Vermont: Famous for its Fall Foliage

Arguably the capital of fall foliage, Vermont is legendary for its leaf peeping. About 70% of the state is blanketed in forest, and it boasts the highest density of sugar maples in the U.S. The trees turn various shades of yellow, orange, and red each year, which is what gives Vermont that gorgeous patchwork of autumnal hues that cover hillsides.

Colors typically peak in the last week of September through the first or second week of October, when Vermont’s landscapes reach their most stunning crescendo.

Scenic roads wind through mountain vistas, with plenty of opportunities to stop for classic fall fun—apple orchards, pumpkin patches, chairlift rides, corn mazes, and creemee stands serving

Vermont’s signature soft serve. Stroll and shop in quaint downtowns, picking up quintessential Vermont goodies like maple syrup.

In the southern section of the state, make Manchester your leaf-peeping launchpad. Nestled between the Green Mountain and Taconic ranges, this quaint destination is home to the historic Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, where fall foliage hikes begin right outside your door. The property’s trail network offers everything from easy loops to challenging climbs. Or take in the views while navigating the resort’s 80-acre Land Rover Course. Whichever way you choose to experience the changing season, be sure to make time for a taste of The Equinox’s homemade cider doughnuts.

Utah: Leaf Peep During the Day, Stargaze at Night

New England may get most of the fall foliage fame, but Utah holds its own, especially for travelers who like a little adventure with their leaf-peeping. With five national parks and one of the highest concentrations of dark sky parks and communities in the country, plus striking fall foliage, Utah is a visual feast come September and October.

Leaf peepers can soak in the scenery on a drive through the glacially carved Big Cottonwood Canyon, then continue over Guardsman Pass, which winds across the mountains and descends into Park City and the Heber Valley. Prefer to pedal? Park City’s 400-plus miles of singletrack trails stay rideable well into late fall, offering views beneath a golden canopy. Round out your day by casting a line in the Middle Provo River—a Blue Ribbon trout fishery—or winding down with a whiskey tasting.

Black Rock Mountain Resort – just 15 minutes from Park City in Heber City – makes it easy to book bike rentals, hot air balloon rides, or, when it’s time to relax, simply take in the views from the year-round hot tub and pool.

Maine: Lighthouse, Lobster Rolls and Top-Notch Leafpeeping

Maine’s fall foliage is just as iconic as its lobster rolls and coastal lighthouses, and during the state’s shoulder season (or, more fittingly, its show-off season), you can enjoy all three.

Acadia National Park, one of the most visited in the country, is especially stunning in the fall. Trails like the Beehive Loop offer sweeping coastal views framed by vibrant foliage. Beyond the park, you’ll find plenty to explore: shop for treasures along the Maine Antique Trail, where barns and farmhouses are packed with finds, or spend an afternoon at a you-pick apple orchard.

Timing your trip with peak color? Plan to visit between the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. A foliage tracker launches in early September to help you sync your trip with leaf-peeping season.

Cozy accommodations are part of the charm, too. In Boothbay Harbor, Spruce Point Inn offers cottage stays and rooms in a historic inn, plus fall activities like s’mores by the fire, hikes through old-growth forests, and visits to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, where asters, goldenrods, and other late blooms appear alongside the changing leaves.

Or head to Kennebunkport and stay at The Colony Hotel, which overlooks the Atlantic. Stroll through Dock Square for art galleries, shops, and seafood; ride a historic trolley at the Seashore Trolley Museum; or explore the forested trails of the Kennebunk Land Trust.

Oregon: Fall Colors Light Up the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is also a stunning stage for fall foliage.

At nearly 96,000 square miles, the state of Oregon is 25% larger than all of New England and puts forth a dramatic array of autumn colors, from golden aspens and copper vine maples to the deep eggplant hues of Raywood ash. Peak color sweeps across most of the state in mid- to late October.

In Portland, immerse yourself in fall beauty at the Portland Japanese Garden or Hoyt Arboretum, a “museum of living trees” showcasing 2,300 species from six continents and laced with 12 miles of hiking trails.

For stays that match the magic of the season, check into Hotel Lucia, a stylish boutique hotel with a renowned photography collection, nightly craft beer hour, and rentable bikes. Or opt for the Sentinel, an art-filled gem housed in a pair of historic buildings with striking Corinthian columns.

Or, in Central Oregon, Bend offers golden hikes to waterfalls, epic rides on 600 miles of mountain biking trails in the region, and plenty of post-adventure brews along the Bend Ale Trail. Rest up riverside at the cozy and scenic Riverhouse Lodge, perched on the banks of the Deschutes.

Explore more destinations in every season across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.