Where to See the Best Fall Foliage in the USA (10+ Destinations)
Last Updated on 15th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Between golden hues and burnt orange shades, there’s no shortage of beautiful autumnal colours to be seen across the USA. Fall is a great time to visit the US as many National Parks have fewer crowds than in the summer months and yet it’s still nowhere near as chilly as during the winter. Here are some of the best places to see the fall foliage in the USA.

Contents
- Places to see the fall foliage in the USA
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Alaska
- Sacramento, California
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
- Connecticut
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Door County, Wisconsin
- The Alaska Highway, Alaska
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Brasstown Bald, Georgia
- Southern Utah
- Vermont, New England
- Telluride, Colorado
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- North Cascades National Park, Washington
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Places to see the fall foliage in the USA
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
By Julie of FunFairfax VA
Drive less than 2 hours west of busy Washington DC, and you can enjoy beautiful fall foliage in Shenandoah National Park. The historic Skyline Drive roadway travels 105 miles through the park along the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering both east and westward views.
Visitors can take in the fall colours from the park’s 75 overlooks and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935, Shenandoah was the first national park to host the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which built the beautiful stone walls and facilities seen throughout the park.
Visitors can spend the night, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a meal with a view at the park’s two classic lodges, Skyland and Big Meadows. Also at Big Meadows, the Byrd Visitor Center offers excellent displays about Shenandoah’s geology and history.
While Skyline Drive is only 105 miles long it is difficult to see the whole park in a day. The speed limit is 35 MPH to protect black bears and other wildlife, and there are so many stops and overlooks calling for attention.
Focus on the park’s Central District, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, for some of the best fall foliage views and hikes. Here you can visit a mix of east and west-facing overlooks for foliage views, including Jewell Hollow, Thoroughfare Mountain, and The Point. And if time and energy allow, hike to one of the rocky overlooks and summits like Little Stony Man, Mary’s Rock, or Bearfence Mountain.
Shenandoah National Park admission is $30 for a private vehicle and US National Park Passes are accepted. Fall is the busiest season in the park, so arrive early to minimise entry wait times. Lines at the Front Royal Entrance are especially long in the fall, so enter at Thornton Gap, Swift Run, or Rockfish Gap if possible.

Alaska
By Mike Still of Live Travel Teach
Fall foliage fills Alaskan mountains and valleys with colour and brings some of the best wild blueberry picking with it. Autumn is the perfect time in Anchorage to photograph the northern lights too making it an even better destination to visit for fall colours!
With the colder weathers bring less tourists so you’ll have no issues booking a trip and may even discover shoulder season discounts when the leaves start to turn.
You’ll see colours in Anchorage and everywhere else in the state but I recommend spending a day or two in the city’s nearby Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest before embarking on a bigger Alaskan adventure.
Driving a few hours north or south in Alaska will dramatically change the level of foliage you see. If you arrive and the colors in Anchoragae haven’t hit yet, try the 6-hour drive north to Fairbanks and Denali National Park.
You’ll pass through beautifully contrasting valleys with yellow birch and aspen between evergreens. Alpine the hills above the tree line mimic arctic tundra with shrubbery donning beautiful reds and oranges too.
If the colours are starting to fade up north you might still catch fall colours on the drive south through Turnagain Pass to Seward where you can visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Exit Glacier.
History buffs can learn about the state’s mining history at Independence Mine State Historic Park in Hatcher Pass, or Alaska’s recovery from the great 9.2 earthquake of 1964 in Earthquake Park.
You’re sure to have fun with any itinerary you choose but don’t forget to pack extra warm layers. I recommend a wind layer and a puffy jacket for visiting Alaska in the fall. Handwarmers, hat and gloves are a great idea since you will almost certainly see termination dust signalling the end of summer with snow on the mountaintops.

