Autumn is the most special time of the year, when all things begin to shed the old, gradually nurturing new buds for spring to bloom. All over the world, orange-yellow colors cover forests, rivers, lakes, mountains. Let's join Travellive to review the places with the most beautiful autumn scenery in the world.
Watching falling leaves in Nara (Japan)
Autumn in the ancient capital of Nara, Japan.
Autumn in Japan is as beautiful as the short-lived cherry blossom season in spring. Kouyou (autumn leaves) can be seen across the country, starting in the northern island of Hokkaido and spreading southwards from late September. The ancient capital of Nara, just a short train ride from Kyoto, is a great spot for viewing. Its vast park is awash with colour, with attractive views of red and yellow leaves along the paths leading to Tamukeyama Shrine, located in the northeast.
Cycling through the Forest of Dean (UK)
The Forest of Dean is a great cycling route.
This ancient forest in Gloucestershire was once used as a royal hunting ground, and its timber was used to build Tudor warships. Today, the woodland is a popular cycling trail. The combination of oak and sweet chestnut leaves creates a wave of yellow and orange. The Forest of Dean is easily accessible by foot or bike. However, beware of wild boar, which have roamed the area since 2006.
Maple leaf viewing in White Mountains (USA)
Vibrant colors in the White Mountains.
New England is a country famous for its extraordinary fall colors. It’s hard to pick just one. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are certainly some of the best places to see fall colors, not just in New England, but in the world. Hike through the hills in early October and you’ll be rewarded with brilliant red maple leaves, or drive to Silver Cascade Falls in Carroll County to see the vibrant forest patches alongside a 250-foot waterfall.
Loire Valley Autumn Valley (France)
Golden fields in the Loire Valley in France.
With the leaves on the vines changing and the summer crowds heading home, there’s no better time to visit France’s Loire Valley than autumn. The rolling vineyards are resplendent as they turn a refreshing shade of green from the yellows, browns and burnt oranges of autumn. This is also harvest time, so you can see grapes being picked in the fields before retreating to a cozy spot to enjoy the view with a glass of local wine.
Viewing yellow leaves at Bishop Creek Canyon (USA)
Clear blue water and beautiful changing forest.
California's interior forests are some of the best fall experiences, with rich and ancient red and yellow hues. Bishop Creek Canyon is one of the best viewing spots. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the golden leaves here look stunning against the rocky hills as a backdrop.
Strolling through Pitlochry pine forest (Scotland)
Forest Light Show in Scotland.
Scotland’s pine forests may not change colour, but the deciduous trees provide some of the best autumn colours in Europe. Walk out of town to the weir and fish ladder that separates the River Tummel and Loch Faskally for the perfect view of the riverside trees as they shed their leaves. Every October, Pitlochry also plays host to a nightly event where the trees are lit up to soaring music in the woods just outside town.
Autumn in Lombardy village (Italy)
Autumn in Lombardy village in Italy.
Mild even when the fall foliage arrives, Lombardy in northern Italy is a great place to see Europe in full color. Lombardy's native poplars turn bright yellow before their leaves fall to the ground. If you can't get to the countryside, Milan's public gardens offer stunning autumn views of the city.
Autumn leaves fall in the Dandenong Ranges (Australia)
King Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
Autumn in Australia doesn’t really get underway until early to March. While you might not normally associate the land of beaches, surf and summer heat with vibrant autumn colours, the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne will not disappoint. As well as being a stunning national park, the area is also home to manicured gardens. The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are definitely worth a visit when the lawns are covered in fallen leaves and the trees are lush and green.
Experience autumn in Agawa Canyon (Canada)
Cross-Canada train ride through the fall foliage.
Hop on the Agawa Canyon Tour this fall and you’ll see some of the most beautiful autumn on the planet. The train departs from Sault Ste Marie and travels 230 km across Canada. These scenes inspired Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, Canada’s most prominent landscape artists, during the early 20th century.
