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Want to enjoy the incredible fall foliage in the United States? Here at Green Vacation Deals, we’ve put together a list of the 20 best fall foliage excursions in the US. They include different ways to experience the beautiful fall colors, such as on a cruise, taking a helicopter ride, kayaking, cycling, etc. And you can even save money on some of these with a discount!

Look through the list and find the best tour or outing near you. Or plan a special fall foliage trip! For each experience, we’ve listed the excursion as well as where it starts.

  1. Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise – New York City, New York
  2. Kancamagus Scenic Highway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour – Lincoln, New Hampshire
  3. Fall Color Tour in the Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  4. Fall Foliage Tour On Private Yacht to Palisades Cliffs – New York City, New York
  5. Boston Harbor Fall Foliage Luncheon Cruise – Boston, Massachusetts
  6. New Hampshire White Mountains Autumn Foliage Tour from Portland – Portland, Maine
  7. Trees of Many Colors Tour from Pigeon Forge – Sevierville, Tennessee
  8. Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Shared Helicopter Tour – White Plains, New York
  9. Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Private Helicopter Tour – West Harrison, New York
  10. Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour – Bar Harbor, Maine
  11. White Mountains of New Hampshire Fall Foliage Tour from Boston – Boston, Massachusetts
  12. Jeep & SXS Fall Foliage Cruise and Dinner – Walford, Iowa
  13. Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage Tour with Smart Phone Photo Workshop, Bush’s Baked Beans & Dandridge – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
  14. Leaf Peeping Guided Covered Bridge Kayak Tour – Windham, Maine
  15. 8 or 10 Day Fall Foliage Tour: Vermont to Massachusetts – Burlington, Vermont
  16. Bear Mountain Fall Foliage Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office – New York City, New York
  17. Fall Color & Tree ID – Field Experience – Asheville, North Carolina
  18. Smoky Mountain Cades Cove Fall Foliage Tour – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
  19. Leaf Tour 2024 for Cyclists – Travelers Rest, South Carolina
  20. Awash in Color: A Fall Foliage Walking Tour at Mount Auburn – Cambridge, Massachusetts

What causes leaves to change color in the fall?

A chemical reaction, influenced by things like climate and water, causes the leaves to change color. According to University of Vermont forest scientist William Keeton, parts of the process are still not known, which makes it difficult to predict how bright the colors might be.

When can I see the fall foliage?

The best times to see peak fall colors depends on the part of the United States. Per the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the peak times out West and the Midwest are at the end of September and beginning of October. In the Pacific Northwest and New England, the best time is around October 11. And mid-October is best for the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please note, though, that this can vary from location to location. And the leaves often still look impressive past its peak.

What state has the best fall foliage?

It’s hard to pick which state in America has the best fall foliage – not only is it a matter of opinion, but the vibrancy of colors can change from year to year. That’s why it’s great to visit different parts of the country during leaf peeping season, so that you can decide for yourself!