Where to See the Best Fall Foliage
by Suzanne Carmel
When
the summer travel season ends and throngs of tourists head back home to work and
school, the fall season brings cool, crisp weather, vibrant colors and an easy
pace in which to explore the landscape. As autumn leaves change color,
hikers, bikers and road trippers come outdoors to welcome the new season.
There
are many wonderful places across the United States where September and October
usher in shades of red, yellow and orange; magically transforming vistas already
breathtakingly beautiful. During fall, every twist on a path or road brings a
new surprise, as the possibilities in these five states illustrate.
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Photo
©Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism | Massachusetts
The
best time to experience fall in this East Coast state is from the middle of September
to the end of October. State foresters issue fall foliage reports in the morning
three times a week so you're sure to have the inside scoop on where to see the
best hues. The state tourist office offers tips such as visiting mid week or exploring
back roads to enjoy the season leisurely. Locals and visitors alike enjoy hiking,
biking, canoeing — even tramping through a pumpkin patch to find the perfect one.
Consider
driving down roads in Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and on the Mohawk Trail — one
of the most traveled fall foliage routes. Historic small villages, bucolic farms,
seaside towns and rolling countryside are all awaiting your visit.
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Photo
© New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism | New
Hampshire
The
fall season in New Hampshire varies a bit, but generally takes place from mid-September
to mid-October. The state has 14 officially designated scenic drives covering
over 900 miles. Suggested activities include canoeing in the Connecticut River
Valley, biking on the Sugar River Recreational Trail, driving through towns like
Bath, Columbia, Cornish, Langdon and Newport and hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Drive
across one of the state's more than 50 covered bridges, soar high above the multicolored
trees in one of the ski resorts' gondolas and enjoy assorted fall activities
such as agricultural fairs, antiquing, and llama trekking.
Vermont
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Photo
© Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing |
Vermont
enjoys a relatively long fall foliage season, typically beginning in early September
and ending in late October. Color changes start in the higher elevations of northern
Vermont and travel through the state to the lower elevations. Practice your swing on some of New England's most scenic golf
courses, or on one of many tennis courts. Take a guided horseback ride, fish in
local lakes and streams and pick up some of the maple products that make the
state famous.
Some
of the top fall festivals and events in Vermont will enhance your visit, such
as the Plymouth Cheese & Harvest Festival in September, the Shelbourne
Fine Wine & Food Festival in September, the Underhill Annual Old fashioned
Harvest Festival in September, and the Annual Vermont Sheep &
Wool Festival in Essex Junction in October.
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Tahquamenon
Falls © Thomas A. Schneider |
Michigan
When
fall colors blanket the landscape in this Midwest state there are many
opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery. Drive along the state's Upper Peninsula
on Brockway Mountain Drive or visit one of the largest waterfalls west of the
Mississippi, Tahquamenon Falls. In Michigan's Lower Peninsula, hike up the dunes
at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a terrific view of Lake Michigan.
During
fall, pick fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets, roadside stands and
U-Pick farms throughout the state. Drive a jeep through the Huron-Manistee National
Forest on one of Sandy Korners Fall Color Tours, soar above the trees on a yellow
open-top biplane of Skydance Air Tours or hike through Holland State Park — one
of the most popular parks in Michigan.
Wisconsin
From
mid-September to mid-October, Wisconsin offers visitors prime fall color viewing
with a variety of activities to highlight the best of the season. Fall drives
along routes such as the Lake Michigan shoreline, Kettle Moraine State Forest
and Great River Road showcase the enhanced beauty of the landscape. Resort destinations
including Door County, Cedarburg, Bayfield, Prairie du Chien and Lake Geneva offer
romantic autumn retreats.
Families
will enjoy finding their way through local corn mazes, haunted houses and local
fall festivals such as Laura Ingalls Wilder Days in Pepin (Sept. 21 - 22), Octoberfest
in Appleton on September 28, the Bayfield Apple Festival (Oct. 4 - 6), Zoo Boo
in Green Bay (Oct. 18 - 19 and 25 - 26) and Autumn Harvest Fest in the Wisconsin
Dells (Oct. 19 - 20).
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Five steps you can take to make your autumn odyssey
a great one:
Make Early Reservations
People travel
from all over the globe to witness fall colors. It's not uncommon for
inns and hotels to fill up as much as a year in advance. But, even during "peak"
foliage season, there are always rooms in Vermont. To help you find them, check
our lodging availability map which is linked directly to our online Travel Planner.
Book Midweek
Experienced foliage
visitors come midweek when weekend crowds are long gone. For other
insider "secrets," read our Fall Travel Tips section.
Don't
Worry About Peak Foliage
There is no magical moment when the leaves
reach their most vibrant. Peak is a continuum and every season it moves differently
depending on weather patterns, soil conditions and the health of the forests.
Location plays a big part.
Stay Off the Beaten Track
Not
only will you avoid the bigger crowds found in resort areas, you'll enjoy some
breathtaking drives. While we're on the subject of driving, be sure to check
out our recommended Scenic Drives.
Ask the
Locals
The best views are easy to find — if you know where
to look. A great source for local information is the county forest ranger. They watch the colors for foliage updates. Stop
in at the county headquarters and they'll be more than eager to share their favorite
viewpoint.
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