Sacramento, California
By Ossama of Awesome Traveler
Sacramento is one of the best places to visit in California during fall. What makes it a special place to see
fall foliage is that trees are in every corner.
As a matter of fact, Sacramento is called the city of trees.
Thanks to the American River and the excessive rain made it all possible. There are many parks scattered
all over the city creating meadows for soccer and picnics.
Folsom lake is the biggest lake in Sacramento. Many like to visit this spacious lake for fishing, boating,
hiking, or biking around it. You can simply set back and relax or read a book.
I have tried water tubing in the Sacramento River, it was a fun experience. You can visit Sac State Aquatic Center to rent a paddleboard, kayak, Canoe, water cycle, and many more fun activities.
Sacramento is famous for its museums where you can learn about California’s history. Examples of
museums are the California Museum, California State Railroad Museum, California Automobile
Museum, and museum of medical history.
Do not forget to visit the old Sacramento waterfront for some amazing shopping areas, restaurants, and
events. You should definitely visit Frankie’s Pizza in Old Sacramento. It is not only delicious but also
unique in its kind. You can have a trip around the Sacramento River with Old Sacramento Fall Cruising.
Where to Stay?
You should stay in Hyatt Centric Downtown, Sacramento because it is located downtown. It is a few
blocks from old Sacramento and Sacramento’s main attraction.
You will not need to rent a car. You can either walk or take the bus or train to old Sacramento. The daily pass is cheap, so you won’t spend much on transportation. For more inspiration, check out our suggested itinerary for a long weekend in Sacramento.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
By Alanna of Periodic Adventures
One of the best places to see fall foliage in the USA is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This free national park is the most popular and for good reason because in the fall, the mountains change colors magnificently.
Officially chartered in 1934 and dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1940, Great Smoky Mountains National Park had a long history before becoming an official National Park as it was home to Cherokee Native Americans and white settlers. The logging industry took over in the early 1900s so to prevent the stripping of natural resources, the National Park was established.
Now, it’s a fantastic place for hiking, scenic drives, and learning about the people that once called the Appalachian region their home.
The highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park include Cades Cove, a natural valley with historic structures, Laurel Falls, one of the many waterfalls in the park, and Clingman’s Dome, a man-made tower that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
Because it’s the most popular national park, the fall can be especially crowded. So, one tip for visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to try to get to the big attractions early in the morning. It can become very difficult to find parking as the day goes on, but getting there early will ensure that the crowds are thin and the trails are empty.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park also lies on the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, so for peak fall foliage viewing, combine the two for an epic fall road trip!

Connecticut
By Emma from All Over the Place
Connecticut’s vibrant rolling hills are the perfect place to take in the sights, smells, and flavors of the Autumn season. The state’s countless cute and quaint small towns like Sharon and Cornwall are the perfect settings for a historic tour through downtown or a visit to a cozy neighbourhood café.
The picturesque town of Kent, Connecticut is a prime Fall Foliage spot as it is home to some of Connecticut’s best nature spaces. It’s named one of the best small towns in the state, and for good reason.
It’s home to one of the state’s three covered bridges and the famous Kent Falls–a massive and gorgeous cascading waterfall. Likewise, Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury has a family-friendly hike that leads to the castle-like Heublein Tower which overlooks some more of the state’s most vibrant autumn colours.
One travel tip for any traveler visiting Connecticut is to stop at one of the state’s famous family farms! These farms sponsor cozy fall activities including apple picking, pumpkin carving, corn mazes, and of course sampling locally-made apple cider and apple cider donuts.
Young children will absolutely love the tractor hay rides while older kids will love the plethora of haunted houses and Halloween-themed farm activities in the state. Lynman Farms in Middlefield, and Silverman’s Farm in Easton are fan-favourites, but you can find local farms in nearly every Connecticut town.
For those with small children who are looking for a little non-scary Halloween fun, a visit to Pumpkintown, USA is a must. Pumpkintown USA–located in East Hampton, CT–was named one of the top 5 pumpkin festivals in New England and boasts a tame pumpkin village, activities, and more.
For those looking for more high-flying adventures, the Adventure Park in Storrs CT runs rope courses, zip-lining, and more for the whole family.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Contributed by David & Intan of The World Travel Guy
One of the best places to see fall foliage in the U.S. is definitely the Rocky Mountain National Park, which is located near the town of Estes Park, Colorado. It’s a 1.5 hour drive from the Denver International Airport, and it was first established as a U.S. National Park in 1915.
Also known as RMNP, the park has lots of great fall hikes, walking trails, and scenic drives! One perfect hike for all ages is the Emerald Lake Colorado trail, which features a total of three lakes on the main trail, with an option to visit two more lakes if you want.
Emerald Lake is named for its water, which is a stunning clear emerald color with Hallett Peak in the background. It’s a relatively short and easy trail compared to others in the park, and you’re also likely to see wildlife on the hike.
Remember to stay a safe distance away from wildlife while taking pictures! RMNP is home to black bears, moose, elk, and lots of other wildlife, which is another great thing about the park. It’s also one of the busiest and most popular national parks in the United States, so you’ll need to get a permit in advance, or arrive very early in the morning or late in the afternoon to visit.
For fall colours in Rocky Mountain National Park, early October is best, and at this time you can normally expect to see stunning yellow aspen trees on the scenic drives and hiking trails. It’s starting to get a bit chilly at that time of the year, so you’ll want to dress appropriately for the season!

