The number-one rule? "Book early, plan ahead, and consider state parks and national forests—they can be just as stunning without the gridlock,” Newman says. That means reserving lodging, park road entries and popular tours well in advance. You may also want to swap marquee parks for national forests, state parks and adjacent small towns. Timing matters, too: “My favorite hack? Pack your picnic the night before and be on the trail by sunrise.” If a spot doesn’t take reservations, she adds, show up at opening (often 4 p.m.) to beat the dinner rush.
Related: 20 Most Stunning Leaf-Peeping Destinations to Visit This Fall
Québec, Canada (Eastern Townships + Chemin du Roy)
What to do:
Drive the historic Chemin du Roy (Québec City to Montréal); stop for farm stands and stay at small resorts.Stand-up paddleboard on quiet lakes for peak-color views.Hydravion Aventure Seaplane sightseeing over nearby La Mauricie National Park for stunning foliage views from above.Station touristique Duchesnay nature center on a lake; find onsite stand-up paddleboards and trails.Le Baluchon eco-resort (“Baluchon… great resort," says Newman.)Book a glamping village with yurts/cabins by a lake.
Darley’s pro tip:
“You have to book popular access roads and national park entries well in advance now.”Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National ParkPhoto by Douglas Rissing on Getty Images
What to do:
Make sure you're up at Sunrise to drive Summit Road in the morning—reserve a timed entry ahead of time.Pack a pre-dawn picnic and head out before the rush.It can be incredibly busy this time of year and most hotels and restaurants book up way ahead of time. If a restaurant doesn’t take reservations, arrive at opening (4 p.m.) to skip lines. (You may just be ready after that sunrise hike!)
Related: 7 Biggest Fall Travel Trends of 2025, According to Experts
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Photo by Dale Boettcher on Getty Images
What to do:
Scenic drives and waterfall stops; mix hiking with lake overlooks.Aim for late Sept–mid Oct windows.Darley’s pro tip:
Consider state parks and national forests like these—theyr'e often less crowded than marquee national parks.West Virginia (Monongahela NF + New River Gorge area)
The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in West Virginia.Photo by Douglas Rissing on Getty Images
What to do:
Waterfall-drive trail with short hikes.Rock-climb Via Ferrata with NROCKS outdoor adventures—you're “attached to a cable—great for adventurous, not crazy adventurous," says Newman. Raft the New River Gorge National Park.Ride the Durbin Rocket vintage train. "It takes you out into the woods, where you're seeing changing leaves," says Newman.Caboose camping via the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad or glamping cabins nearby.
Darley’s pro tip:
Expect limited cell service and be prepared to go a bit off-grid.Related: 7 Travel Mistakes People Make in the Fall—And How to Avoid Them
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Photo by John Baggaley on Getty Images
What to do:
Pick lesser-trafficked overlooks and trails away from the most famous stops.Nearby state forests are also great so you avoid peak congestion.Darley’s pro tip:
Start early (or late afternoon) to enjoy the views with fewer people.Finger Lakes, New York (Keuka Lake)
USA, New York, Finger Lakes Region, Hammondsport, Keuka Lake, autumnPhoto by Walter Bibikow on Getty Images
What to do:
Winery/harvest stops—it's a fun, low-key wine region with plenty offering tastings.And if you have time, take a side trip to Saratoga Springs, New York, to stroll downtown streets, and go apple-picking. Stay at the woman-owned Saratoga Arms.Darley’s pro tip
Build a flex day to chase best-color micro-pockets lake-to-lake.Jeju Island, South Korea
on the Gwaneumsa hiking trail to Hallasan on Jeju IslandPhoto by Henn Photography on Getty Images
What to do:
Sunrise hike of Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic tuff cone that's super popular for engagements and photo shoots.Coastal walks with cliff views.Go for sunrise; it’s busy but unforgettable.
To find out how to watch Travels With Darley, visit her website.
Related: These 6 Quiet New England Towns Are Fall Hidden Gems—Say Travel Pros
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