9 National Forests That Rival Parks for Leaf Peeping

Peak leaf color doesn't just belong to the national parks. America's 150-plus national forests in 40 states offer serious fall color with a fraction of the crowds, and many hit their stride between mid-September and early November. Travel timing depends on conditions that change year to year, so planners are urged to consult tools like the Old Farmer's Almanac's foliage map before heading out. A new roundup from Travel + Leisure flags nine standout forests for autumn color and pairs each with guidance on when to visit. Here, the top nine:

1. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests (Colorado)
2. White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire)
3. Monongahela National Forest (West Virginia)
4. Superior National Forest (Minnesota)
5. Nantahala National Forest (North Carolina)
6. Willamette National Forest (Oregon)
7. Santa Fe National Forest (New Mexico)
8. Holly Springs National Forest (Mississippi)
9. Shoshone National Forest (Wyoming)

More on each national forest here.