Fall is an ideal season for travel, with cooler temperatures, stunning fall foliage, and a host of seasonal activities. However, not every destination is worth the trip. Some locations become overcrowded, overpriced, or fail to meet expectations during this peak travel time. If you're planning a fall getaway, here are ten spots to avoid in 2024—and the reasons why. Interestingly, some destinations have previously made our “best places to visit” lists. Still, their rising popularity makes them less appealing to travelers who prefer to avoid large crowds. We like to make sure we cover all aspects of travel!

I've noticed that the crowds I once tolerated in my 20s are far more off-putting now in my 40s, and I can only imagine they will get worse as time goes on. I like to consider alternatives when worrying about crowds and traffic, especially on weekend trips when time is limited.

1. Salem, Massachusetts

While Salem is famous for its witch trials and Halloween celebrations, it has become overwhelmingly crowded in the fall. By mid-October, the small town is swarming with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the historic sites, ghost tours, and quirky shops. The long lines and packed streets make the experience more frustrating than fun. This has been on my bucket list, but I have not prioritized it due to the crowds.

Alternative: Try visiting Sleepy Hollow, New York, for a spooky experience without the same level of overcrowding.

2. Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

The Smoky Mountains are breathtaking in autumn, but in recent years, they’ve become too famous for their good. The park sees a massive influx of visitors during peak foliage season, leading to traffic jams on scenic routes and packed trails. Parking can be a nightmare, and the sheer volume of tourists often overshadows the natural beauty.

Alternative: Head to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for equally stunning views with fewer crowds.

3. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is known for its beautiful fall foliage, but it also has a reputation for being pricey and exclusive. During the fall, accommodations and dining can be expensive, and some visitors report that the town has an overly commercialized vibe. The influx of tourists, many seeking luxury experiences, can make it feel less like a cozy mountain retreat and more like a high-end shopping destination.

Alternative: Consider visiting Crested Butte, Colorado, for more affordable lodging and a laid-back mountain vibe.

4. New York City, New York

While Central Park’s fall colors are iconic, New York City can be overwhelming during the fall season. The city’s major tourist attractions are often packed with visitors, and hotel prices tend to skyrocket in autumn due to demand. Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building become challenging to enjoy as lines and crowds swell.

Alternative: Visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a mix of history, culture, and beautiful autumn scenery without the NYC hustle and bustle.

5. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are well known for their stunning fall foliage, but they’ve become notorious for overcrowding during peak leaf-peeping season in recent years. The small town and national park are often overwhelmed with tourists, making booking accommodations and thoroughly enjoying the outdoor experience challenging.

Alternative: Try Baxter State Park in Maine for a more peaceful experience among the fall colors.

6. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires are a quintessential fall destination, but they’ve recently started to suffer from the curse of over-tourism. Small towns like Lenox and Stockbridge can get flooded with visitors during the fall months, making it challenging to enjoy the natural beauty and local culture. Restaurants and lodging fill up quickly, leaving many tourists disappointed.

Alternative: Consider the Catskills in New York for a more relaxed and less commercialized autumn escape.

7. Napa Valley, California

While Napa Valley is an ideal destination for wine lovers, fall is harvest season, the busiest time of year. The influx of tourists can lead to long waits at wineries, crowded tasting rooms, and soaring hotel prices. If you’re hoping for a peaceful wine-country experience, this may not be the best time to visit. I enjoy Napa, but I highly recommend visiting during the off-season or weekdays to avoid the crowds if possible.

Alternative: Head to Oregon’s Willamette Valley for a more tranquil wine-tasting experience in the fall.

8. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Yellowstone may be a natural wonder, but it’s still dealing with the aftereffects of summer tourism in the fall. Crowds don’t dissipate as much as you’d hope, and certain park areas may be closed or restricted as the weather turns colder. Additionally, some travelers report that wildlife sightings decrease in the fall, which can detract from the experience.

Alternative: Consider visiting Glacier National Park in Montana, where you’ll find fewer crowds and equally stunning natural beauty.

9. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a popular summer and winter destination, but fall is its transition season—and it’s not always the most pleasant time to visit. Many resorts and businesses close temporarily to prepare for the winter season, leaving fewer options for dining and entertainment. The weather can also be unpredictable, with some days feeling too cold for outdoor activities like hiking or biking. We got caught in a record-breaking snowstorm in early May while driving between Napa and Reno through this region. Keep an eye on the weather forecast—if snow hits while you're traveling at higher elevations, they'll enforce chain controls on cars. It was quite an experience!

Alternative: Try visiting Big Bear Lake in California for fall foliage and outdoor activities with fewer seasonal closures.

10. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

While Mont-Tremblant is a lovely place to visit for its fall foliage, it has gained a reputation for becoming too commercialized and crowded. Its small size means restaurants and attractions can become overly packed, leading to long wait times and losing the area's original charm. Fall weekends, in particular, draw large crowds, especially during festival events.

Alternative: Visit Charlevoix, Quebec, for stunning fall colors in a more relaxed setting, plus charming villages to explore without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts:

While fall travel offers plenty of picturesque opportunities, only some popular destinations are worth visiting during this peak season. Overcrowded tourist spots can diminish the experience, leaving you more stressed than relaxed. You can try exploring lesser-known alternatives to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the best of what fall has to offer.

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