Vermont Isn't #1 Anymore: 5 Fall Destinations Trending Across the U.S.
Vermont Isn't #1 Anymore: 5 Fall Destinations Trending Across the U.S.
If you think Vermont owns fall, you might want to look again.
For 2026, travelers searching for fall foliage hotels are looking beyond the traditional New England favorites.
According to Priceline's latest hotel-search data, New York's Adirondacks rank No. 1 among U.S. fall foliage destinations for 2026, followed by the Columbia River Gorge, Aspen, Bucks County, and Bretton Woods. The ranking is based on hotel searches by U.S. travelers for October 2–26, 2026.
That tells us something interesting:
Fall travel is getting bigger than Vermont.
From massive mountain regions to Pacific Northwest waterfalls and Colorado's golden aspens, travelers are already looking for where to experience autumn this year.
And if you're planning a fall getaway, waiting until the leaves are already changing may mean missing your preferred hotel or dates. Current fall travel coverage is encouraging travelers to plan ahead because popular foliage destinations can fill up around peak-color weekends.
So where should you actually go?
Here are the five destinations currently leading the 2026 fall foliage conversation.
🍁 1. Adirondacks, New York
#1 Fall Foliage Destination for 2026
If you expected Vermont to take the top spot, here's the surprise:
It's the Adirondacks.
Priceline's 2026 hotel-search data puts this enormous mountain region at No. 1. The Adirondacks cover roughly six million acres and include destinations such as Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Lake George, and the High Peaks.
And unlike a single small fall town, the Adirondacks give travelers room to spread out.
Why Go in Fall?
The combination of:
- Mountain scenery
- Lakes
- Forests
- Scenic drives
- Hiking
- Small towns
- Seasonal food
- Outdoor activities
makes the region ideal for a multi-day fall getaway.
What to Do
Consider:
- Lake Placid
- Saranac Lake
- Whiteface Mountain
- Scenic Route 86
- Ausable River
- Adirondack High Peaks
- Apple picking
- Pumpkin patches
- Fall markets
Where to Stay
For a more upscale mountain escape, look around Lake Placid or other Adirondack communities rather than limiting your search to one town.
Best for: Couples, outdoor travelers, families, road trippers, and travelers looking for classic mountain foliage.
🌲 2. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon & Washington
#2 Fall Foliage Destination for 2026
Fall doesn't belong exclusively to the Northeast.
The Columbia River Gorge is proof.
Straddling Oregon and Washington, this dramatic region combines forests, waterfalls, cliffs, vineyards, orchards, and scenic roads.
Priceline ranked it No. 2 for fall foliage in 2026.
Why Go in Fall?
Because you get more than colorful trees.
You get:
Foliage + waterfalls + scenic drives + Pacific Northwest landscapes.
One of the region's signature sights is Multnomah Falls, while the Historic Columbia River Highway gives travelers access to viewpoints and other waterfalls.
What to Do
Build your trip around:
- Multnomah Falls
- Historic Columbia River Highway
- Vista House at Crown Point
- Latourell Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Hood River
- Local wineries and orchards
- Scenic drives
Where to Stay
Hood River is an excellent base for travelers who want to combine the Gorge with restaurants, wineries, orchards, and outdoor experiences.
Best for: Couples, photographers, road trippers, hikers, and travelers looking for something beyond traditional New England foliage.
Columbia River Gorge hotel deals
🏔️ 3. Aspen, Colorado
#3 Fall Foliage Destination for 2026
Aspen is famous for winter skiing.
But fall?
That's when the surrounding mountains turn gold.
Priceline ranked Aspen No. 3 among its 2026 fall foliage destinations, highlighting the millions of shimmering trees surrounding the mountain town.
Why Go in Fall?
You get the dramatic combination of:
Golden aspens + mountain peaks + crisp air + luxury.
It's a very different Aspen from the winter version most travelers know.
What to Do
Consider:
- Maroon Bells
- Independence Pass
- Castle Creek Road
- Hiking
- Scenic drives
- Downtown Aspen
- Local restaurants
- Art galleries
- Mountain experiences
Where to Stay
Aspen is particularly appealing for travelers who want to combine foliage with a luxury hotel or resort experience.
Best for: Couples, luxury travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers looking for a premium fall escape.
🍂 4. Bucks County, Pennsylvania
#4 Fall Foliage Destination for 2026
Here's another destination that might surprise you.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania ranked No. 4 in Priceline's 2026 fall foliage list.
