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Scenic Fall Travel 2017

Many believe fall is an ideal time of year for travel. Not only do you avoid the traffic and crowds from the summer months, but you also enjoy the milder temperatures along with the colorful scenery.

As a transitional season, Mother Nature paints a remarkable landscape during September and October. Changing colors of leaves on trees is one of the most visually notable season changes, and we have a list of places to witness nature’s colorful masterpiece with your own eyes.

Finding Fall Foliage
An interactive U.S. map at SmokyMountains.com offers a 2017 timeline for Fall Foliage and Peak Leaf Forecast from August through October 29, the time when most of the nation is at its peak color for the season. In addition to the prediction tool for the nation, the site offers scientific facts, NOAA data, and details explaining why fall is an incredible season for American travelers.

Autumn is truly a perfect time to visit The Great Smoky Mountains National Park or enjoy a resort or spa near Gatlinburg, Tennessee while taking in the color show. Many tout North Carolina as the mecca for fall foliage and experts are saying the leaves will be brighter than ever this year. Tourists from around the globe flock to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for quintessential fall scenery. Cities like Asheville and high elevation areas near Grandfather Mountain provide ideal conditions for an array of bright and beautiful leaf colors.

The northeastern U.S. is also popular among travelers. Head up north to The Green Mountains in Vermont to sip apple cider and take in the vibrant foliage. Mid-September through mid-October is the best time there for peak color. Vermont and the New England areas offer no shortage of orchards, farms, and vineyards to tour while you are enjoying your trip.

Remember, however, the east has not cornered the color market. You may head west to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to enjoy a spectacular change of season. Lake Tahoe, a freshwater lake on the border of California and Nevada, is well known for its watersport activities and ski resorts, but it is also an idyllic place to visit during the fall. The yellow, orange and red leaves on the aspen trees lining the lake are a remarkable sight. Notably, because it’s off-season there, you’ll enjoy smaller crowds and plenty of quiet time to reflect on nature’s beauty.

Fall Travel Planning
Whether you vacation for a full week or simply enjoy a weekend getaway, a fall retreat to view the changing leaves could be both healing and therapeutic. During your travels, consider enjoying a bed and breakfast or boutique hotel off the beaten path for a more down-to-earth experience, close to nature. If choosing a hotel in a city, check out their package options. They just might offer hiking and other excursions for getting you outside to enjoy the fall foliage firsthand.

We hope these tips will inspire you to plan a fantastic fall getaway. Let us know via Twitter or Facebook if there is somewhere beautiful you like to visit during the fall months. Eat well, live long, and travel far!