Top 5 Most Affordable Fall Foliage Destinations in the U.S.
Do you want to see Fall colors for under $300 round trip? Here are the latest deals—and the best weeks to book them.
Who doesn’t love Fall and all the associated colors of nature on a bright and glowing day, the sights and smells of pumpkin spice, apple cider, and a cozy bonfire in the crisp, cool evenings? Sweater and boots weather is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning your Autumn escape.
While the spectacular nature of 2025’s fall foliage will depend heavily on regional weather in the weeks leading up to Autumn, preliminary forecasts suggest that parts of the Northeast and Upper Midwest will have the potential for a particularly vibrant season. In contrast, areas of the West and Mid-Atlantic face less certain outcomes due to dry conditions.
Our sources tell us that this year, a few destinations for prime leaf peeping will include New England and the Northeast, with Acadia National Park (ME), the Adirondacks and Catskills (NY), and the Kancamagus Highway (NH) offering vibrant displays. The Berkshires are a classic destination for fall foliage in New England.
Other top destinations include the Blue Ridge Parkway (VA/NC), the Great Smoky Mountains (TN), and the White Mountains (NH), which are excellent options for widespread colors.
Traverse City, Michigan, located near lakes, is a popular spot to see a different kind of fall beauty in the Midwest. For western colors, look to the Black Hills (SD), Boulder (CO), and Snoqualmie (WA) as aspens and other species provide a different palette in late September and early October. Zion National Park, Utah is known for its unique autumn scenery in the desert landscape.
Top 5 Fall Foliage Destinations for 2025
Dollar Flight Club has sourced the top five most affordable leaf peeping destinations in the US this year:
Asheville, NC – $170
Boston, MA – $260
Burlington, VT – $278
Adirondack Mountains, NY – $290
Stowe, VT – $298
“Fall foliage trips are trending earlier this year, and airfare is lining up to make them more accessible than ever,” said Jesse Neugarten, CEO of Dollar Flight Club.
“Asheville in peak foliage season is one of my favorite fall getaways in the U.S. The mountain air, sweeping Blue Ridge views and a surprisingly great food and drink scene make it a perfect mix of nature and culture, all for as low as $170 roundtrip.”
Tips for Leaf Peeping
Check Forecasts: The exact timing varies each year, so check local tourism sites and foliage maps for peak dates.
Know Your Trees: Maple trees produce bright reds and oranges, while oaks offer richer, darker colors.
Consider Altitude: Higher elevations tend to change earlier in the season.
Embrace the Outdoors: Hiking and driving scenic routes are excellent ways to experience the foliage.
Getting There and Getting a Deal
Fall foliage destinations are trending earlier this year thanks to strong search interest and flexible travel schedules, according to Dollar Flight Club. People are planning weekend escapes or remote work weeks around peak color and the airfare is lining up. The five cities mentioned above offer the best mix of autumn scenery and low-cost access, with most flights under $300.
Fall is one of the best times of the year to travel smart. Prices are low, but they won’t stay that way. As demand picks up for long weekends, foliage escapes, and early holiday planning, flexibility and timing become even more important. These strategies will help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the shoulder season.
If you’re looking to catch peak color and save money, the best weeks to book are between September 17 and October 10.
Tips for Getting the Best Fall Deal:
- Use Google Flights Explore Tool: Enter your departure city and leave the destination open. You’ll get a map of the cheapest destinations during fall dates. For example, flying into Manchester, New Hampshire instead of Burlington, Vermont can cut your New England foliage trip costs in half.
- Try the Split Ticket Strategy: Book a cheap flight into a major hub like Chicago, Dallas, or Atlanta and then use a budget airline, train, or rental car to reach a smaller city. This works especially well for fall destinations like Asheville, upstate New York, or even Quebec.
- Set Up Fare Alerts: Use Dollar Flight Club to track drops from your home airport. Fall deals change quickly. Alerts help you catch the best prices before they bounce back or disappear altogether.
- Book by Late August: For travel in September and early October, prices typically spike 10 to 14 days before departure. Booking by late August gives you the best mix of availability and savings.
- Travel Midweek: Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday and returning Saturday or the following Tuesday is usually 15–25% cheaper than peak weekend itineraries. Midweek departures also give you better odds at open award seats and cheaper hotels.
- Use Points and Miles While Space is Available: Fall is a great time to redeem points. Cash fares are low, and international routes that were booked solid in summer are starting to open up. Business class and premium economy awards are easier to find than they’ve been in months.
Featured Asheville Property: Grand Bohemian Lodge
The Grand Bohemian Lodge, Asheville is an Autograph Collection hotel and spa located in Biltmore Village, offering a unique luxury lodge experience with a bohemian spirit, curated art, and individualistic interiors. Following a recent flood and renovation after Hurricane Helene, the hotel has reopened with updated public spaces, guest rooms, and the Red Stag Grill restaurant, which serves European comfort food with a Carolina twist. Guests can enjoy amenities like a spa, fitness center, and art gallery, and its convenient location provides easy access to the Biltmore Estate and the surrounding mountains.
To browse the best hotels for leaf peeping in Asheville, go here.
