Fall foliage on the Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff, Arizona

Fall is my favorite time of the year. Crisp cool weather and sunny skies, bright golden foliage, and pumpkin spice everything. I love to see a green forest transform into a picture-perfect fall painting. Hiking is the best way to soak in the glorious colors of the all too short-lived season. I’ve lived in several of the top leaf peeping destinations in the country. To my surprise, New England is not the only area alive with color this time of year. The Blue Ridge mountains of Western North Carolina and the high altitude forests of Northern Arizona are just as magnificent. In my guide, I have highlighted several of my favorite least peeping destinations on both coasts including a few hidden gems.

1. Catawba Falls

Beautiful fall colors on the Catawba Falls trail in Western North Carolina

Catawba Falls is an incredible waterfall hike in Western North Carolina, located just 20 minutes from tourist hotspot of Asheville. While the main feature here is a dazzling 50 foot tall multi cascade waterfall, another advantage is the spectacular fall foliage the trail sees each autumn. If you love leaf peeping and happen to be visiting Asheville around this time of year, you will definitely want to add this one to your fall bucket list.

Bright fall foliage along the Catawba Falls trail in Western North Carolina

While you in the vicinity, consider a cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” It is widely known to be one of the top leaf peeping destinations in the country. A brief video I took driving near the peak of fall on Oct. 20, 2021, from Milepost 408 to 422.

2. Raven Cliff Falls

Raven Cliff waterfall at Caesar's Head State Park in Upstate South Carolina

Caesar’s Head is one of the best places to leaf peep in beautiful Upstate South Carolina. I never knew South Carolina even had a fall color season, but I have to say the mountain areas are truly gorgeous this time of year. The high altitude (3000+feet) means cooler temps, and thus, the perfect temps for dazzling fall hues.

The trail to put on your to-do list here is Raven Cliff Falls. This moderate hike includes a 2.2 mile walk through woodsy forest with the brilliant hues of autumn surrounding you in every direction. The ending payoff is even more spectacular with a prime view of the state’s largest waterfall, the 400+ foot stunner Raven Cliff.

Gorgeous fall foliage at Caesar's Head State Park in Upstate South Carolina

3. Aspen Nature Loop

Beautiful leaf peeping along the Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff, Arizona

The Aspen Nature loop is located in Flagstaff, a beautiful Northern Arizona town known for its’ spectacular fall season. Compared to “hot all year” Phoenix, this active mountain community sees 4 distinct seasons. I loved every second of living here, especially the perfect fall season. Hands down, the best leaf peeping trails I’ve ever come across are in this region. I highly recommend a trip if you are into hiking.

The Aspen Nature Loop is an easy 2 mile trail located at Arizona Snowbowl, the state’s most impressive ski resort. Along this quiet trail you will be taken on a picturesque journey through golden groves of aspen forest. The trek is easy enough for beginners, although getting acclimated to the high altitude is a must before embarking on any trail. To top it off, the mountain views are also fantastic. This hike is such a treat for leaf peepers, and really easily one of the most beautiful fall color hikes anywhere.

Leaf peeping along the Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff, Arizona

4. Kachina Trail

Golden aspens lining the Kachina trail in Flagstaff, Arizona

The Kachina Trail is another fantastic trail located at Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff. This hike is longer and more intense than the Aspen Loop, and thus, perfect for more avid fitness buffs. I prefer Aspen, but this one is nice too.

Despite the immense beauty of this trail and others in the region, Kachina remains peaceful and way under visited, even during the prime of fall. As an added bonus, this is one of the few trails in the region where black bears have been sighted. While you are unlikely to come across a bear, it always helps to be bear aware! Note: this trail is about 5 miles out-and-back with 1500 feet in elevation gain, so definitely a tough one! Fortunately, hiking just 2 miles or so will enable you to enjoy the fall leaves aplenty.

Shimmering golden aspens lining the Kachina Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona

5. The Inner Basin

Leaf peeping along the Inner Basin trail in Flagstaff, Arizona

Out of all the gorgeous fall color hikes in Flagstaff, Inner Basin is the big stunner. This one draws traffic from across the state and elsewhere. For jaw dropping autumn scenery, the Inner Basin is right up there with the best-of-the-best. In my opinion, this is not just a contender for best of Flagstaff, but rather best leaf peeing anywhere. The foliage here rivals some of the top fall hikes in New England. The trek is slightly challenging at 1.7 miles each way with an elevation gain of 1200 ft. Fortunately, the picture-perfect fall scenery overrides any sore muscles the next day!

What an incredible experience to stroll through dense groves of golden aspens for miles on end. The fresh mountain air, the comfortable cool dry air, the quaking of the aspens in the wind…this is fall like nothing you have ever experienced before. Pretty crazy that you can enjoy this level of leaf peeping, in Arizona of all places!

Amazing fall foliage along the Inner Basin trail in Flagstaff, Arizona