AirBnb; Alyssa Powell/Business Insider
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- Fall brings crisp air, pumpkin spice treats, and the chance to see stunning and vibrantly colored foliage in many parts of the US.
- Some of the best leaf peeping is found in remote areas, making private vacation rentals ideal for both admiring changing leaves and social distancing.
- We rounded up top-rated vacation rentals in peak fall foliage destinations across the US on sites such as Airbnb, Turnkey, and Vrbo.
- Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home
Ever paused to admire the vibrant colors of the changing leaves on an autumn evening walk? Or posted a photo of a particularly beautiful leaf outstretched in front of the camera on social media? If so, congratulations, you're a leaf-peeper. In the US, "going leaf peeping" is a cute way of saying you're planning an autumn getaway to ensconce yourself in the red, orange, and yellow hues of the season.
In many ways, a cozy fall vacation is an ideal way to travel in 2020. Much of the summer crowds will start to wane, you can spot leaves from the safety of your car or on a secluded hike, and it doesn't matter that travel is largely limited to nearby road trips since the US boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the world when it comes to fall foliage.
And, if you're wondering if it's safe to travel right now, we had experts weigh in on the risks. The good news for road trippers on the hunt for fiery leaves is that renting a car, heading outdoors, and staying in a private vacation rental are among some of the safest travel options available since contact with others will be limited.
"While there is no question hotels are working diligently to keep their hotels clean and sanitized, Airbnb has a huge advantage given that the renter is generally the only one occupying the property," said Dr. Neil Brown, K Health's chief diagnosis officer, when asked about the safety of hotels compared to vacation rentals such as Airbnb. "With Airbnb's new Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, the company provides a better option than public hotel spaces…Double-check to see if the host is participating in the program."
As such, we've rounded up top vacation rentals for leaf peeping foliage. We've noted cleaning policies for each listing, but it's worth reading the fine print for each home before booking, especially in regards to cancellation policies, which can vary wildly from one vacation rental to another. And with more travelers sticking closer to home, try and book in advance to yield the best results and search on many platforms, especially if Airbnb seems especially booked up.
Looking for more fall foliage vacations? Try one of these:
It's also important to consider that without a vaccine there is no guarantee of safety right now. We always recommend following guidelines from trusted organizations like the CDC and WHO, and taking proper precautions like wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and social distancing. Additionally, you'll want to check state and local guidelines before traveling, especially if you are going out of state or traveling to or from a hotspot area.
With all that in mind, to make the most of your trip and ensure you peep the leaves at peak vibrancy, you'll need to know where and when to go.
In addition to finding some of the best vacation rentals across the country in peak leaf-peeping destinations, we also included the best times to book your trip according to the Farmers' Almanac predictions for the 2020 fall foliage season.
We selected the best vacation rentals based on the following criteria:
- Listings are for the entire home or apartment to avoid interaction with owners or other guests, in line with recommended COVID-19 precautions.
- Listings are found in prime locations to take advantage of foliage and boast exceptional amenities and design.
- Each property is priced between $101 and $295 per night to start.
- All are top-rated listings and have an average rating of 4.8 or higher.
Here are the best vacation rentals for fall foliage, sorted by price from low to high.
Cozy cabin in Candler, North Carolina, $101
Airbnb
Book this cozy cabin starting at $101 per night on AirbnbIn the middle of 125 acres of mountain-top property, right on the border of Pisgah National Forest, this compact little cabin is perched amid colorful treetops near Asheville. When not enjoying the views from the deck, you can hike nearby trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway or the neighboring creek.
More on the roughing it side than other listings, this cabin is powered by a solar generator with no indoor plumbing. However, there is an appealing outdoor shower and an outhouse that's a step above a porta-potty.
It may be bare-bones, but the cabin's interiors are still plenty comfortable with a Queen-size bed, handmade wooden bed frame and shelves, and a propane two-burner cook stove. With a fantastic rate and unbeatable mountain views, it's an ideal spot for the autumn season.
This home has limited dates left in September and October, but availability is subject to change.
