10 Dreamy Destinations to Chase Fall Colors in 2025

From fiery reds to golden yellows, these 10 destinations promise the ultimate fall color experience in 2025.

When summer’s lazy warmth fades and a crisp chill dances in the air, the world transforms into a living painting. Autumn is nature’s final, fiery performance before winter’s hush, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than by chasing fall colors around the globe. From ancient temples to alpine peaks, Lonely Planet has handpicked ten destinations where autumn is nothing short of magical. Pack your scarves, charge your cameras, and get ready for a leaf-peeping adventure of a lifetime.

Nara, Japan

Japan’s autumn rivals its iconic cherry blossom season. In Nara, just a short train ride from Kyoto, sprawling parks and shrines light up in fiery reds, golds, and amber. Wander along the paths to Tamukeyama Shrine and watch centuries-old temples framed by a riot of color—it’s like stepping into a watercolor painting.

Once a royal hunting ground, Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean now thrills autumn lovers with a riot of golden oaks, beeches, and chestnuts. Explore by foot or bike, and if you’re lucky, spot the wild boars roaming the forest floor. It’s history, nature, and a touch of magic all rolled into one.

White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA

New England is synonymous with fall, and the White Mountains deliver the ultimate autumn spectacle. Drive along winding roads or hike hidden trails to see maple trees set ablaze, or stand by Silver Cascade Falls as waterfalls meet a golden canopy—it’s autumn at its cinematic best.

The Loire Valley is a fairy tale in fall. Vineyards shed their summer greens for warm yellows and burnt oranges, while harvest season adds a festive charm. Grab a glass of local wine, stroll through rolling hills, and let the golden glow of the valley steal your heart.

Bishop Creek Canyon, California, USA

California’s fall colors are often overlooked, but Bishop Creek Canyon is proof they rival the East Coast. Nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, golden leaves shimmer against rocky landscapes, creating a dramatic, picture-perfect setting for photographers and adventurers alike.

Scotland’s pine forests stay green, but its deciduous trees explode in autumn hues. Walk along Loch Faskally or visit the dam and fish ladder for reflections of fiery foliage on tranquil waters. Don’t miss the Enchanted Forest, where nightly illuminations turn the woods into a fairytale spectacle.

Lombardy, Italy

Northern Italy’s Lombardy brings a European autumn dream to life. Fields of Lombardy poplars glow golden before shedding their leaves, while Milan’s gardens offer a city-dweller’s window to fall. Warm weather and vivid hues make it a painter’s paradise.

Autumn in Australia? Yes, it happens from March to May. Near Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges burst into color with national parks and manicured gardens like Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, offering a serene and unexpected seasonal escape away from the sun-soaked beaches.

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train from Sault Ste. Marie winds through one of the world’s most spectacular autumn landscapes. With 114 miles of untouched wilderness, fiery foliage, and inspiration for Canada’s famed Group of Seven painters, this is a journey where every window is a masterpiece.

Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

Slovakia’s High Tatra National Park is a UNESCO-protected haven where beech and spruce forests blaze in autumn colors. Hike through alpine meadows, spot marmots and chamois, or unwind at the lakeside spa at Štrbské Pleso. With glacier-blue waters and golden forests, this is autumn at its most dramatic.