5 Spectacular Spots To See Incredible Fall Foliage
The days are getting cooler and the nights are getting longer–autumn is in the air! With the change of seasons comes natures beautiful transition from lush green to orange, red, and yellow.
So where are the best places to view this incredible spectacle of nature? We’ve compiled a list of 5 fantastic locations to visit during peak autumn colors that are the most unique and breathtaking spots you’ll ever see.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
As an area covering over 47,000 acres of Maine’s rocky coastline, when it comes to fall foliage, the northeast never disappoints. Acadia National Park is no exception with many places to view the beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges of autumn leaves.
Early birds to Acadia will notice a shift in leaf color during mid-September while peak season is usually around the beginning to mid October. Visitors during this time will enjoy beautiful weather conditions for activities like hiking, biking, and climbing.
The park is also less crowded than in the summer months which means better views with less people. One of the most popular adventures to embark on during fall is a drive down the scenic Acadia All-American Road where you’ll be treated to 40 miles of beautiful forests, lakes, and shoreline.
Bordering three of the Great Lakes, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers more than 4 million acres of protected forestland. With that much forest, you can expect some spectacular foliage to view during the autumn season.
The region features 20 state parks to check out that contain a wide assortment of different tree species. From ash, aspen, beech, maple, oak, and many more, the range of fall colors is an extraordinary sight to experience.
While you’re looking at the autumn foliage, there’s plenty of activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, and boating. The area is filled with incredible natural wonders like waterfalls and craggy cliffs. You can also challenge yourself to explore the Upper Peninsula part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, one of the longest trail systems in the United States.
3. Payette River Scenic Byway, Idaho
Stretching for 112-miles, this scenic roadway offers drivers a beautiful view of Idaho’s autumn foliage. It’s about a two and a half hour drive if you go straight through but it will be much more exciting to stop at the many lakes and forests along the way.
Some of the attractions you can explore include, Boise National Forest, Ponderosa State Park, and Payette Lake to name a few. There’s a wide variety of activities to enjoy including hiking and biking which offers you the best views of the autumn landscape.
The end of August to mid-October will be your best bet a catching the fall leaves in full and vibrant transformation. You can also visit some of the many breweries, resorts, and restaurants along the route to cap off an incredible day.
Didn’t think a desert would make the list for fall foliage? Think again! Located at the base of the Sangre de Christo mountains, Taos provides unique and interesting fall foliage in a desert landscape.
With bright yellow and orange aspen trees dotting the terrain, autumn definitely brings a remarkable change to this dry and arid region. You can best explore these colors by taking the 83-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Highway loop which passes by Hondo Valley, Red River, and Taos Canyon.
Taos is filled with many other popular landmarks and has a rich culture of local fine art. There are activities for everyone to enjoy making your fall trip a worthwhile and memorable experience.
5. White Mountains, New Hampshire
With more the 800,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest to discover and explore, autumn in New Hampshire is a powerful and breathtaking experience. From hiking, to biking, to scenic drives, fall offers something for everybody and creates memories to hold on to and cherish.
Climb to the top of the 6,288.2 foot Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, and be blow away by the panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys. Mountain bike the numerous trails spread throughout the White Mountains and discover the beauty of the local landscape.
You can also take a drive down the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway along Route 112 which cuts through the mountains and provides incredible views of the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge.
Conclusion
So for all the leaf peepers out there, this list should provide you with a few awesome starting points to get your fall adventures underway!
