What Are The Best Places To Travel In October In The USA? Plan The Best USA Vacations In Fall 
        
         BY 
            
                Sibashree            
            
            Oct 11, 2025        
        
        
Potter and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania are the newest vacation hotspots in the USA in the fall season. The fifth position in the 2025 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Destination for Fall Colors has further brought this into the limelight. 
Hiking the canyon rims, watching the stars at the Cherry Springs, live entertainment, and great local food make Potter and Tioga stand out. 
On the other hand, USA Today has recently named Mackinac Island the Best Place to Visit for Fall. Since 2023, it has been placed in the top three destinations in the list of USA Today as one of the best places to travel in October in the USA. 
Tim Hygh, the executive director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, has shared his thoughts with MLive.com.
“Fall on Mackinac Island is a remarkable experience, from the tranquil atmosphere to the brilliant fall colors, and we are incredibly honored to receive this recognition.” 
So, are you ready to enjoy the whiff of the fudge in the air in Mackinac Island? Or, do you want to explore more places to travel in October in the USA? Here is a complete travel guide.
What Is The Leaf-Peeping Season In The USA? Why Is It So Special?
With the leaves of the trees turning orange and golden yellow, and the earth getting covered with dry leaves, Autumn announces the season of Thanksgiving and Halloween. 
Furthermore, it is the season of apple picking and pumpkin harvesting. 
Mid-September to early November is the leaf peeping season in the USA. However, the peak season for the foliage color reaches different parts of the country at different times in the month. 
Parts in the USALeaf Peeping Season West, the Aspen Groves in Colorado and Utah• Late September• Early OctoberMidwest• OctoberBlue Ridge Mountains and the Southern Part of America• Late OctoberNortheastern America, such as Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire • October
The Leaf Peeping Season In The USA In The Current Year 
In the current year, the fall season has officially set in on 6th October. However, because of a pretty dry season since late July, the fall colors seem to be less visible in different parts of the country till now. 
Furthermore, due to the “Urban Heat Island Effect,” the urban areas are likely to have less vibrant fall colors, and the ocean influences in the coastal areas will also impact and delay the change of foliage colors. 
So, in the current year, we will have to wait till mid and late October for the leaf peeping season to reach its full glory. Even in the northeast, the drought stress since the end of August and a consistent temperature of around 80°F will delay the arrival of fall colors.
Having said that, Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and some other locations in the northwestern region have already started showing mild colors. In addition, a wet beginning to summer and the long dry spell afterward have created a favorable condition for apple and pumpkin harvesting, two other major attractions of the fall season, along with the change of leaf colors. 
Moreover, the species of the trees (Red Maple Trees offer red foliage and ash trees offer yellow foliage) and their locations impact the fall colors. Trees at higher elevations and near lakes and ponds show better colors. 
What Are The Best Places To Visit In October In The USA? 
Have you seen the painting, Four Seasons, by Egon Schiele? The 1917 painting beautifully captures the spirit of the fall season with the shades of golden yellow and red. The “Autumn” painting of Helmer Osslund is another amazing depiction of the season, where nature sheds the old and gets ready for the new. 
Some places in the USA are nothing short of these iconic paintings in the fall season. Let’s find out what special they have in store for us. 
1. New England Region
Average Temperature: 3-17 °Celsius
The New England Region covers states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. 
The crisp air and silent roads with trees in golden, orange, and red shades make the region an ideal choice for autumn vacations. 
Vermont
Average Temperature: 5-15 °Celsius
Vermont is the quintessential autumn destination you need to visit in the USA. The scenic drive along Route 100 and the views of the Green Mountains are breathtaking, with the leaves changing their colors. 
You can also visit the apple orchards and pumpkin farms for a first-hand harvesting experience. 
New Hampshire
Average Temperature: 5-12 °Celsius
Home to the White Mountains, New Hampshire is one of the best places to travel in October in the USA. You can explore the state parks and enjoy the iconic ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. 
The small towns here are ideal for experiencing the autumn festivities. 
Salem, Massachusetts
Average Temperature: 6-18 °Celsius
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Salem, Massachusetts (@destsalem)
Known as the Witch City, Salem is associated with the Infamous Witch Trials of 1692. You can be a part of the month-long Haunted Happening Festivals in October in Salem. The festivities include ghost tours and parades. 
