Fall Foliage Trips

The days grow shorter. The kids (at least some of them) are back to school. The sweltering summer heat gives way to crisp mornings and falling leaves. For many of us, autumn is a beautiful, magical time when the trees are ablaze with various shades of red, gold and yellow.

If you enjoy traveling to view the fall colors, here are four great places to consider:

Aspen, Colorado  Known as much for its skiing as its foliage, the trees near Aspen turn a bright yellow in the fall, and shimmer like a yellow curtain in the breeze. The contrast with the pines and the mountains is said to be breath taking.

The Catskills, New York State  The foliage in the Catskills is chock-full of reds, oranges and yellows.  The area is a year round destination. In addition to its beautiful foliage, the Catskill region features a wide variety of festivals and craft fairs. 

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon  Carved from the Cascade Mountains, this stretch of land features furs, cottonwoods, big-leaf maples and Oregon ash in their full fall glory.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee  This park, in one of the most densely wooded areas in the country, has over 100 varieties of native trees, including scarlet oaks, maples, sweetgums and hickories.  

For other areas, check out Road Trip America to help you find the perfect place. Taking a road trip to view fall foliage is one of the easiest ways to see some of America’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. Enjoy!