Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - New England's Famous Foliage
There's nothing quite like New England in the fall. As the days grow shorter and the nights get cooler, the entire region transforms into a kaleidoscope of vivid red, orange, and yellow leaves. It's a breathtaking sight that draws visitors from around the world.
One of the best places to experience the fall foliage is along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. This 35-mile stretch of road winds through the White Mountain National Forest, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding peaks blanketed in autumn hues. Stop at one of the many scenic overlooks to take in the view or get out on the trails to hike among the colorful maple, oak, and birch trees. Don't forget to grab an apple cider donut from a roadside stand!
Vermont is another top leaf peeping destination. Drive along the Green Mountain Byway, which connects several charming towns like Stowe, Waterbury, and Burlington. Or take a ride on the Vermont Railway for a leisurely train tour through the countryside dotted with covered bridges and farms. Wherever you go in the Green Mountain State, you'll be dazzled by the bright reds and oranges of the sugar maples.
In Maine, head to Acadia National Park to witness the stunning metamorphosis of the forests. Hike up Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the Atlantic coast, offering panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands shimmering in fall hues. Stop by farm stands along the way to sample freshly picked apples, sip on cider, and pick your own pumpkin.
No New England autumn is complete without a visit to Boston. The city's historic parks and gardens like Boston Common and the Public Garden are resplendent in autumn. Take a stroll along the Freedom Trail to admire the old churches and brick row houses decked out in dazzling fall foliage. Wrap up your day with a bowl of New England clam chowder to warm up as the temperatures start to dip.
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - Apple Picking and Cider Sipping in the Hudson Valley
As the leaves burst into vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, there's no better place to experience fall than New York's Hudson Valley. This bucolic region is home to dozens of apple orchards offering a quintessential autumn activity: apple picking. Meander through rows of trees laden with shiny apples, filling your baskets with sweet varieties like McIntosh, Empire, and Honeycrisp. Many orchards let you sample different types of apples so you can find new favorites. Don't miss the experience of plucking a ripe, juicy apple straight from the branch!
The best orchards also have festive hayrides, corn mazes, and picnic areas where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Stop by Clearview Farm in Warwick or Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, both of which have u-pick orchards and family-friendly activities. For a more hands-on experience, head to Common Ground Farm in Beacon and join a workshop to press your own fresh cider or bake an apple pie. Their pick-your-own orchard has over 35 varieties of apples to choose from.
Of course, no trip to the Hudson Valley is complete without visiting the region's famed cideries. Sample cold, crisp hard cider direct from the source as you take in the stellar views of the Hudson River valley from these scenic cider makers. Bad Seed Cider Company in Highland produces inventive flavors like pineapple and black currant, while you'll find more traditional dry and semi-sweet ciders at Golden Harvest Cidery in Valatie.
For cider with a side of relaxation, make a stop at Angry Orchard in Walden. Their 60-acre orchard has blossomed into the Hudson Valley's premier cider destination, with tasting rooms, dining options, lawn games, and walking paths through the apple trees. Try cider cocktails or ciders aged in whiskey barrels for more robust flavor. Cap off the day watching the sunset over the Shawangunk Ridge as you sip Angry Orchard's flagship cider.
Don't limit yourself to apples - the Hudson Valley is one of the largest producers of pear cider in the U.S. Check out Pennings Farm Cidery in Warwick for cider and perry (pear cider) made from their own orchard's fruits. A food truck on site dishes out fare like cider-braised pork and pear pancakes.
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - Oktoberfest Celebrations in the Midwest
When autumn arrives, it's time for Oktoberfest in the Midwest! This beloved German celebration is a highlight of the fall season across several Midwestern states, which hold massive festivals featuring beer, brats, music and more.
One of the largest Oktoberfest gatherings happens in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over 500,000 people flock to the city's German heritage district each year for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. Spread over six city blocks, this mammoth festival transports visitors straight to Munich with enormous Biergartens, oompah bands, keg bowling, stilt walkers and more. Sip on German brews like Hofbräu, Warsteiner and Hudepohl while enjoying live entertainment on multiple stages. Indulge in classic fare like schnitzel, strudel and giant turkey legs. The whole family can partake in the Kinderplatz area with rides, games and crafts. Don't miss the Running of the Wieners, where dozens of dachshunds dressed in hot dog costumes race down the street.
Further west in Wisconsin, Oktoberfest celebrations embrace the state's strong German heritage. Milwaukee hosts several biergartens and festivals, including Oktoberfest at the Bavarian Bierhaus. Drink liters of beer, sway to live polka music and nosh on German foods like sauerkraut, soft pretzels and sausage. Over in La Crosse,Oktoberfest USA draws huge crowds with the world's largest keg tapping, dachshund races, polka dancing and more. The multi-day festival ends with a torchlight parade as attendees sway and sing together.
