A fall foliage tour of the Northeast | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Following Fall

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Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks early October

We’re starting this fall foliage road trip at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Maine. Due to the cold weather, the foliage peaks earlier here making it the perfect first stop for a leaf peeping trip. There are visitor activities year-round at Aroostook Refuge, including wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, canoeing and kayaking, environmental education and photography.

a grassy trail with towering, colorful trees in fall. — Fall foliage at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Maine.

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks mid October

Check out the bright red that dots the foliage near this stream. Part of what makes New England falls so famous are the red tones of autumn maple trees that give deeper dimension to our October views. Moosehorn Refuge offers over 50 miles of trails through many different upland and wetland habitats.

a roaring stream through a forest in fall colors — A stream flows through a forest in fall colors at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Maine.

Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Nulhegan Division: Peaks early October

The high elevations here in Brunswick, Vermont means the leaves peak early, showcasing the beautiful reds of the state’s best-known tree, the sugar maple. The Nulhegan Basin Division of Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge has scenic overlooks at the Visitor's Station and Lewis Pond for the perfect backdrop to a stunning fall day.

an aerial view of a pond in the middle of a colorful forest in fall — Lewis Pond surrounded by fall foliage at Silvio O. Conte Fish and Wildlife Refuge Nulhegan Division.

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks early October

Stopping at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge in the fall not only guarantees views of awe-inspiring autumn colors but secures you a first row ticket to the annual migration of over 20,000 ducks!

autumn colors and a field of hay bales — Autumn colors at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge in northern Vermont.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks mid October

Take a stroll down Timber Point Trail during mid to late October for views like these. Though sometimes elusive, the refuge is also home to the New England cottontail, American woodcock, and migratory birds that seek refuge in the valuable saltmarsh and estuarine habitats.

a trail through the woods during fall — Fall foliage at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Maine.

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks mid October

When we narrow our focus to just the branches overhead we can miss some pretty fantastic fall transitions. This marsh at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge reminds us to keep our eyes open to unexpected beauty. The diverse habitats at Great Bay Refuge support many native plants and animals, including New Hampshire's greatest concentration of wintering bald eagles.

a grassy marsh turning red in fall — Fall foliage at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge in New Hampshire.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks mid to late October

Let’s be honest, there is never a bad time to visit the ocean. Just because “beach season” is over doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see and do on the coast. Check out these stunning views of the bright crimson glasswort at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

a marsh turns a vibrant red and green — The marsh turns a vibrant red in fall at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks early October

The bright blooming yellow of local golden rod is a clear sign of fall. Golden rod have a bad reputation for causing allergies however, their pollen spores are much too large to be airborne or enter your sinuses. The true source of your sneezes is ragweed, a plant that happens to grow nearby and bloom at the same time. Meander down the golden HQ Trail for an accessible adventure at Iroquois Refuge..

the sun shines over a field of yellow goldenrod — A field of goldenrod at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in New York.

Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division: Peaks mid October

Western Massachusetts is known for its beautiful rural views and the Fort River Division of Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is no exception. Stroll along the completely wheelchair accessible one mile scenic trail and take in stunning views of mountain ridgelines, forests, and rolling fields.

a fall scene of a field and forest — Fall foliage at Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division in Massachusetts.

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks mid October

Although these lovely leaves are enough to inspire anyone to stop by for a visit, if you’re looking for more to see, check out the refuges bird watching brochure to see just a few of the 220 species that visit the refuge this time of year.

a view into the woods of trees with vibrant red and orange leaves — Fall foliage at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts.

Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks mid to late October

You may not be able to get a hawks eye view of the refuge but we promise you the Menunketesuck River is just as beautiful from the ground. The Salt Meadows Unit (seen here) is a stunning example of a healthy and thriving estuary. These special places filter water and help absorb storm flooding.

an aerial view of a river flowing through a wetland — An aerial view of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Connecticut during fall.

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks late October

Who says New England is the only place to see some fantastic fall colors? Views at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge look so quintessential New England fall that you may forget you’re in Pennsylvania. Travelling the Cherry Valley Ridge Trail will take you 3.2 miles through upland oak and pine forests and open fields along the Kittatinny Ridge.

a grassy wetland surrounded by trees in autumn — Fall foliage at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Pennsylvania.

Erie National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks mid October

The variety of trees at Erie National Wildlife Refuge is unmatched. The bright green of evergreens create a stunning contrast to the yellows of trees like the American beech, black cherry, and striped maple. Be sure to visit the observation blind on Boland/Ritchie Road in the Sugar Lake Division which overlooks Reitz's Pond for both wildlife viewing and leaf peeping.

A pond with a view of yellow, reds, greens, and orange trees in the distance — Fall foliage at Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Pennsylvania.

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks mid October

In the fall the floodplain at Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge becomes a golden hued spectacle. For easy viewing, the refuge offers a 1.5-mile auto tour that runs along the western shore of Middle Island and features several stopping points with informational panels.

a golden view of a floodplain and vegetation — Golden colors of the foliage at Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia.

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks late September

With its high elevation and cool temperature fall comes early in Canaan Valley. Leaf-color changes start at the tops of mountains and work their way down the slopes. Come prepared, sub-freezing mornings start in September and the first snow flurries can be seen here in early October!

a view of a field with a mountain in the distance with colorful foliage — Fall foliage at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia.

Patuxent Research Refuge: Peaks late October

During the day be dazzled by the bright, fiery colors of the refuge and stay nearby for the evening when you may catch a glimpse of the Eastern red bat. This bat hangs amongst the leaves, having no trouble at all camouflaging into the background.

a boardwalk leads to a vibrant and colorful forest — A boardwalk leads to a colorful forest at Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland.

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks late October

Take in the views of the vast wetlands along Wildlife Drive at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This gem of Virginia has an astounding diversity of birds and wildlife and is home to over 650 species of plants that display this fountain of fall colors.

a wetland surrounded by plant displaying autumn colors — Colorful wetlands during fall at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia.

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge: Peaks late October

For our final stop of this trip, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is sure to delight. With its huge cyprus trees and spectacular marsh, there’s plenty of exciting wildlife to see. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a black bear. Preparing for hibernation, bears are very active in the fall. Keep your distance and you may have a shot at catching one of these beautiful animals on camera.