Best Fall Weekend Getaways: 10 Cozy Retreats for Stunning Foliage in 2026

Fall is a welcome time of year, when changing leaves and cooler weather follow a busy and hot summer season. It’s a prime time for weekend road trips, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

You can see fall foliage throughout the country at different times of the year, often lasting several weeks, and usually occurring between September and November.

Here are 10 places to see stunning fall foliage during a weekend getaway throughout the U.S., organized by region, including some tips to make your trip a success.

How To Pack for a Fall Trip

When the temperature starts to get cooler, it’s time to pull out your cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks, and boots. But don’t want to overdo it, as weekend trips are meant to be fairly quick and easy, so don’t overwhelm yourself with too much stuff.

Luckily, it’s usually not cold enough in the fall to need a cumbersome jacket or other bulky outerwear to be warm.

Look for warm clothing items you can layer and remove as the day progresses. Mornings may be cool and crisp, but you can probably expect warmer temperatures in the afternoon. Evenings are likely cool or even cold in some areas, so take along a light jacket.

In addition to clothes, tech, and toiletries, you might want to pack binoculars for bird-watching or animal-spotting. A great point-and-shoot or otherwise professional camera can also be great for memorializing the scenery without having to be on your phone the whole time.

Hot Tip:

Fall foliage arrives at different times in the U.S. and depends on elevation and seasonal fluctuations. For more information on fall foliage, be sure to check out our guide on where to see fall foliage throughout the U.S.

Fall Weekend Getaways in the Northeast

The Northeast is one of the most popular areas of the country for leaf-peeping. Here’s where to go.

1. Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires, which refers to the mountains of western Massachusetts, is the perfect place to visit in September and October, thanks to autumn-themed events (think fall foliage parades and pumpkin shows) and mild temperatures. More than 30 towns within the area are about 4 hours from New York City and 3 hours from Boston by car.

Among several scenic drives, you can follow the 70-mile Mohawk Trail starting in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to Westminster, Massachusetts, on Route 2.

Or, for something shorter, try the Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway. At just 35 miles long, this drive takes you through the Massachusetts towns of Russell, Huntington, Chester, Becket, and Lee. You can also segue into a 2.5-mile hike to see the Keystone Arches up close along the way.

Where To Stay

Regarding accommodations, Miraval Berkshires is a nature-filled wellness retreat that’s perfect in any season. It’s also a World of Hyatt hotel where you can redeem points for your stay (which is a good plan, as cash rates start around $1,250 per night based on double occupancy). Right now, there’s award availability through August of 2027 for just 60,000 World of Hyatt points per night on certain dates.

2. Portland, Maine

Fall travel often revolves around leaf peeping and other fall activities, so you may not expect a coastal town like Portland, Maine, to make this list. But visitors to Portland during the fall season can enjoy changing leaf hues in addition to touring the area’s historic lighthouses.

The leaves change colors early in this northern part of the U.S. — late September into early October — so this is a great trip to take earlier in the season.

The Harvest on the Harbor Festival takes place in late October, and the 4-day event brings chefs and foodies from across the state for a packed schedule of food and spirits tastings.

Where To Stay

There are a lot of hotels in Portland, Maine, and several of them are redeemable with hotel points.

For more luxurious accommodations, try The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection, with rates starting at $488 or 83,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront could be attractive to Hilton loyalists, with rates starting at $441 or 83,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hot Tip:

Check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Portland, Maine.

Fall Weekend Getaways in the South

The South may bring notions of hot weather and beachy breaks, but many destinations in this region are forest-filled, making them perfect for a colorful autumn getaway.

3. Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains run from Tennessee to the North Carolina border. They are a part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a section of the Appalachian Mountains, which run across 13 states.

In the Great Smoky Mountains, you can see the leaves change colors over a longer time frame thanks to varying levels of elevation throughout the range. According to the National Park Service, you can see fall colors at elevations above 4,000 feet starting in early October. Lower elevations can expect to see the leaves change between mid-October and early November.

Elk viewing, scenic drives, and hiking are popular activities during this time of year. A top driving route is through the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop, starting in Townsend, Tennessee.

Where To Stay

Home and cabin rentals are the most popular accommodation type in the Great Smoky Mountains. However, there are plenty of points hotels in Tennessee. The newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge is especially well located if you plan to visit Dollywood, as is the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. Fall rates start at $360 or 63,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and $265 or 60,000 Hilton points, respectively.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, is about a 2-hour drive from Charlotte, North Carolina, and a 3 1/2-hour drive from Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to hikes and scenic drives to take in Asheville, there are over 2 dozen festivals from September through November. Heritage Day, a celebration of Southern Appalachian culture, is held in mid-September and features blacksmithing, chairmaking, and stone-carving presentations, among other attractions.

Families might especially enjoy the Eliada Fall Festival and Corn Maze, taking place from September 25 to November 1 this year.

Where To Stay

The Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America at 175,000 square feet, is in Asheville, and you can stay the night. There are 3 places to stay on the property, including Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate, and Cottages on Biltmore Estate. Even if you’re not staying here, there are lots of activities you can do here, such as wine tasting.

There are hotels from every major brand in Asheville and the surrounding area. One worth checking out for IHG fans is Kimpton Hotel Arras in downtown Asheville, with autumn rates starting around $268 or 47,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Fall Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

The Midwest’s tree-lined corridors and numerous parks (both national and state parks, plus city parks) make it easy to enjoy the changing fall tones no matter where you go.

5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is conveniently just 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland. The 33,000-acre national park features the historic 20-mile Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. There’s also a scenic train ride that takes you through the park if you’re not up for a hike or bike ride.

For a scenic drive, check out the 20-mile Riverview Road.