Also, visit the Salem Witch Museum for a somber and eerie experience. 
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bordering North Carolina And Tennessee
Average Temperature: 9-21 °Celsius
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers the most amazing views of the fall foliage with its diverse elevation. 
You can hike or go for scenic drives in the national park. You can even explore nearby small towns such as Pigeon Forge. 
3. Aspen, Colorado
Average Temperature: -1 to 13 °Celsius
With the aspen trees turning golden yellow in October, Aspen looks beautiful, and the Rocky Mountains create the perfect backdrop. 
Furthermore, the Maroon Bells in Colorado, one of the most photographed mountains in America, looks stunning with the changing colors of foliage. 
4. Boston
Average Temperature: 10-17 °Celsius
Beacon Hill and Back Bay are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Boston to see autumn foliage. 
Furthermore, visit the Boston Common and Public Garden to enjoy a beautiful urban landscape in autumn. 
5. New Orleans
Average Temperature: 20-25 °Celsius
Known for its Voodoo culture, New Orleans is most alive in the Halloween Season. Take a tour of the local cemeteries and the French Quarter to soak in the eerie vibe. 
6. Orlando, Florida
Average Temperature: 18-29 °Celsius
Be a part of the Halloween Horror Nights festival in Orlando. It is one of the scariest festivals in the USA, with scare zones, haunted houses, and live acts inspired by popular horror movies and TV shows. 
7. Savannah, Georgia
Average Temperature: 14-25 °Celsius
One of the most haunted cities in America, Savannah is a must-visit in October. A tour of the historic district of the city is spooky.
Also, you can enjoy the changing colors of autumn foliage. 
8. San Francisco, California
Average Temperature: 12-21 °Celsius
Home to the notorious Alcatraz Island and prison, San Francisco is one of the most prominent locations for dark tourism in the USA. 
Also, if you want to see autumn colors, you can visit Golden Gate Park. 
9. Asheville, North Carolina 
Average Temperature: 7-21 °Celsius
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Visit Asheville | Asheville, North Carolina (@visitasheville)
Asheville, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the most scenic locations in October. The trees in the mountains change their colors faster, and you can take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the colors.
Also, visit the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in America. 
10. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Average Temperature: 4-14 °Celsius
Santa Fe shows a beautiful fusion of Native American and Spanish culture. In October, you can be a part of the Santa Fe Harvest Festival and go hiking in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. 
The leaves of the aspen trees in the mountain trails turn golden yellow in the season. 
11. New York City
Average Temperature: 14-18 °Celsius
Central Park is the epicenter of seeing fall colors in New York City. You can also be a part of the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, which is the largest in the country. 
Otherwise, you can just chill at the outdoor cafes and enjoy the Broadway shows. 
12. Leavenworth, Washington State
Average Temperature: 7-18 °Celsius
With the charm of a Bavarian-style village, Leavenworth is just another small town in the USA that turns magical in October. 
The small town hosts an Oktoberfest. It is a German-style celebration with great food and music. Furthermore, the entire town is decked up in fall foliage, pumpkins, and everything autumn. 
13. Lake Tahoe: California And Nevada Border
Average Temperature: 10-21 °Celsius
Surrounded by mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of the most serene places to travel in October in the USA. With the summer crowd gone, the foliage in the mountains and around the lake starts changing colors. 
You can do kayaking and hiking here. Or, you can just relax by the lake for some tranquility. 
14. Chicago
Average Temperature: 4-21 °Celsius
Chicago bustles with energy in October as it hosts many renowned festivals. It is the month of the Chicago International Film Festival and the Lincoln Park Autumn Harvest. 
Also, with the nip in the air, it is the best time to try the signature deep-dish pizzas.
15. Zion National Park, Utah
Average Temperature: 4-20 °Celsius
Hike through the famous trails such as the Narrows and Angels Landing in Zion National Park and witness how the fall foliage creates a contrast against the red rock canyons in the park. 
The views are dramatic, and with the summer crowd gone, the ambiance is peaceful. 
16. Potter And Tioga Counties, Pennsylvania
Average Temperature: 3-17 °Celsius
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Visit Potter Tioga (@visitpottertioga)
Blessed by the Appalachian Mountains, Potter and Tioga Counties have the most amazing forests and verdant hills. So, the autumn vistas here are quite dramatic. 
