Albert Camus once said that “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower,” which is a perfect description of the season’s splendor. And, no matter where you live, you’re sure to find an explosion of colors that only Mother Nature can provide. Here are just some examples of where to experience some memorable leaf peeping. (Yes, this is what it’s called.)

Acadia National Park

• NORTHEAST
  
  Berkshires (MA)—View the sugar maples in full bloom along historic Mohawk Trail all the way to Mount Greylock, the highest point in the state.
  Stowe (VT)—Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along Stowe Recreation Path in the city dubbed Fall’s Color Capital and named the #1 destination in the US for fall foliage by TripAdvisor.
  Acadia National Park (ME)—Travel along 27-mile Park Look Road, the main thoroughfare through the park, to Cadillac Mountain, one of the highest coastal points on the East Coast.

Great Smoky Mountains

• SOUTH
  
  Ozark National Forest (AR)—With over a million acres, this park boasts an endless array of trees to gaze at in a state that’s, appropriately, called the Natural State.
  Great Smoky Mountains (TN/NC)—Newfound Gap Road, the only paved road in the park, traverses two states and provides many pullover possibilities to view its dazzling fall foliage.

• Upper Pennisula, Michigan

  MIDWEST
  
  Upper Peninsula (MI)—There’s so much to see here (including foliage surrounding the Great Lakes and waterfalls), the area’s official travel site recommends ten different travel routes.
  Branson (MO)—Shepherd Inspiration Tower, a 230-foot, glass-enclosed structure, provides awe-inspiring panoramic views of the glorious foliage below.

Eastern Sierra, California

• WEST
  
  Taos (NM)—Shimmering in gold, thanks to the abundant aspen trees, this town’s the starting point for the Enchanted Circle, a scenic 83-mile circular loop through various terrains in northern New Mexico.
  Columbia River Gorge (OR)—Take a ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway, where you’ll witness fall foliage along the river, as well as canyons and several waterfalls.
  Eastern Sierra (CA)—Follow Route 395 to witness yellows, reds, and oranges in the Mammoth Lakes and June Lake Loop regions, whose trees turn the latest in this mountainous region.

Not sure what’s nearby or where to travel to see such marvels? Check state websites—each has a foliage guide (many with color maps and peak foliage times). It may even have a hotline to call. The US Forest Service also provides foliage details for its national forests and grasslands.

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Help friends and family get the lowdown on breathtaking fall foliage by sharing this regional foliage guide.