10 Best Places in the World to See the Fall Colors

Emily Davies-Robinson author image
By: Emily Davies-Robinson
Published: October 15, 2015
Last Update: September 3, 2022

The best thing about the autumn months is the rich cornucopia of color that appears when the leaves are changing color. Not all fall foliage can be considered equal, though. If you want to see some of the world’s most spectacular autumn scenery, check out these best places in the world to see the fall colors:

Ridgeway, Colorado

Take in the bright golds and oranges of fall as snow capped mountains provide a startling contrast. Around late-September you can some of the best fall foliage in the United States. Add in a mix of evergreen trees and you have one of the best places in the world to take in the fall colors.

aspen colorodo

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Situated about 90 minutes north of Montreal, Quebec, the maple leaves turn a rich color of red. Hiking and golfing are great ways to take in the multicolored fall leaves from close up. Mont-Tremblant offers year round activities but fall is the most colorful time of year to experience the great outdoors.

Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Bavaria, Germany

Southern Germany’s Alpine forests fall leaves stand out against the region’s snow-dusted mountains. Visitors can enjoy the fall colors in centuries old towns such as medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl and take part in some of the many wine festivals that crowd Bavaria’s fall social calendar.

bavaria Germany

Kyoto, Japan

Take part in the Japanese leaf-viewing tradition of koyo by exploring the vivid autumn leaves in Kyoto, located on the island of Honshu. The dynamic fall colors outline the many architectural remains of Japan’s imperial past, making for a gorgeously historic view.

kyoto japan

Sonoma County, California

Not only will you see the stunning sight of leaves changing on the trees, but also along the many vineyards that are found throughout California’s wine country. Your picturesque fall drive through Sonoma County is guaranteed to include stunning multicolored burnt oranges and reds.

Sonoma County

Agawa Canyon, Canada

Take a ride on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train this autumn and experience some of the best fall foliage in the world. The train leaves from Sault Ste Marie on the Canada–USA border and spans 114 miles of unspoiled natural terrain guaranteeing a breathtaking panoramic view of the autumn leaves throughout the entire journey.

6299232_orig

Lombardy, Italy

For some of the warmest views of the fall leaves in the world, head off to northern Italy to witness the native Lombardy poplars turn a bright yellow before their leaves fall off their branches.

lonbardy italy

Stockholm, Sweden

In a country full of forests, it’s not surprising that the country’s fall colours are something to behold. Stockholm is the perfect place to admire the fall foliage of this Scandinavian nation where you can enjoy the stunning scenery while walking through any of the city’s beautiful public parks.

stockholm sweden

South Island, New Zealand

If you’re eager to see the fall colors earlier in the year, head off to New Zealand where in April you’ll be able to witness some bright stunning yellow, orange and red hues—especially reflected against the shimmering waters of New Zealand’s many lakes and rivers.

south island new zealand

Jiuzhai Valley, China

This Unesco World Heritage site located in the north of the Sichuan Province is well known for its spectacular natural beauty—particularly its waterfalls, lakes and extraordinary mountains. While beautiful all-year-round, the Jiuzhai Valley shines in mid-October when its vast forest glow in stunning shades of orange, gold and red.

jiuzhai valley