Hidden Gems for Leaf-Peepers: 10 Underrated Fall Destinations

Algonquin Provincial Park is Canada’s oldest, and starting around mid-September, the landscape transforms into a fall painting. Known as the “gateway” to the park, the small town of Whitney is close to numerous hiking trails like the Booth’s Rock Trail featuring two lakes, a sprawling overlook, and an abandoned railroad. The park’s main draw is its reputation as a world-class backcountry canoe destination whether you’re interested in day trips or overnight camping trips, with fall being an optimal time for paddling. If you can’t get enough autumn splendor, base yourself at Four Corners Algonquin Camping & Glamping and keep the nature party going 24/7.

If you’re into mountain biking, waterfalls, and Bavarian character, the tiny hamlet of Round Top, New York in the northern swath of the Catskill Mountains might be your perfect fit. The Glens Falls House makes a great base for a choose-your-own autumn adventure, with more than 40 acres of its own foliage jubilee to explore. Round Top might be small, but it has two biergartens and access to a myriad of hiking trails, cascades framed by vibrant leaves, and top notch mountain biking. Plan your visit for one of the several weekends of the Hunter Mountain’s Oktoberfest for a rousing good time at a ski mountain cloaked in rusty reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows.

Situated about an hour southwest of Calgary, Diamond Valley is a mash-up of two towns: Black Diamond and Turner Valley. The duo became one in 2023, linked by an almost two-mile-long paved Friendship Trail, great for leaf-peeping. The perfect add-on or alternative to busy Banff National Park, there’s a plethora of autumn-inspired activities to do here on the eastern edge of Kananaskis Country, and the south end of The Cowboy Trail (Route 22). Head out on horseback to marvel at the landscape, a cocktail of farmland and rolling foothills backed by the Rocky Mountains. Hike one of the many gorgeous trails such as the 5.6-mile out-and-back Picklejar Lakes, accessed from the Lantern Creek Day Use area, or the quick and easy trail to Sheep River Falls. Back in town, stop at the Eau Claire Distillery or Hard Knox Brewery before getting some R&R at Windflower Bed & Breakfast.

It may be short and difficult to predict, but Homer, Alaska’s fall season is underrated. Located on the southwest end of the Kenai Peninsula, this small coastal town packs a punch in the scenery department but is also chock full of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. From as early as mid-August through most of September, the yellow birch and aspen trees and red fireweed of the tundra terrain contrast snow-dusted mountains, the turquoise of glacial lakes and rivers, and the midnight blue of the ocean. Its proximity to Kachemak Bay State Park offers ample hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities, with water taxis available to transport adventurers. If you visit before the end of September, don’t miss out on a stay at wilderness and culinary-focused Tutka Bay Lodge, a quick 15-minute boat ride from “The Spit.”

It sounds sweet because it is. Filled with Sugar Maple Trees, perched overlooking the state’s White Mountain National Forest, and a famous pancake house, it doesn’t get more quintessential New England fall than the tiny town of Sugar Hill. Situated just outside of Franconia, it’s a quaint little base for exploring some of New Hampshire’s most revered natural treasures. Explore the gorgeous Franconia Notch State Park’s trails and stunning flume gorge or tackle the high peaks within the White Mountain National Forest. Drive the famed 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway, loaded with scenic overlooks, trails, and waterfalls, or self-drive up to the top of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. Back in Sugar Hill, load up on cheese at Harman’s Cheese Store, grab a brew, and then cozy up at the Sugar Hill Inn.

A hiker’s delight, the charming small town of Glacier Washington, is located northeast of Bellingham and is a fantastic base for exploring the nearby Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The foliage-infused journey kicks off with a scenic drive along the 57-mile-long Mount Baker Highway and continues with a wide array of trails, including the short but awe-inspiring alpine Picture Lake backed by towering Mount Shuksan or the more challenging 6.5-mile Chain Lakes Loop. The combination of sprawling meadows, massive mountains, and a palette of reds and yellows mixed with leftover wildflowers is a sight to behold. Before relaxing at Winter Creek B&B, grab a brew at North Fork Brewery or a pizza at Chair 9 Woodstone Pizza & Bar, you’ve earned it.

Combine wine with leaf-peeping in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, a small town in the island’s Annapolis Valley, overlooking the Bay of Fundy’s Minas Basin. Starting in late September, the autumnal coloring begins to appear, and all the harvest-themed activities are in full swing; farm produce stands, corn mazes, and pumpkin or apple picking farms galore. Drive up to Blomidon Lookoff on North Mountain for one of the most breathtaking fall vistas in the valley which includes a quilt of farmland and vineyards backed by swatches of thick forests dotted in reds and golds, and lastly the Bay of Fundy. Peruse the local farmers market, Stay where you sip, at The Stay at Planters Ridge, a working winery just outside of town. Plan your visit for one of the many fall festivals, whether it’s the Canadian Deep Roots Music Festival in September, or the Valley Harvest Marathon, Devour!, the world’s largest food film festival, or nearby Kentville Pumpkin People Festival in October.