5 LGBTQ+ Destinations for Prime Fall Foliage

Hello hello — Happy Sunday and welcome to our new readers from the Two Bad Tourists Mallorca giveaway! More on that below — here's what's on tap this week:

It’s kinda hard to imagine right now (given that much of the country is just coming out of an historic heatwave), but autumn is just around the corner. That means sweaters, corn mazes, ghosts and goblins, and of course… changing leaves.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of five can’t-miss, LGBTQ-friendly destinations for a perfect long weekend in the months ahead where you can enjoy the beauty of mother nature.

From progressive college towns nestled in mountain valleys to arts havens surrounded by golden aspens, here are the best places to chase fall foliage while feeling completely at home.

Burlington is the crown jewel of New England foliage country. Situated perfectly on Lake Champlain with the Green Mountains as your backdrop, the city's progressive vibe makes it incredibly welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers.

The local queer community is tight-knit and active, with events throughout the fall at venues like Radio Bean and Higher Ground. Take Route 100 south from the city for the quintessential Vermont scenic drive through blazing sugar maples and charming covered bridges—it's consistently ranked as one of America's top foliage routes.

Best time to visit: Late September to early October

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has earned its reputation as one of the South's most Queer-friendly cities, and fall is when this mountain town truly shines. The city's vibrant arts scene and numerous gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses make it feel like home.

As for foliage, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches right through the area. It’s America's most famous foliage drive with endless overlooks where you can watch layers of color cascade down mountainsides.

Best time to visit: Mid-October

This progressive college town sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains and boasts one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly communities in the Mountain West.

When those aspen groves turn brilliant gold against dramatic mountain backdrops, you'll understand why Colorado's fall colors are legendary. Drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway from Nederland to Estes Park for incredible high-altitude foliage and those iconic golden aspen tunnels that make Colorado autumn unforgettable.

Best time to visit: Late September

Santa Fe's high desert setting creates a unique fall experience where golden cottonwoods contrast dramatically with red rock canyons and adobe architecture. The city has long been an arts haven with a thriving LGBTQ+ community.

Take Hyde Park Road up into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where golden aspen groves create magical tunnels of light that photographers and leaf-peepers dream about.

Best time to visit: Mid to late October

While famous for its red rock formations, Sedona also offers stunning fall colors that create an incredible contrast against those iconic sandstone spires. The town's spiritual and artistic community has always been welcoming to LGBTQ+ visitors, with inclusive venues and a generally open-minded atmosphere throughout the area.

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive along Route 89A is called one of America's most beautiful drives, where golden sycamores and cottonwoods line the creek while towering red cliffs create a backdrop you won't find anywhere else.

Best time to visit: Late October to early November

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