Fall is one of the most beautiful and peaceful times to travel. With cooler weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant fall foliage painting landscapes across the country and around the world, it’s easy to see why fall vacation ideas are trending for 2025. Whether you’re planning fall weekend getaways, a long fall break, or just a quick day trip to soak in the colorful leaves, there are endless opportunities for fall travel that combine charm, adventure, and cozy comforts.
At KT Rents, we’ve curated this guide to the best fall vacations to help you make the most of the fall season. From scenic national parks and iconic leaf peeping routes to charming towns and farm-to-table restaurants, these 15 fall vacation ideas are perfect for every kind of traveler.
Why Fall Travel Is So Popular in 2025
Fall vacations in 2025 are seeing a huge rise in popularity, and for good reason. With the summer crowds gone, cooler temperatures in full swing, and fall festivals happening every weekend, travelers are enjoying more relaxed and authentic experiences. The crisp air, changing leaves, and seasonal produce make this time of year perfect for everything from outdoor adventures to wine tastings.
Whether you’re planning a road trip through New England, a fall getaway in the mountains, or visiting local farms for pumpkin picking, the fall season offers endless ways to connect with nature, culture, and comfort.
Best Fall Vacation Ideas in the United States
1 | Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is one of the best fall vacations in the Southeast. The Blue Ridge Parkway comes alive with vibrant fall foliage from late September through mid-October, offering stunning autumn views around every bend. The city itself blends Appalachian charm with a thriving art and food scene.
Enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, farm-to-table restaurants, and local breweries. Don’t miss apple picking and fall festivals hosted by local farms just outside town.
Highlights: Blue Ridge Parkway, colorful leaves, pumpkin picking, outdoor activities, local cider
Perfect for: Fall weekend getaways, romantic trips, road trip stopovers
2 | Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe is stunning year-round, but the fall season is especially magical. Crisp air, colorful aspen trees, and fewer crowds make it a dream destination for hiking trails and outdoor adventures.
Fall break travelers will love kayaking, biking, and taking scenic drives around the lake. Cozy lakefront cabins with fireplaces make for an unforgettable fall getaway.
Highlights: Cooler weather, fall colors, scenic drive, outdoor activities
Perfect for: Couples, families, and workcations
3 | Acadia National Park, Maine
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is one of the top destinations for fall foliage and hiking. Peak foliage typically arrives in early to mid-October, making it a must-visit place for leaf peeping, coastal hikes, and wildlife spotting.
Take a scenic drive through the park, hike Cadillac Mountain, and visit nearby Bar Harbor for charming small towns vibes and fall festivals.
Highlights: Peak foliage, coastal trails, national parks, apple orchards
Perfect for: Nature lovers, hikers, photographers
4 | Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The Shenandoah Valley is one of the most iconic fall destinations on the East Coast. Shenandoah National Park offers some of the best fall colors in the country, especially along Skyline Drive. The rolling hills are painted in red, orange, and gold by late September.
Stay in nearby Harrisonburg or one of the charming towns along the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy harvest season wine tastings and local art markets.
Highlights: Leaf peeping, scenic drive, wine country regions, rolling hills
Perfect for: Romantic getaways, fall road trips
5 | Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
If you’re looking for wide-open skies, stunning backdrops, and crisp air, Grand Teton National Park is an ideal fall trip. The changing leaves, wildlife migrations, and peaceful trails create a magical setting for outdoor activities.
Stay in Jackson Hole or rent a cabin near the park for cozy, quiet mornings and unbelievable mountain views.
Highlights: National parks, stunning autumn views, fewer crowds, fall colors
Perfect for: Adventure travelers, photographers, couples
6 | Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are a classic fall vacation spot with peak foliage stretching from early October into November. The mix of vibrant fall foliage and misty mornings creates a dreamy, peaceful landscape.
Leaf peeping, waterfall hikes, and carriage rides through charming towns make this region perfect for a fall visit.
Highlights: Hiking trails, fall activities, state park adventures, cozy cabins
Perfect for: Families, weekend trips, scenic drives
7 | White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest is one of the most visited areas in New England for fall foliage. The Kancamagus Highway offers stunning autumn views and colorful leaves that stretch across dramatic mountain ridges.
Explore charming small towns, visit local farms for cider tastings and pumpkin picking, or take a classic New England road trip.
Highlights: Leaf peeping, white mountain views, scenic drives, farm stands
Perfect for: Fall break travelers, families, romantic trips
8 | Custer State Park, South Dakota
South Dakota might not be the first place that comes to mind for fall vacations, but Custer State Park is a hidden gem in the fall season. Bison herds, granite peaks, and golden trees create a wild, beautiful landscape that is surprisingly serene this time of year.
Pair your visit with a road trip through the Black Hills or a stop at Mount Rushmore.
Highlights: State park adventure, wildlife spotting, fewer crowds
Perfect for: Unique fall getaways, photographers, couples
9 | Hudson Valley, New York
Just a short drive from major cities like New York and Boston, the Hudson Valley is one of the best fall weekend getaways in the Northeast. The region’s colorful leaves, farm-to-table restaurants, and art galleries make it a perfect fall destination.
From apple picking and wine festivals to scenic train rides and mountain hikes, there’s no shortage of fall activities in this picturesque area.
Highlights: Local farms, food festivals, vibrant fall foliage
Perfect for: Couples, weekend trip planners, Gilmore Girls fans
10 | Napa Valley, California
Fall in wine country is full of harvest season magic. Napa Valley’s vineyards turn golden and red by October, and grape harvesting brings a festive energy to the region. Enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and luxurious accommodations with fewer crowds.