Door County, Wisconsin
By Paulina of Paulina on the Road
Door County is one of those destinations in the USA that you would want to visit throughout the year. But the county gets even better and calmer during the fall season. If you are visiting Wisconsin in October, make sure to explore the beauty of Door County.
From its most remarkable founding residents to the corporate leaders who welcomed tourism to make it what it is today, Door County is rich in history. Apple orchards, farms, and fishing villages all play a part in this history, but so do painters, authors, and other creative types. More than anything else, however, it’s the stories of the unique individuals who have lived there for a lifetime.
Cheese, the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Dells Water Park might all claim a piece of Wisconsin’s fame. The Badger State is not all cornfields and cheese; there is a peninsula full of picturesque villages, beautiful cherry blossoms, and old lighthouses.
Door County’s status as one of Wisconsin’s most visited areas is well-deserved. Beautiful parks and vineyards draw visitors to the county year after year.
Door County, Wisconsin is often known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” due to its beautiful scenery, quaint coastal communities, specialized stores, cherry and apple orchards, fish boils, and visual splendor.
During fall, Door County gets a unique vibe all over. Fall is a time to rest and relax in Door County. As summer draws to a close, the peninsula is immersed in a quieter, more tranquil environment.
Door County, Wisconsin, offers the most magnificent and bright fall foliage in Wisconsin, along with fine restaurants, breathtaking outdoor attractions, and live entertainment.
Tip: Do not miss out on a wine-tasting tour in Door County. There are a lot of things to do in Door County in October but you cannot feel the essence of the place until you taste the local wine.

The Alaska Highway, Alaska
By Bradley of Dream Big Travel Far
Spanning 1,387 miles, the Alaska Highway is one of the most scenic road trips in the US, and a fantastic way to see fall foliage while on the road. This coastal drive is truly mesmerising as it flaunts picturesque autumn verdure along the way. From vast lakes to sprawling mountainsides, the changing landscape makes the journey an adventure in itself.
During the fall, Alaska itself is teeming with gorgeous colors. The rustic red of the leaves and attractive gold birch trees are sure to awe the senses. However, the state can be quite far away to get to, which is why the highway plays such an important role!
It was built during WWII to bridge the contiguous US and Alaska across Canada and has gone through several reconstructions over the years. It begins in Dawson Creek and stretches all the way to Delta Junction in Alaska. While it used to be a rough and challenging trip, the road has now been fully paved, allowing for a comfortable drive.
There are a lot of places you can stop to rest and take pictures, and there are also several hiking trails to try out. From the relaxing Liard River Hot Springs and the impressive Continental Divide to the St. Elias Mountains, aka the world’s highest coastal mountain range, there is plenty to experience along the way.
For the final destination, Fairbanks is a great city to head to as it’s especially lovely in the fall. Visit Pioneer Park to learn more about Alaskan history while exploring its mock gold-rush town, complete with log cabins and a drydocked sternwheeler—and the autumnal trees in the backdrop!

