As mid-August arrives, the end of summer is in sight. Fall travel can be completely different than the perfect summer getaway.
What might be the perfect beach in the heat of summer won’t pass the vibe check in the cool temps of November.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t some awesome places to go in the Fall. It just may not be the summer hotspots that have been breaking tourism records.
Highly respected U.S. News & World Report just released their top destinations for Fall vacations this year:
These are the top 7 destinations:
7- Acadia National Park
This gorgeous National Park on the stunning coastline of Maine is a huge draw for travelers in the Fall. This park may be the perfect place to set the mood for the new season with Fall foliage at every turn.
Mid-October is one of the best times to see the colorful leaves and that’s just 2 months away from now.
The park actually offers guests a foliage report to time your trip right. Hiking is also a must-do here, but snow can cover the trail as early as November.
6- Sedona, Arizona
This funky desert town in Arizona is also a great place to see the leaves change colors. Plus, being a desert destination, the weather is far more tolerable in autumn than the summer months.
A cool breeze in the 60s feels much better than the high 80s. The best time to visit is late September to mid-October to bare witness to the beautiful Fall color changes.
The trails are generally less packed too, unless they are in town for the Fall festivities, such as the annual Day of the Dead celebration.
5- Asheville, North Carolina
This quirky town set in a beautiful mountain range is a top 5 destination for Fall trips. Travelers love visiting the famed Appalachian Trail to view the pretty yellow and orange tinted leaves.
Typically, the best times to visit for a Fall vacay are between October and November. The perfect way to end a nice hike is to indulge in the thriving beer scene of Asheville with a plethora of local breweries to choose from.
4- Toronto, Canada
While Toronto is a great place to visit year-round, perhaps the Fall is the best season for a trip. With endless entertainment options to keep busy in cooler weather, travelers won’t be disappointed.
Toronto can easily become one of your favorite getaways. To experience the scenic Fall foliage, it’s best to visit this cultural city in late September or early October since November begins to feel like winter.
3- The Finger Lakes of Upstate New York
Upstate New York is a beautiful place to escape in the Fall. New York City often steals upstate’s thunder, but the scenic landscapes are hard to pass up. Have you seen a sunset at Taughannock Falls?
For Fall lovers, the Finger Lakes have it all. Travelers love seeing the vibrant leaves, taking in the cool, crisp air and spending time at a lovely winery since there are over 100 to choose from!
The weather typically stays in the 60s and 70s in the middle of September through late October.
2- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Home to America’s Favorite Scenic Drive, this stunning park along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina is an amazing place to go in the Fall.
Whether it’s a road trip or your mainstay, the Smoky Mountains are some of the most scenic for vibrant foliage in all of America.
Not only is there beautiful coloration of leaves, there are breathtaking views atop the Appalachian and Oconaluftee River trails.
In nearby Gatlinburg, visitors will love the unique experience of hopping on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway for an even better view.
1 – Zion National Park
One of Utah’s premiere destinations is the #1 place for a Fall trip this year. Sometimes September is a bit too early for it to feel like autumn, but by November temperatures should consistently be in the 60s.
This awesome park surrounded by stunning red rocks is a top hiking destination, especially in Fall weather.
Some trails are more popular than others, but you really can’t go wrong with some beautiful scenery. Although, some of the most popular trails are:
- Angels Landing
- The Narrows
- Canyon Overlook Trail
All of them have jaw-dropping views and may even be better at night to stargaze.
