From New England’s maple blaze to Colorado’s golden aspens, here’s when and where planners can catch peak color this fall
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According to 2025 fall foliage forecasts, vibrant autumn colors are expected across large parts of the United States – especially in New England and the Midwest, which lead the way in vivid displays. In fact, forecasters predict that 25 states will have “spectacular” fall color this year. Below, we profile the top states anticipated to offer the best fall foliage in autumn 2025. For each state, we outline the peak color time frame, highlight scenic regions and routes, note available foliage forecasts/resources, and suggest meeting- and event-friendly destinations (lodging and group excursions) to help planners take advantage of the season.
Vermont
Peak Timing (2025): Vermont’s foliage is expected to peak statewide by early October. Thanks to ample summer rain (and some recent dryness to accelerate color), vibrant reds and oranges should sweep the Green Mountain State by the first week of October. Color may arrive a bit earlier than usual, with mid- to late September already bringing good color in northern areas.
Scenic Regions & Routes: Vermont is renowned for its maple-rich forests (70% of the state is forested) that blaze crimson and gold in autumn. The Northeast Kingdom in far northern Vermont typically turns first, showing peak color in late September to early October. Central and southern Vermont follow in early to mid-October. Must-see drives include Route 100, a classic north–south route through charming villages and mountain valleys, and the winding gap roads that cross the Green Mountains. Towns like Stowe, Woodstock, and Manchester offer postcard-perfect scenery: think white steeples against fiery hillsides. Woodstock’s countryside (including Sleepy Hollow Farm and Quechee Gorge) is frequently photographed for its brilliant foliage.
Foliage Forecasts & Resources: The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation provides weekly Fall Foliage Reports in September and October, with on-the-ground updates by region. Vermont also offers a Foliage Forecaster interactive map based on historical trends, to help plan trips around typical early, mid, and late-season color.
Meetings & Group Travel Tips: Vermont’s scenic resorts and towns are well-suited for fall conferences or retreats. Stowe – with its mix of upscale resorts and alpine charm – makes a great base for groups. In south-central Vermont, Woodstock Inn & Resort is a group-friendly luxury property in a quintessential village setting. For off-site excursions, consider arranging a coach tour along the Mad River Byway or a chairlift ride at a ski area to view the foliage from above.
New Hampshire
Peak Timing (2025): New Hampshire’s fall colors are forecast to peak in early October across the north and higher elevations. In the White Mountains, trees typically reach full color at the beginning of October. By mid-October, peak color moves into southern New Hampshire.
Scenic Regions & Routes: The White Mountains region is New Hampshire’s crown jewel for autumn scenery. Forests of birch, beech, oak, and maple in areas like Bretton Woods turn brilliant red, orange, and gold in early October. One iconic drive is the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), which offers panoramic vistas and convenient stops for group photos. In Bretton Woods, groups can take the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway up Mount Washington for sweeping views. Other great locales include the Lakes Region in mid-October and the scenic Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee area.
Foliage Forecasts & Resources: Visit New Hampshire’s tourism site features a Peak Foliage Tracker map by region. Yankee Magazine also provides an interactive resource that helps planners time visits to New Hampshire’s various regions.
Meetings & Group Travel Tips: New Hampshire offers several group-friendly resorts amid the fall splendor. In Bretton Woods, the Omni Mount Washington Resort is a grand historic hotel that caters to meetings and events. Off-site fun can include canopy zipline tours above the colorful treetops, a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, or a drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road.
Maine
Peak Timing (2025): Maine’s foliage timeline spans from late September in the far north to late October along the coast. Northern Maine peaks in late September through early October, central and western Maine around mid-October, and coastal/southern Maine in mid-to-late October.
Scenic Regions & Routes: In the far north, Maine’s expansive forests around Baxter State Park burst into color earliest. By early to mid-October, the western mountains and lakes region (Rangeley, Bethel, Moosehead Lake) hits peak. Popular drives include Route 17 to Rangeley (Height of Land overlook) and the Acadia Byway on Mount Desert Island. Coastal towns like Camden, Bar Harbor, and Kennebunkport glow in the third and fourth weeks of October.
Foliage Forecasts & Resources: Maine’s official Fall Foliage website offers weekly reports and maps, with updates starting each September. These tools are especially useful for planners scheduling excursions.
Meetings & Group Travel Tips: Maine’s geography means groups can experience very different fall settings within one state. Portland and Bangor are convenient urban hubs for meetings with easy access to scenic countryside. For immersive retreats, Bar Harbor offers hotels and resorts right at Acadia’s doorstep. In western Maine, Sunday River Resort doubles as a fall conference site with gondola rides to view the colors.
