USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.Bans on this landscaping tool continue to spread across the US. See where.
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Mike Snider and Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAYOctober 4, 2025 at 5:03 AM
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Bans on this landscaping tool continue to spread across the US. See where.
Fall is here, which means leaves are falling. But when it comes to cleaning up the leaves and clearing them away, more cities and states are banning gas-powered leaf blowers as the tool of choice.
More than 200 cities, counties and local jurisdictions – and several states – have either banned the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, passed restrictions on their use or provided incentives to consumers, landscapers and other companies to purchase electric equipment as a more eco-friendly alternative.
The issue continues to gain momentum. Just west of Washington, D.C., Arlington County, Virginia, is considering a year-round ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. In the New York State Legislature, a bill creating a rebate program for the purchase of electric lawn equipment passed the Senate with bipartisan support (11 Democrats, 22 Republicans voted yes), but time ran out in the session before it could pass in the Assembly. Proponents are working to convince New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to include the measure in her 2026 budget.
The pollution discharged by gas-powered leaf blowers can contribute to or cause health issues, including asthma and heart attacks, proponents said in a letter sent to Hochul on Sept. 10. "It's estimated that in 2020 alone, gas-powered lawn equipment in New York produced almost 1.4 million tons of climate pollution, the equivalent to the emissions from more than 300,000 cars annually," the letter reads, citing findings from the Environment America Research Policy Center.
1. Hudson Valley, New York Just a quick escape from New York City, Hudson Valley is ranked by Priceline as the top destination for leaf peeping in 2025. Travelers can explore numerous parks and preserves to take in the shades of autumn, from Croton Gorge Park to Hudson State Historic Park.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>The end of summer is near, and the transition of seasons brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and cozy atmospheres. Every fall, travelers flock to natural landscapes around the country to immerse themselves in the warm, vibrant hues of the leaves changing colors – a popular activity known as leaf peeping. "Seasonal activities provide travelers with unique experiences and leaf peeping is a consistent favorite for its beauty and ease – nationwide travelers can hop in the car and be within a few hours of stunning vistas," Priceline's consumer travel trends expert Christina Bennett told USA TODAY in a statement. Here are the best domestic destinations to go leaf peeping, according to Priceline. 1. Hudson Valley, New York Just a quick escape from New York City, Hudson Valley is ranked by Priceline as the top destination for leaf peeping in 2025. Travelers can explore numerous parks and preserves to take in the shades of autumn, from Croton Gorge Park to Hudson State Historic Park.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/fUKZvSk class=caas-img data-headline="Top 10 US destinations for fall colors travelers can't miss" data-caption="
The end of summer is near, and the transition of seasons brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and cozy atmospheres. Every fall, travelers flock to natural landscapes around the country to immerse themselves in the warm, vibrant hues of the leaves changing colors – a popular activity known as leaf peeping. "Seasonal activities provide travelers with unique experiences and leaf peeping is a consistent favorite for its beauty and ease – nationwide travelers can hop in the car and be within a few hours of stunning vistas," Priceline's consumer travel trends expert Christina Bennett told USA TODAY in a statement. Here are the best domestic destinations to go leaf peeping, according to Priceline. 1. Hudson Valley, New York Just a quick escape from New York City, Hudson Valley is ranked by Priceline as the top destination for leaf peeping in 2025. Travelers can explore numerous parks and preserves to take in the shades of autumn, from Croton Gorge Park to Hudson State Historic Park.
">The end of summer is near, and the transition of seasons brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and cozy atmospheres. Every fall, travelers flock to natural landscapes around the country to immerse themselves in the warm, vibrant hues of the leaves changing colors – a popular activity known as leaf peeping. "Seasonal activities provide travelers with unique experiences and leaf peeping is a consistent favorite for its beauty and ease – nationwide travelers can hop in the car and be within a few hours of stunning vistas," Priceline's consumer travel trends expert Christina Bennett told USA TODAY in a statement. Here are the best domestic destinations to go leaf peeping, according to Priceline. 1. Hudson Valley, New York Just a quick escape from New York City, Hudson Valley is ranked by Priceline as the top destination for leaf peeping in 2025. Travelers can explore numerous parks and preserves to take in the shades of autumn, from Croton Gorge Park to Hudson State Historic Park.
