Lesser known places to enjoy the incredible fall foliage without the crowds
1. Quebec City, Canada, with its cobblestone streets in charming Old Town where the historic architecture is adorned with the riot of colour from the foliage and nearby the stunning Montmorency Falls surrounded by the warm hues autumn are a sight to behold, creating a breath-taking natural spectacle.
2. Lake Geneva, Switzerland, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps and charming towns, offers a serene autumnal escape. The city's lakeside parks and gardens are awash with autumnal colours, offering the perfect backdrop to walk around! Combine with renowned Montreux Jazz Festival, where music and culture blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the region.
3. Napa Valley, California, is renowned for its world-class wineries and vineyards. In the Autumn, the valley is transformed into a visual feast as the grapevines mingle with the autumn foliage. Soar above the vineyards in a hot air balloon to capture panoramic views of the golden landscape against the backdrop of rolling hills.
4. Shirakawa-go, Japan, this UNESCO World Heritage village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. During the fall, the thatched roofs are surrounded by vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage, creating a picturesque scene.
5. Bavaria, Germany, lesser known than the Black Forest, the Bavarian Forest offers stunning fall colours and a more tranquil experience. It is also home to one of Europe’s oldest national parks.
6. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, while Plitvice Lakes is famous for its cascading lakes, the surrounding forests turn brilliant shades of gold and red in autumn, enhancing the park’s natural beauty.
7. Hraunfossar, Iceland, this series of waterfalls, emerging from beneath a lava field is surrounded by vivid fall foliage. The contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the autumn colours is so striking.
8. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas, the Ozark Mountains are known for their scenic beauty, and in the fall, the hardwood forests explode with colour. The drive along the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway is especially stunning during this time of year.
9. Nuuksio National Park, Finland, just a short drive from the Finnish capital, Nuuksio offers a peaceful retreat into nature. The park’s dense forests, lakes, and cliffs turn into a rich mosaic of autumn colours, making it a great spot for hiking and nature walks.
10. Lake Bled, Slovenia, famous for its picturesque island and medieval castle, Lake Bled is surrounded by forests that come alive with vibrant fall colours, making the lake even more enchanting.
11. Juizhaigou Valley, China, known for its multi-coloured lakes and waterfalls, Jiuzhaigou Valley becomes even more magical in autumn. The contrast of the turquoise waters with the bright fall foliage makes it a stunning sight.
12. Ängsö National Park, Sweden, one of Sweden's oldest national parks, Ängsö offers a unique blend of meadows, forests, and coastal landscapes. In the fall, the park’s mix of oak, birch, and aspen trees turns into a vibrant display of autumn colours, all set against the tranquil waters of the archipelago.
13. Sunshine Coast, British Caledonia, The Sunshine Coast is known for its temperate rainforests, which take on rich autumn hues in the fall. The coastal views, combined with the vibrant colours, create a peaceful and picturesque escape.
14. Rold Stov, Denmark, is Denmark's second-largest forest and is known for its varied landscape, including ancient beech trees, lakes, and hills. In autumn, the forest is awash with warm colours, providing a serene setting for hiking and exploring.
15. Lost Maples National Park, Texas, this park is home to a rare population of Uvalde bigtooth maple trees, which turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. The contrast of the vibrant foliage against the limestone cliffs and clear streams is stunning.