If you find yourself in Indiana, make your way to Fort Wayne for the city's Oktoberfest. Hoosier Park turns into a Bavarian wonderland with German bands, folk dancers, food vendors and a craft biergarten pouring traditional Oktoberfest brews. Kids enjoy rides, games and candy while parents sample schnitzel sandwiches and raise a glass with new friends. Further north, the town of Ferdinand hosts an authentic Oktoberfest with live music, polka dancing, keg bowling and plenty of food and drink. Visitors can even stay the night at area monasteries for a true German experience.
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - Hiking Among Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains
There's no better way to immerse yourself in the dazzling fall colors than by hitting the trails for some hiking. And there's no better place for a fall foliage hiking adventure than Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Smokies contain some of the most diverse and unspoiled forests in North America, making it one of the country's top leaf peeping destinations.
As September fades into October, the mountains transform into a painter's palette of vivid autumn hues. Scarlet red maples mingle with bright orange oaks and yellow birches, while evergreens like pine and spruce provide a deep green contrast. With over 100 hiking trails winding through 800 square miles of pristine wilderness, you'll have ample opportunities to witness this phenomenal seasonal display.
For a classic Smoky Mountain hike surrounded by fall splendor, tackle the 6-mile round trip Alum Cave Trail. It packs scenic punch after punch, from mighty tree-covered slopes to dramatic rock outcroppings. You'll traverse bridges over babbling creeks and climb staircases hewn from the stone. At the halfway point, a massive concave bluff gives the trail its name. From there, panoramic views open up over the sea of autumn colors cloaking the steep surrounding ridges.
Near the Tennessee border, the Appalachian Trail delivers nonstop vistas as it winds along the spine of the Smokies. The hike up to Charlie's Bunion follows the AT for 8 spectacular miles as it squeezes between towering pinnacles and clings to narrow ledges. The sweeping overlook from the rocky "bunion" itself allows you to soak in the patchwork of red, orange and yellow foliage unfurling from the surrounding wooded peaks and valleys.
For a longer backcountry adventure, backpack the Mount LeConte loop. You'll spend two nights camping below the third highest summit in the park, surrounded by vivid hues of the changing seasons. By day, hike through fiery maples along rushing streams to reaching overlooks like Myrtle Point. At night, bundle up to stargaze and marvel at the colors of the autumn forests in the moonlight.
The Smokies really deliver when it comes to fall splendor. As peak fall color season only lasts a few short weeks, it's crucial to plan your hiking adventure at the ideal time. Luckily resources like the park's Fall Color Report make it easy. Their team forecasts leaves' change by elevation, so you can pinpoint exactly where and when the colors will be popping on any given trail.
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - Pumpkin Festivals Galore in Northern California
When autumn arrives in Northern California, the region celebrates the season with abundant pumpkin festivals and harvest fairs. These beloved events offer family-friendly fun along with the chance to pick pumpkins straight from the vine.
One of the best places to pick your jack-o-lantern pumpkin is Half Moon Bay, which hosts an annual Art and Pumpkin Festival. Wander through a Halloween-themed maze as you search for the perfect pumpkin in a patch with thousands of plump orange gourds. Kids will love rides like an enchanted pirate ship and a ghostly ferris wheel. When you've found your prized pumpkin, bring it over to the creativity station to paint and decorate. Enjoy live music performances, costume contests and pie-eating competitions. And be sure to admire the elaborate pumpkin art sculptures that line Main Street, crafted by professionals into giant spiders, dragons and more.
Further south, Livermore Wine Country hosts their own Harvest Wine Celebration, where pumpkins play a starring role. Browse pumpkin patches with orange orbs of all shapes and sizes. Take scenic hayrides out to the vine-strewn fields and pick your own right off the stems. Kids can paint their pumpkins or decorate them with elaborate carvings. One of the highlights is watching contests for things like the largest pumpkin or best carved creation. Enjoy wine tastings, craft beer, gourmet food, and live music at this family-friendly fall festival.
Nestled in Placer County's apple hill region, Denver Dan's Pumpkin Patch charms visitors with u-pick pumpkin patches, tractor rides, freshly baked donuts and cider. Kids love getting lost in their five-acre corn maze full of twists and turns. When you've finally escaped and found the perfect pumpkin, bring it to their carving station to transform it into a jack-o-lantern masterpiece. Take a guess at how many candy corn kernels are in the jar or pan for gold in a mining sluice. The whole family will have smiles all around at this beloved pumpkin patch and apple farm.
