12 Best Fall Towns in the USA You Need to Visit
Looking for the best fall towns in the USA to visit this year? I’ve got you covered!
From famous foliage hotspots to small towns with charming main streets and local festivals, fall is the perfect time to explore. The air is cooler, the views are stunning, and there’s always something seasonal going on.
This list covers 12 of the most popular small towns to visit in the fall, with a mix of New England classics and a few favorites from other parts of the country. You’ll also find ideas for what to do in each spot so you can make the most of your trip.
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Prettiest Fall Towns in the USA
1. Stowe, Vermont
When it comes to fall towns in the USA, Stowe is one of the first places that comes to mind, and for good reason.
This little Vermont village is surrounded by mountains that turn into a sea of red, orange, and gold every September and October. The backdrop of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, makes it even more picture-perfect.
Fall is also the best time to explore Stowe’s charming Main Street, packed with local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The Stowe Recreation Path is a favorite for an easy walk or bike ride with foliage views, and nearby Smugglers’ Notch offers one of the most scenic drives in the state.
If you can, plan your visit during peak foliage in early to mid-October and make time for a stop at a local farm stand or cider mill.
Whether you’re here for hiking, photography, or just soaking in the scenery, Stowe is the ultimate New England fall getaway.
Read more:
- 10 Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont in the Fall
- 3 Days in Stowe, Vermont: The Perfect Fall Itinerary
- 10 Most Charming Small Towns in Vermont for a Fall Getaway
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you’re surrounded by incredible fall views in every direction.
The colors usually peak from mid-October to early November, and the mix of reds, oranges, and yellows is worth the trip on its own.
The town itself has plenty to do, from the SkyLift Park with sweeping views to local distilleries and craft shops along the main strip.
If you want to explore the park, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an easy drive with scenic overlooks and historic cabins along the way.
For a fun mix of nature and small-town charm, Gatlinburg delivers. Its location also makes it easy to combine with nearby Pigeon Forge or a drive through the Smokies.
3. Camden, Maine
Camden is one of the prettiest fall towns in the USA, with colorful leaves, a charming harbor, and plenty to do in the crisp autumn weather.
The town sits right on the coast, so you get a rare combination of mountain foliage and ocean views in the same trip.
A visit isn’t complete without heading up to Camden Hills State Park. The short hike or drive to the top of Mount Battie rewards you with sweeping views over the harbor and Penobscot Bay, especially stunning when the hills are covered in fall colors.
Back in town, you can browse local shops, grab a seafood lunch, or take a harbor cruise to see the foliage from the water.
Camden is an easy add to a Maine road trip and a great base for exploring nearby Rockland and Lincolnville.
4. Galena, Illinois
Galena is one of the best small towns to visit in the fall, especially if you’re looking for historic charm mixed with colorful foliage.
The 19th-century brick buildings along Main Street give the town a unique character, and the surrounding rolling hills light up with autumn colors in October.
You can spend the day exploring local boutiques, visiting historic sites like the Ulysses S. Grant Home, or taking a scenic drive through the countryside.
The Galena River Trail is also a great spot for an easy walk or bike ride with plenty of fall scenery.
With its mix of history, small-town charm, and outdoor activities, Galena is a perfect Midwestern fall getaway.
5. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is one of the prettiest small towns in the USA, and it looks even better in the fall. The village green, historic covered bridges, and charming main street are all framed by vibrant foliage from late September through mid-October.
A walk through town will take you past local shops, cozy cafes, and classic New England architecture. For more fall scenery, head to nearby Billings Farm & Museum or take a short drive to Sleepy Hollow Farm, one of the most photographed spots in Vermont.
Woodstock is also a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside, with plenty of scenic drives, hikes, and farm stands to visit during peak foliage season.
