9 Bewitching Fall Foliage Trips You’ll Never Forget
Autumn bursts with some of the most exquisite natural colors in the world. Deep golds, heavenly auburns, and rusty oranges are just a few of the pigments you can set your eyes on. Take a Friday off and get in touch with nature on a long weekend trip in the autumn. There are so many bewitching places to visit, and we’ve listed some of our favorite below. Fall foliage trips are the perfect getaway—start planning now!
The Catskills, New York
Southeastern New York is home to some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the U.S. The Catskills feature 35 mountain peaks, whose forests showcase their majestic tones all autumn long. The region also has plenty of fun fall festivals to enjoy to help get you in the fall spirit.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Visit Charlottesville in October to get your fill of vivid yellows, oranges, and reds. The gateway to Shenandoah National Park means fall hiking is filled with color bursts and chilled air. The town is also home to the University of Virginia, so football tailgating can be another thrilling aspect of your visit.
Aspen, Colorado
Colorado in general is an incredible spot for foliage-spotting. Aspen’s overall hue changes in the fall to a lovely yellow that shimmers as the breeze hits the trees. That gold mixes with the vibrant green of the evergreen forests on the rigid mountain peaks, making this resort town a dream during the autumn months.
Galena, Illinois
Illinois doesn’t offer too many places for fall foliage, but Galena definitely hits the mark. The sweet little town is as cozy as it is full of colorful foliage. Picturesque countryside vistas and trails overlook the Mississippi River, and there’s a myriad of fall festivals to check out—the options are limitless.
Manchester, Vermont
Another state that boasts a ton of different options for fall foliage trip destinations, Vermont does autumn perfectly. The entire aesthetic of Manchester is quintessentially fall, so you’re sure to have a weekend full of vibrant hues and lovely seasonal activities. Plan a drive under the various covered bridges with a thermos of cider, and you’ll never want to leave.
Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee
If you’re an outdoor-lover, then a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall is an absolute must. The national park is home to more than 100 species of native trees, from maples to scarlet oaks. A hike along the trails will put you right in the middle of a marvelous display of gold, orange, crimson, and purple—you’ll spend all day exploring!
Whitefish, Montana
Paddle out on Whitefish Lake to experience captivating mountain and forest views you’ll never forget. The town gets you up close to the widely adored Glacier National Park, so your options for picture-perfect fall views are infinite. Even a walk downtown will give you breathtaking autumn views.
Marinette County, Wisconsin
The perfect location for scenic fall drives, Marinette County offers a 125-mile loop tour that you can break up into separate days. The tour takes you close to 14 different waterfalls and plenty of pleasant parks, so you’ll be right in the middle of a fall-lover’s paradise.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Beautiful beaches are just one of the reasons you should visit Nantucket—the bike riding is also definitely one of the big ones. Especially in the fall, riding a bike through town allows you to get up close and personal with the quaint shops, which are perfect for fall foliage exploration. Autumn is also a lovely time to take in the enchanting architecture that’s perfectly accented by the colorful trees.
