Autumn brings a magical transformation to many U.S. college campuses, where vibrant foliage and historic architecture create stunning landscapes. Here are some of the most beautiful college campuses in the fall, including Dartmouth, Middlebury, and Williams.
- Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)
Dartmouth’s location in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire places it in the heart of New England’s autumn splendor. The campus’s majestic elms and maples burst into shades of red, gold, and orange by mid-October, creating a spectacular contrast against its Georgian architecture. The surrounding White Mountains offer additional scenic vistas, making Dartmouth an ideal fall destination. - Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT)
Middlebury’s Vermont location means it’s surrounded by some of the best fall foliage in the country. The campus is nestled between the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks, creating a breathtaking backdrop of autumn colors. Middlebury’s blend of classic collegiate buildings and expansive greens turns into an autumn wonderland. The foliage draws in students and visitors alike to witness the beauty of the season. - Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
Tucked in the Berkshire Mountains, Williams College is known for its stunning fall foliage. The trees on and around campus explode into a fiery palette of reds and oranges. Additionally, the nearby hiking trails offer panoramic views of the entire region. The college’s classic New England architecture enhances the charm, making Williams one of the most beautiful campuses in the fall. - University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN)
Notre Dame’s campus is a picturesque sight year-round, although fall adds a special touch. The golden dome of the Main Building, surrounded by brilliant autumn leaves, makes for a stunning visual. The campus’s wide, tree-lined pathways turn into canopies of red and gold. This makes it one of the Midwest’s most beautiful college destinations. - Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA)
Bryn Mawr’s Gothic architecture blends beautifully with its vibrant autumn landscape. The college’s expansive gardens and wooded areas light up with fiery hues of orange and red, making the entire campus feel like a scene from a storybook. - Sewanee: The University of the South (Sewanee, TN)
Sewanee’s 13,000-acre campus in the Appalachian foothills is a forested haven. In autumn, the colors transform the Domain into a picturesque landscape, with views of the mountain forests enhancing the experience for students and visitors. - Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)
Known for its lush landscaping and Neo-Gothic architecture. Altogether, Wake Forest’s campus becomes particularly striking in late October. Its Southern climate means fall colors linger, creating a vibrant yet tranquil atmosphere amidst the towering trees and historic buildings. - Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT)
Middlebury is nestled between the Green Mountains and Adirondacks, offering stunning fall foliage. The iconic college green becomes a sea of orange, gold, and red, while nearby forests and hiking trails make it a favorite among nature lovers during autumn.
These campuses offer a blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant autumn colors, making them some of the most breathtaking places to experience fall in the U.S.(College Consensus)
