9 U.S. Destinations to Catch the Best of Autumn

Don’t let the end of summer get you down; fall season will soon be upon us, and that means autumn adventures and experiences, from national parks to cozy towns to scenic drives. Here are nine U.S. destinations to celebrate the upcoming season with the family:

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Newfound Gap Road, one of the most popular and scenic drives in the Smokies, lies near Gatlinburg and is a great way to catch fall colors. The road is also where former President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his speech during the grand opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1940.

© Travel Wisconsin

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

The region bursts with colors in autumn. Located just an hour from Milwaukee, Lake Geneva promises more than 20 miles of fall foliage through wooded forests, glacial Kettle Moraine topography and previous cranberry marshes. For an overnight stay, head to Baker House, featuring a warm fireplace and view of the lake in every room. Families will have ample opportunities to enjoy nature, from leaf peeping on a lake cruise to biking on trails to fishing.

© Visit Nebraska

Indian Cave State Park, Nebraska

Head to this park around mid- to late October to soak in hues of fall colors coinciding with Haunted Hollow activities. The park lets visitors immerse themselves in the wooded forest, where maple, hazelnut and beech trees change to fiery colors of orange, red and yellow.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadia National Park offers scenic hiking trails, carriage roads and overlooks framed by orange, red and gold. Just minutes from the park is Terramor Outdoor Resort, a design-forward glamping property perfect for families.

Columbia, Missouri

This affordable destination, two hours from both St. Louis and Kansas City, is home to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, a natural oasis along the Missouri River with wetlands, forests, limestone bluffs and scenic overlooks. For a unique stay, take the family to Cooper’s Landing along the river, complete with furnished Kodiak Canvas tents.

© Xanterra Travel Collection

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park blends wildlife with fall foliage. Watch elk roam near Mammoth Hot Springs, look for bears foraging before winter in Hayden, and drive Grand Loop Road and Lamar Valley to take in fall colors. A plethora of lodging options like Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins, Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Lake Lodge Cabins and Old Faithful Lodge Cabins are all great options.

Hamilton County, Indiana

For a lesser-known autumn spot, head to Hamilton County. The area’s Monon Trail and Nickel Plate Trail feature canopies of changing leaves, while the ADA-accessible sledding hill and elevated treehouses at Flat Fork Creek Park are popular with families. Water adventures await on the White River, while the county’s only covered bridge can be found at Potter’s Bridge State Park. And if your family isn’t afraid of heights, book a hot-air balloon ride with Conner Prairie’s 1859 Balloon Voyage.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The hot-air ballooning capital of the world, Albuquerque hosts Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where the city’s skies transform into a rainbow of colors. Prefer to stay on the ground? Take a ride on Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to catch fall colors on Sandia Mountains. From the observation deck, the family can enjoy unparalleled views.

Bardstown, Kentucky

The city is home to Berheim Arboretum, where miles of scenic trails offer the chance to enjoy Kentucky’s fall beauty. Bring your camera to capture the colors, and be sure to visit the arboretum’s Forest Giants, a series of larger-than-life wooden sculptures hidden throughout the landscape.