6 Incredible Places in the USA to Catch September Fall Foliage

While October is often seen as the peak foliage month, September holds its own charm—especially in high-altitude and northern regions of the USA where colors arrive early.

If you’re eager to catch the first wave of fall 2025 these destinations should be at the top of your list.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains are among the very first places in the U.S. to show off autumn’s fiery palette.

By mid to late September, scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway explode with color.

The region is packed with hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs.

A ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad is another classic way to witness the landscape shift into fall.

🍂 Best Time in September: Mid to late September is usually prime.

🎡 Nearby Attraction: Don’t miss Flume Gorge for a mix of waterfalls and foliage.

🎉 Festival Note: Local craft fairs pop up in Lincoln and North Conway during foliage season.

🏡 Stay Tip: Book a mountain-view inn or rustic lodge along the Kancamagus for the best experience.

🥧 Local Flavor: Fresh cider donuts from roadside stands pair perfectly with the crisp mountain air.

🚗 Scenic Route: Drive the Kancamagus from Lincoln to Conway for nonstop views.

Pro Tip: Go during weekdays to avoid the heavy weekend traffic on the Kancamagus Highway.

Green Mountains, Vermont

Vermont is practically synonymous with fall foliage, and the Green Mountains are the beating heart of it all.

Early September sees the maple trees starting to glow, with sugar maples leading the way.

Scenic byways like Route 100 offer endless postcard-worthy stops, while towns like Stowe and Woodstock wrap you in cozy, small-town charm with local festivals, apple cider, and covered bridges.

🍂 Best Time in September: Colors often begin around mid-September at higher elevations.

🎡 Nearby Attraction: Don’t miss Smugglers’ Notch or a hike up Mount Mansfield for unbeatable views.

🎉 Festival Note: The Vermont Apple Festival often overlaps with early foliage.

🏡 Stay Tip: Historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts in Woodstock or Stowe are fall favorites.

🥧 Local Flavor: Sip hot cider and try maple creemees as you wander through small-town streets.

🚗 Scenic Route: Route 100 is often called “Vermont’s Main Street” for its iconic foliage views.

Insider Tip: Pair your foliage drive with a stop at a local maple syrup farm—you’ll taste Vermont’s autumn in its purest form.

Adirondack Mountains, New York

Spanning over six million acres, the Adirondacks are a foliage wonderland.

September is the sweet spot here, with higher elevations turning earlier than the valleys.

If you love a challenge, hiking up Whiteface Mountain rewards you with sweeping views of rolling hills.

🍂 Best Time in September: Early to mid-September at higher elevations, with valleys catching up by late month.

🎡 Nearby Attraction: Visit Ausable Chasm, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.”

🎉 Festival Note: Lake Placid’s fall festivals bring live music and artisan markets.

🏡 Stay Tip: Lakeside cabins are the most atmospheric way to experience the season.

🥧 Local Flavor: Warm up with Adirondack maple candy or fresh apple pie.

🚗 Scenic Route: Drive along Route 86 for a picture-perfect journey through foliage country.

Catskill Mountains, New York

Just a few hours from New York City, the Catskills are the perfect September escape.

Known for their rolling hills and dense forests, they deliver some of the earliest bursts of fall color in the state.

Scenic byways like Route 28 are tailor-made for lazy weekend drives, while hiking trails like Overlook Mountain put you right inside the heart of autumn’s glow.

🍂 Best Time in September: Usually mid to late September, starting in higher elevations first.

🎡 Nearby Attraction: Kaaterskill Falls offers an incredible foliage-framed waterfall view.

🎉 Festival Note: Harvest festivals in Phoenicia and Woodstock add to the fall vibe.

🏡 Stay Tip: Cozy cabins and converted farmhouses give you that rustic fall getaway.

🥧 Local Flavor: Don’t skip hot cider and pumpkin bread from roadside farm markets.

🚗 Scenic Route: Route 28 is ideal for a full-day foliage drive.

Insider Tip: Combine your foliage trip with a local farmers’ market visit—September is peak harvest season in the Catskills.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia stands out because of its rare combination: fall foliage meeting rugged coastline.

In September, the mountains and forests of Mount Desert Island begin to shift, creating a surreal backdrop against the Atlantic Ocean.

The Park Loop Road is one of the most famous scenic drives in the U.S., with viewpoints like Cadillac Mountain offering a front-row seat to autumn’s arrival.

🍂 Best Time in September: Mid to late September usually shows the first strong color changes.

🎡 Nearby Attraction: Jordan Pond, framed by autumn hues, is a must-see.

🎉 Festival Note: Nearby Bar Harbor hosts food and music events during foliage season.

🏡 Stay Tip: Quaint coastal inns or B&Bs give you a front-row seat to fall by the sea.

🥧 Local Flavor: Popovers at Jordan Pond House are a local fall tradition.

🚗 Scenic Route: Drive the Park Loop Road for coastal views mixed with foliage.

Pro Tip: Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain in September is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—arrive early as parking is limited.

Aspen, Colorado

No list of September foliage would be complete without Aspen.

By mid to late September, spots like the Maroon Bells become one of the most photographed fall scenes in the country.

The contrast of golden leaves against snow-dusted peaks is nothing short of breathtaking.

🍂 Best Time in September: Mid to late September is prime for golden aspens.

🎡 Nearby Attraction: Independence Pass offers one of the most scenic high-altitude drives in Colorado.

🎉 Festival Note: Aspen’s Snowmass Balloon Festival in September fills the skies with color.

🏡 Stay Tip: Mountain lodges and ski resorts transform into cozy fall escapes.

🥧 Local Flavor: Warm up with Colorado craft beer or local farm-to-table menus after a day of leaf-peeping.

🚗 Scenic Route: Drive Highway 82 for a sweeping golden valley view.

Insider Tip: Head out early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.

Conclusion

From New England’s fiery maples to Colorado’s shimmering aspens, these destinations capture the early magic of the season.

Whether you’re driving a scenic byway, hiking a mountain trail, or simply sipping cider in a small-town café, September offers a chance to embrace autumn before the October crowds roll in.