7 of the best places in the US to visit in the fall

19.09.2024 - 08:13 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 18, 2024 • 8 min read

When it comes to choosing the perfect fall destination, the foliage is only part of it – we’re also on the hunt for cozy accommodations (cabins and lodges are a plus), fall-related activities (apple picking, anyone?) and a dose of spooky vibes for Halloween fans.

And yes, we all know New England is great for fall, but the US has a lot more real estate than that. Here are our favorite fall destinations across the country.

Best for mountain views

Vibes: The county encompassing Grand Teton National Park, Jackson and the southern part of Yellowstone offers the big mountain west at its finest, and visiting in autumn ups the ante – the whole area becomes an explosion of golds and oranges, and wildlife watching is at its best.

Do: Get a bird’s eye view of Tetons’ beauty on one of the park’s many gorgeous trails or make your way to Schwabacher Landing to snap an incredible photo of the range or spot moose and elk. Then head up to Yellowstone for panoramic autumn views of some of the US’ most scenic valleys without the crowds.

Eat: Jackson and its surrounds will likely be your culinary hub. Hop over to Nora’s Fish Creek Inn for a hearty breakfast, make your way to Snake River Brewing for lunch, and indulge at Teton Tiger for dinner and drinks.

Stay: If you want cozy autumn accommodation with mountain flair, you’ll want to book one of the many independent cabins available on rental sites like Airbnb or a stay at one of the local dude ranches such as the Triangle X Ranch.

Best for culture and nature

Vibes: They don’t call Chattanooga the Scenic City for nothing. Snuggled in the Appalachian foothills, this friendly town features a walkable historic downtown right on the Tennessee River (so much gorgeous brick!), and easy access to stunning panoramic views from the surrounding ridges.

Do: Those with a soft spot for American kitsch will enjoy the old-school tourism vibes at Rock City and Ruby Falls, the waterfall within Lookout Mountain, while those with a taste for contemporary art can spend hours at the Hunter Museum of Art. Nature lovers will be spoiled with tons of rock climbing and trail options nearby, and they’ll be impressed by the River exhibit at the Tennessee Aquarium. It explores Chattanooga’s river environment (and those around the world) in detail to inspire folks to conserve the ecosystems right in their backyard – it’s clearly been put together with a lot of love. 

Eat: Main Street Meats wows at lunchtime with decadent sandwiches and the best potato salad you’ll ever eat. For dinner, don’t skip Calliope, a modern Levantine spot with beautiful drinks and excellent shareables – you’ll dream about chicken shawarma hummus later. 

Stay: If you’re into modern digs, you can’t go wrong at