Although there might be a lot of people who are not ready for summer to end, it’s not bad after all because fall offers beautiful sceneries. After summertime is over, each state will experience its own unique view of fall over the next few months. As a result, people who love watching leaves change will start travelling to places where the views are stunning. New York, Maine and New Hampshire always have great seasonal views and attract a lot of people. However, there are other places you can visit to see fall colors or engage in activities such as hiking or biking. Here are 5 great places you can visit to see fall colors:
Stowe, Vermont
New England is well known with fall colors in the US especially when you visit at the right time. There are numerous plants that turn varying shades of red, orange, yellow and brown from September through mid-October. Much of the credit to these shades go to the sugar maple although there are other trees that have yellow and orange shades for example oaks, basswood and alders. Stowe is well connected to hundreds of mile of biking and hiking trails which you can use for sightseeing. In addition, the area has an easy access to the highest points of the Green Mountains where you can enjoy beautiful sceneries if you are up for it.
Columbia River George, Oregon
Columbia River Gorge is a home to more than 50 waterfalls which are a great spectacle to see. However, the best time to visit is during the fall months when firs, Oregon mash, twisted pines and cottonwoods start showing their colors. To see fall colors, you can drive along the river, bike or hike a variety of trails or raft/kayak down the river. If you are planning to visit Columbia River Gorge, the best time to do it is between mid-September and mid-October.
Zion National Park, Utah
Although you won’t find vast forests changing colors at once, Zion National Park has spots of crimson maples, cottonwoods, yellows of box elders and burnt-orange oaks. All these beautiful sceneries are set against the pale rocks of Zion and the blue desert sky making the view memorable. To see fall colors, you can start with the popular Emerald Pools trail hike. The trail hike starts from the lodge and goes all the way to the waterfalls and the crystalline pools. This trail hike is usually recommended if you would like to see deciduous trees of Zion. However, to see the maple grooves, consider taking the arroyos of East Zion. It is advisable to have a map, a tour guide or research in advance before taking the hikes to avoid getting lost or missing important places.
The Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina & Tennessee
This is one of the most visited national parks in the US because it has more than 100 species of native trees. Maples, hickories, sweetgums and scarlet oaks are some of the species which makes the park worth a visit. On autumn, the trees display an orange, gold, purple and crimson colors which attract leaf peepers. With more than 800 miles of hiking trails and scenic roads, you can spend days exploring the vast forests. The best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains is from early October to early November when fall colors are distinct.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan state forest encompasses nearly 4 million acres making it the largest forest system in Eastern US. As a result, Upper Peninsula has more than twenty forested parks where you can take a tour. This densely forested Peninsula is sandwiched between three lakes which offer an added advantage to those who visit. You can swim, kayak or ride boats on these lakes. There are numerous tree species which offer a wide range of fall colors. Some of the tree species in Upper Peninsula include Aspen, Ash, oak, maple, sycamore, birch, beech and tamarack. The most ideal time to visit Upper Peninsula is from mid-September to mid-October although the peak happens in October.
It is evident that there are numerous places in the US where you can visit and see fall colors. However, you will have to do thorough research to find what you are looking for. In addition, familiarizing yourself with local places, cultures and local people is important before you embark on your tour. Finally, if you are planning to visit for a few days, consider having an estimated budget and plan your accommodation in advance to avoid experiencing problems when you arrive.
If you have a favorite place let us know.