If you want to look at the leaves, all the places talked about will work, but to answer the first question. The best fall leaves are in my compost pile. Let it rot.
I live in Upstate NY and yes we do have beautiful Falls. The apples and grapes are in season also. Feast you eyes and mouth.
MSN has a nice selection of Fall Colors:
Red Wing Minnesota would be a nice trip as well, in fact from Hastings all the way down Highway 61 along the Missisippi is pretty spectacular
IMO the best autumn leaves can be found in climates where they remain green and stay on the trees.
Where you at Booker?
Try the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. The locals joke that the foliage season peaks on October 8th at 7am. Vermont and New Hampshie are also New English favorites
Eonwe** is right on this one. Vermont has the best foliage in the States, and I think New Hampshire is second. Maine is OK, but the foliage season is really short-lived up there. If you decide to go to Vermont, check out the Warren Inn in Warren VT off Rte. 93. That is, if it’s still there. On a ski trip to Killington back in the early 90’s we stopped there for Breakfast - best Breakfast I EVER had.
Upon reflection, I guess I should include Massachusetts. Western MA to be exact. The Berkshires are beautiful any time of year, but spectacular in autumn.
If you’d like to visit the South, Pilot Mountain in NC is neat any time of year, and quite spectacular in the fall. The pictures here:
http://home.att.net/~mavica.lady/pilot.htm
really don’t do it justice, but they were the best I could find.
The drought will probably affect this fall’s display, though.
The best** fall leaves?
Door County, Wisconsin.
No other locations need apply.