If you love fall foliage but don’t like crowded locations, you might want to check out places that draw fewer people. Don’t deny yourself the awesome views of stunning autumn foliage because tour groups and fall foliage aficionados are competing for the same viewpoints. Instead, try visiting some lesser-known places that offer the same beauty and brilliance as the main ones.
Here are some places to visit and see breathtaking fall foliage with fewer crowds, along with accommodation prices and hotel points needed per night:
Greenville County, South Carolina
Taking a detour from the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is the most popular fall destination in the region, lands you at a much quieter retreat. Liberty Bridge is a Falls Park viewpoint within the downtown parks of this area. It has incomparable views of the landscape’s vibrant fall foliage.
Greenville’s Grand Bohemian Lodge offers a scenic spot to enjoy the falls. Stays start at $238 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Katy Trail State Park, Missouri
This beautiful location for fall foliage lovers is famous for the longest rail trail. It’s 240 miles of adventure, offering recreational activities like walking, horseback riding, and cycling. It runs along the Missouri River, mirroring its path and the picturesque scenery along the river’s course.
Accommodations include basic campsites, historic inns, and the high-end Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, which offers post-hike relaxation starting from $479 or 49,000 points.
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Stretching about 47 miles, the Gorge features a descent of 1,450 feet. It’s called Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, with broad natural beauty and a tranquil landscape. It’s an excellent place to take in nature through scenic drives, cycling, horseback riding, or hiking. The Gorge’s panoramic views of captivating fall foliage are seen at Barbour Rock Trail.
There are nearby locally owned inns and B&Bs. Lock Haven offers Fairfield by Marriott with rates starting at $116 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque becomes an artistic delight in the fall, transforming into a beautiful canvas of vivid fall foliage and glorious landscape. Boasting an exclusive vantage point, the Fenelon Place Elevator allows breathtaking views of this magnificent area. It’s known as the world’s highest, shortest scenic railway, offering amazing views of the Mississippi River, as well as downtown Dubuque.
Rides on Fenelon Place Elevator are $2 one way and $4 round-trip. A Dubuque/Galena Holiday Inn offers nearby stays. Rates per night are $107 or 22,000 IHG One Rewards points.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
This Ohio park offers vibrant fall foliage adventures with a massive trail system and scenic railway. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad hosts unique travel and trail combinations that include kayaking and hiking. By mid-October, resplendent fall foliage covers Brandywine Falls, which is attainable by the gorge loop trail.
You can enjoy the Hyatt Regency Cleveland starting at $129 or 9,000 World of Hyatt points.
Killarney National Park, Ireland
If you’re really adventuresome and love to view fall foliage overseas, Killarney National Park in Ireland is the place to go. This expansive territory is 26,000 acres of natural beauty with historical charm. Its trails offer accessible paths and more challenging climbs that all lead to Torc Mountain’s peak. You can enjoy the Catherine House Hotel with starting rates at $275 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points.
Conclusion
Beautiful parks to enjoy fall foliage await you. Certain places may be overcrowded during the fall, but many spectacular locations offer the same stunning beauty and landscape. Greenville County, Katy Trail State Park, Pine Creek Gorge, Dubuque, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are located in the US and offer dramatic autumn views.
If you’d like to venture further away from home, Killarney National Park in Ireland offers excellent scenic viewpoints. Wherever you decide to go, take advantage of the many adventures your trip offers, such as trails and kayaking, while enjoying the stunning fall foliage.
