Love Fall Foliage? These 4 Locations are Perfect for Leaf-Peepers

While some are sad to see summer go, others wait out the hot weather in anticipation of the coziest season of all – fall.

From cooler weather to hot cider to pumpkin flavored everything, fall surely has its perks. A short-lived season, autumn is best known for its foliage, where forests become enchanted with shades of red, orange and gold.

Toss on your favorite flannel and learn about some of the premier locations around the U.S. for fall foliage. RE/MAX agents share what these locations are experiencing in their current housing markets, too.

Colorado: The greater Aspen area

Awe-inspiring in all seasons, the aspen trees of Colorado experience foliage with shades of yellow and gold throughout the early fall. Many agree that the small mountain town of Aspen, as well as surrounding areas, are ideal places to immerse in seasonal charm.

Mike Kennedy, Co-Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Mountain West in Carbondale, Paonia and Cedaredge with a 42-year industry tenure, is especially fond of fall in the mountains.

“The mountains are great in the fall. [We get] cool mornings and warm days. [It’s] not too hot [and there are] beautiful views,” Kennedy says.

Visitors and locals alike enjoy the changing colors seen along Independence Pass, a section of the continental divide, that leads to the town of Aspen from the southeast, as well as hiking the famous Maroon Bells.

But for anyone looking to make the move to the Aspen area, Kennedy says that, “like a lot of places, inventory is low and expensive.”

“Higher rates have slowed things a bit due to affordability,” he explains. “Housing is a tough commodity around here and is difficult to find, which can make this a difficult place to relocate to.”

Kennedy shares a few favorite fall locales to the northwest of Aspen, too.

“Redstone and McClure Pass in the Crystal River Valley are always beautiful – it’s a scenic byway as well on Highway 133,” he continues. “Also, the Frying Pan River Valley toward the Ruedi Reservoir is another beautiful spot that has some great boating, too.”

Vermont: The greater Woodstock area

With abundant landscapes that look like paintings, Vermont is well known for its quaint towns – dotted with scenic farms and covered bridges – that bring in tourists hailing from all over each fall. Why? Because the state experiences some of the richest colors of foliage around.

Deb Roberts, an agent with RE/MAX Upper Valley Partners in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, a town that borders the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region as well as Vermont, describes the fall foliage in her locale as nothing short of “spectacular.” Roberts is surrounded by charming towns including Woodstock, Vermont, a small area particularly famous for being photogenic, especially in the fall.

“Back road Route 100 in Vermont is amazing,” Roberts shares of her favorite scenic drive, adding that early- to mid-October is a popular time to visit.

As for housing?

“We still have a very low inventory [and] prices have not dropped in the Upper Valley Core area at all,” she says of the current housing market. “We have a large influx of people looking for a place to escape to or buying into the [vacation rental] phenomenon. With two interstates – one to Boston and one to Connecticut – this area has easy access to the rest of the world.”

Virginia: The Blue Ridge Mountains

“The fall foliage is amazing here in the Shenandoah Valley,” says Matthew Howdyshell, an agent with RE/MAX Advantage in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Nearby to Waynesboro is the Blue Ridge Parkway, a famous road that offers panoramic views of the Appalachian Highlands’ rolling peaks, as well as Shenandoah National Park. And according to Howdyshell, late October and even early November are peak times to view the leaves change color.

“Fall is the most peaceful [time] in my area because it is so beautiful, not too hot and not too cold. [You get] crisp mornings and brisk evening, but you still have a perfect time to build a fire and relax with family, or visit all the wonderful festivities this area has to offer. I just get lost in the colors at times!” Howdyshell says.

The small city is experiencing similar market conditions to many other U.S. locales.

“The housing market is still very strong. Low inventory has increased prices and demand, but it seems to be leveling off some as interest rates rise and push buyers out of their old price ranges,” he shares. “This area is still expanding and exploding with some great new employment and adventure opportunities.”

Massachusetts: The Berkshires

A state packed with varied geography, Massachusetts is home to abundant fall foliage, especially prevalent in the western side of the state.

“The normal change of colors starts about the end of September into the first week of October, with the peak being flexible again depending on Mother Nature,” shares Sandy Sorel, an agent with RE/MAX Compass in Lee.

“We are blessed in the Berkshires to have many places to visit. Hike Mount Greylock or drive to the top for a spectacular view,” she says. “Drive along the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) and experience the infamous hairpin turn and Mohawk Park. The Elk at Whitcomb Summit offers a beautiful view and is a great photo stop.”

Sorel also points to cultural festivities and local historic sites that gain traction when fall rolls around.

“The Berkshires encompasses a vast area and borders New York, Vermont and Connecticut. No matter what you enjoy – camping, golfing, skiing, hiking, biking, swimming, [visiting the] theater – it’s all available to you,” she says.

“Many visitors who come decide to make the Berkshires their first or second home. The housing market has been brisk and is only now slowing a bit. Inventory is still low and bidding wars are still happening in many cases,” Sorel explains. “Many who have moved here find the slower pace enchanting as they are now working remotely.”

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