There’s a fine line between visiting awesome, beautiful, fun places and going there only to be miserable because the crowds make doing anything impossible. For some places in the world, too much success is their downfall. You can’t get into restaurants. Unless you book a hotel a year in advance, forget about lodging. Tours are sold out. It takes thirty minutes just to get an ice cream. No amount of beauty can compensate for an overcrowded tourist destination. Heading out on Fall foliage trips is a thing and it’s become such a thing many popular destinations are becoming too crowded. Here are 15 such places but don’t frett, I include an alternative option nearby that gives you the Fall experience without the crowds.
15. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is arguably the most famous fall destination in New England, drawing thousands of visitors for its breathtaking foliage and charming village. The town is surrounded by stunning mountain views, and Mount Mansfield provides hiking and scenic drives through a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. Smugglers’ Notch is another favorite spot for leaf-peeping and scenic exploration. With its boutique inns and highly rated farm-to-table restaurants, Stowe gets booked quickly in the fall, and the streets can feel crowded. Alternative: Jeffersonville, Vermont — Just a short drive away, Jeffersonville offers similar access to the Green Mountains and Smugglers’ Notch, with fewer visitors and a quieter atmosphere.
14. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is the epitome of a quaint New England town, and in fall, it becomes a hub for tourists seeking its covered bridges, charming village green, and foliage views. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is popular for scenic hiking trails. Fall festivals and apple picking also draw large crowds, making it difficult to find accommodations or a quiet spot in town. The historic Middle Covered Bridge is a favorite photo-op, adding to the allure. Alternative: Quechee, Vermont — Just 15 minutes away, Quechee offers beautiful fall foliage, the dramatic Quechee Gorge, and plenty of outdoor activities with fewer tourists.
13. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, making it a magnet for fall tourists seeking stunning coastal views mixed with vibrant autumn foliage. The town’s waterfront and charming downtown streets are packed with visitors enjoying boat tours, seafood restaurants, and the scenic Park Loop Road. During peak leaf-peeping season, the town’s accommodations are fully booked, and restaurants have long waits. Alternative: Ellsworth, Maine — Located just outside Acadia, Ellsworth offers access to similar coastal landscapes and outdoor activities without the congestion of Bar Harbor.
12. Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is a fall hotspot in the Adirondacks, known for its crystal-clear lakes surrounded by fiery autumn trees. Visitors flock to hike the High Peaks, explore the Olympic sites, and kayak or canoe on Mirror Lake. The town’s scenic charm makes it a fall favorite, but the sheer number of tourists can overwhelm local accommodations and dining options. Alternative: Saranac Lake, New York — Just 20 minutes away, Saranac Lake offers a similar lakeside setting and access to the Adirondacks, with fewer crowds and a quieter fall experience.
11. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, nestled at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a top fall destination in the South, offering stunning views of the changing leaves against the backdrop of misty mountains. Visitors flock to drive through Cades Cove, hike to Clingmans Dome, and enjoy the town’s many attractions. However, the town can feel overwhelmingly crowded, especially with long waits for restaurants and packed hotels. Alternative: Townsend, Tennessee — Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend offers the same access to the national park with a more relaxed atmosphere and less congestion.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a vibrant, artsy city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, drawing visitors for its fall foliage, craft breweries, and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The city’s proximity to nature, combined with its thriving downtown, attracts huge crowds in autumn, making it hard to find accommodations or enjoy a peaceful dinner. Popular activities like driving the Parkway or visiting the Biltmore Estate can feel overcrowded. Alternative: Hendersonville, North Carolina — Just 30 minutes away, Hendersonville offers beautiful fall colors, apple orchards, and access to hiking trails, with a quieter, small-town feel.
9. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed town that becomes a tourist magnet in the fall, especially during its Oktoberfest celebrations. The town’s alpine setting, surrounded by fall foliage, adds to the charm, but the influx of tourists leads to packed hotels, crowded restaurants, and bustling streets. Popular activities include hiking in the Cascade Mountains and enjoying German-inspired food and festivals. Alternative: Cashmere, Washington — Just 15 minutes away, Cashmere offers beautiful views of the Wenatchee River and surrounding mountains, with fewer crowds and a relaxed pace.
