Where Should You Actually Go For Fall Colors This Year? Our New Quiz Has The Answer

We all love fall. The crisp air, cozy sweaters, and of course, the breathtaking explosion of color as nature puts on its most spectacular show.

Recently, an incredible article from Southern Living highlighted the absolute best places to see fall foliage in every single Southern state, proving that you don’t need to head north for a world-class autumn experience.

The list is a goldmine for travelers, but it presents a wonderful problem: with so many stunning options, how do you choose the one that’s perfect for you?

That’s where we come in. Inspired by Southern Living’s fantastic guide, we’ve created a quick, fun quiz designed to cut through the noise.

It will match you with the Southern fall destination that perfectly aligns with your personal travel style, ensuring your next autumn adventure is exactly what you’re looking for.

Ready to find your dream autumn escape? Take our “Perfect Southern Fall Foliage” quiz below!

Your Results Are In! Discover Your Ideal Southern Fall Destination:

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a laid-back scenic driver, or someone who loves combining nature with charming town vibes, the South has a fall spectacle waiting for you. Here’s a breakdown of some of the incredible places our quiz might lead you to:

For the Adventure Seeker & Nature Lover:

• Little River Canyon Nature Preserve, Alabama: Home to spectacular waterfalls and diverse hardwood forests.
• The Ozarks, Arkansas: Rolling plateaus, thrilling outdoor activities, and vibrant maple, hickory, and oak trees.
• Talimena Scenic Highway 88, Arkansas: A winding scenic drive through forests, perfect for those who love trails and breathtaking panoramas.
• Black Rock Mountain, Georgia: Offers some of the state’s most dramatic scenery and brilliant fall colors from its high elevation.
• Tallulah Gorge, Georgia: Hike along the rim for incredible gorge views and waterfalls framed by yellow oaks and red maples.
• Red River Gorge, Kentucky: A densely forested Geological Area and National Natural Landmark, ideal for serious leaf peeping.
• Panthertown Valley, North Carolina: Known as the “Yosemite of the East,” with 30 miles of trails and 12 waterfalls, offering high-elevation foliage.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee: America’s most visited national park, offering endless hiking trails, historic sites, and waterfalls amidst a kaleidoscope of fall color.
• Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Tennessee: 125,000 acres of land along the Cumberland Plateau – an adventurer’s dream.
• Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia: Rushing rivers, dramatic waterfalls, and some of the South’s brightest foliage.
• New River Gorge, West Virginia: Deep canyons, a whitewater river, and stunning bridge views in a national park setting.

For the Scenic Driver & Photographer:

• Lookout Mountain Scenic Parkway, Alabama: A 93-mile drive offering waterfalls, canyons, and colorful trees.
• Scenic Byway 7, Arkansas: Famous for its vibrant fall foliage and sweeping views across four geographical regions.
• Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, Georgia: A meandering road flanked by trees with numerous scenic overlooks.
• Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia: Consistently voted the South’s best scenic drive, offering the most vibrant panoramas on the East Coast.
• Highland Scenic Highway, Maryland: Home to a technicolor fall view at the Route 219 scenic overlook near Accident.
• Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas: A unique spot in Hill Country known for its vibrant bigtooth maples.

For the Lakeside Lounger & Water Lover:

• Trap Pond State Park, Delaware: Canoe or kayak through America’s northernmost stand of bald cypress trees.
• Three Rivers State Park, Florida: Where the Chattahoochee, Flint, and Lake Seminole converge, offering a peaceful setting with changing leaves.
• Torreya State Park, Florida: A great spot to see fall foliage, named after one of America’s most endangered trees.
• Dale Hollow Lake, Kentucky: Take in fall color from land or by boat on this expansive reservoir surrounded by forest-covered hills.
• Deep Creek Lake, Maryland: Enjoy the foliage from the water or explore antique shops and cozy lodges.
• Table Rock Lake, Missouri: An unforgettable experience to take a boat ride when the leaves are at their peak.
• Lake Keowee, South Carolina: Enjoy the patchwork of autumn leaves along its 300-mile shoreline.
• Watauga Lake, Tennessee: Sail along this man-made reservoir with mountains ablaze in autumnal colors.
• Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia: Boat rentals, miles of trails, and forests that light up with fall foliage.

For the Town Explorer & History Buff:

• Hagley Museum, Delaware: Situated along the Brandywine River, this historic property (a 19th-century gunpowder factory and du Pont family home) bursts into color.
• Ellijay, Georgia: North Georgia’s apple capital, with a charming downtown lined with trees bursting into reds and golds.
• The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Kentucky: Urban fall color near Louisville across several parks tracing a stream lined with color-changing trees.
• Cypress Swamp, Mississippi (Natchez Trace Parkway): Walk a boardwalk through a swamp filled with tupelo and bald cypress trees near Jackson.
• Jeff Busby Park, Mississippi (Natchez Trace Parkway): Great views and fall foliage along the historic parkway.
• River Bend, Mississippi (Natchez Trace Parkway): A picnic area with views of Madison County’s fall foliage reflecting on the water.
• Forest Park, Missouri: A magnificent destination for fall photography, home to the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Missouri History Museum.
• Asheville, North Carolina: Combine vibrant foliage with a laid-back city life, known for its arts and culture.
• Falls Park on the Reedy, South Carolina: Downtown Greenville offers walkable streets and color-changing trees surrounding the Reedy River.
• Poinsett Bridge, South Carolina: The oldest bridge in SC offers a historic spot to enjoy a picnic, hike, and foliage.
• Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, Tennessee: 3,550 acres of nature, a lake, hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities amidst autumn beauty.
• James River, Virginia: Enjoy the intensely colorful shoreline along 14 miles designated as a Virginia Scenic River.
• Mabry Mill, Virginia: Explore this historic gristmill and blacksmith shop surrounded by picturesque mountains and colorful trees.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, the American South is ready to surprise you with an unforgettable fall experience.

So, take our quiz, pack your bags, and get ready to discover your new favorite autumn destination!