17 Best Places to Visit in October USA For Fall

Situated about 130 miles west of Boston, the Berkshires offer one of the most scenic places in Massachusetts for fall foliage. Peak season starts in mid-October, showcasing vibrant colors from golden yellows to deep reds. Hike the Stony Ledge trail on Mount Greylock for breathtaking views from nearly 3,500 feet. Enjoy the Berkshires' world-class arts, entertainment, and local dining options, or explore the Berkshire Beer and Cider Trail. Average October temperatures range from 35°F to 60°F making it a perfect fall festive place to visit in October USA.

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

As the most visited national park in the USA, the Great Smoky Mountains is top on our best places to visit in October. With spectacular fall foliage, abundant wildlife, and miles of scenic drives and hiking trails, the park offers an unforgettable autumn experience. The leaves start turning shades of red, orange, and yellow in late September, with peak colors typically in mid-October to early November. For the best views, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Foothills Parkway. Average October temperatures range from 40°F to 65°F.

5. Acadia National Park, Maine

October in Maine's Acadia National Park offers some of the most stunning fall foliage in New England. With peak colors generally in mid-October, the park's forests explode with shades of red, orange, and yellow. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant leaves while indulging in local delicacies like lobster rolls. The park provides numerous scenic spots for leaf peeping, with updated foliage reports available on Maine's fall foliage website. Average October temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F, perfect for exploring the outdoors in the best US travel destinations in October.

6. Sedona, Arizona

Known for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona is one of the best places to travel in October in USA, with cooler temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. The fall colors contrast beautifully against the red rocks, especially along the scenic drive on State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. Peak foliage season runs from mid-October into November, with vibrant hues from willows, maples, and ash trees. For the best views, hike the West Fork Trail or take a drive towards Flagstaff, stopping at the Oak Creek Vista.

7. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Fall is one of the most picturesque times to visit Chattanooga, with its vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows peaking in early November. Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau along the Tennessee River, the city offers stunning views from hiking trails like Rainbow Lake Trail on Signal Mountain and panoramic vistas atop Lookout Mountain via the incline railway. Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Southern Belle or stay in one of Treetop Hideaways' boutique treehouses on Lookout Mountain. With average October temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F, explore Chattanooga’s fall colors, lively festivals, and outdoor adventures this autumn!

8. Charleston, South Carolina

With its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and Southern charm, Charleston is a delight to explore in the fall. October brings pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F, perfect for strolling through the city’s historic districts, enjoying waterfront views, and dining at some of the best restaurants in the South. While Charleston may not have the traditional fall foliage, it offers lantern-lit paths, chimney smoke in the air, and a haunted history. Enjoy mild weather as one of the warm places to visit in October in the US.

9. Stowe, Vermont

Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, Stowe is one of New England's most picturesque villages and a prime spot for fall foliage. From mid-September to late October, vibrant displays of red, orange, and yellow leaves blanket the area. Enjoy scenic drives along Smugglers' Notch Pass and the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road. Stay at the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge, which offers activities like horseback riding, canoe rentals, and the Stowe Gondola SkyRide for stunning summit views. Average October temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F, perfect for exploring local breweries like The Alchemist and von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall.

10. Breckenridge, Colorado

Situated at 9,600 feet above sea level in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is one of the first places in Colorado to witness fall's brilliant foliage. The aspen trees' golds and oranges peak by mid-September and can linger into early October. For optimal leaf viewing, drive the 22-mile Boreas Pass from Como to Breckenridge. Enjoy brisk fall days hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or fly-fishing surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies, which is why it's one of the best places to visit in October USA. In mid-September, attend Breckenridge Oktoberfest for festive alpine fun. Average October temperatures range from 30°F to 60°F, perfect for exploring this charming mountain town and its endless fall activities.

11. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Experience the magic of fall in Shenandoah National Park, where vibrant foliage and crisp mountain air await you. From late September through November, the landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. Average daytime temperatures range from 49°F to 60°F, perfect for exploring scenic trails and breathtaking vistas. A ride along Skyline Drive offers spectacular views, while Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge provide access to nearby hiking trails with stunning fall foliage. Enjoy the beauty of Shenandoah's autumn as one of the best places to travel in the US in October.

12. Yellowstone National Park, Montana

Fall in Yellowstone National Park is magical, with vibrant yellows and oranges, cool crisp air, and fewer tourists. October offers ideal conditions for hiking and fly-fishing, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 65°F. You can enjoy the changing leaves, quiet trails, and the unique beauty of autumn on specific trails like the Fairy Falls Trail, Mount Washburn Trail, and Lamar Valley Trail. Embrace the serene fall atmosphere and breathtaking scenery of Yellowstone as one of the best places to visit in October USA.

13. Lake Tahoe, California

North Lake Tahoe, spanning California and Nevada, is surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and is one of the best US vacation destination in October. The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe provides ample outdoor adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and relaxing on its many beaches. From mid-September to late October, enjoy vibrant fall foliage along hundreds of biking and hiking trails, with top spots including Page Meadows, Tahoe Meadows, Ellis Peak, and Mount Rose Summit. Average October temperatures range from 35°F to 65°F, ideal for exploring. With warm, sunny days and fewer crowds, fall is one of the best times to visit Lake Tahoe and experience its stunning autumn colors.

14. Harbor Springs, Michigan 

15. Orlando, Florida

While you won't find fall foliage in Florida, Orlando is still one of the best places to warm places to go in October, thanks to the iconic Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights. This ultimate Halloween scare destination features 10 movie set-worthy haunted houses that promise spine-tingling thrills for theme park goers. With average temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F, October is the perfect time to explore Orlando's famous attractions without the summer crowds. Get ready for a thrilling adventure and enjoy the city's unique fall festivities!

16. Olympic National Park, Washington

October in Olympic National Park is a magical experience, offering a stunning display of fall foliage and a tranquil escape from the crowds. What makes Olympic National Park one of the best places to visit in US in October is the transformation of the park’s lush rainforests into vibrant autumn wonderlands. Listen to the bugling elk, see enormous maple leaves in reds, oranges, and yellows, and watch eagles, otters, and bobcats feeding on spawning salmon. Wander through the Hoh Rain Forest, where bigleaf and vine maples add splashes of color to the green hemlock and spruce trees. With average temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, it's a perfect time to explore the serene beauty of Olympic National Park, whether hiking among the colorful foliage or soaking in the natural splendor.

17. Catskills, New York

Discover the Great Northern Catskills in autumn, where fall foliage transforms mountain vistas with blazing gold, tangerine, and ruddy hues. Fall foliage peaks around early- to mid-October, but the colorful transformation is a sight to behold from early September through October. Shuffle through fallen leaves on hundreds of hiking trails, take a guided horseback ride, or explore over 100 miles of mountain bike trails. Pick your own apples at Boehm Farm or shop at local farmers' markets. With average October temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, it's the perfect time to visit.

Which of These USA October Destinations Will You Choose This Fall?

The USA offers a diverse array of destinations to explore in October, whether you're looking for vibrant city life, stunning natural beauty, or cozy small-town charm. Each location promises unique experiences that capture the essence of autumn.

Explore the Best Places to Visit in October USA with Hotelgift

Why not share the magic of these amazing autumn destinations with someone special? A hotel gift card is a perfect way to give the gift of travel and create unforgettable memories. Imagine surprising a loved one with a stay in the heart of New England’s fall foliage, a cozy retreat in the Smoky Mountains, or frightful scare at Halloween Horror Nights.

A hotel gift card offers flexibility and the chance to explore these incredible destinations at their own pace. With access to over 750,000 hotels worldwide with brand like Marriott, Hilton, and more your loved ones is in for a special stay. It’s a thoughtful and memorable gift that promises to create cherished moments and lasting impressions. So, whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just because, give the gift of travel this October. It's a gesture that will be remembered for years to come.