These States Are The Best Places To Catch 2021's Fall Foliage

Travelers planning a fall photoshoot with plenty of autumn-colored leaves should head to Michigan, Colorado, Maine, or Massachusetts. There's plenty of selfie-worthy material literally falling from the trees there. When's the right time to visit? Are there fall foliage maps for these states? Which drives and hikes offer the most scenic views? Where can visitors take a train to see autumn colors? Read on for the answers to these questions.

Michigan

Michigan has more than 19 million acres of maples, beech, birch, and oak trees. Come fall, their leaves turn fiery hues. The State of Michigan publishes a fall foliage map to help leaf peepers plan. A sliding tab shows approximately what color fall foliage will be on any specific date. The Upper Peninsula and South Shore have incredible views of autumn foliage with waterfalls and Lake Superior in the background.

Highway 58 near Munising Township will take drivers past the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and provide awe-inspiring views. Of course, the area offers plenty of hiking trails to explore. Residents of mid-Michigan may prefer to check out the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland. This pristine reserve has 19 miles of easily accessible walking trails, many of them paved.

Best Weekend For Leaf Peeping: October 2nd - 3rd, October 9th - 10th
Best Scenic Drive: Highway 58 near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising Township
Best Scenic Hike: Chippewa Nature Center, Midland
Fall Foliage Map: Pure Michigan Website

Colorado

Colorado's Rocky Mountains mean that this state has colorful foliage for months due to differences in elevation. Aspen forests at high above sea level turn golden in mid-September while cottonwoods lining Denver city streets show their fall colors in late October or even early November. It's fundamental to check a foliage map before heading out, otherwise, leaf peepers might miss the best views.

Guanella Pass is just a short drive from Denver. This scenic byway takes travelers through fir and aspen forest and then climbs well above the timberline, providing panoramic views of fall colors. Drivers should plan on taking an hour to explore the 22-mile stretch. The Georgetown Loop Railroad, located along Guanella Pass in Georgetown, is one attraction that tourists shouldn't miss. This train travels 2 miles through Aspen forests, providing stunning views of amber leaves.

Hikers look for Colorado fall colors should check out the Arapaho National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest between Boulder and Ft. Collins. The Hessie Trailhead is the starting point for six hiking trails. People who want to visit should park in the Nederland High School parking lot and take the free 10-minute shuttle to Hessie since the authorities discourage parking there.

Best Weekend For Leaf Peeping: September 25th - 26th, October 2nd - 3rd
Best Scenic Drive: Guanella Pass near Denver and Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
Best Scenic Hike: Any of the hikes departing from the Hessie Trailhead near Nederland
Fall Foliage Map: KOAA News 5 website

Maine

Acadia National Park in the "Downeast" near Bar Harbor is spectacular at any time of year, but, in fall, it lights up with gold, crimson, and flame-colored trees. Add miles and miles of scarlet blueberry barrens and travelers will be struck speechless by the sight.

The Bold Coast Scenic Byway stretches 125 miles from Milbridge to Lubec. It takes drivers through dense forests, blueberry barrens, and along the coast.

Acadia is covered with gorgeous fall hikes, but the Cadillac Summit Loop, just half a mile, is accessible for families. Located near Bar Harbor, it provides lovely autumn views.

Best Weekend For Leaf Peeping: October 9th-10th and 16th-17th
Best Scenic Drive: Bold Coast Scenic Byway
Best Scenic Hike: Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, Bar Harbor
Fall Foliage Map: Weekly foliage reports on the Maine Foliage website starting on September 15th

Massachusetts

Travelers often wonder where and when is the best time to see fall colors in New England. The Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts is the answer to the first part of the question. Yankee Magazine provides the answer to the second question with their Guide to New England Fall Foliage. Users click on a calendar date and the map shows approximately where the most beautiful colors will be.

Mount Greylock near Lanesborough is the tallest peak in southern New England. By driving the 16-mile scenic byway to its summit, visitors can see up to 70 miles of colorful forest foliage from above on clear days.

The walk to Bash Bish Falls near Mt. Washington is easy for anyone to make. The maple forests have beautiful foliage and the astounding waterfall at the end makes the half-mile walk from the Massachusetts parking lot particularly rewarding.