If you are a leaf peeper planning your fall travels around finding the best fall colors, we have some advice for you on where to find it.  

This article recently published from Conde Nast Traveler points out some of the best destinations for the bright pops of color we associate with fall.

Northeast:

• Acadia National Park - The season can be short and the lodging hard to find as this area is well known for its show of fall foliage. Late September to mid October is the best time of year to view the colors at their peak. While there isn't one "best" view, the summit of Cadillac Mountain is a great place to start. Additional Info: Look into this website for up to date foliage reports www.mainefoliage.com

Northwest:

• Leavenworth, WA - The leaves in the northwest change later and the season lasts longer. You can't go wrong planning your travels around Leavenworth. but we suggest starting your route in town around Waterfront Park, move towards Lake Wenatchee and then Puget Sound to observe the red huckleberry bushes, aspens, and cottonwoods. Make sure you plan your fall trip around the Autumn Leaf Festival in late September and Oktoberfest throughout October.
• McKenzie Pass - Bend, Oregon. Mid October to early November is prime leaf season around the McKenzie Pass area of Willamette Valley and west to the eastern Cascades. The transplanted tree varieties of trees such as redwoods, maples and walnuts make this area an amazing spectrum of colors every fall.
• Enchantment Peaks - Leavenworth, WA area. Plan a trip out to the lakes in the Enchantments around late September to see the bright and dusty yellows of fall. Our suggestion is to try the Snow Creek Trail and Colchuck Lake hike among other trails around the lakes to take it all in.
• Columbia River Gorge area - Washington and Oregon. Spend late October around the Columbia River Gorge taking in the late popping of color in the valley east of Portland. Maples and cottonwoods surround the valley and scenic drives on I-84 offer jaw dropping beauty. Our suggestion is to explore The Dalles, Hood River and Biggs Junction among other areas in October.
• Glacier National Park - West Glacier, MT. Winter and fall seasons are unpredictable but each year in late September and early October the summer rushes out and fall temps come in causing the aspens and maples to show their reds, yellows and oranges against the mountain peaks. Don't miss a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road or Logan Pass. Flathead Lake is a close second with the huckleberry picking on top of the colorful hues.

Who Didn't Make the Cut?

We are pretty partial to other areas that didn't make the list. some of our favorites include:

• Yellowstone Natl Park - Aspens are popping across the park, not to mention the animal activity is higher and crowds are diminished.
• Grand Teton Natl Park - the colors threading their way up the Teton Range are a sight not to be missed.
• Maroon Bells - The well known area is one of the best Aspen area hikes, but the fall colors are a fall highlight for those trekking into the area each fall.
• Gunnison National Forest - This Crested Butte area forest is one of the most exciting when fall hits. Take in the views around Kebler and Cottonwood Pass for the best fall colors in the area.

What are your favorite fall areas that we missed? Let us know in the comment below!