Massachusetts
Peak Timing (2025): Western Massachusetts, especially the Berkshires, usually peaks in mid-October. Thanks to plentiful rain, 2025’s colors are expected to be vibrant and on schedule, lasting into late October.
Scenic Regions & Routes: The Berkshire Mountains are rich in classic autumn scenery. The Mohawk Trail (Route 2) crosses the northern Berkshires with mountain panoramas, while Route 7 connects Great Barrington, Stockbridge, and Williamstown. Cultural venues like Tanglewood and the Norman Rockwell Museum are scenic backdrops in their own right.
Foliage Forecasts & Resources: New England foliage maps and Massachusetts state tourism reports provide updates.
Meetings & Group Travel Tips: The Berkshires are perfect for corporate retreats. Canyon Ranch in Lenox and Miraval Berkshires offer luxury wellness settings, while the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge provides historic charm. Group activities include hikes up Mount Greylock, private rides on the Berkshire Scenic Railway, or farm visits for apple-picking and cider tastings.
New York
Peak Timing (2025): Adirondack Mountains typically peak in late September to early October. Catskills follow in early to mid-October, while the Hudson Valley peaks mid- to late October.
Scenic Regions & Routes: Adirondack highlights include Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain, and Route 73. In the Catskills, drives around Hunter Mountain and Slide Mountain glow in mid-October. The Hudson Valley shines from mid-October onward, with scenic spots like Storm King Mountain, Shawangunk Ridge, and riverfront drives along Route 9.
Foliage Forecasts & Resources: New York’s I Love NY site offers weekly Fall Foliage Reports with county-level updates.
Meetings & Group Travel Tips: Lake Placid and the Adirondacks host conferences with mountain views. The Hudson Valley’s Mohonk Mountain House is a prime resort for retreats. Historic estates and wineries provide off-site event options amid peak foliage.
Further Reading: Halloween is Coming—Time to Scare the Bejesus Out of Your Attendees
Colorado
Peak Timing (2025): Colorado’s aspen season comes early. High-elevation groves peak in late September, central mountains like Aspen and Vail in late September to early October, and southern ranges into early October. By mid-October, lower foothills hold the last color.
Scenic Regions & Routes: Classic routes include Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Independence Pass near Aspen, and the Million Dollar Highway in the San Juans. Maroon Bells near Aspen is iconic during peak golden color.
Foliage Forecasts & Resources: SmokyMountains.com and Colorado tourism provide maps and updates on timing.
Meetings & Group Travel Tips: Ski towns like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge offer excellent fall meeting packages with gondola rides, Jeep tours, and mountain hikes. Boulder provides a mix of cultural amenities and easy access to nearby foothill foliage. Denver-based groups can add off-site day trips to Rocky Mountain National Park or Pikes Peak.
Michigan
Peak Timing (2025): Michigan’s Upper Peninsula peaks in late September to early October. The northern Lower Peninsula peaks early to mid-October, while southern Michigan peaks mid- to late October.
Scenic Regions & Routes: In the U.P., highlights include Keweenaw Peninsula, Pictured Rocks, and US-2 along Lake Michigan. The Tunnel of Trees (M-119) near Harbor Springs peaks in early October, while M-22 around Traverse City dazzles mid-October.
Foliage Forecasts & Resources: Pure Michigan provides a Fall Color Map and weekly reports.
Meetings & Group Travel Tips: Traverse City is a hub for groups with access to wineries and M-22. Petoskey/Harbor Springs offers resorts and the Tunnel of Trees. Mackinac Island provides a car-free, storybook retreat in early October.
Wisconsin
Peak Timing (2025): Northern Wisconsin peaks in early October, central areas mid-October, and southern Wisconsin late October.
Scenic Regions & Routes: Door County, with its coastal villages and orchards, glows in early October. The Baraboo Hills and Driftless Region peak mid-October, while the Great River Road along the Mississippi and Kettle Moraine State Forest highlight the southern season into late October.
Foliage Forecasts & Resources: Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report provides daily updates from local spotters.
Meetings & Group Travel Tips: Wisconsin Dells offers large resorts and boat tours through sandstone gorges. Lake Geneva’s resorts pair with fall cruises, and Door County is ideal for smaller incentive trips with orchard tours and wine tastings.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Arnaud Mariat For Unsplash+
