If you’re lucky enough to live in a multi-seasonal climate, leaf peeping is one of the most exciting ways to usher in fall. Not only does the popular autumnal activity give you something to look forward to once your busy summer schedule dies down, but immersing yourself in nature is a great way to reduce stress, increase attention span, boost cognitive flexibility and improve memory, according to recent research from Current Directions in Psychological Science.
So, how to get started? “Well, that’s easy,” says John Seiler, a forest biology professor at Virginia Tech’s department of forest resources and environmental conservation. “Get in your car and drive to the mountains.” He says selecting a mountainous region is best because changes in elevation, differences in soil type and changes in aspect (like the direction of the slope facing, say, north versus south) results in a wider range of tree diversity, with said range in tree species resulting in varying degrees of “peakness” and foliage color. “While one tree species may be past peak, another species may be just starting to peak,” he says.
To get to your destination, Seiler recommends picking small state routes, which can also count towards your leaf peeping journey, and if you’re feeling extra daring, he suggests choosing an unpaved (yet safe) road.
To take part in this special time of year lasting just a short window of mid-September to early November, the experts recommend investing in the following popular gear.
To make the most out of your leaf peeping excursion, Seiler says “All you need is some family or friends and some snacks or a picnic lunch.” This expert-approved picnic kit contains everything you need to snack in style alongside Mother Nature herself, including a dinnerware set for four, glasses, a detachable wine cooler, a bread and cheese knife and more.
“I would be sure you have your phone or camera ready to take some great photos,” says Seiler. “The last hour before sunset is the best time for photos.” If you were planning on investing in a new phone anyway, our testers say the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts the best smartphone camera systems money can buy, producing smart images that rival professional photography thanks to its 200-megapixel main camera, 100x zoom feature and numerous settings for images worth displaying in the Louvre.?
If you’re looking to snap some seriously professional-worthy photos on your outing but don’t have much experience with digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras — largely considered the golden (hour) standard — you’ll love this expert-approved beginner-friendly option. As one of the most reliable and affordable DSLR cameras on the market, it’s great for photography newbies and has a durable build and intuitive interface that’s as easy to use as a point-and-shoot camera.
You heard it here first: dedicated point-and-shoot cameras you used to take Facebook album photos in 2008, like one of our favorites from Sony, are coming back in a big way. Take yours for a foray through the forest and enjoy super-fast autofocus thanks to advanced AI and built-in eye tracking for shooting stills and video of people and animals (bonus points for capturing unique bird species in the wild mid-flight).
It’s going to be buggy and potentially sunny — don’t let a pesky itch or painful sunburn ruin your journey. “This bug spray is the best,” says Seiler. “I used it in a swamp in Louisiana and it kept swarms of mosquitoes away. Plus, it’s also sunscreen.”
Instead of fumbling with a bulky camera as soon as the afternoon sun hits the leaves at the perfect angle, nail it on the first shot with this handy camera clip. “This camera clip is my go-to for any landscape or wildlife photography trip,” says Underscored contributor Emily Pennington. “It’s easy to apply and remove to virtually any pack and it’ll ensure your camera is always close at hand for when you round a corner and want to nab that perfect fall colors shot.”
These fog-proof and compact waterproof binoculars offer a bird’s eye view of the changing leaves with a quick swivel of the lens, whether you’re on foot, ashore or road-tripping through the backcountry. “I’m not usually a binoculars-on-the-trail human, but when I’m out scoping the changing leaves on a road trip (or trying to spot wolves in Yellowstone), I’ll toss my pair of Nocs into my duffel bag so that I have them ready to go in the passenger seat,” says Pennington.
With this action camera and its accompanying AI-powered editing app, you can snap and edit visuals so immersive, you’ll be able to revisit these fall memories for years to come. “I’m a big fan of my Insta360 X3 camera for leaf peeping and beyond,” says Underscored contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort. “Because it films in a full 360-degree circle, you get the most amazing videos and photos of the golden trees that makes it feel like you’re sitting smack in the middle of autumn.”?
The key to braving the outdoors during your leaf peeping session when autumn temps are less than predictable is this soft and practical top layer made of recycled polyester and recycled wool. “I love cozy flannels in general but when you morph them into a shacket, it’s my heaven on earth,” says Balogh Rochfort. “The Folk Yeah is super cozy, warm and comfortable, regardless of whether you’re on a trail or nestling up near a fire.”
If your daytime leaf peeping adventure devolves into an overnight stay, we highly recommend this convertible quilt made of 650-fill down complete with top snaps for functionality as a hands-free poncho. “When the leaves start to turn, I love cozying up around a bonfire in the backyard and at the campground,” says Underscored contributor Erica Zazo. “Plus, shoulder season camping in the Midwest is my favorite time to pitch a tent. I always sleep better in cold air under a warm blanket and this quilt is a go-to pick for wrapping up and staying warm in chilly weather.”
With its performance-driven materials and midweight fabric ideal for those in-between temps associated with fall, you’ll be reaching for this button-down with hand pockets before each leaf-peeping session and beyond. “This quilted jacket makes for a super comfortable and cozy layer over a hoodie or waffle shirt while taking a fall hike and when it’s not quite cold enough yet for a down jacket,” says Zazo. “The 100% cotton outer fabric is pillowy soft and this jacket is, without a doubt, one of the most comfortable fall layers I own.”
If you plan on setting up shop among the trees, opt for this expert-approved camping tent for four complete with plenty of ventilation, awnings for stability and added coverage from the elements and large doors and windows for a perfect front row seat of the fall view.
To tackle the mountains in style and safety, grab these budget-friendly and expert-approved hiking shoes available in fall-friendly earth tones. They’re lightweight, breathable and durable enough to absorb shock and provide stability while you roam through varying levels of terrain.?
To cover as much ground as possible without having to set foot in a stuffy car, opt for one of our favorite electric bikes that’ll help you feel one with nature. With a compact design ideal for commuting or just cruising aimlessly, this editor-approved bike will do much of the (literal) legwork so you can enjoy the colors.?
For daytime foliage viewings, be sure to pack this wrinkle-proof sunhat in your day bag to protect your head from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s loaded with sun-protective UPF 50+ and features a drawcord to keep it from blowing off in the wind. Plus, its wide brim helps ward against squinting, which you definitely want to avoid during a full day of leaf peeping.
Take sun protection and eye safety to yet another level with this practical pair of sport sunglasses complete with UV protection and glare-reducing polarized lenses. Beloved by hiking experts, Underscored contributors and personal trainers alike, these lightweight frames are as comfortable to wear as they are stylish, coming in 19 cool colorways that’ll rival that of the leaves.?
Whether you’ll be out on the trails for a few minutes or a few hours, it’s always crucial to bring a reliable source of hydration with you. In our testing, we found the Yeti Rambler to be the best water bottle on the market for its next-level thermoregulation properties, its two-tiered lid for satisfying sips and its loop cap for easy toting while you’re traipsing among the trees.
While you can likely expect a chill in the air, you’ll definitely need to reach for your phone at some point — enter: one of our favorite touchscreen gloves with a warm flannel lining and elastic cuffs. These thin editor-approved gloves allow you to swipe, scroll and type so your hands never freeze while posting the perfect ‘gram your followers will *fall* in love with.?
