Photo courtesy of iStock / aheflin
Table of Contents
The South puts on a beautiful fall display
The Southern United States probably isn’t the region that comes to mind when you think “brilliant fall foliage,” but it could give New England a run for its money. Here are some of the most beautiful places to enjoy the season.
Photo courtesy of iStock / James Deitsch
Alabama – DeSoto State Park
DeSoto State Park in northeastern Alabama shows off shades of golden, crimson and orange, which are particularly beautiful when reflected by the water.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Picturethisllc32536
Alabama – Lake Guntersville
The mammoth Lake Guntersville, the largest lake in the state, offers plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of changing leaves. With 75 miles of lake to explore, you’re sure to see some autumn splendor.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Mitchell Wessels
Arkansas – Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point
Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point, might just be one of the most photographed places in Arkansas. Who could resist a view like that? Accessible via a moderate hike, the view is surreal at any time of year, but even more so in autumn.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / GracedByTheLight
Arkansas – Mount Magazine
Located in the state park of the same name, Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas. That means sweeping, foliage-speckled views that will take your breath away.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Michael Warren
Florida – Suwannee River
Florida probably isn’t the first place you’d think of when searching for spectacular fall foliage, but there’s plenty to be seen. Autumnal colors contrast beautifully with the spring-laden Suwannee River.
Peak foliage times: Late October to mid-November
Photo courtesy of iStock / dosecreative
Florida – Wekiwa Springs
Canoe or kayak the emerald Wekiwa Springs for a different perspective on the changing leaves. You’ll probably see some wildlife along the way, too.
Peak foliage times: Late October to mid-November
Photo courtesy of iStock / SeanPavonePhoto
Georgia – Tallulah Gorge
Tallulah Gorge is legendary. It’s served as the filming locations for movies such as “Deliverance” and “Grizzly,” and it was the setting for Karl Wallenda’s heart-stopping high-wire walk. Not to mention, it has jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery in autumn.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / gnagel
Georgia – Lookout Mountain
Right on the Georgia-Tennessee border, Lookout Mountain boasts some amazing sights. For instance, a 100-foot waterfall and the Rock City Gardens where you get amazing views of the local flora. Did we mention you can see seven U.S. states from here? That’s a whole lot of leaf-peeping.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / jctabb
Kentucky – Pine Mountain
Located in the Appalachians, Pine Mountain was Kentucky’s first state park. If you’re up for it, you can savor the spectacle longer with a stay in the onsite lodge.
Peak foliage times: Mid-September to late October
Photo courtesy of iStock / alexeys
Kentucky – Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls is the crown jewel of the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Often referred to as the “Niagara of the South,” the falls become even more spectacular when surrounded by hues of gold, orange and scarlet.
Peak foliage times: Mid-September to late October
Photo courtesy of iStock / CapturedAudience
Mississippi – Tombigbee State Park
Tombigbee State Park in Tupelo enjoys close proximity to the Natchez Trace Parkway, famous for its fall colors. The generously-sized Lake Lee serves as a brilliant mirror for the multi-colored leaves.
Peak foliage times: Mid-October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Sean Pavone
North Carolina – Grandfather Mountain
One of the Blue Ridge’s highest peaks, Grandfather Mountain is awash in the most brilliant autumn hues that seem to go on forever.
Peak foliage times: Mid-October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / WerksMedia
North Carolina – Cullasaja River Gorge
Cullasaja River Gorge near the town of Highlands is home to three amazing waterfalls, which visitors can access by driving the scenic Waterfall Byway. You can actually walk behind Dry Falls, pictured here, for a really atmospheric autumnal experience.
Peak foliage times: Mid-October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / LumiCreativeStudio
Oklahoma – Talimena National Scenic Byway
The scenic drive along Talimena National Scenic Byway leads you over 50 miles, allowing you to explore historic towns and take in amazing views. The view pictured here is in the Ouachita Mountains.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Alice-L
Oklahoma – Turner Falls Park
Turner Falls is Oklahoma’s largest waterfall, tumbling 77 feet into a pool below. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a fall picnic and revel in the surrounding colorful foliage.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Kruck20
South Carolina – Greenville
Greenville and its surrounding areas serve as a fantastic place to enjoy all of the shades of autumn. For an especially scenic perspective, visit the idyllic Campbell’s Covered Bridge.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / JillLang
South Carolina – Table Rock State Park
Easily recognizable in the Upstate South Carolina landscape, Table Rock’s exposed rock surface serves as the backdrop for Pinnacle Lake. The small body of water makes for a stunning contrast when the leaves turn.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Dean_Fikar
Tennessee – Cades Cove
Drive through Cades Cove – a broad valley in the Great Smoky Mountains – during autumn, and this is what you’ll see. Its picturesque and pastoral beauty is only enhanced by the transforming trees.
Peak foliage times: Early October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Sean Pavone
Tennessee – Newfound Gap
A truly unique view awaits at Newfound Gap, a mountain pass straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The nearly-mile-high pass is home to an evergreen spruce-fir forest, which magnificently accents the bold colors of the deciduous population.
Peak foliage times: Early October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / Richard McMillin
Texas – Lost Maples State Natural Area
Brimming with year-round interest, Lost Maples becomes especially lovely in autumn. It’s home to Uvalde bigtooth maples, a difficult-to-find species with fall foliage of stunning reds and golds.
Peak foliage times: Late October to early November
Photo courtesy of iStock / tonda
Virginia – Shenandoah National Park
This massive national park in the Blue Ridge Mountains spans hundreds of thousands of acres. Exploring via Skyline Drive offers unforgettable views of the technicolor trees.
Peak foliage times: Mid-late October
Photo courtesy of E+ / DenisTangneyJr
Virginia – James River
The James River is an excellent stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, presenting a striking image of mirrored autumn color. Even better if you can enjoy it by boat.
Peak foliage times: Mid-late October
Photo courtesy of E+ / Ron and Patty Thomas
West Virginia – Babcock State Park
Bucolic in character, Babcock State Park’s Glade Creek Grist Mill surrounded by dappled trees might be as autumnal as it gets.
Peak foliage times: Late October