Top Budget-Friendly Fall Foliage Destinations in the U.S.

Updated for 2025

Fall in New England

Fall in the U.S. is pure magic. It is like nature’s own standing ovation. Every year, a coworker and I trade stories about our favorite leaf-peeping spots. He and his wife road trip every autumn, hitting the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic. I haven’t seen them all in their fall glory yet, but the list is growing!

This 2025 guide is here to help you discover affordable, unforgettable fall destinations, plus trip-planning tips and ways to save money along the way.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage

1. New England

• States: Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island

• Best Time: Late September to mid-October

• Highlights: Green Mountains (Vermont), White Mountains (New Hampshire), Acadia National Park (Maine)

2. The Great Smoky Mountains

• States: Tennessee, North Carolina

• Best Time: Mid-October to early November

• Highlights: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove

3. The Blue Ridge Parkway

• States: Virginia, North Carolina

• Best Time: Early to mid-October

• Highlights: Peaks of Otter (Virginia), Grandfather Mountain (North Carolina)

4. The Catskills

• State: New York

• Best Time: Late September to mid-October

• Highlights: Catskill Scenic Byway, Hunter Mountain, Kaaterskill Falls

5. The Berkshires

• State: Massachusetts

• Best Time: Early to mid-October

• Highlights: Mount Greylock, Mohawk Trail

6. Door County

• State: Wisconsin

• Best Time: Late September to mid-October

• Highlights: Peninsula State Park

7. Columbia River Gorge

• State: Oregon

• Best Time: Mid-October

• Highlights: Multnomah Falls

8. Aspen

• State: Colorado

• Best Time: Mid to late September

• Highlights: Maroon Bells, Independence Pass

9. Upper Peninsula

• State: Michigan

• Best Time: Late September to mid-October

• Highlights: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

10. Ozark Mountains

• States: Arkansas, Missouri

• Best Time: Mid to late October

• Highlights: Buffalo National River, Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Check Local Reports: Fall foliage conditions can vary yearly, so check local foliage reports for up-to-date information.

• Weather: Weather conditions such as temperature and rainfall can impact the timing and vibrancy of fall colors.

• Crowds: Peak foliage season can attract many visitors. Visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

• Accommodations: Book accommodations in advance, as popular destinations fill up quickly during peak season.

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Budget-Friendly Fall Trips

Exploring the beauty of fall doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly destinations and activities to enjoy the vibrant autumn season:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

• Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, picnics

• Budget Tips: Free park entry, affordable cabins or campgrounds

• Highlights: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, Blue Ridge Parkway

2. Asheville, North Carolina

• Activities: Explore downtown, visit local breweries, hike in Pisgah National Forest

• Budget Tips: Budget hotels or hostels, free activities like hiking and brewery tours

• Highlights: Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate (grounds only)

3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

• Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives

• Budget Tips: America the Beautiful annual pass for $80

• Highlights: Skyline Drive, Old Rag Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls

4. Finger Lakes, New York

• Activities: Wine tasting, hiking, visiting waterfalls

• Budget Tips: Free or low-cost wine tastings, budget accommodations

• Highlights: Watkins Glen State Park, Taughannock Falls, Seneca Lake

5. Door County, Wisconsin

• Activities: Exploring charming towns, visiting state parks, enjoying the shoreline

• Budget Tips: State park day passes, affordable lodging

• Highlights: Peninsula State Park, Cave Point County Park, Fish Creek

6. Adirondacks, New York

• Activities: Hiking, canoeing, exploring small towns

• Budget Tips: Camping in state parks, budget motels

• Highlights: Lake Placid, Mirror Lake, High Falls Gorge

7. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

• Activities: Hiking, fishing, exploring caves

• Budget Tips: Free forest entry, budget-friendly cabins or camping

• Highlights: Blanchard Springs Caverns, Whitaker Point, Ozark Highlands Trail

8. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

• Activities: Hiking, visiting small towns, lake activities

• Budget Tips: Affordable cabins or motels, low-cost outdoor activities

• Highlights: Bushkill Falls, Delaware Water Gap, Lake Wallenpaupack

9. Great River Road, Minnesota/Wisconsin

• Activities: Scenic drives, hiking, exploring river towns

• Budget Tips: Budget motels or B&Bs, free activities like hiking and sightseeing

• Highlights: Red Wing, Pepin, Wabasha

10. Upper Peninsula, Michigan

• Activities: Hiking, exploring waterfalls, enjoying the lakeshore

• Budget Tips: Affordable motels or campgrounds, many natural attractions are free

• Highlights: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls, Porcupine Mountains

Budget Travel Tips

• Off-Season Discounts: Traveling in early or late fall can save money on accommodations and activities.

• Local Eats: Dine at local cafes and diners instead of high-end restaurants.

• Public Transport: Use public transportation or carpool to save on travel costs.

• Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of free or low-cost outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing.

Fall is fleeting, but unforgettable.

You don’t need a huge budget to enjoy crisp air, glowing trees, and small-town charm. Pick your route, grab your people, and make memories that don’t come with a price tag.

What’s your favorite fall road trip or foliage destination? Tell us in the comments, we’re adding to our 2025 leaf-chasing bucket list!

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