While many regions across the U.S. experience a fall season, the East Coast is the real star of the autumn show. The changing leaves and crisp mid-October air make for a refreshing outdoor adventure. Embark on a hike, take a bike ride, visit a national park or check out a farm or festival. Where to go? Here’s some of the best fall getaway options along the east coast (listed from north to south):
Acadia National Park, Maine
Home to some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife on the Eastern Seaboard, this 47,000-acre park is located near the town of Bar Harbor Maine. Known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park is known as one of the best places to see fall foliage in all of New England! Take a scenic drive through the 27-mile long Park Loop Road which traverses through ponds, rocky cliffs, mountains and beaches really giving you an opportunity to view the foliage colors all across the park. Looking for some exercise? The sea breezes and crisp autumn weather make it the perfect biking or hiking destination with beautiful views of the Atlantic coastline as it meets the rugged terrain. If spending the night, I suggest getting up early to try and catch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Finally, wrap up in a sweater, take a stroll along a beach or the town of Bar Harbor and enjoy a hot buttered lobster roll or steamy cup of clam chowder.
Stowe, Vermont
Vermont’s sugar maple trees stacked on the Green Mountains give off some of the most vibrant reds, oranges and golds, making it a gorgeous fall getaway. Drive along the many scenic routes like the Green Mountain Byway or Auto Toll Road to breathe in the fresh air and take in the breathtaking views. If you’re looking for adventure take a hike, mountain bike or even zip line for a magnificent birds eye view. For something more relaxing, there’s a gondola sky ride or you can stroll around town, visit a brewery or check out one of the many fall festivals.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
The fall foliage display at Lake Winnipesaukee is breathtaking and every year people travel from all over the world to admire the variation of colors. Start by taking a lap around the 134-mile Lakes Loop, where a series of highways take you on a tour through some of the state’s prettiest small towns, castles and fall foliage views. Then, relax lakeside and enjoy the small town life amongst the autumn views. Don’t leave without going on a scenic road trip through the mountains on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Want to escape to rolling hills of stunning fall foliage, head to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. Positioned between New York and Boston the Berkshires area plays out the best of two worlds, it will satisfy your yearning for the quiet, scenic countryside, yet also provide a variety of culture and art. There’s several charming towns to choose from, including Lenox, Stockbridge and Pittsfield, and at this time of year, you can easily drive from town to town. The region is filled with river valleys and peaks that expose the red and orange fall leaves in a new light. You’ll come across several historic roads and trails as you hop from town to town. Visit wineries, apple orchards and pumpkin patches or take part in activities like hiking along the Appalachian Trail or biking. I suggest fitting in a visit to Bash Bish Falls, the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts. Besides the great outdoors, the Berkshire region is noted as a center for the visual and performing arts. Art museums include the Norman Rockwell Museum, Clark Art Institute, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA), Berkshire Museum, Hancock Shaker Village and the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA). For a great meal, you may want to explore the Berkshires impressive farm-to-table scene.
Adirondacks, New York
From harvest festivals to scenic hikes and beautiful landscapes, fall is the perfect time to visit the Adirondacks.There are no park fees to enter and no gates that close at night, just a boundless natural preserve and the promise of adventure. Explore the hiking trails of the famed Adirondack High Peaks or unwind on one of the many pristine lakes. A hike will reward you with views of waterfalls, ponds, colorful trees, historic sites and beautiful mountains. Want a breathtaking view of the fall foliage over sparkling water? Lake Placid is the place to go. This little village in the mountains overlooks Mirror Lake and is a busy tourist destination filled with plenty of things to do. You can horseback ride through the Adirondack trails, enjoy a scenic hike, fish or head to one of the many farms or fall festivals in town. The Adirondacks have received some great recognition. Lake George was named one of the most-beautiful lakes in the country, Lake Placid was named one of the most-beautiful towns in America and The Point on Saranac Lake was named one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset.
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Meander through the region’s 469 miles of gorgeous agricultural land and Appalachian Highlands, stretching from Virginia to North Carolina. Along your travels, pass old farmsteads, wooden fences and colorful scenic mountain overlooks. Embark on a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning scenery of colorful trees and close-up looks of the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Early colors of fall appear in late September and by the beginning of October, the foliage will be at its peak. With roaring streams, wild-flowering meadows and blazing sunsets topping tree-covered mountains, the Blue Ridge is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Blue Ridge Mountain communities have a distinct charm unlike any other. Surrounded by blue-toned panoramic vistas, these towns are home to some of the most rewarding mountain experiences in the Carolinas. From endless miles of hiking trails to local art shops and award-winning restaurants, towns along the Blue Ridge Mountains make the perfect day-trip for anyone visiting the area. Top picks are Asheville, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Hendersonville, Boone and Brevard in North Carolina or Clemson and Greenville in South Carolina.
Crisp, cool weather and brightly colored foliage make fall the perfect time to travel. There’s nothing quite like a fall vacation! The hustle and bustle of the summer is gone and the beauty of the autumn season makes the transition from summer to winter just a little bit easier on the soul.
These areas have various places to stay ranging from large known hotel brands to boutique hotels and quaint bed and breakfasts. Feel free to reach out, I’d be happy to help you get something booked. Take vacations, go as many places as you can. You can always make money, you can’t always make memories.
