Get the most out of autumn with this fall travel guide

Find fun new fall experiences.

You’ve pulled the sweaters out of storage. You’ve found the perfect recipe for an at-home pumpkin spice latte. You’ve even re-watched all the autumnal episodes of “Gilmore Girls.” Fall swept into town with a flurry of colorful trees and cool breezes, and you greeted the season with open arms. But if you’re still craving a few more seasonal delights before winter arrives, fear not. There are more amazing autumn experiences to try.

Explore the seemingly endless well of adventure ideas with this guide to the best places to visit this fall. The list below will point you toward incredible vacation spots, hiking trails, campsites, and so much more. Happy exploring!

Where to find the best fall views in all 50 states

Find your state’s best sights.

Before you know it, fall will be over. Don’t you want to see some beautiful autumn scenery before all the leaves blow away? While you can embark on a fall foliage road trip that hits some of the country’s most radiant landscapes, there are also hidden wonders to find within your own state. If you’re not sure where to find the fall color you crave, this Outdoors Wire guide is here to help.

Whether you live in Alabama, Wyoming, or anywhere in between, you can discover seasonal beauty without ever crossing state lines. Find the top autumn attractions with this list of the best fall spots in all 50 states.

The best pumpkin patches to visit for a whimsical family adventure

Celebrate autumn’s bounty.

In the United States, October’s arrival signals the true beginning of festive autumn celebrations. Falling leaves rattle down the sidewalk. Vibrant colors light up the trees. There is even a refreshing chill in the air that beckons you to get outside and explore. If winter is a wonderland, fall is a feast for the senses. And one of the main dishes at that feast is the ever-popular pumpkin.

Most towns host at least one local pumpkin patch where families can go and pick out some prized gourds to carve for Halloween. Some spots offer way more than just your pick of pumpkins, though. See what awaits you at some of America’s best pumpkin patches in the list below.

Discover Crabtree Falls on this gorgeous Virginia hike

Explore the great outdoors.

If you’re planning to travel along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway this fall, scenic views are probably your top priority. Come autumn, the region’s forested ridges transform into a colorful spectacle that visitors can’t help but marvel over. While fascinating stops and lovely overlooks abound on this 469-mile parkway, adventurers seeking an unforgettable hike will want to make a detour to this trail just six miles from milepost 27.

A visit to the Crabtree Falls Trail will find you traversing an idyllic path through the Virginian wilderness. The roughly 3.5-mile trail wanders through the woods and across a bridge before reaching a glorious waterfall consisting of “five major cascades.” Get a glimpse of these incredible sights and plan your trip with this photo guide to Virginia’s Crabtree Falls Trail.

These are the 8 best trees for bright fall colors

Meet autumn’s brightest trees.

Don’t put off your fall sightseeing plans any longer! All of those lovely leaves will be gone before you know it, and you’ll want to rack up plenty of photos and memories to remember the season. Outdoors Wire can lead you to some of the best states for seasonal celebrations and show you an excellent fall road trip route, but what options are there for the plant-loving traveler?

If you’re interested in investigating the various tree species that make autumn such a gorgeous time of year, this photo guide is for you. Below, you can explore a list of the eight best trees for bright fall colors and get info on where to spot them in the United States.

Wander through the woods on these 6 cozy fall hikes

Go on an autumn adventure.

Get back to nature before winter comes calling. Cold temperatures will arrive faster than you think, and the frosty weather will have all but the bravest hikers cooped up indoors. So, why not enjoy the fall foliage and autumn breezes while they’re here?

There are so many ways for you to make the most of this season. There are camping trips to go on, road trip routes to explore, and even some surprisingly scenic swamp tours to try. Of course, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably just looking for some hiking trails that provide quality views of colorful foliage. We get it. So, without further ado, here are six of the best cozy fall hikes in the United States.

These swamp tours will give you a new perspective on fall

Cruise to fall views.

You know where to find classic fall views. You can jaunt through the colorful forests of Vermont, or pick apples at charming orchards in New York. Ambitious leaf-peepers can even chase gorgeous autumn landscapes on a scenic road trip. But where do you go for a unique perspective on the season? Today, Outdoors Wire is making the case for fall swamp tours. Let’s take to the water and see what these environments have to offer.

If you want to enjoy fall foliage without getting caught in the crowds converging on New England, swamps are the place to go. Plus, in autumn, you don’t have to worry about the muggy weather often associated with these marshy areas. Not convinced to visit yet? These five fall swamp tour locations might just change your mind.

Follow this route for the ultimate fall foliage road trip

Enjoy the journey.

Chase the best autumn views in America. On a fall foliage road trip, you can experience some of the country’s most beautiful seasonal landscapes. If you’re ready to see leaves bursting with color and feel the cool air on your skin, check out this route from Maine to New York.

This tour of New England comes out to about 619 miles and 11.5 hours of driving. Sound intimidating? Don’t worry. Depending on where you start, this road trip route is highly adaptable. Plus, you can tweak the plans to suit your needs. Travelers who love to hike can plan to spend more time at state parks. Adventurers who prefer scenic drives can cruise down tree-lined byways. No matter what you like, this fall foliage road trip route will treat you to a good time.

These are the best states for peak fall foliage this autumn

Let’s go, leaf peepers.

No matter how much people talk about fall, it never seems to lose its charm. The season’s cozy color palette, fun holidays, and cool weather bring people a breath of fresh air before winter’s end-of-year stresses. Plus, in the United States, autumnal scenery goes off in a pretty major way.

If you’re ready to dive headfirst into fall foliage, make the most of the season by visiting some of the country’s most scenic autumnal states. While most states offer at least one place to see colorful fall leaves, a few regions provide a treasure trove of red, orange, and yellow landscapes that shine brighter than all others. Discover which ones you should visit with this list of the five best states for fall foliage.