Yosemite National Park, California
Recommended by Gabriel of Chef Travel Guide
Fall is the best time of year to visit Yosemite as the Valley’s deciduous maple and dogwood trees start to change color and show off their fall foliage. The stunning shades that range from red to yellow stand in stark contrast to the evergreen trees and the shades of grey from the giant granite faces.
October makes the start of the changing of the colors and offers the best weather of the year, with an average high temperature in the low 70s.
November starts to get chilly, and there are occasional snow storms that flock the valley floors trees and blanket the park’s granite peaks. If you luck out on the weather, this combination of the fall colors with the crisp white snow is stunning.
With the chill of the late Fall comes the closure of Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, and Glacier point road, but the majority of Yosemite remains accessible.
This is the best time of year to visit as the crowds are at a minimum with kids back in school, and many of the park’s best attractions are open for hiking and exploring.
Many of Yosemite’s waterfalls will still be flowing, and most of the park’s best trails remain open except in the higher elevations when there’s snow.
The other big perk of visiting in the Autumn is that you don’t have to stay outside Yosemite, as you can enjoy the park’s accommodations without having to book six months in advance.
These hard-to-come-by rooms can often be booked on the same day you plan to visit. Waking up and enjoying the colours of the fall foliage from the balcony of a room is the perfect way to start a day of adventure in Yosemite. For more inspiration, here’s the perfect itinerary for 3 days in Yosemite.

Brasstown Bald, Georgia
By Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
Most travelers who visit Georgia from out of state tend to go to major cities like Atlanta and Savannah (which is understandable given their big-name recognition). But the North Georgia mountains, which are located just 1 to 2 hours north of metro ATL, have been rapidly growing in popularity over the last decade.
Located near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains range, charming mountain towns such as Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Helen, and Hiawassee offer a great base from which to explore the area’s endless array of lakes, mountains, rivers, and picturesque waterfalls.
While North Georgia offers gorgeous scenic vistas at pretty much any time of year, Autumn is our favorite time to visit. The weather is cooler, but not as cold as the higher-elevation North Carolina mountains. And although the leaf-peeping masses can be an issue, visiting early in the morning or on weekdays usually helps to avoid most of the crowds.
If you’re hoping to see the fall colours in North Georgia, Brasstown Bald is arguably the best place to do it. Located less than 20 miles from Blairsville, Hiawassee and Helen GA, it’s the tallest mountain in Georgia at 4,784 feet.
Visitors can soak in spectacular 360º views from the observation platform at the summit that, on clear days, includes four states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee).
There are two ways to get there: Those who want a quick, easy visit can take a shuttle to the top for a small fee. But you can also follow a short, steep, 0.55-mile paved trail that leads to the Brasstown Bald summit from the parking lot. It is a breathtaking hike in more ways than one, but there are plenty of places to stop and catch your breath along the way.
In addition to the jaw-dropping scenic views, the summit is also home to a Visitors Center with a museum, where you can see interactive cultural displays and natural history exhibits. When you’re done, simply go back down the way you came up to complete the hike at 1.1 miles.

Southern Utah
Recommended by Janae from Adventures With TuckNae
When you think about the best places to see fall foliage in the USA, your mind probably doesn’t go straight to Southern Utah. But it turns out this is a beautiful location to spend the fall!
With 5 national parks to choose from and countless state parks, you won’t run out of incredible things to do during your visit to Southern Utah. Although almost any location you pick is bound to be stunning, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Parks are gorgeous in the fall.
Not only will you find beautiful fall foliage, but you’ll also find that the crowds are much smaller this time of year. The extra peace and tranquility are a bonus for sure.
If you’re hoping to visit around the peak fall foliage viewing time, the mid to end of October is your best bet. The contrast of the red rocks with orange and yellow leaves is something special!
During your time in Southern Utah, you can enjoy many activities if you are feeling adventurous. Hiking, rafting, biking, ATVing, sand boarding, canyoneering…the list goes on and on!
If you are wanting to see a large part of Southern Utah, the town of Kanab can be a great place to base your stay. For more inspiration, check out our ultimate Utah road trip itinerary.

