FindItMore | Even though you don’t have to go far to experience the bold colors of the fall foliage, it’s always fun to pack the family in the car and take a trip across the good ole US of A! From the beautiful rivers and covered bridges of New England to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest this country has beauty all around it. Leaf peeping is one of the least expensive ways to experience America’s awe-inspiring beauty, and some locations are a must for travelers. Below are some favorites from Gator Chrysler Dodge (Melbourne, FL).
Aspen, Colorado
This world-famous city is named after the tree making it a go-to destination for leaf peepers. The leaves in Aspen turn a bright yellow in the fall and flow in the breeze when the sun hits them. The Aspen trees have shades of gold in autumn, and it makes for a striking contrast with the evergreens and jagged mountain peaks. While the ski resort town will be buzzing during the winter, it tends to mellow during the fall months, making it the perfect time to go.
The Catskills, New York
The Catskills spans 6,000 square miles in southeastern New York and is home to six major river systems and thirty-five mountain peaks over 3,500 feet. A terrific year-round destination, the Catskills are especially gorgeous around the fall when the yellows, oranges, and reds light up the wooded hillsides. Visitors savor the fall harvest, which is when many of the region’s villages host festivals, crafts fairs, farmer’s markets, and pick-your-own apple orchards.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The narrowing and winding roads of the Berkshires connect mountain hamlets that set against the forest backdrop of reds and yellows making for the best gallery-hopping and antiquing road trip of your life. If that’s not your scene, you can spend the weekend in one of the region’s historic spas, soaking in the spectacular autumn views.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Located within the Cascade Mountains between southern Washington and northern Oregon, the eighty-mile Columbia River Gorge is an impressive sight. When fall approaches, the cottonwoods, big-leaf maples, Oregon ash, and twisted pines start to show their colors, making an already sublime view even more breathtaking. Travelers can choose to take in the red and yellow hues while taking a trip along the Columbia River, hiking the plethora of trails, or kayaking down the river.
Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
One of the most spectacular displays of color is all New England, this eleven-mile route bisects Vermont and is filled with maple, birch, and beech trees. Start your trip in Waterbury, home of Ben and Jerry’s and then head into Stowe which has one of the most famous ski resorts in the northeast. Along the way, you will pass through two state forests and three state parks.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
The incredible eighty-three-mile loop starts and ends in Taos and has become the go-to destination for aspen lovers. Not only do the aspens in this area turn a golden yellow, but dark orange as well. The route encompasses the 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point, and the mountain vistas offer a unique southern take on autumn colors. The aspens may steal the show, but there are also purple cottonwoods in the fiery shades which range from bright red to yellow.
These are just some of the destinations you can head to this fall! There is much more of this country to see, so grab your cider, hop in the car and enjoy the leaf-peeping season!
