Scenic road in the Adirondacks region of New York during the autumn foliage season. Priceline named the region No. 1 fall foliage destination for 2026.gettySummer may still be in full swing, but if an autumn trip to see colorful leaves is on your travel wish list, now is the time to start planning.Leaf-peeping season means that the most popular destinations can book up weeks (or even months) ahead of peak color. To help travelers get a jump on autumn planning, Priceline analyzed hotel search data to identify the U.S. destinations generating the most interest for fall foliage in 2026.The list spans the country, from New England villages awash in crimson and gold to alpine landscapes in Colorado and dramatic river gorges in the Pacific Northwest.Whether you're dreaming of a cozy cabin getaway, a scenic train ride, a ghost tour with crisp leaves underfoot, or a road trip with pull-offs for fall foliage photos, these are the destinations travelers have their sights set on this fall.The best places to see fall foliage in the U.S., according to PricelineNo. 1. Adirondacks, New YorkAutumn colors frame Rainbow Falls and the Ausable River Chasm in New York's Adirondacks, which was named Priceline’s No. 1 spot to see fall foliage in 2026.gettyWith six million acres of forests, lakes, and mountains, the Adirondacks claim the top spot for leaf peepers. The region is made up of several towns, including Lake Placid (which hosted the Winter Olympics twice -- in 1932 and 1980), Lake George, Saranac Lake and many more.Scenic drives, hiking trails, and charming mountain towns make this vast region one of the country's premier leaf-peeping destinations. Not only that, but the region has one of the longest fall seasons. The best time to visit, though, is usually late September through early October.Corn mazes, hot air balloon rides to see fall foliage from above, Oktoberfest celebrations, and fall wine and cideries round out the fall festivities. 2. Columbia River Gorge, Washington and OregonMultnomah Falls during autumn. The Columbia River Gorge represents the Pacific Northwest on Priceline's picks of the best places to see fall foliage in 2026.gettyStraddling the Washington-Oregon border, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is one of the country's most spectacular places to experience fall foliage. During autumn, the 80-mile-long river canyon transforms into a tapestry of crimson, amber and gold, with colorful forests cascading down basalt cliffs and framing dozens of waterfalls.One of the region's signature sights is Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet, where golden maple leaves and fiery vine maples create a postcard-worthy scene. Beyond the waterfalls, travelers can drive the Historic Columbia River Highway or stop at scenic overlooks for sweeping views of the gorge.For a quintessential Pacific Northwest fall experience, venture into the nearby Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic route dotted with orchards, farm stands and cideries. Depending on when you visit, you can pick apples or pumpkins, sip freshly pressed cider or hard cider, and stock up on seasonal treats while taking in the fall landscape.3. Aspen, ColoradoColorado's iconic Maroon Bells during autumn.gettyAspen earns its name every autumn when hillsides shimmer with brilliant golden aspen groves. Peak color typically arrives during the third and fourth week of September, according to the Aspen Chamber. Maroon Bells is the marquee hike here, and reservations are required to enter the scenic area. As a Coloradan, I’d nominate it as our official state postcard: Two 14,000-foot peaks rise above the mirror-like waters of Maroon Lake. Come late September, the surrounding groves of aspens erupt in brilliant shades of gold, creating a photogenic autumn scene. Some more fall itinerary ideas? Explore a ghost town called Ashcroft, that’s just south of Aspen and has past lives as a silver mining town in the 1880s and then had a reprisal as a ski resort development. Or, explore the foliage on two wheels: On weekends through Oct. 1, mountain bikers can take the Elk Camp Gondola up Snowmass mountain, which gives them access to 50 miles of trails and a chance to peddle through golden stands of aspens.4. Bucks County, PennsylvaniaThe historic Van Sandt covered bridge near New Hop in Bucks County Pennsylvania. Covered bridges add to the autumnal charm of this top leaf-peeping destinations.gettyHistoric covered bridges and winding country roads make Bucks County a classic East Coast fall destination. About an hour from Philadelphia, this fall favorite destination pairs brilliant autumn colors with one of the East Coast's most charming collections of historic covered bridges.The county's 12 surviving covered bridges, many dating back to the 1800s, create postcard-worthy scenes as fiery reds, oranges and golds reflect off nearby creeks. One of the best ways to experience them is on a self-guided driving tour that winds through the countryside. Be sure to designate a photographer, though, because many of the bridges don't have convenient pull-offs for stopping.For a different perspective, hop aboard the New Hope Railroad's fall foliage excursion, where vintage rail cars roll past colorful forests. Bonus: The train departs from a station called “Witch’s Hat.” Round out your visit with quintessential autumn traditions like apple picking at local orchards.5. Bretton Woods, New HampshireCog railway train on Mt Washington in New Hampshire climbing through autumn foliage.gettyTucked in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Bretton Woods is one of New England's quintessential fall destinations, where fiery foliage blankets rugged peaks and crisp mountain air signals the arrival of autumn. Start your visit with a ride on the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola, which glides above the treetops to reveal sweeping views of the Presidential Range painted in brilliant shades of crimson, amber and gold. It's one of the easiest ways to appreciate the area's spectacular foliage without breaking a sweat.For a more active adventure, head to nearby Franconia Notch State Park and hike the scenic Flume Gorge. The two-mile walking path reveals covered bridges and cascading waterfalls. It’s a good idea to make reservations in advance during the busy season.Here are the other destinations that made Priceline’s top 10 list of best places to see fall foliage. Priceline’s rankings are based on hotel searches made by U.S. travelers between Oct. 2 and Oct. 26, 2026, in regions known for spectacular fall foliage. The results highlight just how broad America's autumn appeal has become, stretching from classic New England escapes to Rocky Mountain landscapes and Pacific Northwest river gorges.No. 6: Tunnel of Trees Michigan, a 20-mile scenic route in Harbor Springs among a canopy of colorful trees that provides peeks of Lake Michigan and No. 7: North Lake Tahoe is well known for winter skiing and summer recreation, but fall offers a delightful shoulder season with hikes among aspens and paddleboarding without the summer traffic.No. 8: The Berkshires, Massachusetts is a great destination for leaf peepers who also love the arts.No. 9: Stowe, Vermont is practically synonymous with fall. Beyond its brilliant foliage, visitors can take scenic drives through Smugglers' Notch, navigate classic New England corn mazes, or soar through the colorful canopy on a zipline adventure.No. 10: French Lick, Indiana is a Midwest destination where autumn visitors can experience the season on guided horseback rides, hayrides, or a round of golf surrounded by fall colors.