Each year, leaf-peepers look forward to autumn and its stunning display of gold, yellow, red and brown leaves on the trees. They know it’s crucial to plan ahead for a fall foliage trip since travel gets especially busy to those areas blessed with fall colors. If you’re interested in seeing leaves this fall, here are some of the best places in the US to visit.

New England States

This is generally the first choice of leaf-peepers because the area has unrivaled expansive views of trees sporting gold and red leaves on the many sugar maple trees in the fall. Yellow and orange leaves are also seen on the many oaks, basswood and alders in this region. Multiple websites clue you in to the peak foliage locations on any given day. Hotels book up quickly, so make it a true New England experience and choose bed and breakfast lodging New London NH instead.

Stillwater, Minnesota

You’ve probably heard about all the lakes in Minnesota, but this state boasts scenic rivers as well. The town of Stillwater has that turn of the 20th-century atmosphere and authentic paddle-wheel steamboats that regularly cruise the St. Croix River. Autumn is a great time to take that historic cruise for a look at the stunning red and orange autumn leaves that decorate the trees on the hills beside the river.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The leaves in this area look especially beautiful as they contrast against the evergreens Oregon is famous for. Here you’ll see autumn colors on display from several species of alder and maple trees beside the many gorge waterfalls. Follow the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop drive for a chance to also catch the snow-capped peak of the tallest mountain in Oregon.

Plan an autumn trip now to New England, Minnesota or Oregon to catch some of the most beautiful displays of fall leaves in the US.