5 US airports perfect for fall foliage trips

America's national parks and forests are known for their fall colors. Many of the best foliage hot spots are near a regional airport, so they are easy to reach on a weekend getaway. Jettly put together a guide for exploring the best fall foliage locations in the U.S., including the best airports to reach them.

5 Leaf-Peeping Destinations in the US

Once October settles in, the whole country goes through a beautiful change of colors, but some places offer more dramatic visuals than others. Depending on the location, time of the year, and weather, autumn scenery can be different. 

Here are five areas to fly to from anywhere in the country for some good old leaf peeping.

1. Vermont, New England

Around 75% of the state is covered in dense forest, and a huge portion of those trees are sugar maples (Acer saccharum). In autumn, sugar maple leaves turn to brilliant crimson, fiery orange, and intense yellow. Oftentimes, all these colors exist on the same tree.

Now, imagine the aerial views from above a sea of fall foliage in these hues. For the best experience, time your visit around weather and location. 

Here's where to visit in Vermont for a fall experience:

• St. Johnsbury and Burke for scenic routes
• Green Mountain National Forest for hikes and elevated viewpoints
• Killington, Woodstock and surrounding towns for a layered view
• Manchester and Bennington for exploration later in the season

Extra tip: The New England region offers some of the best fall foliage views and experiences in the entire country. It gives the local economy a yearly boost of around $8 billion from the influx of tourists.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, home to a sea of red maples, golden birches, and amber oaks. Since the terrain surrounding the city is at an elevation (between 2,000 and 6,000 feet), foliage changes happen gradually over a multi-week window. 

3. Denver, Colorado

Denver is close to Rocky Mountain National Park, where the forest gets a beautiful golden hue from aspens. The dark evergreen pines make the fall foliage stand out even more, so it's a must-see landscape.  

For a scenic drive, check out the Peak to Peak Highway, Colorado's oldest scenic byway running from Central City to Estes Park. 

4. Harbor Springs, Michigan

Michigan is yet another state that gets covered in fall colors. Leaf-peeping is a big help for the local economy, especially small businesses and regional workers. Seasonal tourists help short-term rentals and small shops and restaurants stay afloat during what is otherwise a transitional shoulder season in these parts.

For an easily accessible destination, choose Harbor Springs, the southern anchor of Michigan's legendary Tunnel of Trees scenic route along Lake Michigan's coast. 

5. Charlottesville, Virginia

The city sits right at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a drive on Skyline Drive or hike in Shenandoah National Park. The valleys are exploding with red maples, deep oaks, and golden hickories during this time of the year.

Airports for Fall Foliage Flights

Fall foliage looks amazing on the ground, but it's even more spectacular when seen from above. Aerial views of rolling hills painted in bright golden and fiery crimson hues take everyone's breath away. 

But before choosing a company for a local fall foliage flight, it's important to know how to get to each location. Luckily, most of them are close to regional airports. 

Now, here are some airports to use when preparing for a leaf-peeping trip.

Vermont

Vermont has 16 public-use airports across the state, but its main air hub, Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV), is a practical entry point. Once on the ground, travelers can quickly connect to Route 100 and drive to their destination. 

For those who want to land closer to the final destination, here are a few alternatives:

• Morrisville-Stowe State Airport (MVL) for Stowe and Northern Green Mountains
• Warren-Sugarbush Airport (0B7) to reach Warren and Mad River Valley
• Hartness State Airport (VSF) for the North Springfield area

Denver

For fall explorations in the Denver area and the immediate Front Range corridors, Denver International Airport (DEN) is an ideal operational hub. Since it's a major hub, it provides the highest flight availability and direct highway access to the major foliage hotspots. 

Travelers who want to skip the city and head straight to the colorful forests can choose between:

• Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) for Central Rockies and Vail Pass
• Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) for downtown Aspen and the iconic Maroon Bells 

Other Airports

• Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) at roughly 15 miles south of downtown Asheville
• Harbor Springs Airport (MGN) situated a 5-minute drive from Harbor Springs
• Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) located just 8 miles north of Charlottesville

For travelers who want to admire fall foliage from above, almost all airports mentioned here partner with local flight companies offering aerial leaf-peeping tours. Sightseers can usually choose between high-wing light aircraft (great for sweeping panoramic vistas) and helicopters (best for low-altitude hovering and close-up canopy views).