Stunning Fall Foliage Trips, Without the Crowds

4 must-visit destinations for leaf-peeping

Leaf-peepers, grab your flannels! As the air turns crisp, autumn’s beauty is just around the corner. The trees are about to ignite with vibrant colors, perfect for fall foliage trips that capture the season’s cozy charm. This year, skip those beautiful-but-busy hotspots. Instead, head to an uncrowded destination where you can sip local cider, snap leaf-filled photos, and enjoy a peaceful getaway.

Ready for fall vibes that feel like magic? Plan an autumn escape to one of these under-the-radar spots!

• Duluth, MN

  Lakeside crimson and gold!

  Fall transforms Duluth into a lakeside wonderland. Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, the entire city is framed by hills and forests that burst into color. With hundreds of acres of parks and green spaces, you can see autumn’s beauty all over the city. But it’s Lester Park that truly makes Duluth one of the top destinations for fall foliage trips. Over nine miles of hiking trails wind through vibrant forests, along picturesque water views, and past photo-worthy stone bridges.

  Duluth’s natural beauty blends seamlessly with its lively local culture. Downtown buzzes with craft breweries, harvest festivals, and artisanal shops. Canal Park is the place to go for casual bites and scenic waterfront strolls, and a brewpub with Lake Superior views.

  From lake breezes to leafy trails, autumn colors meet small-city charm in Duluth.

• Fayetteville, AR

  Hills of gold!

  One of our favorite fall foliage trips, this is where the Ozark Mountains put on their most colorful show! The rolling hillsides practically glow in dazzling reds, warm oranges, and brilliant golds. Even the crisp mountain air takes on an autumn vibe, carrying the scent of fallen leaves across the forest.

  The autumn energy spills right into town, too. Fayetteville’s tree-lined trails are perfect for leisurely walks, and farmers’ markets brim with seasonal produce. Stroll through downtown for leaf-peeping, live music drifting from patio bars, and galleries highlighting local artists. And if you’re a college football fan, Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas. Time your trip with a Razorbacks game for a taste of local pride along with the fall foliage!

  Football + foliage = Fayetteville for the win!

• Hood River, OR

  Waterfalls and wine!

  Autumn vibes meet PNW magic in Hood River, a must for fall foliage trips. Tucked into the stunning Columbia River Gorge, the town is surrounded by scenic beauty: cliffs, waterfalls, and forested hillsides. And in the fall? They absolutely blaze with color. Even better, the crisp weather is perfect for hiking to waterfalls, cycling along quiet roads, and exploring the gorge trails. All framed with fall foliage, of course!

  Hood River also celebrates the harvest season in its unique style. Boutique wineries produce everything from bold reds to crisp whites; cider houses craft seasonal drinks from local apples and pears. Downtown adds a charmingly indie vibe, with cozy cafes and galleries perfect for warming up after a day spent outdoors.

  Hood River brings dramatic foliage and outdoor adventure, without the crowds.

• Lake Placid, NY

  Gold medals for fall leaves!

  And when we say medals, we mean it! Tucked away in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, this small village has hosted the Winter Olympics—twice. One of its biggest draws year-round is the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, where interactive exhibits bring that history to life.

  But come autumn, Lake Placid is all about the foliage. Stroll along Lake Mirror’s shoreline, where fiery reds and gold reflect on the water for a double dose of color. Or head to the nearby High Peaks trails, where vibrant maples and birches show turn every step into a postcard. Afterwards, warm up with hearty seasonal dishes served in cozy mountain cafes and farm-to-table fare kitchens. It’s the perfect finish to a brisk autumn day!

  From gold medals to gold leaves, Lake Placid is where both history and the fall foliage shine.

Fall foliage trips to these destinations let you soak in the vibrant colors and cozy charm of autumn. And with fewer crowds, it’s easier to relax, explore, and feel truly at peace in nature.

And to extend that peaceful energy to your travel time, ship your bags to your final destination with LugLess. No hauling suitcases full of flannels and sweaters, no stress at baggage claim. Just more time to enjoy the beauty of the season!