As the leaves turn to fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, travelers across the U.S. are flocking to the Northeast for one of the most visually stunning seasons of the year. According to recent figures released by AAA and several state tourism boards, fall tourism in states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and upstate New York is booming, with 2025 shaping up to be one of the busiest autumn travel seasons in recent memory.
Leaf peeping—a term coined decades ago to describe scenic autumn drives—has become more than just a quaint regional tradition. It’s now a full-blown seasonal industry, attracting travelers from all over the country and even abroad. This year, hotel bookings in key foliage hotspots such as Woodstock (Vermont), Lake Placid (New York), and the White Mountains region of New Hampshire are up more than 20% compared to last fall.
“We had to open up extra seasonal cabins earlier than usual this year just to meet demand,” says Ellie Harrington, who manages a lakeside lodge near Conway, New Hampshire. “People started calling in August to reserve for October.”
The allure isn’t just the leaves. Local farms, wineries, and orchards have become essential stops for travelers seeking cider tastings, apple picking, and cozy autumn experiences. Harvest festivals, craft fairs, and small-town parades are also seeing a resurgence in popularity.
Airbnb and VRBO rentals are playing a major role too. Rural areas with limited hotel capacity have benefited as travelers book out barns, tiny houses, and forest cabins. Some scenic roads—like Vermont’s Route 100 or New York’s Taconic State Parkway—are experiencing traffic reminiscent of holiday weekends.
Amtrak is also riding the fall wave. Routes like the Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express, which cut through foliage-heavy corridors, have seen a noticeable uptick in ticket sales for October weekends.
State officials in Vermont and New Hampshire are urging visitors to plan ahead, drive safely, and respect local communities. “We want people to enjoy the beauty, but also to be mindful of overcrowding in small towns,” said a spokesperson from New Hampshire’s Department of Tourism.
As temperatures cool and the colors deepen, it’s clear that fall has become a peak travel moment—not just for Instagram-worthy photos, but for Americans craving slower, scenic escapes.