We could be here all day talking about fall. When the air gets crisp and the leaves start to change colors, we’re filled with a special sort of joy that might even surpass our feelings about Christmas (okay, it’s a tie).
There are so many outings we can’t wait to do. Like going to the pumpkin farm and grabbing a gourd to carve. And don’t forget about apple picking—and apple pie! And pumpkin pie, for that matter. Or, sweet potato or pecan pie!

But it’s not only the activities. The sheer beauty of autumn is a standout all on its own, which is why people travel far and wide for the best leaf peeping each year. And don’t forget your camera!

But if you can’t get away to a charming small town to see it for yourself, don’t worry. You can take a drive in the country or even just a stroll down a city street. But if you really need an autumn fix, then we suggest flipping through these photos. Trust us: They really do prove it’s the best season ever

The Great Outdoors
Head east and take a hike in the Smoky Mountains. The stunning views will not let you down.
Pumpkin Perfection
Pumpkins, colorful leaves in the distance, and a beautiful blue sky in Oregon? Nope, a more perfect fall day doesn’t exist.

One with Nature
Fall is the best time to take a break from life and immerse yourself in nature. Just look at this scene from Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah and try to argue otherwise.

Serenity in the Suburbs
Walk down a quiet suburban street lined with trees shedding their leaves. The beauty could inspire anyone to give up city living.

Autumnal Countryside
The crops may already be harvested, but there’s still plenty to behold on this Amish Country farm.

Driving a Road through Beauty
Cherohala Skyway’s 36 miles of scenic mountain views rival any scenic byway in the eastern U. S.

Scenic Drive
Lush forests provide gorgeous views for long drives across the country.

South Carolina Has It All
Nothin’ could be finer than to be in Carolina

Farewell My Summer Love
What better way to end an amazing summer than to dive into a wine country extravaganza?

Small Town Charm
The rich foliage beautifully complements Montpelier, Vermont’s many red and white buildings.

Colorful Vineyard
Rows of yellow, orange, and red vines make British Columbia’s Okanagan Wine Country look even more stunning.

Vibrant Fall Foliage
There’s nothing quite like a walk in the park during autumn.

Pretty Reflection
Who wouldn’t want to take an autumn canoe ride on this gorgeous river?

Early Fall Morning
The reflection in the water of this New Mexico landscape means double the fall foliage.

Rolling Hills
These Oregon vineyards seem so serene in autumn.

Crimson Trees
We could spend all day daydreaming in this magical forest filled with fall hues.

Fall Fields
Vibrant colors abound during autumn in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Leaf Peeping
Discover fall colors on Skyline Drive as the Blue Ridge Mountains erupt in color

Cranes at Sunrise
Autumn leaf color too at Bosque during the Crane Festival

Visual Marvels
At Okefenokee, the dark, coffee-colored tannic water is the base for a living jumble of pine, cypress, swamp, palmetto, peat bog, marsh, island, and sand ridge.

Mountain Splendor
The Icefields Parkway winds through Rocky Mountain peaks, icefields, and vast sweeping valleys.

Pops of Red
The Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably the country’s most beautiful drive.

Saturated Yellows of Quaking Aspens
Utah’s Fish Lake is known for its recreational bliss and yellow-blazed aspen forests.

Daydreaming of the European Alps
Take a Sound of Music history of Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont
Worth Pondering…
Autumn . . . the year’s last loveliest smile.
—William Cullen Bryant