Read more:
- How to Spend a Perfect Fall Weekend in Woodstock, Vermont
- 10 Best Things to Do in Woodstock, Vermont in the Fall
- The Perfect 7-Day Vermont Fall Road Trip Itinerary
6. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is a small town with a big history, and it’s even more impressive in the fall. Sitting at the meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the town is surrounded by hills that burst into color every October.
You can wander the historic streets, visit the museums and old buildings in the national historical park, or hike to Maryland Heights for one of the best viewpoints in the area. The combination of fall foliage, river views, and historic charm makes it a great pick for autumn travel.
It’s also an easy day trip from Washington, D.C., making it a convenient option if you’re short on time but still want to experience one of the best fall towns in America.
7. North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is one of the best towns to visit in the fall if you want easy access to New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
The surrounding area is packed with scenic drives, hiking trails, and classic New England foliage that peaks in early to mid-October.
The Kancamagus Highway starts just outside of town and offers some of the best leaf-peeping in the region, with plenty of overlooks and short hikes along the way.
In town, you’ll find local shops, restaurants, and the historic Conway Scenic Railroad, which runs special fall foliage train rides.
North Conway works well as a base for exploring the White Mountains, with plenty of places to stay and endless options for day trips in the area.
Read more:
- 10 Best Things to Do in the White Mountains, NH in the Fall
- Driving the Kancamagus Highway in the Fall: Best Stops + Tips
- New Hampshire Fall Road Trip: The Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary
8. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County isn’t a single town but a peninsula in Wisconsin made up of small waterfront communities like Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sister Bay.
It’s one of the most popular areas in the Midwest to visit in the fall, thanks to its colorful foliage, apple orchards, and scenic Lake Michigan views.
Fall is apple season here, so you’ll find plenty of roadside stands, cider tastings, and bakeries serving fresh pies. Scenic drives along Highway 42 and County Road B are especially beautiful in early to mid-October, with plenty of stops for photos.
Whether you choose one town as your base or hop between several, Door County offers a great mix of small-town charm and outdoor beauty during the autumn months.
9. Salem, Massachusetts
Salem might not be a small town in the traditional sense, but it’s one of the most famous places in America to visit in the fall.
Known for its 17th-century witch trial history, the city turns into a full-on Halloween destination every October.
Haunted Happenings is the big draw, with parades, ghost tours, haunted houses, and themed markets filling the month.
You can also visit the Salem Witch Museum, explore historic homes, or take a walk along the waterfront for a break from the crowds.
If you’re looking for a fall trip with a mix of history, seasonal events, and a lively atmosphere, Salem is hard to beat in October.
Read more:
10. Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Stockbridge is a classic New England town that looks like it was made for fall. Its main street is lined with historic buildings, local shops, and cafes, all framed by colorful foliage in late September and October.
One of the best things to do here is visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, which celebrates the artist who famously painted scenes of small-town life in Stockbridge.
You can also take a short drive to nearby Naumkeag, a historic estate with beautiful gardens that look especially stunning in autumn.
Stockbridge is part of the Berkshires, so it’s easy to combine with nearby towns and scenic drives if you’re planning a longer fall getaway.
11. Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is one of the prettiest small towns in the USA and a great place to visit in the fall. Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, the town offers incredible foliage views that usually peak in late September and early October.
You can stroll through the walkable downtown, stop in local shops, and grab a meal with a lake view.
For even better scenery, take a drive along the Olympic Byway or ride the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway for sweeping views over the mountains and lakes.
With its mix of outdoor activities, history, and small-town charm, Lake Placid is one of the best towns to visit in the fall in the Northeast.
12. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is one of the best small towns to visit in the fall, especially if you want to combine colorful foliage with coastal views.
It sits right next to Acadia National Park, where the trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow from late September through mid-October.
In town, you can walk along the waterfront, browse local shops, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.
Fall is also a great time to take a harbor cruise or drive the Park Loop Road in Acadia for nonstop views of mountains, forests, and the ocean.
Bar Harbor’s mix of natural beauty and lively downtown makes it a perfect final stop on any fall road trip through New England.
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