Autumn Leaves Qúest: Top 7 Weekend Getaways in Fall, Where the Spectacular Hues Speak Volumes
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Embark on a journey through some of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States that come alive during the autumn season. From rustic log dwellings to picturesque villages, these locations offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
In the heart of New York, Letchworth State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, and Bear Mountain State Park showcase vibrant autumn colours and scenic trails. The Berkshires in Massachusetts, with its Appalachian Trail sections and botanical gardens, also offer a stunning display of fall foliage. Meanwhile, Devils Lake State Park in Wisconsin, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, and Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada are noteworthy for their autumn foliage and hiking opportunities.
For those seeking a taste of European charm, Woodstock, Vermont, is a must-visit. This quaint village bustles with unique shops, inviting restaurants, and lodging, all embodying the spirit of the fall season with covered bridges and farmers' markets filled with apples and pumpkins.
Colorado's Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, a 55-mile route, takes travellers past aspen groves, ghost towns, and traces of gold mining history, offering a close-up look at the Continental Divide. Autumn is elk mating season in Colorado, and Estes Park becomes a gathering point where elk sightings are almost certain along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Zephyr Cove Resort, located on Lake Tahoe's southeast shore, offers cozy lakefront cabins and campgrounds, with the surrounding trees turning brilliant shades of yellow and orange each fall.
The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is a scenic drive of 34.5 miles along Route 112, known for its spectacular fall foliage and designated as an American Scenic Byway. The Kancamagus Highway runs through the White Mountain National Forest, offering views of the Swift River, waterfalls, and Rocky Gorge, and reaches an elevation of almost 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass. There are six campgrounds available for extended stays along the Kancamagus Highway, as well as several hiking trails to explore.
Old World Wisconsin, the state's largest living history attraction, launches its Fall on the Farms program in September, offering hands-on seasonal activities at five historic farmsteads. Visitors can try pickling and fermenting vegetables, salting and smoking meats, making sausage, and helping with butter and cheese making. Old World Wisconsin also offers apple picking, cider pressing, harvesting pumpkins and corn, and the opportunity to meet heritage breed animals such as Kerry oxen, Cotswold sheep, and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs.
For those seeking adventure and relaxation, Woodstock, Vermont, offers a perfect blend of activities. Snowshoe treks through Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and quiet afternoons in boutiques provide a serene escape.
Adirondacks Cabins & Cottages offer rustic log dwellings and elegant Great Camps, surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountain views. Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as horseback riding, snowmobiling, boating, and Emerald Bay cruises.
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Wisconsin's Great River Road is the state's only National Scenic Byway, stretching along the Mississippi and passing through 33 communities. Guests at Zephyr Cove Resort can enjoy a variety of activities, including horseback riding and boating, from the full-service marina.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of history, these autumn destinations offer a unique and memorable experience. So pack your bags and embark on a journey through the stunning landscapes of the United States this autumn.
