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Best Fall Foliage Tours & Vacation Packages 2025/2026
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Best Fall Foliage Tours by Duration
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Top Fall Foliage Attractions
Fall tours offer a range of activities and adventures to delight every traveler. From scenic train rides to guided hikes and exploration of charming towns, immerse yourself in autumn's vibrant colors and enchanting landscapes.
- Walking through brisk Autumn air among beautiful, vibrant colors of orange, yellow, and red
- Taking amazing photographs, both macro and wide angle, using the amazing contrasting colors
- Spotting woodland creatures such as deer, squirrels, moose, and maybe even a bald eagle
- Enjoying rustic, authentic meals at local bed and breakfasts
- Learning about the surrounding history and culture of the destinations
- Exploring charming farmer's markets bursting with seasonal produce and artisanal goods
- Participating in cider tastings at local orchards, savoring the flavors of freshly pressed apple cider
- Embarking on scenic drives along winding country roads adorned with vibrant foliage
- Attending traditional fall festivals and events celebrating local harvests and traditions
- Indulging in cozy bonfires under starlit skies, accompanied by stories and marshmallow roasting
Fall Foliage Tours & Travel Guide
Fall Foliage Attractions & Landmarks Guide
As you travel through picturesque landscapes adorned with vibrant red, orange, and gold hues, don't miss the opportunity to capture the breathtaking beauty of the changing leaves. Stop at charming local establishments to savor the flavors of the season and stay alert for glimpses of wildlife amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Travelstride will help you find a perfect fall foliage vacation package to enjoy an enriching adventure during your short fall foliage season.
Fall Foliage Season: What Week Does Fall Foliage Peak?
Fall foliage tours have a very short season. By the time November rolls around, most vibrant leaves have drifted to the ground, and winter weather conditions set in.
Typically, the most popular months for fall foliage are September through October when the weather is still lovely. Second and third week of October are the peak weeks for fall foliage tours. Late October welcomes a light dusting of snow and frost—a great opportunity for photographs!
This is technically the off-season for tourism, so you can enjoy off-peak prices. The downside is that some towns and attractions will shut down, especially in the far north, where heavy snowfall is common. But you don't have to worry about the logistics when you book a fall foliage tour with our trusted tour operators on Travelstride.
The Best Fall Foliage Destinations
Some of the best destinations for fall foliage in the world are the Northeastern United States and Canada. Most specific fall foliage-themed tours focus on New England.
Top cities and states in the United States for fall foliage include Boston, Vermont; the Hudson Valley in New York; Rocky Mountain National Park; and Denali National Park in Alaska.
Other popular destinations besides Canada and the US for viewing fall colors are the following.
Japan
Experience the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage in Japan as the country's maple trees burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Wander through serene Japanese gardens, such as the iconic Rikugi-en in Tokyo or the stunning Korankei Valley in Aichi Prefecture, and immerse yourself in the tranquil autumn atmosphere.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness the annual phenomenon of "koyo" (autumn colors) and indulge in seasonal delicacies like chestnut and sweet potato treats.
Germany
Explore the picturesque landscapes of Germany during the fall foliage season, where lush forests and rolling hills are painted in hues of amber, copper, and russet.
Stroll through quaint villages amidst the vibrant foliage and embark on scenic drives along the Romantic Road or the Moselle Valley. Visit renowned landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle or the Black Forest, and savor the flavors of autumn with hearty German cuisine and locally brewed beers.
Iceland
Discover the unique allure of fall foliage in Iceland, where rugged landscapes transform into a kaleidoscope of colors during autumn. Journey through the Icelandic countryside, adorned with golden birch forests, fiery orange lava fields, and shimmering blue glaciers.
Explore iconic natural wonders like Thingvellir National Park or the Golden Circle and witness the dramatic contrast of vibrant foliage against the island's volcanic terrain. Capture the ethereal beauty of Iceland's fall foliage against cascading waterfalls, steaming geothermal pools, and majestic mountains.
New England Fall Foliage Road Trip Ideas
Behold the best New England fall experience with a road trip through its vibrant foliage. You'll visit Massachusetts, where Salem's historic charm and Lexington's revolutionary landmarks await.
