September arrives, and just like that, it feels different. The crisp days call out for a romp through an apple orchard, followed by a picnic in flannel. Or a hike through the woods, followed by a glass of cider. From A to Z, travelers will find apple orchards, pumpkin patches and trees ablaze at destinations across the U.S. Plan a fall getaway, from outdoor activities to indoor relaxation by the fireplace. Here are the top fall destinations across the U.S. for the best getaway.
Top Fall Destinations Across the U.S.
Acadia National Park in Maine
Boston, Massachusetts
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina
Hudson Valley, New York
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
New Orleans, Louisiana
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
Salem, Massachusetts
Waterbury, Vermont
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
Zion National Park in Utah
Why You Should Take a Fall Getaway
The fall is an excellent time to get in a trip. From a quick weekend trip to a destination close by to an extended road trip exploring fall color destinations, travelers can enjoy lower rates from the summertime highs and cooler temperatures.
Destinations along the East Coast and in the mountains are top picks; however, I recommend desert landscapes as well. Or even an international destination.
Top National Parks to Visit During the Fall
Acadia National Park
As one of the most visited national parks on the U.S. East Coast, Acadia National Park is a popular Fall color destination. Acadia National Park is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River and offers many activities, from hiking to scenic drives.
With rocky shores, evergreen forests and pops of fall color, visitors can explore and see some of the best spots via a hike. The Park Rangers recommend several hikes for leaf peepers.
Acadia National Park is 270 miles from Boston, Massachusetts. Acadia National Park is open year-round, but there are seasonal road closures from November through March. Admission is $30 per car for a 7-day pass.
Best Things to See in Acadia National Park
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston feels like a big city with a small-town feel. Sure, there are some tall buildings; however, most travelers meander down the narrow streets and pass historic buildings. There is a friendliness to Boston, like you’re part of the family, as residents share their unique New England culture with travelers.
From the bountiful seafood to the integral part that it played in American History to its world-class museums, Boston is a top destination in the U.S. During the fall, visitors can enjoy crisp days and bright colors along the historic streets downtown.
Top 23 Things to Do in Boston
Grand Canyon National Park
Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the top 10 National Parks and a top destination in the U.S. Even seasoned travelers never tire of its view, scale and muted desert colors.
Open year-round, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon attracts visitors from around the globe as each marvels at its view. Scenic drives offer pockets of aspen and oaks, both of which change color.
Grand Canyon South Rim is located 59 miles north of Williams, Arizona, on Highway 64. The South Entrance is the most popular gateway, taking visitors through Tusayan. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $35.
Top Things to Do at Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spanning two states, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the U.S. With over 520,000 acres, there is plenty of space to wander. This mountain park changes into a different landscape through the seasons.
With about 100 native tree species, find several types of maples along with American beech, scarlet oak, sweet gum and hickories. Take a scenic drive for the easiest way to see fall color.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Unique to the park, a parking tag is required for parking. This physical tag can be purchased in the area at visitor centers, kiosks or through Recreation.gov. It must be displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard.
Daily Parking Pass $5
Weekly Parking Pass $15
Free Planning Guide to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Hudson Valley, NY
With the reflection of the Catskill Mountains shining off the Hudson River, this area of upstate New York has been a fall destination for generations. Here, you can pick some apples, sample its wine or dine in its acclaimed restaurants, many with chefs from the nearby Culinary Institute of America.
From several types of maples to oaks to ginkgo, leaf peepers will go wild for the Hudson Valley. Scenic drives, like U.S. Route 9 and hiking in a park, are the best ways to see the fall color.
Located about two hours north of New York City, Metro-North Commuter Rail and Amtrak both serve the area.
Top Things to See, Do and Eat in the Hudson Valley
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
This urban city offers 300,000 trees, so it’s a great place to enjoy a fall getaway. Even better is the convenience of exploring a city; Montreal boasts a French accent. From its food to its French-speaking residences, visitors can get the feel of a European getaway without the red-eye flight.
Visitors should head to its parks, like Mount Royal Park or Parc Jean Draper, for the best autumn colors. For flower lovers, the Montreal Botanical Garden can’t be beat.
Montreal is about four hours north of Boston for drivers. Montreal offers many international flights from the U.S., though a Passport or Passport Card is necessary for both land and air travel.
Top Things to Do in Montreal
New Orleans, LA
The heat of the summer is a memory, and NoLA loves to party. From its back-to-back festivals to the French Quarter, Fall is one of the best times to travel to New Orleans.
For the best time, take a guided tour, from history-based ghost tours to historic home tours. Make plans to sample its unique Creole food (make reservations before you arrive).
From Degas to a Drug Store: 14 Best New Orleans Museums
Rocky Mountain National Park
With over 70 mountaintops over 12,000 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers visitors the rugged wilderness and wildlife of North America’s famed mountains. A park dominated by wilderness, its aspen trees are the stars in the fall.
The easiest way to experience the fall color season is a scenic drive like Trail Ridge Road. However, hiking is another way to enjoy the cool weather and brilliant fall color. Park rangers recommend Sprague Lake, Bear Lake or Albert Falls for the best color.
Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. One-day admission costs $30 per car, or a 7-day pass is $35. Find seasonal road closures from October to May.
To visit Rocky Mountain National Park during its peak season, day visitors will need a timed entry to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from late May until late October. Two permits are available: a Bear Lake Corridor permit and a general Rocky Mountain National Park permit. The permits offer a 2-hour window to enter the park or area, and for more information, visit the NPS site.
Free Planning Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a quick trip from Boston. From its unique place in history, the 1690s witch trials, to the maritime industry, this charming town is walkable and scenic with its Colonial architecture.
For October, witches of all ages descend on Salem to retrace its infamous history. From February 1692 to May 1693, the town went into a hysterical fit, leading to the Salem Witch Trials.
Just 14 miles north of Boston, driving is the easiest way to get to Salem. For those who use public transportation, the MBTA Rockport Line stops in Salem from North Station.
Top Things to See in Salem this October
Waterbury, Vermont
A Fall Color awaits in Vermont for those yearning for cozy sweaters, cider and Vermont cheddar. The trees glow every shade of yellow, orange and red.
Along the route, visitors can sample Vermont’s bounty, including cider and maple-flavored everything. Hiking, covered bridges and scenic overlooks await, too.
Vermont Route 100 is a scenic byway that runs north-south from Vermont’s top to bottom. As travelers head through the Green Mountains, farm stands await with pumpkins, maple syrup and more.
Top Things to Do in Waterbury Vermont
Yellowstone National Park
Fall comes early in Yellowstone. Visitors will find Quaking Aspen, Narrowleaf Cottonwood, Willow and Hawthorne trees, all ablaze in color.
Though fall is a beautiful time to visit, some lodging and services close in early September. The Mammoth and Old Faithful areas are the best for fall visits.
Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming. Open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. A 7-day pass for $35 per vehicle.
What to See at Mammoth Hot Springs Area of Yellowstone
Zion National Park
Starting at the top of Zion’s ridges, fall colors dip into the valley, turning the Fremont Cottonwoods a sunny yellow. The contrast of the red sandstone and the evergreen pinyon and juniper trees is stunning.
Traveling by shuttle bus up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a top thing to do. With mild weather, hiking is another top activity.
Zion National Park is located in Southern Utah. Open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. A 7-day pass for $35 per vehicle.
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