MINDFULNESS

While some sigh a breath of relief for the end of summer and its unrelenting heat, for others it’s a disaster as it signals the end of bright, sunny days and the start of brisk, more overcast weather. However, for both the fall enthusiasts and fall detractors there are benefits to the autumn season as both groups can suffer from elevated fatigue and higher stress levels due to the colder weather. One of the best ways to lift up your spirits, improve mood and lower your stress levels is to take up fall foliage viewing or as it’s known by its less popular moniker, fall leaf peeping. What is fall foliage viewing and how can it help your mood? Fall foliage viewing is simply the act of observing or viewing plants and leaves change their colors from deep greens to vibrant fall colors like yellow, orange and red during the autumn season. Viewing fall colors while immersing yourself in this seasonal practice can significantly uplift mood and reduce stress levels, offering a low-cost alternative to wellness and mindfulness through nature. Where to see the best fall colors and fall foliage to uplift mood and improve relaxation? Curious where to find the most picturesque fall landscapes for elevating your mood during the autumn season? From hidden gems in cozy, small towns to the expansive beauty of American and Canadian national parks, we’ll guide you to the best spots to witness the magic of fall foliage and fall colors. The below list explores these stunning vistas, where trees transform into a canvas of burnt oranges, sage yellows, and rustic reds. The best places in the US for the colorful world of fall foliage and fall colors: Stowe, Vermont Also known as Fall’s Color Capital, the picturesque New England village of Stowe in Vermont transforms into a fall wonderland with sugar maple and hickory trees ablaze with vibrant rustic colors during autumn months. Take a scenic drive along Stowe Mountain and Smugglers Notch Scenic Highway for stunningly breath stopping vistas. Click here for Stowe’s foliage finder scenic route guides for more. Asheville, North Carolina Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the mountain city of Asheville, NC boasts a vast array of vivid fall hues. For a fully immersive experience, book a multi day drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway or hike through Pisgah National Forest for some truly awe-inspiring scenic autumn views. Best times to visit Asherville and Blue Ridge to see fall foliage and fall colors start in late September to early November. Acadia National Park, Maine Coastal splendor meets autumn beauty in Acadia National park. From Sand Beach in Bar Harbor to the park’s bike carriage roads there’s something for everyone. Take a day hike in Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of fall foliage against the Atlantic Ocean backdrop. Now, when is the best time to see fall colors and fall foliage in Acadia National Park? According to the official Acadia National Park’s website, that time is generally in mid October. For more places, hikes and tours for seeing fall foliage in Acadia National park visit Acadia’s trip suggestions page. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina: Also known as The Smokies, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular US national parks, offering a vibrant tapestry of fall colors and of course, fall foliage. The Smokies’ fall colors are particularly spectacular due to the park having about 100 different species – sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and hickories are just some examples – of native trees within. The best time to visit depends on the elevation of the park. However, it seems like fall colors and fall foliage typically peak between mid-October and early November at mid and lower elevations of the park. For breathtaking views, take a trek up Clingmans Dome, the Foothills Parkway, or a drive down Newfound Gap Road. Plan your visit here. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico A hidden gem in the Southwest, this scenic Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway takes you through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, providing a different kind of fall beauty with golden aspens against the high desert landscape. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway drive begins in the town of Taos and is one of the best places to see fall colors and fall foliage along your Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway trip. Must see towns and attractions include: The Taos Pueblo (located in Taos) Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest Lake State Park and more. The best time to visit seems up for debate, but many sources report mid-October although some argue that late September to early to mid-October is peak fall foliage time in this region. Whatever you decide, plan your trip in advance and enjoy! Find more spots for fall colors and fall foliage in New Mexico state here. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Experience autumn along the Columbia River as the Gorge transforms into a canvas of red, gold, and green hues. Two of the most popular spots include Multnomah Falls (highest waterfall in the Gorge at 620 feet) and the Rowena Crest Viewpoint which offers sweeping vistas of the Columbia River Gorge. Typically, late September to mid-October is the best time to see the Columbia River Gorge’s fall leaf foliage. For more info click here. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage and fall hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. Hike the Stony Man trail to Stony Man Mountain’s prominent peak as it’s known for its stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley. Hiking the Hawksbill Mountain provides a more expansive experience, since it takes you up to Hawksbill Summit which is the highest point in Shenandoah at 4,050 feet. Due to the expansive size of the park and the weather, it makes it impossible to pinpoint the exact moment when fall color will peak. However, Shenandoah National Park’s fall season typically lasts from late September through October and November months, making