The world’s best fall foliage destinations

Perched high in the Austrian Alps, the craggy scenery of Hinterriss is perfect for hikes and mountain-bike tours.

Dotted with fishing lakes and rich with dense forests, Dalarna (meaning “the valleys”) in central Sweden provides wonderful escapism for foliage lovers. 

With clusters of mountain ash and atmospheric fern glades, the Dandenong Ranges combine wilderness adventure with the pleasures of attractive villages offering cream teas and art galleries. 

The wide Douro river links Porto with the Spanish border, and is lined with spectacular terraced vineyards. 

The mighty wall, parts of which date back to the 7th century BC, takes in some grand mountains and deep valleys—as well as offering stretching hikes for walkers. 

The lakes and orchards of the gorgeous Kashmir Valley are encircled by terraced paddy fields and epic snowy mountains. 

Tucked away in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia, Lake Bled has at its tranquil center a wooded islet with a tall church, all with a dramatic mountain backdrop. 

Situated in eastern Kyoto, this historic Buddhist temple features wonderful gardens where deer roam and the trees put on a dazzling fall display. 

The most spectacular fall scenes begin in northern New England (Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire) in late September, sweeping south to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island in late October.

At the most southerly tip of Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is fabled for its wild beauty: hike through the national parks and stunning glaciers. 

With sharp peaks rising from the sea, deep fjords, and lush lakes, the richly forested South Island of New Zealand is crammed with natural wonders.

These symphonic fusions of manmade and natural marvels are at their best when the leaves begin to turn.

The hardwood forests of Transylvania, dotted with medieval castles and punctuated with wildflower meadows, are a dream for hikers.

The National Arboretum tree collection in leafy Gloucestershire turns every shade of gold, pink, and red when the fall descends.

River deep, mountain high: this National Forest is cut through by the foaming White River and features an amazing 2,500 miles of trails.