Furthermore, the Pine Creek Gorge, or the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is at the epicenter of the autumn attractions here. 
Moreover, you can do horse riding, hiking, or biking through the Pine Creek Rail Trail for an unforgettable experience. 
17. Mackinac Island, Michigan 
Average Temperature: 4-12 °Celsius
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Mira (@lightbender_photo)
Autumn on Mackinac Island is captivating. Enjoy a ride in the bikes or horse-drawn carriages to see the changing fall colors. It is famous for its car-free lifestyle. 
Also, don’t forget a visit to the Mackinac Island State Park, famous for limestone arches, woods, and trails. 
Visiting The Best Places To Travel In October In The USA: A 7-Day Itinerary 
Are you in the USA this autumn? Try this 7-day itinerary to explore the best places to travel in October in the USA. 
DaysLocationActivitiesDay 1Salem • Drive from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Salem• A Visit to the Witch House and Walking through the Historic StreetsDay 2Boston• Walking through the Freedom Trail and Exploring Places such as Boston Common, Paul Revere House, and Faneuil Hall.• A Visit to Boston Common and Enjoying a Boat Ride.• Walking through Beacon HillDay 3Boston to Vermont• Foliage Drive from Boston to Vermont for 4-5 Hours.• Stopping by the Woodstock Town to See Fall Colors. • Trying Maple Syrup at a Sugar House. Day 4Vermont and New England• Hiking in the Green Mountain National Forest for Foliage Views• Shopping at Vermont Country Store• Afternoon Drive in the BerkshiresDay 5Vermont to New York City• A Drive for Around 5 Hours• Exploring Central Park• Visiting the NYC Landmarks such as Rockefeller Center and Times SquareDay 6New York City• Visiting the Metropolitan • • Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)• Brooklyn Bridge Walk• Visiting the 9/11 MuseumDay 7Departing from New York City• Souvenir Shopping• Trying Classic Bagels• Airport Travel
What Is The Cost Of A 7-Day Fall Vacation In October In The USA?
Here is the estimated cost of a 7-day fall vacation in the USA in October. The budget range here is wide because I have considered budget, mid-budget, and high-end traveling and their various options. 
Types of CostEstimated BudgetNotesAccommodation$600-2100• Hostels• Budget Inns• Boutique Hotels• B&BsTransportation$200-600• GasTolls• Parking• Subway• Rental CarTrainFood and Drink$350-1000• Quick• Service• Groceries• RestaurantsAttractions$150-450• Entry Fees• ToursTicketsTotal$1300-4150• (Excluding flight tickets to the USA)
A Calendar Of October Festivities In The USA 
In October, try being a part of these nationwide and local festivals. 
Time of MonthFestivalsDetails2025 DatesEarly OctoberAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta• The Largest Hot Air Balloon Festival in the World• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico4th to 12th October 2025First Two Full Weekends in OctoberNational Apple Harvest Festival• Visit Biglerville,  Pennsylvania. 4th and 5th October and 11th to 12th October13th OctoberColumbus Day• A Federal Holiday Celebrating America’s Past13th OctoberMonth-Long ActivitiesSalem Haunted Happenings• Visit Salem, MassachusettsN/AMid-OctoberFall-Foliage Festivals• Visit Vermont, New Hampshire, and MarylandN/A31st OctoberHalloween• Nationwide Celebration with Themed Parties and Spooky Tours31st October
Best Places To Travel In October In The USA: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the best places to travel in October in the USA. 
1. What Is The #1 Place To Vacation In The US? New York City, the Yellowstone National Park, and Los Angeles are some of the most popular places for a vacation in the USA. However, if you want to enjoy a vibrant nightlife, you can visit Las Vegas or Reno. Also, Orlando is the place to be for theme park fun.  2. What Is The Cheapest Vacation Destination In The USA? Oklahoma City, known for its distinct cowboy culture, is one of the cheapest vacation destinations in the USA. You can visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum here. Furthermore, the cost of living in the city is way below the national average.   3. Where To Take Kids For Fun In The US? With the presence of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando is the most coveted location for kids visiting the USA. However, if your little one loves nature and wilderness, Yellowstone National Park, Olympic National Park, and the Dry Tortugas National Park are some of the best places to be.   
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