Less than an hour from Philadelphia, Bucks County offers a completely different pace from the city.
Think:
- Covered bridges
- Historic towns
- Countryside
- Farm stands
- Scenic roads
- Local restaurants
- Small-town charm
It's particularly attractive for travelers who don't want to spend an entire weekend in a remote mountain region.
What to Do
- Take a scenic drive through the countryside.
- Stop in historic towns.
- Visit local farms.
- Find a restaurant for a long lunch.
- And leave enough time to simply enjoy the changing landscape.
Where to Stay
Look for accommodations around New Hope and other historic Bucks County communities.
Best for: Couples, weekend travelers, food lovers, photographers, and Philadelphia-area travelers.
🏔️ 5. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
#5 Fall Foliage Destination for 2026
If you want the classic New England mountain experience, Bretton Woods belongs on the list.
The White Mountains provide the scenery, while the area offers hiking, mountain attractions, scenic drives, and fall experiences.
Priceline ranked Bretton Woods No. 5 for 2026.
What to Do
- Consider:
- White Mountains
- Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola
- Mount Washington Cog Railway
- Franconia Notch
- Flume Gorge
- Scenic drives
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
Where to Stay
Bretton Woods is particularly well suited to travelers who want a resort-style fall getaway surrounded by mountains.
Best for: Couples, families, outdoor travelers, and classic New England fall seekers.
Which Fall Destination Is Right for You?
Want the biggest fall foliage escape?
Adirondacks.
Want waterfalls and dramatic scenery?
Columbia River Gorge.
Want luxury?
Aspen.
Want a relaxed weekend?
Bucks County.
Want classic New England mountains?
Bretton Woods.
When Should You Book a Fall Foliage Trip?
Don't wait until every tree has changed color.
Peak foliage varies by destination, elevation, and weather, and the most popular weekends can fill quickly.
Priceline's ranking is based on hotel searches for October 2–26, 2026, which shows that travelers are already planning around the heart of foliage season.
A better strategy is to:
- Choose your destination.
- Check expected foliage timing.
- Compare hotel locations.
- Book your preferred stay early.
- Keep your itinerary flexible enough to follow the best color.
How to Plan a Better Fall Getaway
Choose the experience first
Do you want:
Mountain views?
Scenic drives?
Small towns?
Luxury?
Hiking?
Food and wine?
Photography?
Choose the destination around the experience.
Don't underestimate the weather
Fall temperatures can change quickly, particularly in mountain regions.
Pack layers and check local conditions before heading out.
Build in extra time
Fall road trips are better when you aren't rushing.
Give yourself time for:
Scenic overlooks
Coffee stops
Local restaurants
Farm stands
Unexpected detours
Photos
Book the hotel strategically
Your hotel should match the trip.
A remote resort might be perfect for a romantic mountain getaway.
A centrally located hotel may be better for a weekend focused on restaurants and sightseeing.
Before booking, compare location, amenities, parking, dining, and accessibility to the experiences you want.
Explore hotel deals on Sevenly Travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fall foliage destination in the USA for 2026?
According to Priceline's 2026 hotel-search analysis, the Adirondacks in New York rank No. 1 among U.S. fall foliage destinations.
Is Vermont still a good fall destination?
- Absolutely. Stowe ranked No. 9 in Priceline's 2026 list, so Vermont remains a strong choice, it simply isn't the top destination according to this year's hotel-search ranking.
When is the best time to see fall foliage?
- Timing varies by destination and elevation. Travelers should check local foliage forecasts and remain flexible because peak color can shift from year to year.
Which fall destination is best for a road trip?
- The Adirondacks and Columbia River Gorge are particularly strong choices because both offer scenic drives, multiple viewpoints, and several towns and attractions to combine into one trip.
Vermont Isn't #1. And That's the Point.
Fall travel is changing.
The traditional New England favorites are still beautiful, but travelers are looking farther.
To New York's Adirondacks.
To Oregon's waterfalls.
To Colorado's golden mountains.
To Pennsylvania's countryside.
To New Hampshire's White Mountains.
And if hotel-search behavior is any indication, travelers are already planning where they want to be when the leaves change.
So don't wait until fall arrives to decide where you're going.
Pick your destination. Find your stay. Then let autumn do the rest.
At Sevenly Travel, we believe travel should create something good for you and beyond your trip.
Travel That Feels Good and Does Good.