VIRGINIA
When: Early to late October
Where: Entire state
Why: Whether you’re in the mood for pumpkin picking at the Chesterfield Berry Farm a pint at AmRhein Wien Cellar’s Oktoberfest, Virginia’s got you covered for fall festivities and fun. From the state’s eastern shores to the Appalachian Mountains, colors are abound on Virginia’s infamous highways: Blue Ride Parkway and Skyline Drive.
More: fallinvirginia.org

NEW YORK
When: The last two weeks of September to the first week of November, depending on region
Where: The Adirondacks, Catskills, Finger Lakes and Chautaugua
Why: Quaint B&Bs provide the perfect setting for kicking back and soaking up the season’s beauty. Reds, oranges and deep gold canopies provide picturesque backdrops against fabled regions like The Adirondacks and Finger Lakes. Head to the Point Au Roche Lodge on Lake Champlain for brisk canoeing, kayaking or boating, or situate yourself on a 300-foot bluff at Ecce Bed and Breakfast overlooking the Delaware River, and offering frequent spotting of bald eagles.
More: iloveny.com/fall or visitlakegeorge.com

OHIO
When: Second week in October
Where: Central and Northern Ohio
Why: Hike or bike through charming small towns and stop at antique shops along one of Ohio’s finest Rails-to-Trails paths. If the dates match, stop in for one of the state’s fall festivals including Mansfield’s Ohio Heritage Day, Fall Color Walk, Night House Tours and Hay Rides or Hearthside Cooking to keep you toasty in the crisp fall chill.
More: mansfieldtourism.com

MICHIGAN
When: Late September to Early October for the northern regions, mid October for central areas
Where: Entire state, especially northern areas
Why: Look no farther than Michigan for the optimum in splashing fall colors. From deep ruby reds to glittering golds, the leaves provide a magnificent backdrop along the crystal blue shores of the Great Lakes. Around every bend you’ll find local U-pick orchards, pumpkin patches, cider mills, autumn festivals and even haunted houses that are sure to put you in the perfect fall mood. Consider Traverse City, a tiny, quaint town located on Lake Michigan’s Traverse Bay – you’ll find eclectic boutique shops, a vast array of local wineries and a vibrant atmosphere to complement the changing of seasons.
More: michigan.org or mytraversecity.com

WISCONSIN
When: Early September to Early November
Where: Thoughout Central state
Why: Find some wheels, no matter if it’s motorcycle of car, and head north along the Cranberry Highway, where motorists pass crimson cranberry marshes flooded over with the tart juicy jewels. Stop for a guided tour if the urge strikes you, or check out local vendors for palette-pleasers like cranberry sundaes, muffins and cheesecake. Who could resist?
More: travelwisconsin.com or cranberryhighway.com

COLORADO
When: September through October, depending on elevation.
Where: Aspen, as well as the entire state, offers brilliant yellow-gold leaves.
Why: Technically not a northern state, Colorado's high altitudes make for prime leaf viewing, and we just had to include it in our round-up. As if the fall scenery weren’t enough of a bribe, autumn in Aspen is considered off-season for travelers – meaning big discounts for you. The gorgeous mountains provide the perfect location for leaf peeping, or taking off on a paraglide. Aspen Expeditions’ tandem guides will take you to the top of Aspen Mountain for what’s sure to be the biggest adrenaline rush you’ve ever gotten from changing leaves.
More: aspenchamber.org

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