Up in the Delta, the small town of Rio Vista attracts big crowds to their annual Bass Derby and Pumpkin Festival. Along with weekend fishing tournaments, attendees enjoy live music, costume contests, carnival rides and trick-or-treating. But the real star is the gigantic pumpkin weigh-off, where local growers compete to have the heaviest gourd. The current record sits at over 1,900 pounds! After witnessing these monster pumpkins, you can pick out a smaller one to take home from their u-pick patch. Kids love getting creative at the pumpkin painting booth or striking silly poses at the photo op stations. It's the perfect small town harvest festival to welcome in autumn.
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - Corn Mazes and Hayrides in Pennsylvania Dutch Country
The Pennsylvania Dutch Country comes alive in autumn, when farms welcome visitors to get lost in elaborate corn mazes and hop on hayrides through the changing leaves. This charming region is one of the best places to experience classic fall fun, from barn dances to fresh apple dumplings.
At Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Lancaster County, you can wander through the Corn Maze - billed as the world’s largest. The maze stretches across 10 acres with over 5 miles of paths twisting and turning through towering stalks of corn. A new design is carved out each year, turning the maze into a giant piece of crop art. Getting lost among the towering stalks has become a beloved fall tradition for families. Work together to find clues and solve puzzles hidden throughout the labyrinth of paths. When you finally find your way out, celebrate with a ride on the farm’s Curly Q roller coaster or a fresh scoop of ice cream churned from their dairy cows.
For a hayride surrounded by autumn’s patchwork of colors, take a jaunt through Cherry Hill Farm’s covered bridges in Ronks. Nestle into the straw as a tractor-pulled wagon winds between rolling green pastures and alongside vibrant maple groves. Stop at the farm stand to pick your own pumpkins and apples, pet the goats, or sample freshly baked pie. Kids will love navigating the corn maze and pumpkin bowling.
At Wilcox Farms in Royersford, events like the Barnyard Bash invite families to pick perfect pie pumpkins by day and go on lantern-lit hayrides once the sun sets. Dance barefoot in the moonlight to live folk tunes by the glow of fire pits. Sip on hot apple cider as you wander through their sunflower maze and try your hand at corn hole. The whole family can cap off the evening gathered around a campfire perfect for making s’mores.
A highlight of autumn is taking a horse-drawn hayride at Cherry Valley Vineyard's Harvest Festival. Ride through rows of vines adorned in crimson and gold leaves as you learn about the award-winning wines they produce. After exploring the vineyard, stop at the tasting room to sample vintages like the Cherry Valley Red. Enjoy live music performances, pumpkin painting, and games for the kids like duck races and pie-eating contests.
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - Tailgating and Football Games in the South
There's nothing more quintessentially Southern than fall weekends filled with football and tailgating. When the leaves start changing colors across Dixie, a festive atmosphere takes over as thousands flock to college stadiums to cheer on their teams. Tailgating is practically a religion here, with elaborate setups of tents, grills, coolers and big screen TVs filling parking lots and green spaces hours before kickoff. Visitors quickly discover that Southern tailgates are all about fellowship, food and fun.
At schools like the University of Alabama and Auburn University, iconic venues like Bryant-Denny Stadium and Jordan-Hare Stadium become seas of crimson red and navy blue on game days. Fans adorned in team colors, face paint and mascot hats grill up Southern fare to fuel up for cheering. Expect tender brisket slow-smoked for hours, slabs of ribs dripping in tangy sauce, plump sausages sizzling on the grill. Side dishes run the gamut from creamy potato salad to chilled watermelon slices to deviled eggs. Don't miss out on classic Southern sweets like pecan pie and banana pudding.
And of course, tailgates aren't complete without ice-cold beer or a mixed drink in a to-go cup. Clink your plastic cups together and give a hearty "Roll Tide!" or "War Eagle!" before kickoff. The tantalizing smells of barbecue waft through the air as music blares and fans play lively games of cornhole. Stop by other tailgates to take in the mouthwatering spreads and make fast friends. Just be wary of starting any trash talk that might lead to a rivalry scuffle.
While tailgating draws the crowds, the energy reaches a fever pitch once inside these hallowed stadiums. Students, alumni and die-hard fans yell cheers in unison and shake pompoms as their team takes the field. The crowds surge with excitement with every tackle and touchdown. Half the fun is people watching as passionate fans cheer and jeer with abandon.
Over in Athens, Georgia, it's all about the Bulldogs. Join throngs of fans between the hedges at the famed Sanford Stadium. The classic venue buzzes with energy on autumn Saturdays as fans cheer on the Dawgs. Stop by The Arch in downtown Athens beforehand to take in pregame excitement as the streets fill with fans adorned in red and black.
