Scenic Fall Getaways: 8 Instagrammable Autumn Travel Destinations
As the heat of summer fades, many US destinations become crisp, cool, and colorful with fall foliage. The abundance of warm hues and pumpkin patches create the perfect photography backdrop. Whether you're interested in discovering the best destinations for fall photos or simply want to enjoy some leaf peeping, we're rounding up the most Instagram-worthy travel destinations for autumn.
Best Fall Travel Destinations
1. DD Ranch Pumpkin Patch, Terrebonne, Oregon
Can you imagine anything more picturesque than picking pumpkins with a mountain backdrop? DD Ranch in Terrebonne, Oregon, is a working ranch that opens its pumpkin patch to guests every fall. Visitors can enjoy the petting zoo, hay rides, food trucks, live music, and of course pumpkin picking.
Bend, Oregon Vacation Rentals
After a long day of pumpkin picking, you need a peaceful location to kick back and relax. Bend Vacation Rentals by Arrived are a stone's throw away from downtown Bend and lean into the area's natural beauty. Arrived's rental properties feature views of mountains, rivers, and golf courses and offer floor-to-ceiling windows for unobstructed viewing.
2. Reflector Loop Trail, Big Sky, Montana
Reflector Loop Trail in Big Sky, Montana, offers a moderately challenging 3.5-mile hike that typically takes about two hours to complete. As temperatures drop, the aspen trees along the trail change colors, creating a stunning display of golden leaves that contrast beautifully with the clear blue skies.
Big Sky, Montana Vacation Rentals
Enjoy mountain views and warm, cozy accommodations at Big Sky Vacation Rentals by Ascend Properties. Whether you want to relax in the heart of Big Sky or escape into the mountains, Ascend Properties offers sixteen beautiful properties, each thoughtfully designed to blend comfort with the area's natural beauty.
3. Proctor Mountain Trail, Sun Valley, Idaho
Proctor Mountain Trail in Sun Valley, Idaho, offers a scenic 4.2-mile loop that's perfect for a fall hike. Starting at the Hemingway Memorial on Trail Creek Road, this moderately challenging trail winds through the valley's trees and climbs up to a ridge with views of the historic 1936 chairlift and Sun Valley vistas. Known for its vibrant fall foliage, the trail is popular with locals and visitors, making it a favorite spot for hiking and trail running during autumn.
Sun Valley, Idaho Vacation Rentals
Sun Valley Vacation Rentals by Michael's Vacation Rentals offers a range of accommodations, from designer townhomes on the fairway to spacious estates with stunning mountain views. Each property combines mountain charm with a touch of metropolitan style, featuring distinctive design elements that elevate your stay.
4. Maroon Bells, Colorado
Maroon Bells, located just 10 miles from Aspen and 24 miles from Snowmass, is one of Colorado's most photographed locations. In the fall, the aspen trees surrounding the 14,000-foot Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak turn brilliant gold. The peaks and their vibrant colors are mirrored in Maroon Lake, making for an iconic fall photo.
Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado Vacation Rentals
Aspen Snowmass Vacation Rentals by Snowmass Vacations offers a curated selection of mountain properties, including ski-in/ski-out alpine retreats and modern townhomes in prime locations. Whether you're looking for proximity to downtown Aspen, walking distance to Snowmass Village, or direct access to ski trails, Snowmass Vacations has the perfect rental to meet your needs.
5. Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway, Utah
Guardsman Pass connects Park City to Big Cottonwood Canyon and Midway. In the fall, this scenic drive offers views of the vibrant fall colors covering the surrounding mountains and valleys. Stop at the peak of Guardsman Pass to enjoy the views and get an epic photo.
Park City, Utah Vacation Rentals
After exploring Guardsman Pass, spend a few days relaxing in Park City Vacation Rentals by Abode Luxury Rentals. Featuring grand living spaces, floor-to-ceiling fireplaces and enough rooms to accommodate eight to twenty-eight people, these curated spaces were designed for gathering with loved ones.
6. Swinging Bridge, Suches, Georgia
Georgia's Swinging Bridge is the longest swingest bridge east of the Mississippi, spanning 270 feet. Situated over the Toccoa River on the Benton MacKaye Trail, this photo-worthy landmark is surrounded by lush forests that display vibrant colors in the fall.
Suches, Georgia Vacation Rentals
Enjoy the fall colors of the North Georgia mountains when you stay at Suches Vacation Rentals by SVR Properties. Expansive porches and decks provide the perfect location to sip coffee and enjoy the fall colors while unique amenities like hot tubs offer a relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring.
7. Chattooga Belle Farm, Long Creek, South Carolina
Your fall Instagram post wouldn't be complete without a few snaps picking apples. If you're looking for an orchard with incredible views, we recommend Chattooga Belle Farm, a 200-acre working farm in Long Creek, South Carolina. After picking apples, unwind with a glass of whiskey from the farm's distillery while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
Clemson, South Carolina Vacation Rentals
Clemson Vacation Rentals offers a range of properties with lakeside or forest views, featuring unique amenities like hot tubs and outdoor fire pits. These curated spaces provide beautiful outdoor gathering spaces where you and your friends or family can enjoy the crisp fall weather while relaxing.
8. Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Looking for a spookier photo opportunity that celebrates the spirit of Halloween? We suggest exploring Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in an isolated valley, Cades Cove was home to many settlers before the formation of the national park. While the valley may no longer have living residents, many claim that the area's 11 cemeteries are haunted. Some visitors have said they feel as if someone is watching them while visiting and others claim to have captured photographs of floating orbs.
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Vacation Rentals by Mountain Laurel Chalets
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Vacation Rentals by Mountain Laurel Chalets offers twelve curated properties, from large mountain estates to cozy two-bedroom chalets with panoramic views. All homes are located in peaceful neighborhoods with easy access to downtown Gatlinburg and include amenities like clubhouse access and community pools.
