Most people prefer the months of summer and are never ready to see the season end. It signals the coming of winter with cold and damp weather, shorter days, and the need to bundle up before going outside. Fortunately, before we get to that stage, there’s a time of year that many people adore — autumn. The fall months bring a landscape of vivid color in red, orange, and yellow as the leaves turn before they fall. It also brings roadside farm stands full of freshly harvested pumpkins, apples, and gourds; crisp cool air that doesn’t yet require a winter coat, just a cuddly sweater or hoodie; and hot beverages like cider or pumpkin-spice lattes and treats.
It’s a great time of year for an adventure such as an invigorating hike or even a relaxing stroll. It’s also the perfect time for a scenic drive or perhaps even a weekend road trip. But where should you go for the nicest scenery as well as the best Instagram photos and picture-perfect memories? Here are our Favorite 5 American Fall Destinations.
Pennsylvania — The Poconos
The Pocono Mountains are stretched around gently winding roads that are perfect for fall foliage chasers. Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack makes a wonderful road trip for anyone looking for a relaxing, autumnal view. Leaves begin to turn in mid-September and peak in October.
The Pocono Mountains Visitor’s Bureau suggests 5 areas that are best to catch the color. To find out what they are, click HERE.
Massachusetts — Cape Cod
Cape Cod, Massachusetts certainly is a popular destination for many summer vacations, but it’s also a great place for discovering autumn’s charms. As the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce points out, the region is often overlooked for more obvious areas of the state. But it would be a shame not to experience the change in season along the Cape’s quaint back roads, nature trails, and pristine coastline.
To see the Chamber’s suggestions for the best leaf-peeping in the area, click HERE.
Vermont — Stowe
Stowe, Vermont has routinely been called Fall’s Color Capital. This is a classic New England town where tourists can experience the region’s legendary foliage from early September to late October. The landscape is ablaze with vibrant color, which is why such outlets as Travel + Leisure and USA Today have recognized the area as one of the top destinations to view foliage.
Stowe’s Tourism Board website, Go Stowe, hosts a ‘Foliage Finder’ to keep tourists updated on when and where foliage is turning up along popular scenic drive routes in the area. For more information, click HERE.
Colorado — Aspen
Many people associate Aspen, Colorado with ski season. However, in the fall, the region is transformed into a natural arena of shimmering colors, with the state’s signature gold Aspen trees serving as the main act.
Colorado’s Tourism Board has supplied its readers with 10 trip ideas that will point you in the direction of shimmering yellows, oranges, and reds this September and October.
To see what routes they suggest, click HERE.
Oregon — Columbia River Gorge
Fall color peaks throughout much of the state in mid to late October. Colors pop in Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley in mid-October, followed by Southern Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge area in late October. Foliage in the northeastern corner of the state changes last, so you can usually leaf peep for two full months which gives you plenty of time to plan a road trip.
For updates on the changing colors, Oregon’s Travel Bureau, Travel Oregon, posts a blog that can be found HERE.
Photo Credits:
Lead, Pocono, Cape Cod – WallpaperAccess
Colorado, Vermont – Wallpaper Flare
Oregon – Wallpaper Cave