It’s that time of year – with fall comes that refreshingly cool, crisp air while vibrant golds, reds and orange hues blanket the landscape. One of the best ways to enjoy the top fall foliage destinations in the U.S. is by taking a hike, and you’ll want a place to stay near those scenic trails. These Airbnbs are some of the top picks in the country’s regions with the most spectacular foliage.
Black Bear Lodge at Deep Creek - Bryson City, North Carolina
One of the best Great Smoky Mountains vacation rentals, this luxury three-bedroom log cabin sits atop a mountain providing panoramic views of Deep Creek Valley, the sounds of Deep Creek below and stunning fall colors in the season. It’s just one minute from Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its practically endless hiking opportunities too. After a day of exploring you can even come back and relax in the hot tub on the covered deck. Inside there are many luxurious amenities – the great room has soaring cathedral ceilings with lots of windows for enjoying the views, a gas log fireplace and an HD flat-screen HDTV with a DVD library.
Pisgah HIghlands Off-Grid Cabin - Candler, North Carolina
Less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Asheville, this tiny one-bedroom cabin for two is off-grid, set among the woods on a private 125-acre mountain top property that backs to Pisgah National Forest. It provides spectacular mountain and autumn foliage views along with the wealth of hiking opportunities the Blue Ridge Parkway offers. You’ll have a BBQ for cooking out, a fire pit for making S’mores and even a glass garage door that allows for sleeping under the stars.
Historic Gamekeeper’s Carriage House - Redstone, Colorado
Enjoy the brilliant golds of autumn in this Historic Gamekeeper’s Carriage house for up to four guests. Located west of Aspen in Redstone, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once part of the Osgood Estate, known as Redstone Castle. You’ll enjoy plenty of quiet and privacy as it sits on five acres of forested grounds, and the Crystal River is only steps away. It includes a wood stove, a well-stocked kitchen, and a private hot tub. There’s a horseshoe area and you’ll have access to a hiking trail that starts right on the property.
Cabin with Stone Fireplace in White Mountains - Intervale, New Hampshire
This custom-built cabin for two offers tranquility on 1.7 acres, providing an idyllic retreat in the White Mountains, the top spot for autumn color in New Hampshire. It includes antiques and local artisan-made decor along with a romantic stone gas fireplace to cozy up to after a day out hiking the many trails that wind throughout the area. Watch for wildlife like deer, black bear, hawks, wild turkey and the occasional fox or beaver while relaxing in the Adirondack chairs on the back deck. A flat-screen TV with a DVD player, Wi-Fi and a full kitchen are included too.
Point of the Point - Lake Superior, Michigan
This A-frame cabin is nestled in the woods on Michigan’s gorgeous Upper Peninsula, renowned for its vibrant fall foliage. You’ll be just a short drive from downtown Marquette or Munising, along with a huge variety of scenic hiking trails. It accommodates up to six in three bedrooms and includes a fireplace, full kitchen, washer/dryer and TV. The views are the highlight, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a lofted second floor showcasing Lake Superior.
Mountainaire Luxury Riverfront Cabin - Capon Bridge, West Virginia
Located at the foot of Ice Mountain just beyond the shore of the North River, this luxurious cabin provides access to outstanding trails for hikes among the vibrant fall foliage. It sleeps up to 11 with four bedrooms and includes multiple fireplaces, a hot tub and a seasonally heated plunge spa on the deck (available from early May to late September). On the lower floor, you can play darts or a game of billiards on a 1963 pool table and enjoy movie nights with a large projector screen included.
Luxury Apartment - Asheville, North Carolina
If you want to enjoy city attractions while being close to hiking trails with dazzling autumn foliage views, this one-bedroom luxury apartment is ideal. It’s less than 10 minutes from the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and downtown Asheville. Tucked between the apartment and main house is a hot tub on a patio that’s available for guest use and you’ll have your own small private deck to relax on too. The wooded back yard includes a fire pit with wood supplied and a sitting area.
Artistic Sanctuary on 6 Acres Near Taos - El Prado, New Mexico
This beautiful traditional adobe guesthouse sits on six private acres near Taos, surrounded by aspens that bring golden highlights to the picturesque surrounding landscape. It was designed by famous Taos artist Rod Goebel and includes a covered patio, outdoor grill and a Jacuzzi where you can soak under a canopy of stars. You’ll have access to many activities in the area, including hiking, river rafting, horseback riding and scenic fall drives. Some of the standout features inside include a fireplace and bathroom with double rain showers and a soaker tub. It also comes with a kitchenette, Wi-Fi and cable TV.
June Lake Pines Cabin - June Lake, California
This two-bedroom cabin is within walking distance to June Lake, providing beautiful views of Carson Peak from the front deck. Enjoy a scenic drive on 16-mile-long June Lake Loop and hikes like the popular Fern Lake Trail which brings magnificent views of Silver, Gull, and June Lakes as well as a large waterfall and stunning gold and yellow foliage in the fall. The cabin was one of the originals built for the Forest Service in the mid-1920s, but it’s been remodeled to add all the essential modern comforts.
