Top 10 Destinations to Admire Fall Foliage in 2025

As the leisurely days of summer fade and a crispness fills the air, there's no reason for melancholy. Autumn presents a spectacular natural display, a final burst of brilliance before winter's chill sets in.Here are some of the world's most beautiful locations to witness the glorious transformation of fall foliage.

1. Nara, Japan

 

Japan's autumn rivals its famous spring cherry blossom season in beauty. The phenomenon of kōyō (red leaves) sweeps across the nation, beginning in northern Hokkaidō around late September and moving south. The ancient capital of Nara, a short train journey from Kyoto, is a perfect viewing spot. Its expansive park becomes a tapestry of color, with paths leading to the Tamukeyama shrine offering especially sensational views of crimson, gold, and amber leaves.

 

2. Forest of Dean, England

Once a royal hunting ground and a source of timber for Tudor warships, this ancient Gloucestershire woodland is now an ideal destination for the simple pleasure of leaf-peeping. A mix of oak, beech, and sweet chestnut trees creates a vibrant scene of rusty yellows and golds. Explore the forest on foot or by bicycle, keeping an eye out for the wild boar that have roamed here since 2006.

3. White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA

 

New England is synonymous with fall, and while choosing one standout spot is difficult, New Hampshire's White Mountains are a top contender. The hillsides erupt in brilliant red maple leaves, especially in early October. For a breathtaking vista, drive to Silver Cascade Falls in Carroll County, where the fiery foliage contrasts beautifully with the 250-foot waterfall.

4. Loire Valley, France

Autumn is an exceptional time to visit France's Loire Valley. The summer crowds have departed, and the sprawling vineyards transition from summer greens to radiant shades of yellow, brown, and burnt orange. This is also the harvest season, offering the chance to see the grape harvest before cozying up with a glass of local wine to admire the landscape.

5. Bishop Creek Canyon, California

While the northeastern US is famous for fall, California's inland regions offer a spectacular alternative. The varied elevation of the Sierra Nevada allows the red and gold hues to persist. Bishop Creek Canyon, nestled within these mountains, is a premier destination where golden leaves stand out starkly against a backdrop of rugged peaks.

6. Pitlochry, Scotland

While Scotland's pine forests remain evergreen, its deciduous trees put on one of Europe's finest autumn displays. A walk from the town to the dam and fish ladder on Loch Faskally reveals stunning views of waterside trees shedding their leaves. Each October, Pitlochry also hosts the Enchanted Forest, a sound and light show that illuminates the woods just outside town.

7. Lombardy, Italy

With a still-mild climate as the leaves turn, northern Italy's Lombardy is a wonderful place to experience mainland Europe's autumn colors. The native Lombardy poplar trees turn a brilliant yellow before shedding their leaves. For an urban perspective, Milan's public gardens provide a beautiful cityscape view of the season.

8. Dandenong Ranges, Australia

Australian autumn takes hold in March (springtime in the Northern Hemisphere). While not typically associated with fall foliage, the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne defy expectations. This breathtaking national park is also home to manicured gardens. The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are particularly worth visiting when their lawns are carpeted with fallen leaves and the trees are ablaze with color.

9. Agawa Canyon, Canada

Board the Agawa Canyon Tour Train for a journey through some of the planet's most stunning fall scenery. Departing from Sault Ste. Marie, the train covers 114 miles of pristine wilderness that is at its most beautiful as the days grow shorter. These landscapes famously inspired Canada's Group of Seven artists. Plan quickly, as the peak color period is brief, typically around late September and early October.

10. Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

A UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve shared with Poland, Slovakia's High Tatras National Park is a autumn masterpiece. Vast beech and spruce forests turn radiant colors, set against deep-blue glacial lakes and alpine meadows dotted with late wildflowers. Hikers can tackle numerous trails to spot native wildlife like marmots and chamois. After a day of leaf-peeping, unwind in the lake and spa resort of Štrbské Pleso.