We’re right in the middle of the best time to see fall foliage but you don’t necessarily have to be on the East Coast to experience it. There’s an explosion of color happening all around the U.S. Take at look at these unexpected fall foliage locations in America.

Wisconsin

Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

The northern part of the state is past its foliage peak but the rest of the state is just getting there. Early to mid-October is the best time for fall foliage in Wisconsin. Head to areas like the Wisconsin Dells and Fond du Lac to get the full fall foliage experience before its too late.

Tennessee

Photo Credit: Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Trees above 3,500 feet change colors first during the first week of October. To see the best fall foliage, stay in east Tennessee for the second and third week October and then head to west Tennessee later for more foliage. The foliage in the west tends to peak a little later. Drive along the scenic Cherohala Skyway or take the Tennesse Valley Railroad.

Utah

Photo Credit: Utah Office of Tourism/Tom Till

In Utah, foliage in the higher elevations in the southern region peak before the lower elevations. The northern areas peak in September and the lower areas in November. Cedar City has been rated as one of the top five places in the country to experience fall foliage. Cedar Breaks National Monument brightly colored rock strata is a great place to view the fall foliage

Pennsylvania

Photo Credit: Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau

The state foliage peaks in mid-October. You can get lucky in late October but don’t count on it. The lower elevations on in the western part of the state, foliage progresses much slower than the higher elevations. Visit Long Pine Reservoir and Dark Hollow Vista to view the foliage. These points let you see the foliage in colors in the upper tree canopies. You can also try taking a Leef Peeper road trip across Pennsylvania.

Arizona

Photo Credit: Larry D. Fellows

Just because you’re in the dessert doesn’t mean you can’t see some great fall foliage. In the higher elevations, like Mount Lemmon outside of Tucson, trees are changing from greens to reds to yellows. Even the cacti are turning red. The state is holding a Fall Foliage Festival this year in November to celebrate the foliage. Foliage in Arizona runs from September to December.

By Judith Retana for PeterGreenberg.com