Is the heat of summer getting you down? Don’t worry, fall will be here before you know it and with it, there will be cooler weather and changing colors. Now is the time to start planning a trip and get the most out of the changing season.
Keep reading to learn more about the best place for fall colors in the U.S.
1. Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
The Green Mountain Byway is an 11-mile route that stretches down the middle of Vermont. With the birch, maple, and beech trees in this area, you are guaranteed one of the most beautiful displays of color in all of New England. The best time to visit is between the second week of September and the first week of October.
While you are there you can enjoy a tour of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory and at the end grab a scoop or two of your favorite flavors. For one of the best views of the fall colors, you can head over to the ski resort in Stowe and ride the gondola for a bird’s eye view of the trees and go for a nice hike.
2. The Catskills, New York
The Catskills are a mountain range located in the southeast of New York and are one of the best places for fall foliage. Home to roughly 35 mountain peaks and six major rivers the Catskills are most famous for once hosting the famous Woodstock festival. It is also famous for its beautiful tree colors in the fall that lusciously cover many hillsides.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage during the last two weeks of September through the middle of October. There are plenty of harvest festivals and craft fairs in the region for you to enjoy during your visit. You can also transport yourself back in time at one of the many historic villages in the area.
The Catskills also have wonderful farmers’ markets for you to enjoy or you can even visit an orchard where you can pick your own fruit. To really round out your fall trip, you might even consider staying at one of the many charming Bed and Breakfasts that are nestled into the scenery.
3. Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
The Laurel Highlands region in Pennsylvania is full of quaint covered bridges, cute small towns, and wonderful rolling hills. This beautiful region inspired Frank Lloyd Wright and there are four houses that were designed by him in the area. The Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is also a stunning example of architecture in the area which is only amplified during the fall season.
Pennsylvania is lucky to have a longer fall season for foliage than most places in the United States. This means more time to visit harvest festivals, wine tastings, and farmers’ markets. To see the vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellows plan your visit between the middle of September and the middle of October.
4. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
During the summertime, this lake system is a popular location for crowds to visit and help beat the heat. During the fall the crowds start to thin out and the temperature drops down to a comfortable level in the sixties. The Ozark Hills that surround the lake start to turn to fabulous hues of scarlet, burnt orange, and golden yellow.
To fully experience the beautiful weather and stunning scenery you can hike the trails, mountain bike, or go horseback riding through the largest state park in Missouri. You can also enjoy the view of the foliage from the lake, go for wine tastings at the local wineries, or hit the turf near the lake at one of the areas top golf courses.
The last two weeks in October are the best time to plan your visit for the most vibrant hues. You can plan your stay at a rustic cabin or one of the many camping spots available at the state park.
5. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
With more than 20 state parks in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, and some four million acres of the dense forest you can have your pick at where to go so see some gorgeous fall colors. All along the coast of the Great Lakes water system, you will have a wonderful view of the vibrant colors playing off the ranging blue colors of the lake system.
The best time to visit during the fall season is in the middle of September to the middle of October, with the peak colors in October. There are plenty of great hiking trails here where you can pick wild blueberries or perhaps visit one of the many historic lighthouses.
6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
One of the best places for fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest is the Columbia River Gorge area. The Columbia River Gorge creates a natural division in the Cascade Mountains between the south of Washington and the north of Oregon. This 80-mile river is a beautiful sight in the fall when the big-leaf maples, firs, and cottonwoods begin to change colors. You can enjoy the view of the foliage while hiking along the Columbia River, or kayaking, or rafting. For something a little more relaxed you can enjoy some fishing while also enjoying the view.
Those who want to see the best showing of colors should plan their visit around the middle of September until the middle of October. You can stay at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel which has amazing views of the area including the Wah Gwin Gwin waterfall. For some breathtaking photo opportunities, you can walk across a carved stone bridge for an up-close and personal view of the waterfall.
Plan Your Visit to See the Best Place for Fall Colors in the U.S. Today!
If you are ready to see the best place for fall colors then start planning your trip today. There are plenty of wonderful locations in the U.S. not only known for their beautiful colors but great fall activities as well.
If you’d like some more travel ideas then be sure to visit our website daily!