The best fall getaways don’t have to be in the middle of nowhere. Some of the most beautiful fall colors can be found in college towns, where you can embrace the lively college atmosphere while still finding scenic and secluded spots to soak in those iconic fall colors.
For your next autumn getaway, consider one of these destinations where the fall foliage shines just as bright as the college spirit. These aren’t your traditional college towns, though. These college towns fly under the radar. Add a stay at a nearby Hilton hotel, and you have an easy starting point for endless autumnal adventures.
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Toronto, Canada
Toronto may not be a traditional college town, but it ranks high in autumnal adventures. High Park offers some of the best leaf peeping in the city; try to time your visit around mid-to-late October for peak foliage, which just so happens to line up with the Toronto International Festival of Authors, one of Toronto’s best fall festivals. Spend your days embracing the cooler temperatures and your nights at The Canopy near Yorkville.
Boston, Massachusetts
New England has some of the best fall foliage on the planet, and Boston is an excellent city to use as a home base to explore it all. The Hilton Boston Park Plaza in Back Bay sits in the shadows of the Public Garden and Boston Common, two of Boston’s best places to enjoy the fall colors. Plan your trip for late October or early November to catch peak fall foliage, and be sure to carve out some time to stroll around Harvard's campus (or take your pick from one of the 34 other colleges and universities that call Boston home).
Burlington, Vermont
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Vermont’s largest city offers a chance to experience a college town vibe alongside extraordinary fall colors. Hotel Champlain Burlington is centrally located to many of Burlington’s top attractions, including the Burlington Waterfront Park and Church Street Marketplace. The University of Vermont is also within walking distance, and a walk through the campus in the fall is nothing short of magical.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Few places can compare to Gatlinburg in the fall; those Smoky Mountains draped in autumnal colors sing out like sirens for leaf peepers. While it may not have a college at its core, the University of Tennessee is only an hour’s drive away, and Gatlinburg is the perfect home base for fall activities.
Ride up to Gatlinburg SkyPark, explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or attend one of the many fall events in Gatlinburg. The Historic Rocky Waters Inn offers a picturesque waterfront place to stay with balconies overlooking the Little Pigeon River.
Asheville, North Carolina
From late September through early November, Asheville enjoys everything you love about fall: the cooler temperatures, seasonal activities, and a chance to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall. Fans of the Biltmore will appreciate a stay at The Foundry Hotel in downtown Asheville. This charming hotel was once the foundry that forged the steel for the Biltmore Estate.
The UNCA campus is only 2 miles from downtown Asheville and is particularly picturesque in the fall.
Roanoke, Virginia
For more dreamy Blue Ridge Parkway views and enchanting fall colors, Roanoke is the place to be. Go Outside Festival is a fabulous 3-day fall festival held in mid-October and features everything from BMX stunt shows to lumberjack competitions, and it tends to coincide with Roanoke’s fall foliage. The historic Roanoke College is located in the neighboring town of Salem, and it’s a wonderfully walkable campus to stroll through in the fall.
Speaking of historic places, the Hotel Roanoke is a remarkable Tudor-style hotel built in 1882 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It seamlessly blends antique decor with modern comforts and offers the perfect place to stay in downtown Roanoke.
Park City, Utah
While many travelers flock to Park City in the winter to hit the slopes, Park City in the fall is a bit of a hidden gem. Take advantage of the shoulder season and embrace the fall colors with fewer crowds. Since Park City sits at a higher elevation, expect to see the fall colors as soon as late September. Nestled within Canyons Village, every room at the Waldorf Astoria Park City boasts its own fireplace, the perfect place to cozy up to after taking in that crisp mountain air.
There are lots of universities nearby like The University of Utah and Utah Valley University, although Park City does have a Utah State University campus.
Portland, Oregon
With four colleges within its reach (Portland State University, University of Portland, Reed College, and Lewis & Clark College), Portland is an idyllic place for fall foliage and a college-town feel. Some of the best fall colors in Portland can be found at popular spots like the Portland Japanese Garden and the Hoyt Arboretum. After a long day of leaf peeping, relax by the fireplace at the Sentinel in downtown Portland.
Salem, Massachusetts
Fall in Salem brings a chance to dive into the town’s haunted history. It's the town's most popular season and it hosts festivals and events all October long, so expect crowds. Salem Haunted Happenings is the largest Halloween celebration in the world, and this month-long event is packed with parades, walking tours, and special events to celebrate Salem’s spooky side. The Hampton Inn puts you within walking distance of many of downtown Salem’s top attractions, including the Salem Witch Museum.
The Witch City is also home to Salem State University, the oldest and largest highest education system on Massachusetts's North Shore.
Seattle, Washington
For a picture-perfect Pacific Northwest experience, look no further than Seattle. The city’s most popular spots, like Pike Place Market, are just dreamy in that crisp fall air. The Washington Park Arboretum and Kubota Gardens offer up some of the best places to see the fall colors in Seattle, while Hotel Theodore puts you in the perfect spot in downtown Seattle to take it all in.
Of course, a stroll through the University of Washington’s campus in the fall is a slam dunk for seeing the fall foliage. Peak fall foliage in Seattle typically arrives in mid-October, which is conveniently around the same time as Oktoberfest Northwest, Washington’s largest Munich-style festival.
The Shortcut
Hilton members unlock exclusive rates, earn Hilton Honors points, and enjoy Hilton Honors benefits that can take your next trip from good to great.
Many Hilton Hotels offer cozy spaces, fire pits, and rooftop bars, all centrally located near amazing outdoor experiences that are perfect for fall.
Peak fall foliage varies by location, with most fall hot spots experiencing peak colors from mid-October through early November. The Farmers Almanac fall foliage map is the best resource for timing a leaf-peeping adventure.
