The Northeastern part of the U.S. is not the only place to enjoy fall colors! Yes, Maine, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, and all the rest are great! Really great! Leaf peeping in the Northeast needs to be on your “bucket list.” No doubt about that! But if you can’t make that trip this year, consider lesser-known but stunning places like these:
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Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, it offers views that live up to its “Grand” name. Take Route 660 along the eastern rim toward Leonard Harrison State Park and then Route 362 toward Colton Point State Park. Hiking and biking trails will allow you to stretch your legs along the way, and you’ll enjoy eye-catching fall colors at every turn!
Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia
All along the Cheat River Gorge you’ll find amazing, panoramic vistas of beautiful fall colors. There are many hiking trails to try, but don’t miss Virgin Hemlock Trail. It will take you through a 300-year-old grove of hemlock trees. Visit historic downtown Morgantown and then relax as you sample local wines or apple pie moonshine at the Forks of Cheat Wine and Distillery.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Take Route 41 along the peninsula, through the “Tree Tunnel” that leads into Copper Harbor. This area offers everything from fishing and kayaking, to golfing and bird watching. Nearby Brockway Mountain Drive won’t disappoint, either – it’s the highest paved road between the Alleghenies and the Rockies. At the top you’ll get a stunning view of Lake Superior.
Ozark Mountains, Missouri
Take Scenic Highway 19 south from Salem to travel through the Ozark National Scenic Riverway to Eminence. There you can explore caves, natural springs, and historic sites along with the gorgeous colors of fall. The area also offers horseback riding, canoeing, and much more.
Heritage Highway, Nebraska
Highway 136 boasts one of the best scenic drives through the Cornhusker State. Begin your trip in Edison and as you travel west you’ll see rivers, forests, and prairies – all in the colors of fall. Plan to stop in some of the unique small towns along the way. The trip will eventually bring you to Brownville – small town America at its best. Take a short drive south to Indian Cave State Park to relax and revel in the wonderful colors of autumn.
Ridgway, Colorado
Take State Highway 62 southwest from Ridgway. You’ll cross the Dallas Divide (8970-ft. elevation) and find numerous hiking trails if you choose to see the colors up close. At Placerville, take Highway 145 south, past Telluride, to Lizard Head Pass (the mountain that inspired the familiar Coors logo). Continue to Rico, a former mining town with historical buildings and sites that will take you back in time. Enjoy the brilliant fall foliage all along the way.
Cascade Mountains, Oregon
Take the Aufderheide Scenic Byway through the foothills of the Cascades. You’re sure to see magnificent colors, waterfalls, and beautiful, old-growth forests along the route. You can book a rafting or fishing trip, or simply take one of the many trails in the area to see breathtaking scenery all around.
Your turn! Do you have a lesser-known place featuring all the colors of autumn? Tell us! We’ll keep your secret. Promise!
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Thank you, Gail!
Add the rest of the Ozarks in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake south of Aspen, CO!
If you do Ridgway, CO make sure to visit Dennis Weaver Memorial Park and then head north up SR65 to Grand Mesa. You might get lucky and catch a cinnamon bear too.
Shawnee forest near Portsmouth Ohio