Few things are more breathtaking than the vast array of colors that one can witness during fall when the leaves on the trees begin to change colors. Although many vacationers may find that they used all of their allotted vacation days during the summer, autumn is a wonderful time to see the outdoors, to breathe in crisp, fresh air, and to enjoy the beauty of the new season. Whether you decide to explore the landscapes on foot, on bicycle, or in a vehicle, there are plenty of places all around the country where you can go in order to see fall foliage in its most stunning form. There are also plenty of fantastic inns and hotels that await you at these locations, providing you with a touch of elegance and a place to rest after spending the day outdoors.
Before you decide which location to visit, there are a couple things you should be aware of when making reservations. People travel from all over the world to get a glimpse of fall foliage as it changes colors and it is very common for a prospective visitor to not be able to find any vacancies in any inns or hotels, even as much as a year in advance. For that reason, make travel reservations as early as possible and keep your schedule as flexible as you can. Another travel secret is to book your visit for the middle of the week, which will allow you to avoid weekend travelers. Many fall foliage aficionados painstakingly plan their visits to coincide with the peak of color vibrancy but do not let yourself get too caught up in such tedium. Depending on soil conditions, weather patterns, and other factors, last year’s peak may not be the same as this year’s.
Although it may be convenient to stay in resort areas and on the beaten path, some of the most stunning scenery can be found when you branch off on your own. That way, you will avoid the bigger crowds and your experience will be one that few people have already had. Finally, ask the locals for advice on getting the best views. While tourists may think they know it all, nobody knows the forests better than the people that have lived in the area for their entire life. An excellent resource to answer these kinds of questions is the county forest ranger. He or she watches the foliage for color updates and knows exactly where some of the best views can be found. Stopping in at the county headquarters can lead you to views that only the locals really know about.
Once you have the logistics out of the way, you will want to decide what part of the country you will visit. Keep in mind that the foliage season begins in early September in the Northeast United States and end in the Southeast and Midwest United States in late October or early November. Therefore, if you want to see the best fall foliage, make sure to plan your visit to a location that has the kind of foliage that you want to see: a visit to Georgia at the beginning of September, for example, might not be wise for foliage lovers.
Massachusetts offers an excellent fall foliage experience from the middle of September to the end of October. Make sure to be on the lookout for the foliage reports issued by the Massachusetts state foresters three times a week, allowing you to stay on top of where to find the best views. The state tourist department also offers the previously-mentioned tips: try to visit midweek and stay on the back roads in order to not get swarmed by tourists and be able to enjoy the season leisurely. Hiking, biking, and canoeing are all very popular throughout Massachusetts as ways to enjoy the outdoors. Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and especially Mohawk Trail are all very popular places in which to drive around in order to get a fantastic view. Try the Harbour House Inn Bed & Breakfast or The Inn at Stockbridge if you plan to head to the Berkshires, or the Sturbridge Country Inn in Central Massachusetts.
Another wonderful New England destination is New Hampshire, a state in which the fall season varies a bit. Generally, though, it takes place from mid-September to mid-October, making anywhere within that time frame the ideal time to visit New Hampshire. Fourteen designated scenic drives covering a total of 900 miles wind throughout the state, giving you plenty of options when it comes to what you want to see and when. Head to the Connecticut River Valley if you enjoy canoeing, the Sugar River Recreational Trail if you enjoy biking, and towns along the Appalachian Trail if you want to drive. Another excellent way to take in the views is to ride on one of the gondolas at any of New Hampshire’s ski resorts, allowing you to soar high above the forests and see everything at once. If you plan to visit the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, stay at the Sugar Hill Inn, the Inn at Ellis River, the Darby Field Inn, or the Sunset Hill House, all spectacular lodgings for the fall foliage enthusiast.
Heading away from New England, Wisconsin shares a remarkably similar fall season to New Hampshire: mid-September to mid-October is the best time to visit the state. A variety of activities wait in Wisconsin that will provide plenty of enjoyable moments when one is not taking in the stunning views. Driving down the Lake Michigan shoreline, for example, or through the Kettle Moraine State Forest both get you beautiful glimpses of Wisconsin’s foliage. There are also plenty of resort communities, such as those in Door County, Cedarburg, and Bayfield, that make for the perfect autumn getaway for families and lovers alike. Corn mazes, haunted houses, and other charming autumn staples can be found in Wisconsin, and you can also find charming festivals such as the Autumn Harvest Fest in the Wisconsin Dells. An excellent place to stay in Central Wisconsin is the Stewart Inn, an elegant bed & breakfast located in downtown Wausau, Wisconsin featuring upscale accommodations and a gourmet breakfast to start off the day.
Compared to New Hampshire and Wisconsin, Vermont enjoys a long fall season, one that usually begins in early September and ends in late October. If you plan to visit Vermont early, head to a higher elevation because the color changes start earlier the higher you go. Some of the most scenic golf courses in New England are located in Vermont, so if you are a golf aficionado and a foliage enthusiast at the same time, you have it made. Guided horseback rides, fishing in local lakes and streams, and, of course, shopping for some of Vermont’s famous maple products make a visit to Vermont in the fall an appealing prospect. You may also opt to visit one of many fall festivals that take place in Vermont as part of your foliage experience, such as the Plymouth Cheese & Wine Festival in September. The Richmond Victorian Inn in Lake Champlain Valley, the Deerfield Valley Inn in Southern Vermont, and Inn Victoria in Southern Windsor County are all charming lodgings.