Or head west to "The Grove" at Ole Miss, where tailgating feels sophisticated and genteel. The 10-acre grassy plot becomes a sea of red, blue and powder pink tents. Attendees don sundresses and seersucker suits as they nibble on dainty finger foods and sip punch. But don't be fooled by the civilized setting - these fans are just as rabid once inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - Leaf Peeping by Train Along the Coast
America's coastlines burst into color in autumn, with vibrant foliage cloaking the rugged cliffs of Maine and California's beaches giving way to golden groves. One of the best ways to take in the stunning seasonal shift is aboard a scenic train ride that hugs the Atlantic or Pacific coast. Settle into vintage rail cars and watch flamingmaples and orange oaks fly by as you meander past lighthouses, wharfs, and crashing surf.
The Cape Cod Central Railroad's Cranberry Express offers a front-row seat to New England's famous fall transformation. The two-hour ride from Hyannis to Buzzards Bay traverses cranberry bogs that glow crimson in autumn. Plump berries ripe for harvest mingle with scarlet leaves blanketing the sandy bogs. Historic railroad stations and quaint Cape villages slide by, always with a vista of the vibrant foliage or blue ocean waters. Kids love when the train stops for costumed characters like pirates and mermaids to board for mini performances. The highlight is sampling freshly baked cranberry treats and juice made from the bog's berries.
Along California's Central Coast, the Roaring Camp Railroads' Redwood Forest Steam Train puts you right in the heart of nature's fall spectacle. Feel like you're traveling back to the late 1800s as a vintage steam engine chugs past towering redwood groves. Hear the train whistle echo through canyons filled with vine maples and big leaf maples blazing in warm shades of ochre, copper and gold. Cross over trestle bridges overlooking streams rushing by with fallen foliage. Aside from the riot of autumn hues, glimpse raging waterfalls and mossy boulders covered in emerald ferns. You'll disembark at Roaring Camp's Old Time Beach Boardwalk, where you can pan for gold or ride the 1911 Looff Carousel.
Or head north to Mendocino County, where the Skunk Train's Fall Color excursions deliver a front-row view of California's changing seasons. Journey through ten miles of spectacular autumn scenery in the Noyo River canyon. Towering redwoods contrast with the oranges and yellows of the deciduous trees lining the riverbanks. Experience the railroad's famous "Soda Springs Tunnel Crossover", where you disembark and wait inside the tunnel for the train to pass by from the opposite direction. The afternoon light filtering through the colorful canopy before entering the dark tunnel is simply magical. The best views come at the end of the line on a trestle bridge overlooking the Noyo River twisting through a sea of fall foliage.
Leaf Peeping and Pumpkin Spice: The Best Destinations for Fall Fun in Early October - Crisp Days and Cozy Nights in Vermont's Country Inns
When autumn arrives in Vermont, the hillsides burst into a palette of rusty reds, vibrant oranges, and sunny yellows. There’s no better way to experience the Green Mountain State’s famous fall foliage than by staying at one of its classic country inns. These charming accommodations allow you to fully immerse yourself in Vermont’s seasonal splendor.
Picture crisp mornings spent gazing out over rows of maples cloaked in colorful leaves. The smell of apple cider and pumpkin bread beckons you to the inn’s dining room, where you’ll fuel up on harvest-themed fare before heading out to explore. Maybe you’ll drive the winding backroads to a farm stand, basket in hand to pick apples straight from the orchard. Or strap on hiking boots to tackle a section of the Long Trail, carpeted in crunchy leaves.
After a day spent outdoors, dinner is a decadent affair. Your hosts have perfected down-home cooking with sumptuous dishes like maple glazed pork chops or butternut squash ravioli. Share a slice of warm apple pie while swapping stories with your dinner companions as a crackling fire casts a warm glow.
Then it’s off to your room, outfitted in calming neutrals with plush linens and mountain views just outside your window. Curl up with a mug of hot cocoa and your latest read until you can no longer keep your eyes open. Let the sound of crickets carry you off to a peaceful slumber beneath the eaves.
The next morning, wake slowly to the aroma of dark roasted coffee brewing downstairs. Pull back the curtains to reveal the kaleidoscope of fall colors enveloping the hills and valleys. The sunlight filters through the turning leaves, bathing everything in warm honeyed hues.
After a hearty Vermont breakfast of fluffy pancakes with real maple syrup and local sausage, take to the trails again. Crunch through carpets of oak and maple leaves, weaving between mossy boulders and trickling streams. Stop often to admire the painterly landscape, snapped for photos and etched into your memory.
Return to the inn in the late afternoon, just as the setting sun casts its golden glow over the autumn forests. Settle into an Adirondack chair on the porch with a blanket and steaming mug of cider. Wave to fellow guests as they return from their own colorful adventures. Share tips on the best scenic overlooks spotted or cider doughnuts sampled.