Photos show what 10 popular fall destinations look like during the peak and offseason

Publish date: 2024-07-26
2023-09-07T15:52:02Z

There are many places across the US to enjoy beautiful fall colors as leaves burst into reds, oranges, and yellows.

However, the autumn displays don't last long. Before you know it, the trees lose all of their leaves, resulting in less vibrant scenery.

Here's what 10 famous fall foliage destinations look like during the peak season — and the drastic difference once the seasons change.

The mountains surrounding Stowe, Vermont, burst with bright colors in the fall.

Stowe, Vermont, during the fall. Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

In the winter, the scenery is still beautiful, but more muted.

Stowe, Vermont, in the winter. DonLand/Getty Images

Door County, Wisconsin, was named the best destination for fall foliage in 2019 by USA Today.

Door County, Wisconsin. Christopher J. Franklin Photography/Getty Images

Source: USA Today

During the winter months, Door County is blanketed in snow.

Door County, Wisconsin, covered in snow. Steven Puetzer/Getty Images

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through Virginia and North Carolina with vibrant autumn colors.

Blue Ridge Parkway, in the fall. jaredkay/iStock

In the off season, the trees are white with snow, instead.

Blue Ridge Parkway, in the winter, DanaForeman/Shutterstock

At Whitaker Point in Kingston, Arkansas, the golden glow of sunset matches the color of the autumn leaves.

Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag. ksnyd_10/Shutterstock

The views are still stunning in the spring.

Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag. Ross Ellet/Shutterstock

Fall scenery is reflected in Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, New Hampshire.

Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, New Hampshire. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

Lake Winnipesaukee freezes over as the seasons change.

Winter in Meredith, New Hampshire. hale irwin/Getty Images

The leaves surrounding Multnomah Falls in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge turn orange in the fall.

Multnomah Falls. Hlewk/Shutterstock

During the winter months, the snowy waterfall still flows, although it can partially freeze over.

Multnomah Falls in the winter. Dendron/Getty Images

Source: Travel Portland

Autumn in Maine's Acadia National Park is full of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Acadia National Park in October. Don Donelson/Getty Images

The views are still incredible in the offseason, but they're not as colorful.

Acadia National Park in winter. Douglas Rissing/Getty Images

The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York make for a scenic autumn drive.

The view of autumn trees along a curve in the road in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Diana Robinson Photography/Getty Images

The winding mountain roads become lined with snowy trees when winter arrives.

Snow-covered trees in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Bob Grabowski/Shutterstock

Travel + Leisure named Eastern Shore, Maryland, one of the best places to see fall foliage in the US.

Rural roadway on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in autumn. threespeedjones/Getty Images

Source: Travel + Leisure

As the weather gets colder, Eastern Shore's bare trees allow more sunlight to filter through.

Springtime on Maryland's Eastern Shore region. Joesboy/Getty Images

Walking through New York City's Central Park in the fall feels cinematic with bold-colored leaves.

Central Park in New York City in the fall. rabbit75_ist/Getty Images

Wintertime in Central Park is also picturesque.

Central Park, New York City, during a snowstorm. matejphoto/Getty Images

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