" src=https://ift.tt/fUKZvSk class=caas-img>2. Boulder, Colorado Boulders' natural landscapes draw in travelers from all over, and one of the most famous leaf peeping activities is to drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for 55 miles of colors.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2. Boulder, Colorado Boulders' natural landscapes draw in travelers from all over, and one of the most famous leaf peeping activities is to drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for 55 miles of colors.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/rulWXfz class=caas-img data-headline="Top 10 US destinations for fall colors travelers can't miss" data-caption="
2. Boulder, Colorado Boulders' natural landscapes draw in travelers from all over, and one of the most famous leaf peeping activities is to drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for 55 miles of colors.
">2. Boulder, Colorado Boulders' natural landscapes draw in travelers from all over, and one of the most famous leaf peeping activities is to drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for 55 miles of colors.
" src=https://ift.tt/rulWXfz class=caas-img>4. Bucks County, Pennsylvania Last year, Bucks County earned the top spot on Priceline's leaf peeping list. About an hour away from Philadelphia, Bucks County offers hot air balloon rides and drives over picturesque historic bridges.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>4. Bucks County, Pennsylvania Last year, Bucks County earned the top spot on Priceline's leaf peeping list. About an hour away from Philadelphia, Bucks County offers hot air balloon rides and drives over picturesque historic bridges.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/AkY9Nrm class=caas-img data-headline="Top 10 US destinations for fall colors travelers can't miss" data-caption="
4. Bucks County, Pennsylvania Last year, Bucks County earned the top spot on Priceline's leaf peeping list. About an hour away from Philadelphia, Bucks County offers hot air balloon rides and drives over picturesque historic bridges.
">4. Bucks County, Pennsylvania Last year, Bucks County earned the top spot on Priceline's leaf peeping list. About an hour away from Philadelphia, Bucks County offers hot air balloon rides and drives over picturesque historic bridges.
" src=https://ift.tt/AkY9Nrm class=caas-img>6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Throughout the year, the Columbia River Gorge is stunning, but the forests become truly vibrant in the fall. Travelers can hike to waterfalls or go on romantic horseback rides to experience the fall colors.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Throughout the year, the Columbia River Gorge is stunning, but the forests become truly vibrant in the fall. Travelers can hike to waterfalls or go on romantic horseback rides to experience the fall colors.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Ex1tZJT class=caas-img data-headline="Top 10 US destinations for fall colors travelers can't miss" data-caption="
6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Throughout the year, the Columbia River Gorge is stunning, but the forests become truly vibrant in the fall. Travelers can hike to waterfalls or go on romantic horseback rides to experience the fall colors.
">6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Throughout the year, the Columbia River Gorge is stunning, but the forests become truly vibrant in the fall. Travelers can hike to waterfalls or go on romantic horseback rides to experience the fall colors.
" src=https://ift.tt/Ex1tZJT class=caas-img>7. French Lick West Baden, Indiana Travelers to French Lick West Baden can pick from several prime leaf peeping locales, such as hiking through Hoosier National Forest or taking the charming French Like Scenic Railway.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>7. French Lick West Baden, Indiana Travelers to French Lick West Baden can pick from several prime leaf peeping locales, such as hiking through Hoosier National Forest or taking the charming French Like Scenic Railway.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/k0gE6wy class=caas-img data-headline="Top 10 US destinations for fall colors travelers can't miss" data-caption="
7. French Lick West Baden, Indiana Travelers to French Lick West Baden can pick from several prime leaf peeping locales, such as hiking through Hoosier National Forest or taking the charming French Like Scenic Railway.
">7. French Lick West Baden, Indiana Travelers to French Lick West Baden can pick from several prime leaf peeping locales, such as hiking through Hoosier National Forest or taking the charming French Like Scenic Railway.
" src=https://ift.tt/k0gE6wy class=caas-img>8. North Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada Compared to its counterpart South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe is a quieter, more laidback retreat. In the fall, travelers are invited to leaf peep along its iconic shoreline and hiking trails.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>8. North Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada Compared to its counterpart South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe is a quieter, more laidback retreat. In the fall, travelers are invited to leaf peep along its iconic shoreline and hiking trails.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/5eCvWMS class=caas-img data-headline="Top 10 US destinations for fall colors travelers can't miss" data-caption="
8. North Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada Compared to its counterpart South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe is a quieter, more laidback retreat. In the fall, travelers are invited to leaf peep along its iconic shoreline and hiking trails.
">8. North Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada Compared to its counterpart South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe is a quieter, more laidback retreat. In the fall, travelers are invited to leaf peep along its iconic shoreline and hiking trails.
