How to Explore America's Best Fall Destinations

While many aspects of a great fall getaway are subjective in nature, most travelers would probably agree that fresh air, fall foliage and exciting autumn activities can greatly add to the fun. Here, then, are some of the best destinations in the United States for having a tremendous autumn escape.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Layered clothing

1. Maine in fall is dazzling, with vibrant foliage and brisk fresh air that make its amazing outdoors even more spectacular than usual. While most travelers think Portland or Acadia when heading to the Pine Tree State, heading to The Forks—the remote forested region where the Kennebec and Dead Rivers meet—is equally sensational.

2. You haven’t truly experienced a New England autumn until you’ve traversed the rural roads of Vermont, arguably the best "leaf-peeping" countryside in America. Burlington is at its best in the fall, especially when watching a sunset on the banks of Lake Champlain, and the journey there and back couldn’t be any better for car travel.

3. Salem, Massachusetts is another quintessentially autumn escape, and its age-old ties to witchcraft make it a natural for a Halloween-time getaway. Their Maritime Historic Site offers a true trip back in time, and a fall visit means missing the crowds of summer and the cold of winter.

4. Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park (also extending into Montana and Idaho) is an enticing destination any time, but fall visitors will find excellent weather and fine foliage—and smaller crowds than in spring and summer. The climate is still perfect for camping too, especially in early fall.

5. Park City, Utah is mainly seen as a winter and summer escape, but this hip and attractive mountain town is truly awesome come autumn. From exploring the cool bars and shops downtown to perfect fall activities like fishing and horseback riding, autumn visitors will find plenty to do and at better rates than in high season.

6. Northern California’s Gold Country is at its most inviting in fall, with leaves changing color and the perfect temperature between summer’s extreme heat and the winter snows. Placerville and Nevada City are two of the most active towns to explore, but smaller burgs like Jackson and Sutter Creek are well worth a look as well.

7. Down in Southern California, Pasadena beckons as a great fall stop. The often oppressive heat of summer is gone, and the city’s famous Rose Bowl comes alive with UCLA football games—plus its ongoing Sunday flea market, one of the largest in the world. This is also the perfect season for just strolling handsome Old Pasadena, with its varied retailers and bevy of cool restaurants and watering holes.

[slphilbrick]

on 10/22/2009 Being a New Englander, I'm familiar with autumn destinations in the area. I always suggest asking the locals as well for those hidden gems. Love your tips and suggestions for other areas I'm not so familiar with !