The 10 Best Places to Go in the Fall
We are about to embark on a journey through the best places to go in the fall in the United States.
Whether you’re an avid leaf-peeper seeking the peak fall foliage or simply looking for the perfect place to embrace the beauty of fall, I have created a list of the top 10 best places to go in the fall that promise to leave you in awe.
I have also included the top fall things to do at each place that you cannot miss while you are there!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The Gatlinburg Sky Bridge
Walk along the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge which is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.
What a great way to observe the fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Visit the Bear-Varian Fall Festival
Attend the Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg which operates from September 9th – October 31st.
The park is decorated for Halloween, and for an additional price, you can sample drink specials from local and regional breweries.
Stroll through the Treetop Skywalk and walk along the treetops as you take in the breathtaking views of the changing fall foliage in Gatlinburg.
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Enjoy the fall foliage while hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Hike the Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail to take in the spectacular views of the fall colors.
2. Red River Gorge in Kentucky
Check out my entire in-depth blog post on things to do in Red River Gorge Kentucky!
Hike the Original Trail & Laurel Ridge Trail in Natural Bridge State Park
Once you reach the top of the Natural Bridge in Red River Gorge, you will be offered breathtaking views of the fall foliage in Daniel Boone National Forest.
It is approximately a 2 mile moderate hike.
Ride the Sky Lift at Natural Bridge State Park
If you do not want to hike up to the Natural Bridge, ride the Sky Lift in Red River Gorge which will take you within short walking distance to the Natural Bridge.
Grab Coffee at Daniel Boone Coffee Shop & Pizza at Miguel’s Pizza
Two of the most popular places to eat in Red River Gorge Kentucky are Daniel Boone Coffee Shop and Miguel’s Pizza.
They both offer great food and a great atmosphere. These two places are must visits while you are in Red River Gorge!
3. Salem, Massachusetts
Tour the Salem Witch House
Tour the only place that still has a direct connection to the Salem Witch Trials. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin who was involved in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. You can do a self-guided house tour for $9 per adult (children 6 and under are free). Check out their website for more information.
Visit the Hocus Pocus Movie Sites
If you are a Halloween lover, you are probably familiar with the iconic Halloween movie “Hocus Pocus.”
This movie was filmed in Salem, Massachusetts, and you can visit all of the Hocus Pocus filming locations today.
Visit this website for all of the Hocus Pocus sites in Salem.
Stroll the Streets and See the Historic Homes Decorated for Halloween
One of the best ways to take in the history of Salem is to stroll the streets taking in the views of the fall foliage in Salem and the historic homes decorated for Halloween.
4. Lincoln, New Hampshire
Ride Loon Mountain’s Gondola
Enjoy the 1.3 mile scenic Loon Mountain Gondola ride soaring above the fall foliage in New Hampshire and taking in the breathtaking views.
The Loon Mountain Gondola prices are $29 per adult or for $59 you can buy a season long pass for unlimited rides.
Check out their website for more information.
Once you reach the top, dine at Summit Café and take in the amazing views!
Hop Aboard the Hobo Railroad Train
Ride along the Hobo Railroad which is an 80-minute round trip train ride along the Pemigewasset River.
It is $22 per adult and $17 per child (ages 4-12) and free for toddlers under 3.
It is a great way to take in the fall colors in New Hampshire in a unique and fun way for the whole family.
Purchase your tickets here.
Hiking in White Mountain National Forest and Franconia State Park
Hike the 5.4 mile Zealand Hut Trail in White Mountain National Forest offering scenic views of the peak fall foliage.
Hike the 1.5 mile Artist Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch State Park to explore and see the peak fall colors.
I recommend downloading the All Trails Map for finding more hikes in New Hampshire – there are so many great hikes to do ranging with difficulty and length.
Looking for a Hotel?
Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!
Need a Rental Car?
For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!
Guided Tours/Activities
When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!
5. Stowe, Vermont
Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Is it even fall if you don’t have some apple cider?
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a must-visit while in Stowe, Vermont.
You can wander the premises at your leisure taking in views of the great fall foliage in Vermont while sipping on some warm apple cider.
Hike the Stowe Pinnacle Trail
This hike will take you to an amazing viewpoint below Mount Putnam to view the expansive fall colors in Vermont.
This is a very popular hike in CC Putnam State Forest, and it is approximately 3 miles long.
Ride the Stowe Gondola Skyride to the Top of Mount Mansfield
If you are looking for a more relaxing way to take in the fall foliage, take a ride on the Stowe Gondola Skyride that takes you to the top of Mount Mansfield – which is Vermont’s highest mountain.