" src=https://ift.tt/5eCvWMS class=caas-img>10. The Berkshires, Massachusetts The Berkshires remain one of the most iconic places for leaf peeping, with a wide array of viewpoints. Hiking trails lead to stunning vistas of the canopy. People can see the colors from down below by kayaking on the lake.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>10. The Berkshires, Massachusetts The Berkshires remain one of the most iconic places for leaf peeping, with a wide array of viewpoints. Hiking trails lead to stunning vistas of the canopy. People can see the colors from down below by kayaking on the lake.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/g2LkNtv class=caas-img data-headline="Top 10 US destinations for fall colors travelers can't miss" data-caption="
10. The Berkshires, Massachusetts The Berkshires remain one of the most iconic places for leaf peeping, with a wide array of viewpoints. Hiking trails lead to stunning vistas of the canopy. People can see the colors from down below by kayaking on the lake.
">10. The Berkshires, Massachusetts The Berkshires remain one of the most iconic places for leaf peeping, with a wide array of viewpoints. Hiking trails lead to stunning vistas of the canopy. People can see the colors from down below by kayaking on the lake.
" src=https://ift.tt/g2LkNtv class=caas-img>
1 / 7Top 10 US destinations for fall colors travelers can't miss
The end of summer is near, and the transition of seasons brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and cozy atmospheres. Every fall, travelers flock to natural landscapes around the country to immerse themselves in the warm, vibrant hues of the leaves changing colors – a popular activity known as leaf peeping. "Seasonal activities provide travelers with unique experiences and leaf peeping is a consistent favorite for its beauty and ease – nationwide travelers can hop in the car and be within a few hours of stunning vistas," Priceline's consumer travel trends expert Christina Bennett told USA TODAY in a statement. Here are the best domestic destinations to go leaf peeping, according to Priceline. 1. Hudson Valley, New York Just a quick escape from New York City, Hudson Valley is ranked by Priceline as the top destination for leaf peeping in 2025. Travelers can explore numerous parks and preserves to take in the shades of autumn, from Croton Gorge Park to Hudson State Historic Park.
Fall foliage: Map shows where leaves are approaching peak color
Noise, pollution amongst concerns regarding use of gas-powered leaf blowers
Public officials and communities may initially oppose gas-powered leaf blowers due to the noise they make. "It's fall, leaves are falling from the trees and there's this incessant whirring of the (leaf blower) ... you're trying to keep your windows open and you can smell the gas (and) the smoke," said David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group, assisting proponents seeking rebates for electric lawn equipment purchases in New York and Pennsylvania.
Then, they learn about the environmental impact. "People go, 'Holy cow, I didn't realize that little thing can do that much damage," Masur said.
The issue isn't a new one. Seven years ago, Washington, D.C., passed the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, which subjects companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers to fines of up to $500 for each offense. In 2021, California passed a state law banning the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers, beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
Where are gas-powered leaf blowers banned or restricted?
According to the Public Interest Research Group, an advocacy organization, the following states or cities have either banned or restricted gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn equipment, or passed incentives to replace gas equipment with electric ones:
Home improvement retail giants Home Depot and Lowe's have also decreased their inventory of gas-powered lawn equipment in favor of other options, the PIRG says.
Some pushing back on gas-powered leaf blower bans, some encouraging change
While bans on the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn equipment have been applauded by some, the policies also sparked backlash, with Texas passing a law prohibiting the outright ban on these devices to protect the oil and gas industries. Lawmakers in Florida have attempted to pass similar legislation.
Elsewhere, the desire to transition away from gas-powered lawn equipment is growing, with cities like Dallas, Austin, and Louisville, Kentucky, offering rebates for purchasing electric lawn equipment at select locations. Some states also do this, including Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Wyoming.
Rebate initiatives can help reduce pollution, but can also "help local businesses like lawn care companies, landscaping, arborists who want to transition because it's the right thing to do and, of course, their workers are on the front line for all this," Masur said.
Several companies, including Ace Hardware and power tool makers Milwaukee Tool and STIHL, have supported the New York measure as a way to help offset the costs of lawn care companies replacing older equipment.
The Montgomery County (Maryland) Council passed a gas-powered leaf blower ban in 2023, prohibiting the sale of the lawn tool the following year and then banning its use as of July 1. At the time, "people were working from home in even greater numbers and the noise pollution ... was problematic," councilmember-at-large Evan Glass, who chairs the council's transportation and environment committee, told USA TODAY.
Contributing: Jay Cannon
Mike Snider and Jonathan Limehouse cover breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. You can reach or follow them at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & [email protected] or [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gas-powered leaf blowers bans continue across US. See where.
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