Vermont, New England
Samantha of New England Wanderlust
Vermont is one of the best places to see fall foliage not just in New England, but in the entire world. With backdrops of postcard-worthy countryside landscapes, covered bridges, and gorgeous mountains at every turn, it’s also one of the cosiest places for a fall getaway to admire the stunning foliage.
Two of the best towns to experience in the fall season are Woodstock and Stowe. These two destinations are only about 1.5 hours from one another, making them easy to visit on a weekend trip, too.
Woodstock is one of the most beautiful and quaint towns in all of New England, and will have you feeling like you’re on the set of a Hallmark movie. In town, be sure to snap a photo with Middle Covered Bridge, and then take a scenic drive to Sugarbush Farm to admire the beautiful views, and sample their locally-made cheeses and maple syrup.
While in Stowe, you’ll get to witness one of the most famous and amazing fall foliage views in all of New England. Hike to Sunset Rock, and take in the views from above of the iconic white-steepled church surrounded by the breathtaking fall color.
You’ll have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming! After your hike, drive to nearby Waterbury to visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill for freshly made donuts and cider.
For an epic fall foliage road trip through Vermont, you’ll want to drive along Route 100, which goes straight through the middle of the entire state. This route allows you access to some of the best stops for fall foliage and activities, including the famous Vermont Country Store in Weston.
To time your fall trip to Vermont just right for peak foliage, you’ll want to narrow down where you plan to stay. The northern, middle and southern parts of the state all begin to change at different times, with the northern parts turning first. Overall, a safe time to plan your trip in the first week of October.

Telluride, Colorado
By Super Simple Salty Life
Telluride is a small mountain town located in southwest Colorado. Set in a box canyon, the town is surrounded on all sides by the looming San Juan mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountain range.
Telluride was founded in 1878 as a silver mining town. Because of this rich history, various abandoned mining ruins dot the cliffs around town. Mountain Village, the closest neighbouring town, is connected to downtown Telluride by a free gondola.
Colorado is not referred to as “Colourful Colorado” for no reason, and in the fall the state really lives up to its nickname. Telluride sits at an elevation of 8,750 feet and is mostly dominated by aspen and evergreen trees. In late September the quaking aspens begin to turn brilliant golds, oranges, and even deep reds, and visitors can see the colours crawling up the cliffsides around the town.
Seeing these bright colours mixed in with the deep greens of the pines and fir trees make fall in Telluride truly a remarkable experience. During the summer the town gets busy with hikers and wintertime brings the ski lovers, so fall is a great time to visit to avoid crowds during the off-season.
The average daily temperatures range from 35°F at night to 68°F during the day in September and October, perfect weather for hiking, sightseeing, and leaf-peeping in the Rockies. A popular local hike is the trail to Bridal Veil Falls just outside of downtown, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado.
And a road trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great route to do in the fall. Just about an hour and a half drive brings travellers through the Uncompahgre National Forest to Black Canyon, with sights of rugged and jagged mountain peaks towering over 14,000 feet, plateaus and mesas, wildlife, mountain lakes and fast-moving rivers, and tons of wildflowers.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
By Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
Many people assume that the Pacific Northwest would not have stunning fall foliage- Washington is the Evergreen State, after all! But visitors are missing out by not exploring the incredible landscapes this corner of the country has to offer in the fall.
Mount Rainier National Park, for example, does not have many deciduous trees that turn spectacular colors in the autumn. However, the wildflowers and shrubs that carpet Rainier’s mountain slopes explode into vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow, come fall, offering some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country.
Don’t miss exploring Mount Rainier’s fall foliage on foot- one of the best Mount Rainier hikes to experience the beautiful autumn colors is the Skyline Trail, where you’ll climb through meadows of vibrant wildflowers, along the 14,411 foot giant’s slopes, from huckleberries to scarlet paintbrush, to see the Nisqually Glacier up close and personal and have views of the surrounding Cascades and their technicolor fall foliage as far as the eye can see.
For a less intense way to experience the autumn colors, consider driving the Chinook Scenic Byway, a stunning road that snakes through both Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass 107 miles of rushing waterfalls, ancient glaciers, and some of the most jaw-dropping fall foliage the Cascade Mountains have to offer.
Be sure to plan your visit for the last week of September through mid-October- after that, you risk running into the heavy snowfall that accumulates in the park every winter.

