Fall Foliage Report 2020
Fall Foliage Report 2020
Introduction
Autumn is a season of beauty and transformation, and there is no better way to witness this natural wonder than by taking a trip to experience the fall foliage. The “Fall Foliage Report 2020” offers a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. From the top attractions to hidden gems, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports, this guide has it all.
Top Attractions
When it comes to fall foliage, there are a few destinations that stand out above the rest. One of the most popular destinations is New England, with its stunningly vibrant foliage and charming small towns. Other popular destinations include the Great Smoky Mountains, the Ozark Mountains, and the Colorado Rockies. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, but all offer breathtaking views of the changing leaves.
Hidden Gems
While the popular destinations are certainly worth a visit, don’t overlook some of the hidden gems that are scattered throughout the country. For example, the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota is a stunning destination that is often overlooked. The vibrant colors of the trees are set against the backdrop of the largest freshwater lake in the world, creating a breathtaking scene. Another hidden gem is the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, which offers miles of scenic drives and hiking trails.
Food Scene
No trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine, and the fall foliage destinations are no exception. In New England, be sure to try the fresh seafood, clam chowder, and apple cider. In the Great Smoky Mountains, sample the BBQ and fried chicken. And in the Colorado Rockies, try the bison burgers and local craft beers.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling during peak season can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on your fall foliage trip. Consider staying in a vacation rental or camping instead of a hotel. Pack your own food for picnics and hikes instead of eating out for every meal. And be sure to research free activities, such as hiking trails and local festivals.
Outdoor Adventures
Fall foliage destinations offer some of the best outdoor adventures in the country. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or rock climbing, there is something for everyone. In New England, hike the Appalachian Trail or bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail. In the Great Smoky Mountains, go kayaking on the Little River or rock climbing in the Chimney Tops. And in the Colorado Rockies, hike the Maroon Bells or go mountain biking in Crested Butte.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy during your fall foliage trip. In New England, visit a pumpkin patch or go apple picking. In the Great Smoky Mountains, take a scenic drive or visit Dollywood. And in the Colorado Rockies, go horseback riding or visit the Denver Zoo.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider exploring some of the off-the-beaten-path destinations. In New England, visit the abandoned village of Dudleytown or hike the Devil’s Den Preserve. In the Great Smoky Mountains, explore the abandoned Elkmont Village or visit the abandoned Wonderland Club. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit the ghost town of St. Elmo or hike to the abandoned town of Independence.
Natural Wonders
From towering mountains to cascading waterfalls, the fall foliage destinations are home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country. In New England, visit Acadia National Park or hike to the top of Mount Washington. In the Great Smoky Mountains, visit Clingmans Dome or go for a hike in the Cataloochee Valley. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit Rocky Mountain National Park or hike the Maroon Bells.
Vibrant Nightlife
Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the fun stops. Many of the fall foliage destinations offer a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music venues to choose from. In New England, head to Portland, Maine, or Boston for a night out. In the Great Smoky Mountains, check out the nightlife in Gatlinburg or Asheville. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit Denver or Aspen for a night on the town.
Local Markets
One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by visiting the local markets. In New England, visit the Portland Farmers’ Market or the Quincy Market in Boston. In the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the Gatlinburg Farmers’ Market or the Asheville City Market. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit the Boulder Farmers’ Market or the Vail Farmers’ Market.
Beaches and Mountains
Many of the fall foliage destinations offer a unique combination of beaches and mountains. In New England, visit Cape Cod for a day at the beach or hike the White Mountains for stunning views. In the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the beaches of the Outer Banks or hike the Appalachian Trail. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit the beaches of Grand Lake or hike the Rocky Mountains.
Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting museums, art galleries, and historical sites. In New England, visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston or the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford. In the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the Biltmore Estate or the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit the Denver Art Museum or the Colorado Railroad Museum.
Art and Music Scene
The fall foliage destinations are home to some of the best art and music scenes in the country. In New England, attend the Newport Jazz Festival or the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In the Great Smoky Mountains, attend the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival or the Blue Ridge Music Center. And in the Colorado Rockies, attend the Telluride Bluegrass Festival or the Aspen Music Festival.
Walking Tours
Explore the fall foliage destinations on foot by taking a walking tour. In New England, take a historical walking tour of Boston or a ghost tour of Salem. In the Great Smoky Mountains, take a walking tour of Asheville or a historic walking tour of Gatlinburg. And in the Colorado Rockies, take a walking tour of Denver or a historic walking tour of Breckenridge.
Architectural Marvels
From historic homes to modern skyscrapers, the fall foliage destinations are home to some of the most impressive architectural marvels in the country. In New England, visit the Trinity Church in Boston or the Mark Twain House in Hartford. In the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the Biltmore Estate or the Thomas Wolfe House. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit the Colorado State Capitol or the Union Station.
Historical Sites
The fall foliage destinations are steeped in history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. In New England, visit the Freedom Trail in Boston or the Salem Witch Museum. In the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village or the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit the Mesa Verde National Park or the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
Biking Routes
Biking is a great way to explore the fall foliage destinations, with plenty of scenic routes to choose from. In New England, bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail or the East Coast Greenway. In the Great Smoky Mountains, bike the Cades Cove Loop or the Blue Ridge Parkway. And in the Colorado Rockies, bike the Vail Pass or the Trail Ridge Road.
Wellness Retreats
Looking for a little rest and relaxation during your fall foliage trip? Consider visiting a wellness retreat. In New England, visit the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health or the Omega Institute. In the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the Art of Living Retreat Center or the Shoji Spa and Lodge. And in the Colorado Rockies, visit the Aspen Shakti Yoga Studio or the Dunton Hot Springs.
Adventure Sports
For the adrenaline junkies, the fall foliage destinations offer plenty of adventure sports to choose from. In New England, try ziplining through the trees or white-water rafting. In the Great Smoky Mountains, try rock climbing or mountain biking. And in the Colorado Rockies, try skiing or snowboarding.
Conclusion
The “Fall Foliage Report 2020” offers a comprehensive guide to help you plan the perfect trip. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or cultural immersion, there is something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the beauty of the fall foliage for yourself.