What are you waiting for? If you really want to enjoy fall foliage, you’ve got to get out of the car.
And that includes all of you at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country’s most-visited national park, where so many visitors stay in their vehicles that they’ve got a special moniker, “windshield wiper tourists,” because they use their wipers to clear condensation rather than getting out to explore.
Whether you are in the country and whatever your budget, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy fall colors, whether it’s taking a walk in a city park, hiking or biking in a mountain town, or trying something new amid the foliage (fly fishing, perhaps, or an end-of-season paddle?).
People want to get outdoors—or say they do, at least. According to Kampgrounds of America, nearly 80 percent of fall travelers are opting for outdoor experiences, with a third of non-campers saying they are thinking about camping for the first time. And that doesn’t necessarily mean in a tent, as KOA campground guests can opt for cabins complete with kitchens and fire pits at more than 500 campgrounds.
At the same time, 83 percent of those surveyed by Airbnb report that fall foliage is important to them when planning a fall getaway. (A tip: Those booking eligible domestic stays can now reserve a listing with no upfront payment and pay before their trip with the new “reserve now, pay Later feature.)
According to the Airbnb survey, Vermont garners the most searches for fall foliage. followed by New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, and Minnesota. As a Coloradan, I think everyone should come here to see the fabulous quaking Aspens.
Time your visits around fall festivals that coincide with the best of the season. The Foliage Arts Festival (Oct. 8 to 10) in Stowe, Vermont, offers peak color plus local artisans, while Lake Placid’s Flaming Leaves Festival (Oct. 11 to 12) combines ski jumping competitions with spectacular foliage viewing. The Great Adirondack Corn Maze at Tucker Farms near Lake Placid offers wide-open mountain views and family fun.
Come to Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the International Balloon Fiesta (Oct. 4 to Oct. 12) and enjoy the Balloon Glows before driving into the Sandia Mountains for the views of the yellowing Aspen trees.
Come to Boston in October for the Charles Regatta (Oct. 17 to 19) where you will be surrounded by fall colors as you watch the rowers. The Hotel Commonwealth has deals of up to 20 percent off their best flexible rate when you book at least 14 days in advance.
In Vail, Colorado, the inaugural Good Music for a Good Mynd concert event (Oct. 11 to 12) supports mental health awareness with booths hosted by mental health organizations and with a portion of proceeds benefiting local nonprofits providing mental health services. Check out the offers at The Hythe Vail, including breakfast for two and a $100 resort credit with a two-night stay.
There are plenty of deals—and fun—to be had around the country, especially in ski country. Travel mid-week for the best deals if you can.
In Vermont, Topnotch Resort’s Stowe-liage Foliage package (from $279) includes a $100 nightly resort credit, essentially covering meals while you enjoy views of Mt. Mansfield from the heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi.
In Lake Placid, New York, the High Peaks Resort offers a Mountains and Maple package (from $173) that includes authentic maple syrup, maple cotton candy, maple popcorn, and resort mugs for less than you’d pay separately.
In Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado, the pet- and kid-friendly Limelight Hotels are offering 30 percent off on stays of three nights, complimentary breakfasts, a $100 food and beverage credit, and more. Those who love to bake desserts should come for The Aspen Pastry Invitational (Oct. 9 to 11) being run jointly by Aspen Meadows Resort, the Hotel Jerome, and the Little Nell where top pastry chefs showcase their talent through workshops and interactive experiences.
Book an Autumn Away package at a Montage Hotel, including at Big Sky, Montana, and Deer Valley, Utah, and get the fourth night free.
Also in Deer Valley, the Stein Collection is touting the Season of Savings package which includes 15 percent off the best available rate and a complimentary third night. We loved our stay at their Chateaux Deer Valley.
Join Best Western Hotels rewards and earn double points this fall on qualifying stays at any Best Western Hotel or participating WorldHotels property.
Try something new—like a National Park eBike tour with Escape Adventures. The company offers an array of fall foliage bike tours, including in Yellowstone, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. (Trips start at $1,199 per person.)
Head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to witness the elk rut (mating season) and see migrating bison. Residents of Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Colorado, and South Dakota are invited to take advantage of exclusive rates at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, which boasts many complimentary activities (such as s’mores by the pool, and flex and flow yoga).
Hike to three cascading waterfalls amid fall foliage in McCloud, California, a historic mill town where the McCloud River flows through canyons and you can hike the framed McCloud River Falls.
The leaf-peeping experts we know suggest that you time your trip to see the leaves at their most glorious. The highest elevations will peak earlier. For example, in the Adirondacks, peak foliage arrives in late September at higher elevations, such as near Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, while lower elevations near Lake Champlain peak just before mid-October. Use the region’s fall foliage reports to help you plan.
And don’t despair if you encounter bad weather. Remember, that means more saturated colors and time for the spa, a leisurely brunch, indoor tennis, pickleball, or a museum.
Now, who in your family can collect the most leaves of different colors?
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