8. Camden, Maine
Camden is a picturesque coastal town that’s especially popular in autumn, with visitors drawn to its quaint harbor, vibrant foliage, and access to Camden Hills State Park. The Mount Battie Trail offers sweeping views of the coast and colorful forests. Camden’s downtown is filled with local boutiques and seafood restaurants, but the influx of tourists can make it hard to find accommodations or enjoy the town’s charm without the crowds. Alternative: Belfast, Maine — Located just up the coast, Belfast offers similar waterfront views, a charming downtown, and access to hiking trails, with fewer tourists.
7. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport’s grand Gilded Age mansions, stunning coastal views, and mild fall weather make it a favorite autumn destination. Visitors flock to walk the Cliff Walk, tour historic mansions like The Breakers, and enjoy the downtown’s shops and restaurants. Fall events like the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival also draw large crowds, making it hard to find a hotel or a table at a restaurant. Alternative: Bristol, Rhode Island — Just 30 minutes away, Bristol offers historic homes, scenic waterfront views, and a quieter atmosphere while still providing access to fall foliage and coastal activities.
6. Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson’s stunning setting in the Teton Mountains makes it a prime fall destination for nature lovers. Visitors flock to Grand Teton National Park for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Fall colors against the rugged mountain backdrop create an unforgettable experience, but the town’s hotels and restaurants fill up quickly, especially in the peak season. Alternative: Victor, Idaho — Just over the Wyoming border, Victor offers similar access to the Tetons, with fewer crowds and a more laid-back vibe.
5. Salem, Massachusetts
Famous for its witch trials and haunted history, Salem becomes a top fall destination in October, drawing visitors for Halloween events, historic tours, and fall festivals. The town’s narrow streets become crowded with tourists, and accommodations are often booked well in advance. While its spooky charm is undeniable, the crowds can make it difficult to fully enjoy the town. Alternative: Newburyport, Massachusetts — Located on the coast, Newburyport offers historic charm, waterfront views, and fall foliage without the overwhelming crowds of Salem.
4. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva is a fall favorite for Midwestern travelers, offering scenic views of the lake surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors enjoy boat tours, hiking, and exploring the historic estates that line the shore. Fall festivals and the influx of tourists can make it hard to find a place to stay or enjoy a meal without long waits. Alternative: Delavan, Wisconsin — Just 15 minutes away, Delavan offers similar lakeside beauty and outdoor activities with fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere.
3. Hudson, New York
Hudson is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and stunning fall landscapes in the nearby Catskill Mountains. The town’s galleries, boutiques, and restaurants draw huge crowds in the fall, making it difficult to book a hotel or get a dinner reservation. Scenic drives along the Hudson River and through the Catskills add to the area’s appeal, but the town can feel overrun with tourists. Alternative: Catskill, New York — Located just across the river, Catskill offers access to the same fall beauty and outdoor activities as Hudson, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
2. Aspen, Colorado
Famous for its golden aspen trees in autumn, Aspen becomes a crowded destination for those looking to experience Colorado’s fall beauty. Visitors hike or drive the Maroon Bells to see the spectacular fall colors and explore the town’s upscale restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. However, the influx of tourists can make it hard to find accommodations, and popular spots are often overbooked. Alternative: Crested Butte, Colorado — Just a few hours away, Crested Butte offers similar fall foliage, hiking trails, and mountain views with fewer visitors and a more laid-back vibe.
1. North Conway, New Hampshire
Nestled in the White Mountains, North Conway is one of the most crowded towns in New England for fall tourism. Visitors flock to drive the Kancamagus Highway, explore the scenic Mount Washington Valley, and enjoy the town’s charming shops and restaurants. The stunning foliage and outdoor activities draw huge crowds, making it difficult to find lodging or avoid long lines at restaurants. Alternative: Jackson, NH is a fantastic autumn alternative to the more crowded North Conway, offering the same stunning foliage and classic New England charm but with fewer crowds. Nestled in the White Mountains, Jackson provides access to scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway and picturesque hiking trails through Pinkham Notch. Visitors can enjoy quieter experiences at Jackson’s covered bridge, charming inns, and local restaurants. The town also boasts popular fall attractions like the Pumpkin People Festival and proximity to the serene views at Jackson Falls, offering a peaceful escape without the hustle of North Conway.
