Today is the first day of fall, and you know what that means! Mother Nature is getting ready to turn down the thermostat and paint herself in brilliant hues of scarlet, tangerine and gold. This time of year is special because it delivers fun, fall-exclusive activities like bonfires, camping trips, corn mazes and hayrides, and at the stroke of midnight, everything will turn to pumpkin spice.
One of the easiest fall activities, of course, is simply viewing the beautiful display of changing leaves. Today, we'd like to share some of the best locations to enjoy this charming foliage, with apple cider and a pumpkin-spice muffin in hand.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is aptly named for the aspen trees that dominate the region. In autumn, these trees are gilded in a rich, buttery gold and are absolutely stunning against a backdrop of bluish mountains.
One unique way to experience this dazzling view is by taking a 20-minute gondola ride from the heart of Aspen up to the summit of Aspen Mountain. At the summit, you can enjoy the many restaurants and take advantage of plenty of opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. What better place to experience the fall foliage than in a town named after a tree?
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts more than 100 species of native trees, so it easily fits the bill as a top foliage destination. Visitors can hit the park’s countless hiking trails and might even stumble upon a waterfall or two! If that sounds like your cup of cider, consider hiking to Rainbow Falls, a waterfall whose mist produces a rainbow on sunny afternoons. The warm tones of the leaves combined with the iridescent glow of a rainbow should make for an incredible aesthetic experience.
Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
The Green Mountain Byway is a route through Vermont that runs through the northern Green Mountains to the west and the Worcester Range to the east. With mountains in all directions, the route boasts a beautiful display of nature during any season--but most notably in autumn. The route is surrounded by maple, birch and beech trees that together create a breathtaking display of gold, copper and ruby. The area contains three state parks and two state forests, so there are countless destinations from which to appreciate the phenomenal view.
The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondacks are heavily wooded mountains in New York whose trees explode into rich ambers, soft oranges and deep maroons each fall. The area is intersected by 12 scenic byways. Our personal favorite is the award-winning Lake to Locks passage along Lake Champlain, which is said to be one of the most beautiful roadways in the world, especially during the fall.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires is a highland region in western Massachusetts that provides a stunning array of autumnal hues starting in late September. Foliage in the Berkshires includes bright yellows, warm oranges and blazing reds. If you find yourself in the region on Oct. 10 or 11, check out the Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival. With family activities, food vendors, crafts, and more, the festival is a great way to celebrate the season and get the whole family into the fall spirit.
These are our picks for the best fall foliage, but don’t take our word for it! Get out there and #LiveRiveted, and discover the beauty of the season in your own neck of the woods! Be sure to share your travel updates with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
