Fall getaway ideas to see the colors
Photo by Jim Cole
There's hardly anything more beautiful than autumn. The temperature cools and the leaves change to vibrant colors. What better way to celebrate these changes than with a socially-distanced getaway?
If you're not quite sure where you should plan a road trip getaway this year, take a look at these fall ideas.
Middleburg, Virginia
Middleburg is a small town featuring 18th-century buildings, antique shops, galleries, and horse farms. Perhaps the most captivating feature of this one-stoplight town is its fall backdrop. Stay at one of Middleburg's most popular resorts and admire the foliage from your private two-person suite wraparound patio and garden. The resort's spa even offers a Fall Rebalancing therapy, which features a massage that involves the aromas of grapefruit, frankincense, pine, ylang-ylang, and more.
Katy Trail, Missouri
Would you like to celebrate the new season with a long day of hiking or biking? You will definitely want to visit the Katy Trail in Missouri. This 225-mile trail happens to run along the Missouri River and through the middle of wine country. And there's plenty of bed and breakfast establishments along the trail if you need to take a rest from your journey.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
What better place to be surrounded by natural beauty than Hocking Hills? Take a walk on the Blackhand sandstone gorge and explore Old Man's Cave. This oasis features several waterfalls and is surrounded by colorful foliage. Not too far from Old Man's Cave is Cedar Falls Hiking Trail, which traces a stunning route through forestry. There you'll find cascades and rock formations. After ziplining through the treetops, settle in for a beautiful night in a cabin.
Photo by Thomas Morse
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is set in the White River National Forest and is known for its top-notch ski resorts. However, it's also a prime location to enjoy the turning of the leaves. Admire Colorado's golden yellow trees while hiking through the Hunter Creek Valley.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is known for its rolling hills, cool summers, landmarks, architecture, and fog. But it's street fairs, festivals, and wine country are what make it an ideal spot between September and November. San Francisco's clear skies and warm temperatures are perfect if you're interested in taking photos. Take in all that nature has to offer as you enjoy the music, murals, food, and outdoor board games.
Abingdon, Virginia
If you want to become one with nature and don't mind a little exercise, visit Abingdon, VA. This is another small town that showcases fall colors in all of their glory. What makes this Blue Ridge Mountains location the ideal spot for a getaway is its selection of cozy accommodations, indie shops, and restaurants. Start the day with horseback riding through the Virginia Creeper Trail, biking through the Jefferson National Forest, or hiking through the Appalachian Trail.
Photo by Kyle Hinkson
Albuquerque, New Mexico
What attracts visitors to Albuquerque are its landscapes and desert plains. And you can experience it all during the International Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy the scenic, Autumn view from a hot air balloon. The festival typically starts in October.
Lake Geneva in Wisconsin
Lake Geneva features boating, boutique shopping, observatory tours, and unique restaurants. But most importantly, it offers all sorts of activities that fall lovers are sure to gush over. Pick pumpkins and apples. Get lost in corn mazes. Enjoy potato pancakes, cider doughnuts, and purchase hand-made products from artisans during Oktoberfest.
Litchfield Hills
Are you searching for the type of picturesque location that you only see in postcards? Well, take a trip to Litchfield Hills. Located in Western Connecticut, Litchfield Hills is at the base of the Berkshire Mountains. This landscape holds aspen, maple, birch, and beech trees. When you're not admiring the great outdoors, you can visit the art galleries, antique shops, and eateries.
Photo by Chad Madden
The Great Smoky Mountains
When it comes to fall scenes, there's hardly anything more captivating than the Great Smoky Mountains located in the state of Tennessee. Visit Gatlinburg to relish miles of landscapes. Hike up to Newfound Gap, where you can take in nature from 1,400 feet above sea level.
Photo by MacKenzi Martin
Adirondack, New York
Would you like to get away from the everyday hustle of the city? Well, consider visiting Adirondack, New York. This tranquil location is home to the Adirondack Mountains. They're reportedly the largest wilderness area in the Eastern U.S. The Adirondack Mountains feature the best in maple, beech, oak, and birch trees. The Adirondack Mountains offer the perfect display of red, yellow, and orange colored landscapes.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
No matter the time of year, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, is always beautiful. However, it's particularly stunning during the fall months when the trees are bursting with color. Take a scenic, 80-mile drive along the river and behold the bronze and gold. You may also walk through miles of trails and be misted by the countless waterfalls.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Lancaster County is another quiet location that embraces a simpler way of life. Take a tour of the Amish communities during harvest season. Enjoy the landscapes while riding on a bus or by guided horse and buggy. Fall is the ideal season in which to learn how the Amish grows crops, raises livestock, and cans foods.
Pine Creek Gorge
This list would hardly be complete without mentioning the Pine Creek Gorge, also referred to as Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. Nestled in the heart of Wellsboro PA, Pine Creek Gorge is 45 miles long and has a depth of more than 1500 feet. The best thing about going during the cooler months is that there are fewer insects. You can focus solely on the breathtaking views and colors. Spend your fall vacation strolling through the Pine Creek Rail Trail or hike up the paths that veer off onto the beautiful unpaved paths.
As you can see, if you're considering taking a weekend trip to celebrate the fall, there are so many options available to you. From hiking through mountain trails to taking guided horse and buggy tours, there's no shortage of fall activities.
Each destination has its own personality and showcases the brilliance of fall in a unique way. Whether you want to be active or take things nice and slow, there's something for everyone.
Just make sure that you're always aware of the weather, and be sure to follow state and local restrictions related to COVID-19 and traveling.
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