The Best U.S. Fall Foliage Destinations for Glamping and Scenic Escapes

Posted by Joanne Tsay on

Fall is the one season that makes you want to pack up, hit the road, and chase the colors. Trees across the country burst into shades of scarlet, gold, and amber, transforming trails, highways, and lakesides into jaw-dropping works of art. Whether it’s a scenic drive through the mountains, a cozy glamping escape, or an evening campfire by the lake, there’s no better time to explore the outdoors. These destinations capture the best of the season, and with a few thoughtful touches—like festive ceramic trees or colorful mini dutch ovens—you can make the experience feel even more special.

Vermont: Red Maples and Small-Town Charm

Vermont has long been one of the most iconic fall destinations in the U.S., attracting around 3.5 million visitors each year to admire its blazing red maples. Scenic drives weave past covered bridges and cider mills, while small towns like Woodstock and Stowe host seasonal festivals that feel pulled from a postcard. Glamping cabins and treehouses set against rolling hills make it easy to wake up surrounded by color. It’s the perfect setting to bring along a small decorative touch, like a RJ Legend black ceramic tree that glows warmly in the corner or a champagne ceramic tree that adds elegance to rustic wood interiors. To complete the experience, the RJ Legend 8.5oz mini dutch oven pot set—available in fall-inspired orange, green, and yellow—is ideal for serving up baked apples or hot cider after a day of leaf peeping.

Source: Downtown Montpelier, Vermont. Photo by jenifoto/Getty Images

New Hampshire: Mountain Views and Scenic Trails

Just next door, New Hampshire delivers a fall spectacle of its own. The White Mountains come alive in early to mid-October, with the legendary Kancamagus Highway offering some of the most scenic drives in the country. Over seven million people visit New Hampshire each year during foliage season, and with good reason—the views are breathtaking. Glamping spots near Franconia Notch offer luxury tents with stargazing decks and access to endless hiking trails. After a day on the trails, it’s the perfect setting to cook a hearty stew in a RJ Legend mini dutch oven pot set. With colors like white, green, and yellow, the cookware doubles as both a functional tool and a festive piece of fall décor, matching the season’s natural palette perfectly.

Source: White Mountain National Forest, NH, Photo by Jon Bilous

Michigan: Lakeside Colors and Billion-Dollar Views

Michigan may surprise some travelers, but it’s one of the country’s fall powerhouses, generating over two billion dollars in autumn tourism each year. The Upper Peninsula’s Lake of the Clouds and the famous Tunnel of Trees along M-119 offer unforgettable foliage experiences. Glamping sites near the Great Lakes provide the chance to watch sunsets reflect off the water as the trees along the shore glow gold and crimson. In a setting this breathtaking, even the smallest touches matter. A glowing jack-o’-lantern ceramic tree can set the mood inside a cabin, while a silver ceramic tree offers a chic, modern vibe. For meals, the RJ Legend mini dutch ovens are the perfect size for campfire chili or individual servings of mac and cheese, bringing warmth and comfort to cool autumn nights.

Source: Lake of the Clouds Porcupine Mountains by marz26

Colorado: Golden Aspens and Mountain Peaks

Colorado’s fall foliage season is short but spectacular, drawing travelers from around the world to see mountainsides lit up with shimmering golden aspens. Spots like Aspen, Crested Butte, and Telluride offer some of the most dramatic views, where the leaves contrast against snow-dusted peaks and clear blue skies. Colorado’s fall season contributes an estimated $300 million in tourism revenue each year, proving just how irresistible these views are. Glamping domes with stargazing roofs and cozy cabins tucked into the Rockies provide the perfect base. After a chilly hike or a drive through Kebler Pass, warming up with a hearty soup in a colorful mini dutch oven pot is as satisfying as the scenery itself. And for cabin ambiance, a champagne ceramic tree casts a soft glow that feels just right against the mountain backdrop.

Mammoth Lakes, California: Hot Springs and Hidden Trails

On the other side of the country, Mammoth Lakes in California’s Eastern Sierra offers a fall foliage experience that feels almost secret. High-elevation aspen groves burst into golden yellow, circling lakes like Convict Lake and Lake Mary with stunning reflections. Add in dramatic peaks and nearby natural hot springs, and you have one of the West’s most underrated autumn escapes. With more than 2.5 million annual visitors, Mammoth is quickly gaining recognition as a must-see fall destination. Glamping cabins and A-frame Airbnbs offer the perfect base for exploring the trails. In the evenings, decorate your space with a Halloween ceramic tree for a festive glow, or keep it simple with a champagne ceramic tree for a softer, elegant touch. Back at camp, the RJ Legend mini dutch oven set is perfect for serving up hearty dips, baked stews, or even desserts, making every meal feel like part of the fall celebration.

Planning Your Fall Getaway

Timing is everything when it comes to leaf peeping. The East Coast typically peaks first, from late September to early October. The Midwest follows in mid-October, and the Western regions hold their color into late October. Book your lodging early, especially for weekends, since glamping bookings have risen by 20% in the last two years. When packing, think in layers: warm sweaters, waterproof jackets, hiking boots, and wool socks are essentials. Don’t forget a camera and binoculars for wildlife spotting, plus small comforts like portable ceramic trees that bring a festive glow to your evenings. And for meals, mini dutch ovens are not just cookware—they’re a way to turn simple camp dinners into part of the fall experience.

Conclusion

Fall only lasts a few weeks, but the memories can last a lifetime. Whether you’re driving Vermont’s country roads, hiking in New Hampshire’s mountains, exploring Michigan’s lakeshore, climbing through Colorado’s golden peaks, or soaking in California’s hot springs, the season offers endless opportunities to see nature at its most vibrant. Add a few thoughtful touches to your glamping trip—a ceramic tree for ambiance or a colorful mini dutch oven for cozy meals—and you’ll turn a beautiful getaway into a story worth retelling every autumn.

 

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