FINDING FALL
10 autumnal excursions, from leaf-peeping in the Adirondacks to apple-picking in Georgia
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Shohola Falls in the Poconos, Pa.
Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine
Stillwater, Minnesota
TRAVEL
There's just something uniquely special about a fall getaway. Cozy sweaters and roaring fires. Apple picking and cider sipping. Scary stories and haunted sites. Colorful leaves on the trees and a certain crispness in the air. The weather's ideal for spending lots of time outdoors, and it's "shoulder season" in a lot of places, which means fewer crowds and lower prices.
Here are some ideas for both quick weekend getaways and longer trips if you have more flexibility or some days off from school on the fall calendar.
Shenandoah County, Virginia
Every fall, leaf peepers flock to Skyline Drive to admire Shenandoah National Park's colorful foliage. But even if you don't want to join the crowds on the scenic byway, there are many ways to admire the region's autumnal splendor, from crossing the swinging bridge at Seven Bends State Park to riding the chairlift at Bryce Resort. Climb the 1930s-era Woodstock Tower for views of the Shenandoah River, or drive to the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge for a photo op. A guided horseback ride through George Washington National Forest or a fly-fishing class with Murray's Fly Shop also are good ways to spend an autumn morning or afternoon.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland might not be the first place you think about for a fall family getaway, but here's why you should. Cleveland Metroparks has 23,000 tree-filled acres awash with fall colors to explore, and picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park is about 30 minutes from downtown. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provides a fun way to take in the autumn scenery, or you could head to Holden Arboretum to get a bird's-eye view of fall foliage from the 500foot Canopy Walk that rises 65 feet above the forest floor. Fall festivals fill the calendar at this time of year, from Cleveland Oktoberfest to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point, featuring family-friendly daytime fun and outdoor scare zones and other more intense frights during the evening. Nearby farms host weekend events with corn mazes, wagon rides and other family fun.
The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondacks in upstate New York offer 6 million acres to explore and one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country. Autumnal colors can typically be appreciated from late September through the end of November, and the state's handy fall foliage report can help you time your trip for the best views. The options are almost endless for getting out into the splendid scenery. Active travelers can embark on mountain hikes or bike the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail, while more leisurely activities include rides on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad and scenic drives. For a unique Adirondacks adventure, pedal one of Revolution Rail Co.'s custom-built rail bikes or take to the skies with SunKiss Ballooning.
Grand County, Colorado
Like a golden wave, aspen groves light up Colorado's mountains in autumn. Grand County serves as the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can take to the trails to see colorful foliage and maybe even wildlife like elk, mule deer and moose. Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests are also awash in fall colors. Biking's another way to take in the autumn scenery; try the Fraser West Trail or the family-friendly St. Louis Creek Trail. A drive along the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic & Historic Byway will keep you reaching for your camera, and a guided horseback ride or fishing trip offers a different perspective on the area. To see the best fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area, aim to visit in September. Fun seasonal events in Grand County include Oktoberfest in downtown Fraser and the Town Square Scare in Kremmling.
The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania goes all in on fall foliage activities at prices that maximize both value and fun. The Poconos are home to 127 indigenous species of trees, plants and shrubs that show off their colors during the fall, and more than 260 miles of hiking trails traverse the region. Admire the changing season on a scenic train ride, hay ride, horseback ride or paddle, or add thrills aboard a mountain coaster or via railbike or zipline. The Poconos sees its fair share of day trippers, but magic happens when you get to settle in for a spell in spots like Jim Thorpe, where the quaint historic district is dotted with inns, B&Bs and guest houses.
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit is a beach town that's just as much fun in the fall as during the summer. There are more than 3 miles of beach at the ready for running, sandcastle building and enjoying fall breezes, plus the mile-long Marginal Way cliff walk for taking in scenic Atlantic Ocean views. Or see everything from the water on a lighthouse cruise with Finestkind Scenic Cruises, offered through mid-October. The company also offers a family-friendly firsthand lobstering experience, an informative precursor to a waterside meal at Ogunquit Beach Lobster House. Time your visit to the annual OgunquitFest held in October and you can take part in children's trick-or-treating activities, a dog costume parade, an artisan craft fair and other fall fun.
Bastrop, Texas
An easy drive from Austin, Houston and San Antonio, Bastrop boasts an enviable spot along the Colorado River. Head to the charming downtown for shopping and dining, or follow the Bastrop County, Texas, Film Trail to see filming locations for movies like the seasonally appropriate horror classic "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." For leaf peeping, hike or drive through 7,400-acre Bastrop State Park, which sits at the edge of the Lost Pines, a unique 13-mile stretch of loblolly forest.Community Gardens Nursery hosts an annual pumpkin patch on weekends in October with bounce houses, train rides and other activities, and McKinney Roughs Nature Park is home to a thrilling zipline adventure.
St. Croix River Valley, Minnesota
Designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1968, the St. Croix River is considered one of the best rivers for canoeing in the country. Minnesota's St. Croix River Valley is an easy trip from Minneapolis-St. Paul and other Midwestern locales. Families can enjoy the tributary and take in the fall foliage at spots like peaceful Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park, which offers clifftop views of the river. Shop for books and Scandinavian home decor in the river town of Stillwater or admire antiques and historic homes in Hastings. You can find apple orchards, pumpkin patches and other fall fun throughout the area during the autumn months.
Moab, Utah
Home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab sees a lot of visitors during the summer months. But fall also is a great time to visit this desert destination in southeastern Utah, where autumn-hued cottonwood trees and late-blooming wildflowers adorn the banks of the Colorado River. Milder temperatures make a fall trip ideal for hiking, biking, bird-watching and other outdoor pursuits. Young paleontologists will love learning about local discoveries at the Moab Museum and Moab Giants Museum and Dinosaur Park, while photographers will find plenty of scenic vistas to capture. When it's time to eat, the Moab Food Truck Park should satisfy everyone in the family, serving up everything from pizza and tacos to gelato.
Ellijay, Georgia
The North Georgia mountain town of Ellijay is known as the state's Apple Capital, with more than 22 varieties of apples harvested during the fall. Get in on the seasonal fun at spots like B.J. Reece Orchards, home to U-pick orchards, a petting farm, pony rides and famous fried apple pies, and R&A Orchards, which offers behindthe-scenes tractor rides and farm tours during apple season. Fall also means events like the Ellijay Bacon Festival, Georgia Apple Festival and Apple Arts Festival where visitors can find crafts and all kinds of good eats. Hike the trails at Carters Lake, Fort Mountain State Park and Amicalola Falls State Park to take in fall foliage on foot.
