While peak foliage can occur anywhere from late September through November, the timing varies considerably by region.
Click here for the Farmer’s Almanac 2026 Fall Foliage Map and Forecast
Click here for UK Regional Fall Foliage Map by LNER
From New England to the Hudson Valley and beyond, knowing when and where to go can make all the difference. Here, we highlight some of the best luxury hotels to enjoy the natural beauty of the autumn season.
White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport, Maine
For an elegant New England escape surrounded by fall colours, the White Barn Inn makes an excellent base in Kennebunkport. The historic inn combines classic Maine charm with the polished service of Auberge Resorts Collection, with rooms and suites offering views across the surrounding landscape. For the best autumnal views, consider a Garden Room or Junior Suite, both of which feature large windows facing the woods. For greater privacy, The Tern Cottage offers a wood-burning fireplace, expansive windows, and a private patio overlooking the river. The inn's AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five-Star restaurant is also worth a visit, with a dramatic picture window overlooking the woods that makes the changing season part of the dining experience.
The 300-acre Relais & Châteaux adults-only estate is surrounded by Vermont's forests, with private cottages that give guests an exceptionally intimate way to experience the season. In addition to the gorgeous scenery, guests can enjoy archery, axe-throwing, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, lawn games, pickleball, tennis, and gourmet cooking classes. For visitors who truly want to embrace the seasonal foliage, book one of the eight treehouse suites, modern spaces cantilevered into the trees 20 feet above ground.
The Point, Saranac Lake, New York
Set on the shores of Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, The Point offers an exceptionally private and luxurious way to experience the changing season. As the only Forbes Five-Star property in Upstate New York, the resort combines the atmosphere of a remote wilderness retreat with highly personalised service. Its suites feature waterfront views, private patios, fireplaces, soaking tubs, and cathedral ceilings, while the kitchen remains open around the clock and is happy to accommodate special requests. Surrounded by forest and water, The Point is particularly atmospheric in autumn, when the Adirondacks take on their characteristic russet and gold hues. After a day exploring the surrounding landscape, there are few better places to settle in beside the fire with a cocktail and watch the season unfold.
The Fife Arms, Braemar, Scotland
This five-star, two MICHELIN Key hotel, set within the Cairngorms National Park, is an idyllic place to bundle up and experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The suites feature sweeping Highland views, copper baths, grand four-poster and half-tester beds, and separate sitting rooms. All are dog-friendly and can be arranged with additional beds for children upon request. Lush patterns, antique furnishings, and original works of art give the rooms a wonderfully timeless character, creating the feeling of stepping into another era. Solo travellers might consider booking the Artist’s Studio for a truly special experience in a hand-painted room dreamed up and curated by Neil Wenman, partner at Hauser & Wirth.
Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee
Set on 5,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Mountain is the sister property of the renowned Blackberry Farm, offering a more active, nature-focused experience alongside the farm’s emphasis on relaxation and leisure. Guests at both properties can enjoy exceptional farm-to-table dining, while Blackberry Mountain centres its experience around the surrounding landscape, with activities including hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. In autumn, the mountain setting is particularly spectacular as the surrounding forests take on rich shades of red, gold, and amber. For the most atmospheric stay, book one of the charming stone cottages, which feature sweeping mountain and treetop views, private patios with outdoor lounge chairs, and both indoor and outdoor fireplaces. On the property, enjoy s’mores and storytelling nights, whiskey tastings, art classes, treetop adventures, and more.
This 85-acre Oxfordshire estate is surrounded by 3,000 acres of parkland and gardens, making it an ideal setting for an autumn escape. The grand country house combines the elegance of a traditional English estate with beautifully considered contemporary interiors, while the extensive grounds offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy the changing season. In autumn, the colours of the surrounding woodland and gardens are best appreciated on a leisurely walk through the estate. After exploring the grounds, guests can retreat to the Roman-inspired Eynsham Baths, enjoy one of the property's restaurants, or settle in beside a fire for a quintessentially English country-house experience.
The Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico
A recipient of numerous accolades, including Travel + Leisure’s No. 2 Best City Hotel in 2021 and a place on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the top 20 hotels in the world, the Inn of the Five Graces is a memorable choice for a Southwestern escape. Set among traditional adobe and stone buildings, the hotel is filled with richly patterned textiles, distinctive historic objects, and thoughtful luxury details. Guests can enjoy the Tibetan-inspired spa, relax in the secluded gardens, or dine on New Mexican and Cajun-inspired cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant. While there is autumn colour to be found around Santa Fe, ask the concierge to arrange a day trip to Taos, approximately 90 minutes away, where an artistic mountain town provides a particularly beautiful backdrop for experiencing the season.
Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, UK
Just 40 miles north of London, Hartwell House and Spa offers an elegant country-house escape surrounded by more than 90 acres of gardens and woodland. Autumn brings rich foliage to the estate, which is particularly beautiful when explored on foot. Guests can stay in the historic main house, with its charming rooms in the restored 17th-century property, or opt for the private Old Rectory for a more secluded stay. Sleeping up to seven guests, the Old Rectory offers an outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and even a boardroom accommodating up to 10, making it an appealing choice for families or groups seeking space and privacy in the countryside.
Tick-Season Tips
Tick-season doesn’t end with summer. Ticks typically stay active until temperatures reach freezing or there is snow on the ground. While you’re enjoying the beautiful fall foliage, here are a few tips to help your family stay safe.
Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk on paths and avoid wandering off. This is the first line of defence against ticks, but not always realistic, especially for children and adventurers.
Wear long, protective clothing. The CDC recommends treating clothing gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, such as this spray from REI. Once back inside, remove the outdoor clothing, check for ticks, and put in the dryer on high heat for 10-minutes.
Use the right bug repellent. A regular mosquito spray or similar will not be effective against ticks. Instead, try Sawyer Premium Picaridin or Off! Deep Woods Spray. Note that the EWG (Environmental Working Group) does not recommend products that combine repellent and sun protection so be careful when selecting products.
Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks. After coming inside, try to take a shower and do a tick check within 2 hours. Don’t forget to check in and around the hair and ears, inside the belly button, behind knees, and the underarm area.
If you find a tick, act quickly and calmly. Follow the CDC’s guidance for removing a tick and what to do after.