It operates through Sunday October 15th, 2023, and it is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Once at the top, have some lunch at the Cliff House Restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended.
If you are feeling like a sweet treat, grab a fresh hot Belgium style waffle at The Waffle.
6. Mystic, Connecticut
Visit B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
If you are wanting to see a piece of history, visit B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill which is the last steam-powered cider mill in the United States.
While you are there, you can take a look around their building and indulge in some sweet cider, cider donuts, and other locally made goods.
They are open 7 days a week and will reopen September 1st, 2023.
Their hours of operation for the months of September & October are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Explore Downtown Mystic
In my opinion, one of the best ways to experience a city is to walk along its streets and pop into the small shops, restaurants, and cafes. Sometimes you can find some of your favorite places this way!
Stop in a Candy Shop, grab a bite at the infamous Mystic Pizza, or get some Ice Cream for a sweet treat.
Walk Around Olde Mistick Village
A cool fall day is a great time to walk around this revamped 18th century New England village and browse the unique shops.
See more of its offerings here!
7. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Attend the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Walk around this 18th century landscape and take in the sight of over 7,000 pumpkins that have been hand carved.
This is definitely a unique and fun thing to do for Halloween in New York – it even has synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack of music.
You must buy your ticket in advance as no tickets are sold on site. You can buy your tickets here.
Join a Classic Evening Lantern Tour of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
If you are feeling brave, you can join a guided tour of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in the dark and explore by lantern light.
You will get to learn the history behind the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and why it is so well-known. Book your tour here.
Attend the Annual Village of Tarrytown Halloween Parade
If you can, try to plan your trip so you will be there for Sleepy Hollow’s annual Halloween parade.
For 2023, it will be on Saturday, October 28 @ 5:30 pm.
The Halloween parade is a fun and festive way to get in the Halloween spirit.
Following the parade, there will be a block party on Main Street with live music, outdoor dining, and other festivities!
Get more information here.
8. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and has one of the longest fall color seasons due to the many elevation changes in the area.
Zipline at Navitat Canopy Adventures
Soar above the fall foliage in Asheville while ziplining above the trees – what a great way to take in the breathtaking fall colors!
Check out their website for more information.
Pick Apples at Mountain Fresh Orchards
Browse all of their fresh apple offerings, baked goods, pumpkins, & fall décor.
You can also take a train ride on the Apple Express through the Mountain Fresh Orchards.
This is a great day thing to do in the fall in Asheville!
Take a Drive Down the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the most popular things to do in Asheville is to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and soak in the breathtaking views of the mountain ranges in their peak fall colors.
There are many scenic stops along the way – waterfalls, hiking trails, and potential wildlife sightings.
9. Acadia, Maine
Visit Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a beautiful national park especially in the fall.
One of the most popular hiking trails in Acadia National Park is the Beehive Loop Trail which allows you to take in breathtaking views of the fall foliage.
The standard entrance pass costs $20-$35 to enter the park and is valid for 7 days. You can buy the pass here.
Drive to the Top of Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the highest point in the East Coast and located in Acadia National Park.
Therefore, it is the perfect spot to view the peak fall colors in Acadia.
You must reserve a time spot for either sunrise or during the day to go to Cadillac Mountain due to the limited space and high popularity.
You can book here.
Explore the Charming Town of Bar Harbor
Stroll down Main Street in Bar Harbor and explore the different shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Grab coffee at Coffee Hound Coffee Company, grab a book at Sherman’s Book & Stationery, and get a lobster roll at West Street Café.
10. Telluride, Colorado
Ride the Free Gondola in Telluride and Take in the Views of the San Juan Mountains
This free gondola connects Mountain Village to Telluride and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains in the fall.
Explore the Town of Telluride
Explore the town of Telluride and take in the breathtaking mountain views of San Juan surrounding the town.
Grab a coffee at The Coffee Cowboy and eat lunch at the Stronghouse Brew Pub.
Rent Bikes and Ride on the Bike Trails
Mountain Village has several bike trails in Telluride ranging from beginner to advanced.
Check out this website for the different bike trails.
This would be a great way to explore the Mountain Village while seeing all of the fall foliage in Telluride.
I hope you have been inspired to embark on your own trip to one of these 10 best places to go in the fall.
Whether you choose to explore the charming streets of Salem, Massachusetts, or hike the scenic trails in Acadia National Park in Maine, each destination offers a unique and fun experience.