Salt Lake City, Utah
By Candace of CS Ginger
There’s no better place to enjoy the changing leaves than Salt Lake City, Utah. From the mountains to the canyons, there are plenty of places to see the autumnal colors in all their glory.
So whether you’re a local looking for a new place to explore or a visitor planning a trip specifically to see the fall foliage Salt Lake City has you covered. While enjoying the fall foliage, be sure to check out all of the fun things to do in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City may not be one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of fall foliage, but there are actually quite a few places where you can see the leaves changing colour.
Liberty Park and Heritage Park are great spots within the city. If you’re willing to venture slightly outside of downtown, Sugar House Park and Millcreek Canyon are both excellent choices for seeing fall foliage without having to go too far from home.
For those who want to get out of the city and really immerse themselves in nature, Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of the best places to go in Utah for fall foliage. Located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, this canyon is full of Aspen trees that turn bright yellow and gold as fall sets in.
Numerous hiking and biking trails are winding through the canyon, so it’s easy to find a suitable route for any skill level. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix of autumnal beauty or hoping to spend an entire day surrounded by colourful leaves, Salt Lake City has plenty of options for enjoying the fall foliage.
For even more inspiration, be sure to check out how to spend 2 days in SLC.

North Cascades National Park, Washington
By Kassidy of The Hiking Helper
Way up north in Washington state, almost touching the Canadian border, lies North Cascades National Park. This is one of the least visited national parks in the USA, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and underrated.
North Cascades National Park has been given the nickname “American Alps” because of its beauty and similarity to the Alps mountain range in central Europe. It was originally formed in 1972 to protect some of the finest alpine wilderness in the country.
Once the fall season hits, this park turns into a magical wonderland of bright yellows, oranges, and reds. One of the most spectacular things to see are the golden larches that fill the mountainsides, which you can only see during a short period of the year.
One of the best ways to see these fall colors is to embark on one of the hikes within the park. The most popular is Heather-Maple Pass, which features fantastic fall foliage, mountain views, and a small alpine lake, nestled below the trees.
Another fantastic hike is Blue Lake, which is a bit shorter and is a great option for those with younger kids. If you aren’t up for hiking, just make a stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook for fascinating views of fall colors and mountains.
Before planning your visit, be sure to check the national park website for road or trail closures, as the mountainous regions of Washington may see snow as early as October!

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
By Victoria of Southern Trippers
Easily one of the best places to see fall foliage in the USA, the Blue Ridge Parkway is an incredible, 469 mile drive that takes you all the way from Northern Virginia to Asheville, North Carolina.
In fact, this drive is so epic that it will take you past some of the most incredible fall foliage that Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountain National Park have to offer.
However, to make the most out of your visit you’ll want to time your trip for late October. This way you’ll be in the area when the region’s vibrant colors are at their finest.
You’ll also want to stop at some of the best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks of them all for stellar views. These include Raven’s Roost Overlook, Thunder Ridge Overlook, Cowee Mountain Overlook, and more.
In particular, though, the Rough Ridge Trail and Overlook at milepost 302.8 is extra special and well worth a stop if you only have time for one overlook. It can also be accessed by doing a one-mile hike along the Tanawha Trail network.
And since you’re in the area anyway, don’t forget to check out Grandfather Mountain at milepost 305.1. You can hike along the Daniel Boone Scout Trail and see some of the best foliage around.
Next, stop at the Linn Cove Viaduct. It;s one of the most famous landmarks along the parkway and is a structure that was only recently completed in 1987. Then, after your visit, stop by the nearby overlook for sweepings views of the mountains.
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