Highlights: Wine festival events, cooler temperatures, colorful vines
Perfect for: Couples, girls’ getaways, fall travel lovers
Unique Fall Vacation Ideas and Experiences
11 | Scenic Road Trips
Fall road trips are the best way to experience peak foliage and local flavor. From the Blue Ridge Parkway to Vermont’s Route 100, scenic drives offer the perfect combination of leaf peeping, small-town stops, and cozy roadside diners.
Plan your route to include apple orchards, state park trails, and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Top Routes:
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
- Lake Superior shoreline, Michigan
12 | Cabin-in-the-Woods Getaways
There’s something special about booking a cabin surrounded by fall colors. Whether you’re writing a novel, enjoying a fall break with your family, or disconnecting with your partner, cozy cabins make the perfect fall getaway.
Many KT Rents properties include fireplaces, hot tubs, and scenic forest views.
13 | Farm & Harvest Season Experiences
The fall season is the peak time for harvest season events. Visit local farms for apple picking, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. Many regions also host fall festivals, where you can enjoy seasonal treats, carriage rides, and hayrides.
Plan your fall visit around these events for a deeper local experience.
14 | Outdoor Adventures
Cooler temperatures make fall the best time for hiking, kayaking, and biking. National parks and state parks are less crowded, and the landscapes are more beautiful than ever.
If you enjoy hiking trails with a stunning backdrop, try Grand Teton National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Acadia National Park.
15 | Fall Weekend Getaways in Charming Towns
Sometimes, all you need is a short weekend trip to recharge. Charming towns like Woodstock, Vermont or Beaufort, South Carolina offer the perfect mix of walkability, fall colors, and local events.
Add a wine tasting, art gallery tour, or candle-lit dinner, and your fall weekend getaway will feel like a full vacation.
International Fall Travel Destinations
16 | Visit Scotland – Edinburgh in Autumn
If you want to visit Scotland in the fall, head to Edinburgh. The city’s medieval streets, misty mornings, and changing leaves create an enchanting atmosphere. The fall season brings fewer tourists, which means more room to explore museums, castles, and cozy pubs.
Highlights: Northern lights sightings, carriage rides, scenic day trips to the Highlands
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, cultural experiences
17 | Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia’s most famous lake is a peaceful destination in the fall, with crisp air and golden trees reflecting on the water. Hike to the medieval castle or row out to the church island for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Perfect for: Affordable romantic getaways, off-the-beaten-path travelers
18 | Bavaria, Germany
Oktoberfest might be famous, but fall in Bavaria offers much more. Visit storybook towns surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant foliage, tour ancient castles, and enjoy hearty meals with seasonal beer in rustic taverns.
Highlights: Wine country regions, harvest season, charming towns
Tips for Planning the Best Fall Trip in 2025
- Book early: Popular destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains and Napa Valley fill up quickly during fall.
- Pack layers: Fall temperatures vary widely, so bring cozy clothes, waterproof shoes, and a light jacket.
- Travel mid-week: For fewer crowds and better rates, plan your fall trip during weekdays.
Let KT Rents Help You Plan the Perfect Fall Getaway
At KT Rents, we help travelers find the perfect fall destination. Our homes are handpicked for comfort, style, and proximity to nature, trails, and seasonal events. Whether you’re looking for a weekend trip in the White Mountains, a long-term stay near Lake Tahoe, or a cozy fall vacation rental near Shenandoah National Park, we’ve got you covered.
Why Book With KT Rents:
- Flexible stays and fall specials
- Pet-friendly options
- Local tips and guides for your destination
- Properties near top national parks and leaf peeping routes
Ready to plan your fall visit?
Start browsing our handpicked fall vacation rentals and get inspired for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Fall Vacation Ideas Questions
When is the best time to visit for fall foliage?
The best time to visit for fall foliage varies by region but generally falls between late September and mid-October. For example, New England and the White Mountain National Forest peak in early to mid-October, while areas like the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway often peak in October as well.
What are some must-visit places in the fall for families?
Family-friendly fall destinations include the Great Smoky Mountains for hiking and outdoor fun, Shenandoah National Park for scenic drives and wildlife, and charming towns like Woodstock, Vermont, and Beaufort, South Carolina for festivals and cozy activities.
Are fall weekend getaways a good option for a quick trip?
Absolutely! Fall weekend getaways provide a perfect opportunity to experience vibrant fall foliage, local festivals, and cozy accommodations without a long commitment. Destinations like Hudson Valley, Asheville, and Lake Tahoe are ideal for short trips.
What activities are popular during the fall season?
Popular fall activities include leaf peeping, hiking, apple and pumpkin picking, attending harvest festivals, wine tastings in wine country regions, scenic drives, and exploring national and state parks.
How should I prepare for a fall trip?
Pack layers to accommodate cooler temperatures and varying weather. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and a camera to capture the stunning autumn scenery. Booking accommodations early is also recommended due to the popularity of fall travel.
Conclusion
Fall is a magical time to explore the great outdoors, charming towns, and vibrant cultural events. Whether you’re planning a scenic road trip, a cozy cabin retreat, or a weekend getaway filled with fall festivals and harvest season treats, the options for fall vacation ideas are endless. With cooler weather, fewer crowds, and breathtaking fall foliage, 2025 is the perfect year to embrace the beauty and adventure of the fall season. Start planning your fall trip today and create unforgettable memories surrounded by nature’s most colorful display.