Rating: 4.9
Peak foliage dates for Inland North Carolina: October 12 to 28
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Off-the-grid cabin in West Bolton, Vermont, $145
Airbnb
Book this off-the-grid cabin starting at $145 per night on AirbnbYou can watch Vermont's Green Mountains fade to red and yellow at this rustic mountainside cabin. Accessible only by a short hike, this remote home is a prime place to post up in the age of social distancing.
The surrounding forest is full of hiking trails and has plenty of idyllic places to go for rock climbing, kayaking, or even swimming if you're up for a brisk dip. This is an unplugged cabin, which means there's no electricity and the only source of heat is a wood stove. But the Queen-size bed, futon, and rocking chair still make it a pleasant stay.
Plus, you'll enjoy utter remoteness in one of the country's best leaf-peeping destinations.
While this cabin is mostly booked for October, it still has a few days left in September and plenty of days starting in early November and beyond.
Rating: 4.9
Peak foliage dates for Northern Vermont: September 24 to October 10
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Poet's cabin in Southwest Harbor, Maine, $174
Airbnb
Book this poet's cabin starting at $174 per night on AirbnbNot far from famed Acadia National Park, this classic Maine cabin is a romantic retreat tucked away in a secluded forest.
With a lofted bedroom and simple furnishings, this humble abode comes well-equipped with the essential elements of a perfect fall getaway: fluffy blankets, candles, and hot chocolate. Fairy lights hang above the bed along the pitched roof, and make for an extra enchanting stay.
As an added bonus, you'll also be within walking distance of the iconic and picturesque Bass Harbor Light House.
This listing has a few days still available in September and October with plenty of days open starting in November.
Rating: 4.9
Peak foliage dates for Coastal Maine: October 5 to 21
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Chalet fountain house in Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, $175
Airbnb
Book this chalet home starting at $175 per night on VrboRight on Lake Wallenpaupack, just two hours away from New York City, this chalet-style house includes a pond with a fountain feature, a fireplace, and a hot tub, providing plenty of ways to relax.
The charming three-bedroom home can sleep up to nine people and large windows ensure the home gets plenty of natural light. The interior is cozy and functional with a seating area made up of two plush love seats and a sofa, and the private porch includes a small dining table for enjoying morning coffee or evening meals outdoors.
For those who want to take in the scenery from the water, renting this home includes the use of two kayaks.
There is also a pool on the premises, but this is a shared amenity with other houses in the community. Access to the lake is just a short drive down the road.
This home has scattered days available in September and October and most of November open.
Rating: 4.9
Peak foliage dates for Pennsylvania: October 5 to 21
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: The hosts are taking measures to ensure sanitation including washing all the linens between guests and disinfecting high-touch areas.
Two-bedroom home in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, $179
Airbnb
Book this two-bedroom home starting at $179 per night on TurnKeyFor a leaf-peeping getaway where you'll want for nothing, this two-bedroom cabin features a gas grill, fireplace, pool table, home theatre, outdoor hot tub, two indoor jacuzzi tubs, and a even spacious deck above the treetops.
Even with so many luxe amenities, this home still feels rustic with knotted pine walls, a stone fireplace, and quirky grizzly bear shower curtains that make it feel like a classic cabin getaway.
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this is a fantastic choice for those who prefer to do their leaf-peeping while sitting comfortably on a couch since you'll be surrounded by trees right out the windows.
But, the park is just eight miles away, so hiking trails aren't far for adventure-lovers, either.
This home still has dates open at the end of September and plenty of weekdays available in October.
Rating: 5
Peak foliage dates for Tennessee: October 12 to 28
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: TurnKey uses a photo verification process to assure the home is professionally cleaned with EPA-approved products.
Mountain condo in Conway, New Hampshire, $189
Airbnb
Book this mountain condo starting at $189 per night on VrboWith views looking out towards New Hampshire's White Mountains, this three-bedroom condo can sleep up to six people and offers panoramic vistas from the deck of the fall hues that color the rolling mountains.
The two-level home is big enough for families and large groups and includes brand new appliances in the kitchen, as well as a wood stove and window nook in the main living area. A staircase leads to a loft where there are two beds and a wraparound couch.
For a scenic drive nearby, follow the Kancamagus Highway to Lincoln for 35 miles of beautiful fall colors.
This listing is booked in September, but there is still plenty of open dates throughout October and November.
