Your Next Girls’ Trip Has Got to Be for Leaf Peeping

This article was created as part of a sponsored partnership with AllTrails. We take pride in selecting partners who align with our mission to get more women outside. Thank you for supporting this collaborative effort!

Fall is full of pumpkin spice, sweaters, and the joy of watching the leaves turn. Some call the season cozy; we call it thrilling. Once the crisp air overcomes us, there’s nothing better than getting outside, hitting the trails, and going leaf peeping with your closest friends. This autumn, taking a trip to enjoy the beautiful foliage is exactly what you and your girls deserve.

While this season’s weather looks different everywhere, there are some beyond-stunning destinations to fall in love with, from New York to Oregon . This fall 2023, we’ve teamed up with the folks at AllTrails to share some of the leaf-peeping places you should have on your travel wishlist.

If you aren't familiar with AllTrails, it’s a community lead app that helps you find your way outside (kind of like Plein Air.) With an AllTrails+ membership, you can download offline maps (a must for staying on-route), check the trail and weather conditions ahead of time, and save favorite trails to organized lists for future reference. We love that AllTrails makes it easy for women (and everyone) to get outside safely.

13 Best Destinations For Watching the Leaves Turn This Fall (Ideally on a Girls’ Trip):

The Berkshires, New York
Stowe, Vermont
Acadia National Park, Maine
Tofino, BC, Canada
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado (Maroon Bells)
Mont Tremblant, Québec, Canada
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Silverton, Colorado
Asheville, North Carolina
Park City, Utah
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Crimson, red, yellow, orange—surround yourself with all these colors by visitingThe Berkshires during the fall season. The quaint New England vibe makes for sheer magic when you go, and there’s foliage everywhere. Walk along the many trails like the Stony Ledge Trail and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail on your girls trip to really embrace the overall golden feeling this town embodies—and snap a few impeccable pictures as you move through the town!

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont is located at the tallest peak in the state and is widely enjoyed for its skiing and outdoor activities. The ideal time to grab your girls? Around late September through mid-November.

The leaves will be the perfect golden yellow to bright red colors you won’t be able to snap enough pictures of. Head to Stowe Mountain Resort to drive through Route-100’s scenic highway. Hike the Spruce Peak Community Pathways, specifically The Stowe Rec Path, which ends at a beautiful covered bridge overlooking the trail.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park consists of the highest rocky headlands with gorgeous views of the Atlantic coastline. A total of 158 miles of hiking trails (as well as 45 miles of roads to drive along) means you have endless opportunities to enjoy the foliage the park has to offer. Drive Park Loop Road to view the results of fall around lakes, mountains, and the shoreline. This drive will lead you to the Summit Cadillac Mountain, the highest point of the park.

Tofino, BC, Canada

The Tofino area in BC, Canada is a town known for its scenic views, fishing, and close capacity to the Pacific Ocean— specifically on the Pacific Rim. From beaches to mountains, there are a variety of opportunities to enjoy the mosaic of leaves and the touch of fall. Visit the Pacific Rim National Park and The Rainforest Trail (Loop A and B) for views that will literally blow your mind.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

In Colorado, you simply have to stop at Rocky Mountain National Park, a bonafide icon for autumn exploration. Trail Ridge Road provides unbelievable sights of the Rocky Mountains, as well as all the leaves, pine cones, and practically every type of tree you can imagine. Hike Dream Lake Trail for a quick trail with exceptional fall colors, or the Twin Sisters trail for a more challenging hike with equally striking surroundings.

Aspen, Colorado (Maroon Bells)

Considered the most photographed mountains in North America, Maroon Bells is an incredible place to view the magnificent autumn colors Aspen has to offer. The trees surround you on all sides, and they turn a mesmerizing golden hue that contrasts with the light blue sky. Hike the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail for an amazing display of what nature has to offer during this crisp season. Enjoy a meal at the White House Tavern after your day of adventure – specifically the French Dip Au Jus and a cold beer or cocktail.

Mont-Tremblant, Québec, Canada

This Montreal town itself may be small, but hosts various hiking paths and skiing opportunities amidst Swiss-style lodges and picturesque cobblestones. Better yet, the European-style town boasts plenty of wine bars, cafes, and bistros for you to enjoy after exploring the autumnal rainbow of reds, oranges, and gold foliage that surrounds the town.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The spectacular Columbia River Gorge is 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep. It’s the largest national scenic area in America, and provides endless exploration opportunities.There are hiking and bike trails, as well as a glorious amount of waterfalls (roughly 90) to view. Head to Crown Point Vista House for a bird’s-eye view of all the fall foliage you can imagine. Or, follow the Mosier Plateau Trail to see all that the town has to offer, like wine tasting at Analemma wines or the many cherry orchards along Highway 30 or State Road.

Silverton, Colorado

Silverton is an old mining town with endless possibilities to enjoy the changing leaves. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic delicacy, offering gorgeous views of the San Juan mountains and the ever changing foliage. Explore the Highland Mary Lakes trail which ascends to remarkable lakes, surrounded by an endless amount of foliage.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina begins to transform into a fall wonderland in late September—and it’s a sight you don’t want to miss. Fall takes over the mountainside, valleys, and foothills, covering it in orange, yellow, and red shades. Graveyard Fields and Grandfather Mountain are two locations you should take time to explore if you want to truly indulge in the magical world that fall creates.

Park City, Utah

You may know Park City for being an absolute haven of a ski town, but did you know it’s also just as enchanting in the fall? When September comes to an end and October begins, trails like the Farm Trail start to feel like another golden realm. Between the evergreen pine groves and the red maples, there’s an endless variety of postcard-worthy sights—and you might score some off-season deals on hotels, cars, and the like that lets you indulge more with your girls than you would during the peak season.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Mother Nature blessed Cheyenne, Wyoming with riveting and vibrant fall colors throughout the entire city. From the mountainside to the variety of parks and hiking trails Cheyenne has to offer, the opportunities to welcome the new season are infinite. There are plenty of stops along the road where you can take some pictures of you and your girls.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Fall in Tennessee is one of a kind. Best of all, the leaves change quickly, so it’s a great selection for a leaf-peeping trip if you’re itchy to do it soon rather than waiting for October or November. The orange and yellow colors of leaves dazzle across the entire city. And waterfall chasers? Listen up. Chattanooga is the setting for you. Experience the impeccable views while riding on the Tennessee Valley Railroad trains or at Rainbow Lake Wilderness Trailhead on Signal Mountain. To be honest, anywhere you decide to go in Chattanooga will provide you with exceptional fall vibes.

Your Next Girls’ Trip Has Got to Be for Leaf Peeping—and Here’s Where to Go This Fall 2023