9 Fall Vacations to Take This Year
There’s no better time to get outside and soak up the last bits of warm weather than with an autumn expedition.
Sure, vacations might be a bit more limited this year, but there are still plenty of spectacular destinations across the US just waiting to be explored. Countless parks showcase stunning foliage, filled with vivid red, green, yellow, and orange hues that blend with the sunset.
So, go ahead and sit down with your Newverest US National Parks Poster, a warm cup of cocoa, and a cozy blanket while reading this list to plan for your next unforgettable getaway.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Truly divine colors sweep across the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall, as the natural foliage transitions into warm shades of red, orange, and yellow.
The mountain range, located throughout Tennessee and North Carolina, contains countless small towns and villages neatly nestled into the ancient hillsides. Visitors to the area can witness the splendor of the mountains by hiking, biking, and rafting, though a casual drive through the winding highways can be just as enjoyable.
Aside from just relishing the scenery, families can also stop into Gatlinburg for wholesome fun such as horse riding, fine dining, and mini golf.
Zion National Park, Utah
Paul Newman and Robert Redford trekked across Zion National Park in their 1969 film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, showcasing the park’s untouched beauty.
Zion, located in the southwest corner of Utah, is as natural and untamed as any park ought to be. The spectacular area features a canyon of sedimentary rocks, contrasted by a variety of high desert shrubberies surrounding a river. As the cold weather creeps in, the plants lose their chlorophyll, and shift from dark green into a variety of lighter colors.
Many visitors often remark that Zion resembles Jurassic Park, which may not be too far off, as the layers of sedimentary rocks often reveal hidden fossils and remains.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Few areas in the continental US offer as breathtaking views as Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, as the surreal nature seems almost dreamlike.
Though Wyoming is most well-known for Yellowstone, it also offers stunning beauty just a stone’s throw away in the Tetons. The sharp and jagged mountains formed from glaciers cut through the quaint prairies like a hot knife through butter, rising thousands of feet above the surface level. Just below, spectators can witness pine, spruce, and cottonwood trees flickered throughout the grass prairies, as well as mountainous species such as elk, moose, and wolves.
Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Autumn adventures await in Ozark National Forest, a tranquil setting sure to delight any traveler.
Biking, hiking, and rafting are the best ways to see the Ozarks, as you’ll traverse through countless valleys, hillsides, and stone fields filled with untouched nature. Visitors to the area will surely want to pack their cameras though, as the dramatic scenes of waterfalls and stone formations present views well worthy of any screen saver.
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Quaint waterfalls, meandering streams, and gentle hillsides can be found in nearly any direction in the Poconos, which house some of Pennsylvania’s absolute greatest natural features.
Due to their location in the northeast, the Poconos are a bit more commercialized than other ranges. As such, visitors can stay in cabins, hotels, yurts, and campgrounds to enjoy the splendid nature.
Nevertheless, the range still offers unbelievable autumn views of red mulberry, hickory, ash, and sassafras trees that line the roadsides and walking paths. The uncontested views truly do look like something from a Bob Ross painting.
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Alaska
13,000 years ago, Asia was connected to North America via the Bering Land Bridge from east Russia to northwest Alaska. Although that land bridge has long been swallowed by the seas, the same natural diversity can be found just along the shoreline.
The Bering Land Bridge preserve is incredibly remote, but those willing to make the trek are always rewarded with stunning views of lakes, prairies, and endless fields of dwarf birch shrubs that stain the hillsides red.
Missoula County, Montana
A-list celebrities love to escape to Montana in the autumn, to visit the likes of Missoula County and other stunning regions.
Missoula is a true gem, as the small town contains a healthy mix of local culture and stunning scenery. Visitors in the autumn can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, such as golf, horseback riding, trail running, and much more.
However, Missoula offers far more than just outdoor activities, as there are plenty of live music patios, delicious restaurants, and art galleries sprinkled throughout the town.
Durango, Colorado
The spirit of the American West has persisted in Durango, Colorado, as the small mountain town rests at the crossroads of nature and tradition.
Classic American architecture lines the streets of Durango, as the town once boomed from the mining industry. Today’s visitors can now relish the quiet area tucked away in southwest Colorado, to enjoy its wholesome culture and exceptional surrounding nature. Those who visit from mid-September to the end of October can take in breathtaking views as the cottonwoods change from soft green to a vivid yellow.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine’s Acadia National Park is like something straight out of a movie, as the gorgeous natural region is rich with foliage, rocky shorelines, and exotic wildlife.
Those touring Acadia can enjoy numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park also consists of sandy beaches, a charming lighthouse, and the booming Thunder Hole where waves create trademark reverberations like a cracking sky. Best of all, those who awake at dawn can peer out over the horizon, to witness the tranquil waters of the Atlantic illuminated by the rising sun.
Whether you’re just looking for your next big trip, or a quick weekend escape, these locations truly are gems that won’t disappoint. So, pack those bags, assemble the squad, and prepare for adventure!
