WeSalute Review: The Official 2025 Fall Foliage Travel Guide for Military Families
As the warmth of summer gives way to the crisp air of autumn and the holiday season still feels a comfortable distance away, a unique travel window opens. For those seeking a special getaway, autumn is prime time. Across the country, the landscape transforms with rustic beauty as leaves turn to brilliant red, orange, and yellow. This dramatic backdrop is perfect for outdoor festivals, apple picking, and romantic drives along winding by ways.
Drawing on WeSalute’s more than 25 years of experience in helping our members travel affordably, this guide is designed to help you plan a smart and memorable fall foliage trip. If you are new to WeSalute, start by creating a free account. For the deepest savings on your journey, sign up for WeSalute+ today!
What Makes Leaves Change Color?
The timing and brilliance of fall colors are a direct response to two key signals: shorter days and cooler temperatures. For leaf-peepers, this means every year is a new and unpredictable show. According to plant physiologists, the ideal conditions for a vibrant season are clear, sunny days paired with cool, crisp nights starting in September.
Cool temperatures help break down the green chlorophyll in leaves, revealing the yellow and orange pigments that were hidden all summer. Bright, sunny days help the trees produce deep red and purple pigments. A warm, rainy, or overcast fall often results in more muted colors. In general, color appears first in northerly areas and at higher elevations, then gradually spreads south and to lower altitudes.
Where Are the Best Places and Times to See Fall Foliage?
Northeast (Peak: Late September to Late October)
The classic American fall experience lives in the Northeast. Upstate New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont offer some of the most iconic scenic drives in the world. The window for peak color can be narrow, so make sure to plan accordingly. Color often arrives in northern Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont in early October before moving south later in the month. Consider a visit to Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts, for a dose of history with your scenery, or explore the countless harvest festivals and craft fairs that pop up in charming small towns.
A classic New England road trip is the best way to explore. To help you save when you are in need of some transportation, WeSalute+ Members enjoy up to 35% OFF car, truck, and SUV rentals globally from Avis. Members also receive a complimentary upgrade to Avis Preferred Plus status for an enhanced rental experience. This is just one of the many travel discounts and daily savings packed into your WeSalute+ Membership. Your membership also includes exclusive access to a Personal Benefits Specialist for dedicated support, to ensure you maximize all of these benefits and more as A Real Thank YouⓇ for your service!
Southeast (Peak: Late October to Early November)
The season lasts a bit longer here, with the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri offering breathtaking views. Surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest, the Ozarks are a prime spot for fall colors. Further south, Alabama and Georgia showcase stunning yellow poplars, scarlet dogwoods, and golden hickories in forests like the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
From cozy mountain cabins to convenient city hotels, finding the right place to stay can elevate a vacation from a simple getaway to an extraordinary experience. WeSalute+ Members can save big with premier travel partners. For a classic and convenient hotel experience, WeSalute+ Members receive up to 20% OFF at thousands of participating Days Inn and Wyndham locations worldwide. You can also get up to 15% OFF stays at Choice Hotels' wide family of brands. If you're planning a longer trip to soak in the colors, get up to 50% OFF your stay at Extended Stay America, which offers spacious rooms with fully equipped kitchens.
WeSalute offers great hotel savings for every member. Even for those who have yet to join WeSalute+, Extended Stay America also offers military rates for active duty WeSalute Members. Additionally, all WeSalute Members can save up to 15% OFF at Sonesta Simply Suites, which offers apartment-style suites that feel like home. Search for great rates and book your accommodations through the WeSalute Marketplace, where we have a wide selection of hotels and vacation destinations to choose from.
Midwest (Peak: Late September to Late October)
The Midwest season often mirrors the Northeast. Illinois offers several historic foliage drives, such as Great River Road and Route 66, and a month-long salute to its many wineries. Ohio is another hub for autumn fun, with state parks hosting everything from hayrides and backpack treks to barn dances. For a unique experience, look for annual events like the Scarecrow Festival in St. Charles, Illinois, a local favorite just an hour west of Chicago.
West (Peak: Mid-September to Late October)
While New England gets the most attention, the West offers its own spectacular—and often less crowded—foliage. The golden aspens of Colorado and Utah are legendary, typically hitting their peak in a brilliant display from late September to early October. A sleeper candidate is Arizona, where the Coconino National Forest north of Flagstaff offers a surprising burst of color. In California's Yosemite National Park, the dogwood trees turn beautiful shades of pink and magenta against the granite cliffs.
If your journey to see the golden aspens requires a flight, WeSalute can help you save. WeSalute+ Members save 5% on flights with United Airlines, and all members can get a 15% discount with our newest airline partner Breeze Airways! If you are interested in excellent savings on other airlines or additional means of transportation, check out these and more available on the WeSalute Marketplace!
Ready to Go? Don’t Forget These Essential Last-Minute Tips
Book Key Reservations Early. Accommodations and rental cars in popular foliage areas fill up quickly. Lock in your hotel or vehicle well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Stay Flexible with Your Route. Peak color can vary from year to year based on weather. What worked last year might not be perfect this year. Don't lock in every single stop; allow for some spontaneity.
Use Modern Tools. As your trip gets closer, check a real-time fall foliage map online. Many state tourism boards and weather sites offer them. These maps provide updates on color progression so you can see if the leaves are on-time, early, or late, and adjust your plans accordingly.
Travel Mid-Week. If possible, plan your trip for a weekday. Roads will be quieter, giving you more flexibility and better opportunities to enjoy the views.
Be an Early Bird. Popular overlooks and trails can get busy. Head out early in the morning to beat the crowds. The soft morning light makes the colors glow, and you’ll have more of the scenery to yourself.
Explore the Back Roads. Some of the best sights are off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to take the scenic route—it often leads to the most memorable views.
WeSalute is here to help you plan your next adventure! For those whose active lifestyles demand a full range of benefits, you can check out the WeSalute Marketplace for many more military discounts ranging from airlines, car rental savings, hotels, Flixbus & Greyhound bus travel, to WeSalute Travel Protection insurance, which covers you anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Not a WeSalute+ Member yet? Now is the best time to ensure you get the deepest savings available to you!