Where To Stay

The Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade is a points hotel in a landmark building near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You can rates at this Category 3 hotel start at $144 or 8,000 points per night.

6. Wisconsin Great River Road National Scenic Byway

Wisconsin’s Great River Road National Scenic Byway is part of the All-American Great River Road National Scenic Byway. The major byway begins in Minnesota and follows the Mississippi River for 10 states before ending in New Orleans.

If you attempt to drive it all, you’d be looking at driving nearly 3,000 miles. However, we recommend the Wisconsin portion of the road, which is only 250 miles long and goes through 30 towns. You follow U.S. Highway 35 from Prescott, Wisconsin, to Kieler, Wisconsin.

The entire 250-mile drive would take you less than 5 hours one-way, but you may want to break it up overnight. La Crosse, Wisconsin, or Madison, Wisconsin, are worth checking out and resting in before resuming the drive.

Where To Stay

Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown is a hip IHG hotel with fall rates starting at $144 or 27,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

Check out our guide to the best road trips in the U.S., including routes and highlights, as well as our ultimate road-trip packing checklist and best tips.

Fall Weekend Getaways in the Southwest

Sprawling mountain ranges and one-of-a-kind festivals make many Southwestern destinations ideal for autumn visits.

7. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is a beautiful destination in any season, but autumn has a lot to offer visitors. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place every fall for 9 days and features more than 500 hot air balloons. This year, it runs from October 3 to October 11.

Balloons take off all day, starting in the early morning, and there’s a fireworks show on most nights as well. Local entertainment includes music and dance performances, as well as a chainsaw carving exhibition.

When you’re not enjoying the festival, the Paseo del Bosque Trail is a 16-mile paved pathway along the Rio Grande River. This trail passes through the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, one of the best places to see fall foliage in the city.

Where To Stay

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta offers discounted room rates at hotels in the area, but you may luck out and find award space, too. For example, the Courtyard Albuquerque has rates as low as $149 or 22,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, but expect to pay more on peak festival dates.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The best time to see fall foliage at Rocky Mountain National Park is between late September and early October.

For a scenic drive, check out Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park through Grand Lake, for leaf peeping just before the road closes for the season in late October. Though scenic, with beautiful views of the mountains, the road also has steep mountain passes and steep drops. Poor visibility during foggy times of the year and snow make it difficult to drive as the weather gets colder.

The hike around Bear Lake inside the park is moderately accessible, with some steeper parts that might be challenging for beginners.

Where To Stay

There aren’t any points hotels in or near Rocky Mountain National Park, but there is a famous and reportedly haunted hotel that’s perfect for the spooky Halloween season. The Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for the hotel in Stephen King’s “The Shining,” is in Estes, Colorado.

Fall Weekend Getaways in the Pacific and Northwest

The sprawling national parks of the Pacific and Northwest are exceptionally beautiful (and often less crowded) in autumn.

9. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho in the northwest of the U.S.

Hiking and biking in Yellowstone are popular fall activities, as well as fall fishing, especially for brown trout in Montana.

Fall is also an optimal time to spot elk in Yellowstone amid the changing leaves, as it’s breeding season. You’re also likely to see bears foraging for food before their winter hibernation and bison migrating for winter.

Where To Stay

There aren’t any points hotels within the park, but there are several accommodation types to consider when visiting Yellowstone National Park, including camping. However, many campgrounds and hotels close for the season as early as Labor Day weekend in Yellowstone, so plan accordingly.

10. Sonoma County, California

You’ve likely heard of Napa Valley for its world-renowned wines and tasting experiences. But there is another, underrated and far less crowded, alternative in Sonoma County, less than 2 hours from San Francisco.

In Sonoma County, you can enjoy wineries, spas, and wellness retreats, often without a big price tag. In the fall, the temperatures can still reach an average high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, but that doesn’t stop fall colors from gracing the leaves.

Fall walks to take in Sonoma County — when you aren’t enjoying the wine region — include Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa and the Sonoma Overlook Trail in Sonoma. You could even head over to Bodega Bay on the coast, where you could dip your toes into the chilly Pacific Ocean.

Where To Stay

There are plenty of comfortable and luxurious accommodations to choose from in Sonoma County. Two points hotels include the Category 3 Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country and The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection. Autumn rates start at $193 or 8,000 World of Hyatt points and $344 or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, respectively.

How To Book Your Fall Weekend Getaway

Now’s the perfect time to book your fall weekend getaway.

Depending on where you’re going, you may find accommodations that allow you to redeem hotel points for a free night. Even if you don’t have a hotel credit card, cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® earn points that you can transfer to hotel brands like World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy, making it easy to have the points you need.

If you plan to rent a car for your trip, be sure to use a credit card that offers car rental insurance.

And for dining out, you can’t go wrong with a card that earns you bonus points for dining out. A top option is the American Express^® Gold Card, which earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year).

The Amex Gold card, which has an annual fee of $325 (rates & fees), also comes with an annual dining credit of up to $120 at some restaurants — up to $10 a month (enrollment required). You also get an annual Uber Cash credit of up to $120 when you add your Amex Gold card to your Uber account — each month, you get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S.

Plus, the Amex Gold card’s most recent credits include the $100 Resy annual statement credit ($50 semiannually), redeemable at any U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases, and the $84 Dunkin’ annual statement credit (up to $7 per month), redeemable at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required.

Final Thoughts

Fall is a beautiful time of the year for so many reasons, and you see plenty of colorful trees and plants right here in the United States. Many hotels offer lower rates in the fall (including points rates), and there are many geographically diverse regions to choose from.

For ideas on where to stay, read our guide on the best hotels to book with points for fall travel.