Forget Vermont! 3 Secret U.S. Destinations With Fall Foliage Even More Beautiful
When it comes to fall foliage in the United States, most travelers immediately think of New England. But what if I told you there are lesser-known spots across the country where the colors are just as dazzling—without the tourist crowds? These hidden gems combine fiery autumn landscapes with charming small towns, cozy inns, and local eats that will make your leaf-peeping trip unforgettable.
3 Secret U.S. Destinations With Fall Foliage Even More Beautiful
While Vermont and New Hampshire might hog the spotlight, these hidden U.S. gems deliver fall foliage experiences just as spectacular—without the crowds and sky-high hotel rates. From hiking through Ohio’s sandstone gorges, driving Arkansas’s mountain byways, or chasing waterfalls in Oregon, these lesser-known locales prove that autumn’s magic can be found off the beaten path.
1. Hocking Hills, Ohio
Why Visit:
Tucked away in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park transforms into a kaleidoscope of crimson, amber, and gold each fall. Towering cliffs, waterfalls, and caves provide a dramatic backdrop for the season’s colors. Trails like Old Man’s Cave and Conkle’s Hollow offer some of the best views in the Midwest.
Where to Stay:
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls – A rustic-chic inn with cabins and yurts, perfect for couples or families.
Cherry Ridge Retreat – Secluded luxury cabins with hot tubs overlooking the forest.
Where to Eat:
Kindred Spirits (at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls) for hearty, locally sourced meals.
Hungry Buffalo in Logan for casual comfort food and craft beer.
2. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Why Visit:
The Ozarks may not be the first place that comes to mind for fall foliage, but it should be. With over 1.2 million acres of rugged mountains, rivers, and oak-hickory forests, the Ozark National Forest becomes a painter’s palette of oranges and reds from mid-October through early November. Scenic drives like the Pig Trail Scenic Byway are legendary this time of year.
Where to Stay:
Sky Ridge Resort – Luxury treehouses with panoramic forest views.
21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville – A quirky art-filled boutique stay just a short drive from the forest.
Where to Eat:
The Hive (inside 21c Museum Hotel) for modern Ozark-inspired cuisine.
Ozark Café in Jasper, a century-old diner serving comfort food classics.
3. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Why Visit:
The Columbia River Gorge is famous for waterfalls, but in fall it becomes a fiery corridor of golden bigleaf maples, scarlet vine maples, and glowing cottonwoods. Trails like Multnomah Falls, Eagle Creek, and Rowena Crest overlook put you right in the middle of the show. Plus, the combination of fall foliage and waterfall mist is pure magic.
Where to Stay:
Skamania Lodge – A cozy mountain resort with sweeping Gorge views and a treehouse option for a unique stay.
Hood River Hotel – A historic boutique stay in the charming town of Hood River.
Where to Eat:
Celilo Restaurant & Bar in Hood River for farm-to-table Pacific Northwest dishes.
Thunder Island Brewing Co. in Cascade Locks for craft beer with riverside views.