons stand sharp against a blue sky, and the crowds are blissfully gone.
Top Things to Do
- Look for wildlife on the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park.
- Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram for stunning views.
- Visit the National Elk Refuge.
Insider Tip: Pack for all four seasons. It’s not uncommon to experience warm sun, rain, and snow all in the same day. Many restaurants and shops have limited hours this month, so call ahead.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Best for: Wildlife Watching, Geothermal Features, Quiet Exploration
- October Weather: Cold, Avg. Highs 40-50°F (4?10°C), with snow being common and expected.
- Why in October: It’s your last chance to see the park before it closes for winter. Most tourists are gone, offering a rare sense of solitude as you watch bison and elk against a backdrop of steaming geysers and, often, snow.
Why Visit: We visited Yellowstone in early October and felt like we had the place to ourselves. The elk were bugling, the bison were roaming with coats of frost, and the geysers steamed intensely in the cold morning air. It’s a wilder, more primal version of the park.
Top Things to Do
- See Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring without the crowds.
- Watch for wolves and bears in Lamar and Hayden Valleys.
- Hike to Fairy Falls.
Insider Tip: Be prepared for road closures. Major park roads begin closing for the season in mid-October. Check the NPS website for the exact dates and plan your route accordingly.
Yosemite National Park, California
- Best for: Iconic Landscapes, Fewer Crowds, Photography
- October Weather: Mild days, cold nights. Avg. Highs 60-70°F (16-21°C) in the Valley.
- Why in October: Most of the summer crowds are gone, and Tioga Road is often still open, giving you access to the high country before it’s buried in snow.
Why Visit: We visited Yosemite Valley in mid-October and it felt so peaceful. The Merced River was calm, the air was crisp, and we could actually find parking at the trailheads. It was the iconic park we’d always wanted to see, without the chaos of summer.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: Check road conditions daily. Tioga Road can close for the season with the first significant snowfall, which can happen anytime in October.
Sedona, Arizona
- Best for: Hiking, Spiritual Sites, Scenic Beauty
- October Weather: Pleasant and mild, Avg. Highs 70-75°F (21?24°C)
- Why in October: The temperatures are absolutely perfect for hiking—not too hot, not too cold. The fall colors in Oak Creek Canyon provide a stunning and unique contrast against the iconic red rock formations.
Why Visit: October is the sweet spot in Sedona. We hiked to Cathedral Rock at sunset and watched the sky and rocks glow in harmony. If you’re into energy vortexes, challenging hikes, or just jaw-dropping scenery, Sedona in the fall is pure magic.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: Parking at popular trailheads like Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock fills up extremely early. Plan to arrive before 7 AM or use the local shuttle service.
Flagstaff, Arizona
- Best for: Aspen Groves, Stargazing, Mountain Town Vibes
- October Weather: Cool and crisp, Avg. Highs 60-65°F (16?18°C)
- Why in October: Sitting at 7,000 feet, Flagstaff offers a classic fall experience with brilliant yellow aspens, a stark contrast to the typical Arizona desert landscape.
Why Visit: Flagstaff surprised us on a Southwest road trip. We expected desert but instead found golden aspens, crisp air, and cozy mountain vibes. We drove the scenic loop through the San Francisco Peaks, and it was like a fall postcard come to life.
Top Things to Do
Insider Tip: The fall foliage peaks early here due to the high elevation. For the best chance at seeing the golden aspens, aim for the first two weeks of October.
We love San Diego’s easygoing vibe in the fall. We spent a day exploring the world-class museums in Balboa Park and another just walking the stunning coastline at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It’s an effortless and fun city vacation.
Best for: Family Fun, Beaches, Laid-Back City Vibe
- October Weather: Mild and sunny, Avg. Highs 72°F (22°C)
- Why in October: The summer fog is long gone, leaving consistently clear, sunny skies. It’s still warm enough for the beach but without the summer tourist crush.
Top Things to Do
- Visit the famous San Diego Zoo & Safari Park.
- Explore the museums and gardens of Balboa Park.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Coronado Island.
Insider Tip: October is “Kids Free San Diego” month, where children get free admission to many major attractions with a paying adult, making it an incredible value for families.
"It’s one of our favourite months to hit the road. The weather is often Goldilocks-perfect—not too hot, not too cold—letting you hike, sip, or just chill and enjoy the view."
“Wherever you decide to go, remember to book accommodations early for popular weekend destinations, pack layers for unpredictable weather, and embrace the season’s slower, cozier pace.”
Happy travels! For musical inspiration on your journeys, check out this curated travel playlist.
Where is the best fall foliage in the U.S. in October?
New England is the classic choice for peak fall colours in October. The best spots include Vermont, the White Mountains in New Hampshire (Kancamagus Highway), and the Berkshires in Massachusetts. For later in the month, try Asheville, NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What are the best warm-weather places to visit in October in the USA?
If you’re chasing sunshine, October is ideal for Greater Palm Springs, CA, Maui, HI, San Diego, CA, and St. Pete–Clearwater, FL. These destinations offer warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities without the oppressive heat of summer.
Is October a good time to visit U.S. national parks?
Absolutely. October is one of the best months for visiting national parks. Popular parks like Zion, Yosemite, and Yellowstone see significantly fewer crowds, have cooler temperatures for hiking, and often showcase spectacular fall colours.
What is the cheapest place to visit in October?
You can find great deals in “shoulder season” destinations. Beach towns like St. Pete and coastal destinations see prices drop after the summer months. Visiting national parks on weekdays can also be more affordable.
Is early or late October better for fall colors?
It depends on the location. For northern states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, early to mid-October is typically peak. For mid-Atlantic and southern spots like Virginia and North Carolina, mid-to-late October is better. High-altitude destinations like Aspen and Flagstaff also peak earlier in the month.
What should I pack for a trip in the U.S. in October?
Layers are key! Weather can be unpredictable. A typical packing list should include a mix of t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, a fleece or sweater, and a waterproof or windproof jacket. If you’re hiking, bring sturdy shoes. Even in warm destinations, evenings can be cool.