3 Fall Foliage Destinations Outside New England

New England’s fall foliage is legendary, but those six states are not the only ones where colored leaves transform the autumn landscape. If New England is too far for your family to travel this fall, consider these beautiful places that may be closer to home.

Western Maryland

Give the driver a break and explore the tree-covered hills of western Maryland by bike, foot or train. The Great Allegheny Passage, also known as the GAP Trail, passes through the region and is designed for both bicycling and walking. The entire trail runs between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cumberland, Maryland, where it connects to the C&O Canal Towpath.

Or, opt to sit back and enjoy the scenery from the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad on a three-hour roundtrip excursion from Cumberland to Frostburg. The comfortable streamline-era passenger car travels this scenic route propelled by a fully restored 1949 steam engine, the largest operating steam locomotive of its type in the world. Western Maryland is two hours from Baltimore, Pittsburgh or Washington, D.C.

Southern Missouri

The most extensive highlands between the Appalachians and Rockies, the Ozarks cover much of southern Missouri, a scenic landscape of lakes, streams and wooded hills. In the heart of the Ozarks, Branson has mapped out several driving tours and a walking route highlighting the most scenic spots. Or your family can go off-road with a jeep tour

to the summit of Baird Mountain for sweeping fall foliage views.

The whole family will also enjoy the Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City, Branson’s premier amusement park. From mid-September through Oct. 28, the park is filled with thousands of lighted pumpkins, seasonal foods and entertainment.

Upstate New York

In the foothills of the Catskills and combining the rugged landscapes with the wooded shores of Lake Otsego and the appeal of a small-town atmosphere, Cooperstown makes a good base for a fall family trip. Autumn is a good time to visit The Farmers’ Museum, too, where children can meet young farm animals and see how farm families lived in the mid-1800s.

Take a foliage tour in vintage cars of the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad through the scenic wilderness and farmlands of the upper Susquehanna River Valley, crossing twice over steel-truss bridges. For a unique foliage-viewing tour alongside the Susquehanna River, ride the Milford Track on electric-propelled Rail Explorers.