Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

Autumn is often ranked as Americans’ favorite season, and, for many, the beautiful foliage of fall is a reason why. Yes, the sweater weather, the pumpkin-spice recipes and the anticipation of upcoming holidays add to its allure, but few things say “fall” like leaves of yellow, orange and red topping trees and littering lawns.

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me / Fluttering from the autumn tree,” wrote 19th-century author Emily Brontë. Still today, many agree. What’s so special about the turning of leaves? Allow these images to answer.

1 - Trees full of brilliant fall colors surround the Milwaukee River.
Trees full of brilliant fall colors surround the Milwaukee River. Justin Molter, Wisconsin, 2020
2 - Dozens of trees with leaves of orange, yellow and green dot a lakeside mountain range.
Dozens of trees with leaves of orange, yellow and green dot a lakeside mountain range. Kimberly Mak, California, 2022
3 - The bright-yellow color of an almost heart-shaped aspen leaf, still wet from a rainfall, offers a stark contrast against its rocky surroundings.
The bright-yellow color of an almost heart-shaped aspen leaf, still wet from a rainfall, offers a stark contrast against its rocky surroundings. Karen Briggs, Colorado, 2022

4 - An aerial view of the Boreas Ponds in the Adirondack High Peaks region in autumn offers a spectacular array of fall colors.
An aerial view of the Boreas Ponds in the Adirondack High Peaks region in autumn offers a spectacular array of fall colors.  William Adamczak, New York, 2023
5 - A forest of orange trees—the color of ripe pumpkins—line a road.
A forest of orange trees—the color of ripe pumpkins—line a road. BaiLiang Chen, China, 2023
6 - A vibrant fall leaf stands out next to more weathered fallen foliage.
A vibrant fall leaf stands out next to more weathered fallen foliage. Bernie Conneely, Massachusetts, 2023

7 - The veins and curves of a fallen leaf are accentuated by the soft light of the setting sun.
The veins and curves of a fallen leaf are accentuated by the soft light of the setting sun. Aimea Saul, California, 2011
8 - A man enjoys a moment of zen lakeside among the colorful fall foliage.
A man enjoys a moment of zen lakeside among the colorful fall foliage.

  Jonathan Route, Massachusetts, 2011
9 - Beautiful trees blanket the landscape near a snowcapped mountain range.
Beautiful trees blanket the landscape near a snowcapped mountain range. George Turner, Colorado, 2021
2 - Vibrant green is accompanied by bright fall foliage on the trees above and flora below in this Acadia National Park woodland.
Vibrant green is accompanied by bright fall foliage on the trees above and flora below in this Acadia National Park woodland. William Dodd, Maine, 2022
3 - Few things say “New York” as definitively as the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River or the city’s iconic yellow cabs—and, in autumn, the turning leaves make them both more picturesque.
Few things say “New York” as definitively as the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River or the city’s iconic yellow cabs—and, in autumn, the turning leaves make them both more picturesque. Ashley Lee, New York, 2021
4 - According to scientists, length of night, weather and pigment all play in part in the changing colors of leaves.
According to scientists, length of night, weather and pigment all play in part in the changing colors of leaves.    KP Hurt, New Hampshire, 2018

5 - Along the Genesee River, sunshine highlights the vibrant trees on one bank, while shadows darken the other.
Along the Genesee River, sunshine highlights the vibrant trees on one bank, while shadows darken the other. Caitlin Chattin, New York, 2021
6 - A 180-degree lens creates a circular perspective of golden foliage at the University of Michigan Arboretum in Ann Arbor.
A 180-degree lens creates a circular perspective of golden foliage at the University of Michigan Arboretum in Ann Arbor.   Leslie Roos, Michigan, 2020
7 - Leaves are reflected in the shallow water of a puddle near the Tidal Basin on the National Mall.
Leaves are reflected in the shallow water of a puddle near the Tidal Basin on the National Mall. Alice Wang, Washington, D.C., 2021
8 - Is it fall or winter? An early October snowfall covers the colorful canopies of autumn, reminding us how quickly seasons can change—figuratively and literally.
Is it fall or winter? An early October snowfall covers the colorful canopies of autumn, reminding us how quickly seasons can change—figuratively and literally. Manish Mamtani, Massachusetts, 2020

9 - Orange-and-green isn’t the most popular color combination, but it’s a winning one when it comes to the transitioning leaves of this tree.
Orange-and-green isn’t the most popular color combination, but it’s a winning one when it comes to the transitioning leaves of this tree.   Marilyn Schulte, Michigan, 2020
10 - Sharply contrasting colors give way to an ombre display of vibrant leaves cascading down a mountain.
Sharply contrasting colors give way to an ombre display of vibrant leaves cascading down a mountain.   Brad Balfour, Vermont, 2021
11 - A lot is made of the beautiful leaves, but where would they be without the roots, trunks and branches that support them?
A lot is made of the beautiful leaves, but where would they be without the roots, trunks and branches that support them? Jim LaRocco, Vermont, 2021
12 - A motion technique was used to capture this blurred image of tall aspen trees with yellow leaves.
A motion technique was used to capture this blurred image of tall aspen trees with yellow leaves.   Jim Guerard, Wyoming, 2021

ALT - Trees displaying the warm tones of autumn line the Milwaukee River.
Trees displaying the warm tones of autumn line the Milwaukee River.  Justin Molter, Wisconsin, 2020
14 - Although thin, white trunks make the quaking aspen tree distinct, it’s the fluttering of its leaves that gives the species its name.
Although thin, white trunks make the quaking aspen tree distinct, it’s the fluttering of its leaves that gives the species its name. Rex Naden, Colorado, 2019
15 - Skyscrapers may dwarf the size of Central Park’s trees, but nothing could detract from their natural beauty, especially during autumn.
Skyscrapers may dwarf the size of Central Park’s trees, but nothing could detract from their natural beauty, especially during autumn.   Ashley Lee, New York, 2022

Get the latest Travel & Culture stories in your inbox.

Jeff Campagna

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.