While it may seem like every other Instagram traveler is jetting off to some far-flung destination, an amazing trip may be had without leaving the country. While the summer months see the most tourists, we think autumn is the finest time to arrange a vacation, particularly in the United States. As the temperature drops, thoughts of back-to-school shopping and a warm cup of apple cider fill our minds.
The changing of the seasons brings many benefits to travelers, including cheaper fares, fewer crowds at famous tourist spots, and enhanced beauty wherever you go, thanks to the arrival of autumn leaves. This list of the finest autumn vacations in the United States includes something for everyone, from a typical fall family weekend filled with apple picking, cider doughnuts, and hayrides to a snug, romantic place to cuddle up by the fire.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
Although this may seem like an exaggeration, when you realize that the parkway receives more than 15 million annual visitors and spans 469 miles from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the numbers start to add up.
FDR envisioned this legendary picturesque byway as part of his New Deal initiative to create employment and upgrade infrastructure. The remarkable eight-mile North Carolina segment between the Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain wasn’t finished until 1987, despite construction beginning in 1935 and being mostly completed in 1966.
It spans Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests and is the longest linear park in the United States. Mid to late October is one of the greatest times to visit the United States since this is when the fall colors in the Blue Ridge region reach their most spectacular peak.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
With Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks all within driving distance, Jackson Hole is a great starting point for an outdoor trip this fall. Drive along a gorgeous route (but keep an eye out for moose and bears), go on a walk, or check out the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a great break in the great outdoors this autumn. You might also stay at The Virginian Lodge, which will reopen after renovations in 2021 and is only a short distance from the heart of town.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
It’s gorgeous there year-round, but fall is particularly stunning. The autumn colors of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are among the most breathtaking in the United States in October.
The high sandstone cliffs that flank the beach of Pictured Rocks are the inspiration for the name of this rugged area. Taking a boat tour or kayaking down the coast is a fantastic opportunity to take the vibrant cliffs. Several long-distance hiking paths, such as the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Chapel Loop Trail, are also accessible. One of the best ways to see Pictured Rocks is by driving along scenic County Road H-58.
The park and the trees along this route become a kaleidoscope of color when October arrives. Leaves at Pictured Rocks are most vibrant in late September and early October. Depending on the climate and other factors, this might change from year to year.
Flagstaff, Arizona
You can easily spend a day exploring the incredible Grand Canyon National Park and taking advantage of the park’s milder weather and fewer crowds in the offseason compared to the summer. Under Canvas Grand Canyon, a glamping site close by is welcoming guests from September 24 to October 24.
New York, USA
You can jumpstart your Halloween celebrations by visiting Comic Con in New York City while dressing as your favorite superhero. A visit to SERRA by Birreria, a rooftop bar and restaurant above Eataly in the Flatiron area, is all it takes to get into the season’s spirit. Feel free to snap some photos for Instagram before you purchase a drink from the extensive, Italian-inspired bar menu.
If you want the ideal autumn vacation in the United States, you should go to one of these top fall locations. We hope the information in this post will aid you in making the right decision. Lately, read more about travel around the world here.