Rating: 4.8
Peak foliage dates for Inland New Hampshire: September 28 to October
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: The owner specifies enhanced cleaning practices, which include contactless check-in and cleaning with disinfectant. Shared amenities in the complex, like the pools and fitness area, may be closed.
Rustic log home in Kanab, Utah, $200
Airbnb
Book this log home starting at $200 per night on VrboAs far as foliage goes, what Southern Utah lacks in New England's maple trees, it makes up for with its color-changing cottonwood and aspen trees.
This log home in Utah can sleep up to 11 people and faces the Grand Canyon to the south and the Vermilion Cliffs to the north, making for dramatic views. The 30-foot long deck makes the surrounding scenery easy to enjoy.
The plant-filled interior is homey and bursting with color and charm, accented by quilted blankets and mountain-inspired art. The house also includes plenty of unique touches from the piano in the entryway to the impressive cabinet headboard in the master bedroom.
This home still has plenty of availability throughout September, October, and November.
Rating: 4.8
Peak foliage dates for Utah: October 5 to 21
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: The owner does not specify cleaning practices, but reviews from as recent as May and July 2020 gave this home five-star ratings.
Large mountain house in Breckenridge, Colorado, $225
Airbnb
Book this mountain house starting at $225 per night on TurnKeyUp to 13 people can sleep in this four-bedroom home, which includes two gas fireplaces, a light-filled reading loft, master bathroom jacuzzi, and a spacious living area with vaulted ceilings.
A foosball table in the living room, and a second bedroom with bunk beds make it a great choice for families. The decor is sophisticated, yet comfortable, with multiple fireplaces and a striking log cabin-inspired staircase.
You'll be just a short drive away from downtown Breckenridge, a popular ski resort area, but still secluded within your personal forested oasis. The setup feels tailor-made for enjoying the fall colors from the privacy of your own deck.
When leaf-peeping in Breckenridge, don't miss the drive up French Gulch Road, where the foliage annually emerges in a perfect gradient.
This home still has plenty of availability throughout September, October, and November.
Rating: 5
Peak foliage dates for Colorado: October 5 to 21
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: TurnKey uses a photo verification process to assure the home is professionally cleaned with EPA-approved products.
A-frame cabin in Skykomish, Washington, $229
Airbnb
Book this A-frame cabin starting at $229 per night on AirbnbTrimmed in Christmas lights, this show-stopping A-frame cabin is the epitome of coziness and surrounded by hiking trails. With elegant furnishings and a hot tub on the deck, it's a tantalizing place to recharge among the changing leaves of Washington's Central Cascades.
Inside this triangle-shaped stunner, you'll find blue velvet couches, a remote controlled gas fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. Sleeping up to four guests, two beds are housed in the upper loft with an extra day bed available in the living room.
Part of the Timber Lane Village community, you'll even have access to a private beach on the Skykomish River.
This is a great option for those who want the charms and look of a rustic cabin, but with the benefit of fully modern amenities.
This listing is extremely popular and books up fast. Besides a few last-minute days available in September, it is mostly booked through December. It may be worth looking to book this home for 2021 now.
Rating: 4.8
Peak foliage dates for Washington: October 12 to 28
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: The host does not specify extra sanitation procedures, but this listing utilizes a self-check-in process and maintains a 4.9 cleanliness score out of over 500 reviews.
Chic designer home in Taos, New Mexico, $295
Airbnb
Book this designer home starting at $295 per night on VrboSitting at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet, Taos, New Mexico is a great destination for leaf-peepers in the American Southwest. This artistic home is a relaxing place to rest your head in between scenic drives and serious hikes.
The master suite features a stunning all-white fireplace and the home is filled with tasteful contemporary, bohemian art and furniture. With natural log beams throughout and Spanish-inspired tiles providing fun backsplashes in the kitchen and bathrooms, you just may be tempted to spend as much time indoors as out.
The porch, where there is also a hot tub, provides sweeping views of the Sangre De Cristos Mountains.
This listing still has some days open in September and many openings in October and November.
Rating: 5
Peak foliage dates for New Mexico: September 28 to October 9
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: This host specifies enhanced cleaning practices which include disinfecting high-touch surfaces and washing all linens between guests.
