19 Aug 2020
Leaf Peeping Destinations Around the World
- Showing their true colours in Autumn
USA
Colourful Colorado in leaf peeping season
While it's true Colorado boasts amazing scenery in the summer, the four-cornered state's golden season is just as glorious. Named after the spectacular golden hues of its native tree, the mountain town of Aspen boasts unbeatable sights of fall foliage, snow-capped mountains and bluebird skies. Visitors can explore the colours through an adrenaline-pumping mountain bike ride, or a guided Jeep tour over the 12,096-foot Independence Pass. For a different perspective, they can take a hot air balloon ride or paraglide off the summit of Aspen Mountain. Visitors to Colorado can also cruise along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway - known as “America's Most Beautiful Drive”. The fall foliage along this byway is one of the most iconic and photographed experiences in the state; road trippers will traverse through the heart of the San Juan Mountains with stops in the historic towns of Durango, Silverton, Telluride and Ouray.
Aspens, craft beer, and pie usher in the season at Mammoth Lakes, California
From early September until the first snow (typically mid-October) there are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy during this time of transitional beauty, such as hiking, horseback riding, cycling or fishing. Deciduous trees in the Eastern Sierra tend to grow close to water sources, so the tree-lined lakes and creeks in the Mammoth Lakes Basin are perfect for leaf peeping. Travellers can relax next to one of the drive-accessible lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin or hike to one of the many alpine lakes from trailheads in this area and the higher in elevation, the sooner the leaves will start to turn. Once eye-candy overload has been reached, schedule a stop at Mammoth Brewing Company and sip a thirst-quenching IPA395. Alternatively, head south of town to drive aspen-lined McGee Creek Road or Rock Creek Road, then celebrate the stunning beauty with a slice of pie at Rock Creek Lakes Resort.
Chase the autumnal colours through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and beyond
With its unique topography, 24-miles of tree-lined riverfront trails and 165 parks to explore across the city, visitors will be spoilt for leaf peeping choice in Pittsburgh. Schenley Park alone offers over 450 acres of trails, woodlands and creeks to explore right in the centre of the city and provides a host of picturesque views of downtown. Visitors should head to the top of Mt Washington at dusk for breathtaking views of foliage set against the skyline as golden hues of the sun reflect off PPG Place, the riverbanks and the iconic yellow bridges over the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. With its close proximity to the Laurel Highlands, a stop at Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, is a must. Recently awarded UNESCO status, seeing the waterfall spill out from underneath the brick surrounded by soft autumnal reds, yellows and greens is a very calming experience.
A photographer's paradise in Yosemite Mariposa, California
Milder temperatures and gorgeous golden hues make autumn one of the best times to visit, and photograph, Yosemite Mariposa County. From swaying aspen trees to dogwood and black cottonwoods, Yosemite's trees and shrubs offer an explosion of colour across the park and surrounding forests - and during a less busy time than the summer. One of Yosemite Valley's most photographed autumn trees is a non-native, however, a stately sugar maple that turns a brilliant red. Visitors should also check out Mirror Lake; the water levels recede in autumn to reveal an even calmer and still reflection of the iconic Half Dome, with the addition of the surrounding treeline's orange hues.
Nature at its best in Big Sur, California
Beyond its blissfully quiet beaches, the Big Sur has more autumn than one may think - as crowds start to dissipate and temperatures remain in the 20s through October, conditions for outdoor adventure along the rugged coastline are ideal. Plus, autumn in Big Sur is prime time for wildlife lovers, since hundreds of monarch butterflies in the area's Andrew Molera State Park begin migrating come October. For those wanting to sleep beneath the redwoods amidst the luxurious comforts of Post Ranch Inn, a stay in one of the Tree Houses is a must. These free-standing structures are 9ft from the forest floor and have a wood-burning fireplace and skylight so guests can wake up to the crisp autumn mornings from the comfort of their bed.
Catch the endless summer in Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is more about the 'Endless Summer' than the ringing in of crisp autumn mornings. The opportunities to get outdoors are pretty much endless and visitors to 'The American Riviera' can still have beach days even as the leaves are falling. Santa Barbara is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, and whale-watching in autumn sees the migration of Gray Whales heading south. Whilst this part of the California coast generally doesn't have huge swells, it does make it a great spot to learn to surf or SUP - but remember that wetsuit as ocean temperatures tend toward the cooler side. Given the mild climate, conditions in Santa Barbara rarely prevent golfers from getting out on the green, so visitors can enjoy the warm autumn sunshine and epic mountain and ocean views at Sandpiper Golf Club.
JAPAN
In Japan, just as the cherry blossom has a special term (sakura) and Hanami is the ancient tradition of going to enjoy the blooms, so too does the autumn leaf peeping season - known as momiji-gari.
Stunning autumn views in Hiroshima
The Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima City lies on a riverbank lined with trees that boast a quiet beauty throughout the autumnal season. Although the park tells a sombre story, it is exquisite with red, orange and yellow leaves blooming from mid-November. Located ten minutes from the park, Hiroshima Castle is also laden with trees, making it an incredible place to visit during the autumn season. Built on a plain, the castle stands out starkly against the rich reds and oranges, creating a striking reflection in the waters. Those looking to escape the crowds should head to Sandankyo Gorge. Carved through the middle of a medieval forest this river runs over waterfalls and into deep pools of water. Visitors can walk along the top of the gorge or take boats along its length to experience the autumn leaves from below, as they tower above the river on long-established trees.
Take tea surrounded by momiji in Hachinohe
Shorter days and colder nights in Japan signal the beginning of the momiji-gari. Aomori Prefecture is known for its wild and vast forests, making it an obvious choice for autumnal colour viewing. The prefecture's top spot, the Oirase Gorge & Towada Lake, is well worth fighting the traffic and crowds to see, but the Hachinohe area has equally breathtaking areas that offer a more serene experience. Meanwhile, the Keishouan Tea House is located in the Kakko No Mori Echo Land, next to the Nango Roadside Station in Hachinohe. The tea house was constructed to provide a space for Japanese tea ceremonies, and it just so happens to be one of the best spots in Hachinohe for autumn foliage viewing. With traditional tatami mat rooms surrounded by open walls, the classic Japanese architecture of the building perfectly frames the natural beauty unfolding outside.
Hike through autumn colours in the Kuju Mountain Range, Kyushu
Kyushu prefecture boasts an amazing number of stunning fall foliage spots but the Kuju Mountain Range is considered one of the best places to visit. With its vast and volcanic terrain, these mountain peaks offer spectacular views of the changing colours during autumn. There are many hikes available through the mountains offering varying degrees of difficulty. The highest peak in the region is Mt. Nakadake at 1,791 meters and coming in close second is Mt. Kuju at 1,786 meters. Both provide gorgeous panoramic views of the autumn foliage in the national park below and the Kuju fall colours peak between mid-October and mid-November.
Illuminated leaves in Kenrokuen Garden, Ishikawa Prefecture
Kenrokuen Garden, located in Kanazawa City, is one of Ishikawa Prefecture's most iconic autumn destinations for koyo sightseeing. This special scenic spot is part of Japan's Three Great Gardens and during autumn it is exceptionally beautiful. The gardens are illuminated from mid-November, when the autumn leaves begin to turn and become most beautiful. These vivid trees are lit up after sunset, creating a fantastical atmosphere for visitors to wander among with winding trails and viewing platforms specially created.
