The Best US State For Fall Colors In 2026 Isn't Pennsylvania Or Michigan

Leaves that change colors in autumn are a magical sight, no matter where you see them. The tree could stand alone in the middle of flatlands, and just the red-and-gold coloration will fill most of us with awe. Add more trees, and the portrait gets even better. Terrain? Backroads? Red barns and rushing rivers? Soon you're standing in a veritable Bob Ross painting. The leaves are essentially the same, but the beauty of your surroundings gets more and more dynamic. Many leaf-peepers will agree that Michigan boasts one of the best autumnal landscapes, as do the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. But if you're World Population Review, the online statistical aggregate, you've determined that 2026's champion of fall colors in the U.S. is Vermont.

Leaves change all across North America, but the Green Mountain State earns top scores when dropping temperatures transform all that green into blazing autumnal hues. And this part of New England gets a climatic jumpstart as well: "Vermont has a much colder climate, which makes the trees more sensitive to the loss of heat, sunlight, and temperature," reports World Population Review. "This means that the changing of the leaves happens as early as late August, so the best time to see the foliage would be deep into September, ending with mid-October."

Vermont also has many aesthetic advantages: As much as 78% of the land area is covered in forest, and this tiny state has more than 1,300 named mountains, which yield spectacular views of the countryside. Specifically, the report from World Population Review pays particular tribute to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, offering panoramic vistas and challenging hiking trails.

Take a drive through Vermont at peak fall, and you can go almost anywhere and get your money's worth. The state is replete with scenic villages surrounded by woods, and gorgeous canopies are everywhere. Vermont is especially famous for its maples, which are among the most beloved of all Northeast tree species. If you're looking for a specific place to drive — or want to maximize your limited time — try Vermont's breathtaking road trip that carves through some of New England's most stunning fall foliage scenes. From Burlington and Stowe to Woodstock and Manchester, the trip will give you plenty of chances to snap colorful photos.

Autumn is the height of harvest season, which is a big deal in this largely agricultural state. Apple-picking is a popular pastime among visitors, and you'll find apple-based products (pies, preserves, cider) sold in stores and restaurants across the state. Better yet — the trees in local orchards also show off their hues during this time.

Vermont is a land designed for chunky sweaters and leaf-strewn hikes in the forest, so if you love to celebrate autumn, you can't go wrong in this picturesque state. And the colors are just a starting point: Here are the 12 best things to do on your fall getaway to Vermont. Whether you're interested in epic hikes or a cozy night at a historic inn, there are plenty of unique ways to build your ideal autumn escape.