Vermont's Green Mountains are famous for their iconic covered bridges and maple syrup tastings. Head to New Hampshire's White Mountains for scenic hikes and quaint villages. In Maine, explore the rugged coastline of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, where coastal trails offer stunning ocean views amidst fiery foliage.
Along the way, savor local cuisine, visit orchards for apple picking, and stop at charming inns for cozy evenings by the fireplace. Each stop on the New England fall foliage tours promises a unique glimpse into the autumn splendor in this region.
Fall Foliage Train Tours
Experience the beauty of nature's transition aboard historic railways, where the changing landscapes unfold in breathtaking panoramas. Traverse picturesque routes through New England's rolling hills, the Great Smoky Mountains, or the vibrant forests of the Pacific Northwest.
As the train winds its way through valleys ablaze with crimson, gold, and orange hues, immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance of vintage carriages and relish the tranquility of the season. Fall foliage rail vacations offer a unique and unforgettable way to witness the autumn spectacle.
Things To Do on a Fall Foliage Tour
While the trees are the star, autumn is an excellent season for fun activities! You can expect to enjoy these great highlights of the season while on your fall foliage tour:
Festivals
Fall festivals are among the most popular activities on a fall foliage vacation. Harvest festivals are great for families and usually coincide with the best months for viewing fall foliage, September and October.
These events have a quintessential small-town America vibe — a great way to learn about and participate in classic "Americana" for a day. They often feature livestock auctions, hayrides, and pumpkin carving.
Halloween Celebrations
Halloween has ancient roots in parts of Europe but is most strongly associated with the United States. Nothing beats seeing kids running from house to house in costume, enjoying a magical night.
Halloween falls at the very end of October, so while it may not be on your fall foliage vacation package, you'll get in the spirit as you see jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps!
Wine Tasting
Harvest time at a winery is one of the most exciting and educational times to taste. The winery is abuzz with fresh grape produce as they sort clusters loaded on conveyor belts to be crushed.
Except for a few varietals that are best picked very late in the season, most vines will be empty by October.
But if you go on a fall foliage trip in September, several vineyards will still have grapes on the vines. And talk about another unique place to see fall colors! Grape vines exhibit beautiful oranges and reds as the season turns.
What To Wear on a Fall Foliage Tour
You will encounter cool temperatures during much of your fall foliage tour, so layers will be essential. Here are some things you should pack for your fall foliage vacation:
- Warm Jacket: Bring a good, ideally waterproof, jacket. Down jackets and vests are always a good option for this kind of trip. They easily slip over other layers and are breathable. They can also mush down easily.
- Long Underwear: If you tend to get cold quickly, a good pair of long underwear will be especially helpful for nighttime and early morning walks.
- Warm Hat: Bring a beanie or hat that will cover your ears to keep you warm and toasty.
- Good Hiking Boots: Your fall foliage tour will involve some hiking through forest paths, and because of the changing weather, you will probably encounter some mud. Have good boots for traversing nature paths; don't forget to break them in!
Who Will Enjoy the Fall Foliage Tour?
Fall foliage tours cater to diverse interests and age groups, ensuring an enriching experience for all. They are perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking the tranquility of autumn landscapes.
Families with kids and teenagers can also enjoy these tours, offering an educational and immersive experience amidst the vibrant colors of fall.
Children can engage in leaf collecting, wildlife spotting, and outdoor activities, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Teenagers may appreciate the picturesque scenery for photography or relish exploring charming towns and landmarks along the way.
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Traveling to Fall Foliage, an FAQ
1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?
Travelstride has the widest selection of tours and tour companies. All the largest companies are on the site and most smaller local operators though we are adding new operators daily. Unlike other websites and agencies, we show you all the options, regardless of whether or not we are paid by the company.
2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?
Travelstride membership is absolutely free. You receive special benefits including saving up to $700 on select tours with top tour operators. The main requirement is to write a review after your trip to access the savings.
3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?
Yes. Travelstride has both expert reviews, written by Travelstride staff and local experts as well as traveler reviews written by people like you who have used the company and traveled to that destination.
4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?
Stride Preferred and Stride Premier are status categories to help you sort quickly through known and reliable travel companies. Since there are thousands of tour operators around the globe, Preferred or Premier badges are awarded to companies that Travelstride has determined meet the highest standards of professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality.