National News | Sep 29

Enjoy This Year’s Fall Colours

October is here!  What better way to enjoy the fall season than to take a drive through the beautiful countryside.  Many state parks are reaching peak season for fall foliage.  This Thanksgiving, hit the road and enjoy the last gasp of North America’s deciduous forests.  Along with the scenery, you should take in some Duty Free goods during your travels.  Check your nearest Duty Free location for specials and other details!

Washington

In addition to experiencing fall foliage colours in Washington, you can visit the Washington State Travel portal for information on parks, paths, routes, and activities to enjoy during your travels.

Montana

The region is now showing more color, with nearly all areas reporting low color (11% – 30% change).  Many of our spotters have reported that the early color is bright and that bodes well for a great foliage season.  If you are planning a trip this fall, now is the time to make reservations!

Plan to visit Glacier National Park in early October for picture-perfect fall foliage. The maple trees shine brightly with hues of yellow, orange and red, while larch and aspen trees turn to yellows and gold. And all the trees are scattered amongst evergreens, creating a canvas of stunning contrasting colors.  Yellowstone National Park contains hundreds of species of mammals.  Birds, fish and reptiles have been documented, including several that are either endangered or threatened. The vast forests and grasslands also include unique species of plants. Yellowstone Park is the largest and most famous megafauna location in the Continental United States. Grizzly Bears, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk live in the park. The Yellowstone Park Bison Herd is the oldest and largest public bison herd in the United States.  Yellowstone also has numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, fishing and sightseeing.

North Dakota

Each fall, the North Dakota Tourism Division provides a weekly fall foliage report – compiled from sources through the state at prime leave-watching spots.  Visitors should check the North Dakota Travel portal home page this fall for these reports.  Some of the areas most frequently visited in the fall include the Turtle Mountain regionTheodore Roosevelt National Park, the state’s 10 scenic byways and backways and North Dakota’s state parks.

Click here to download North Dakota’s Fall Foliage Report (.pdf).

Minnesota

Here’s a sampler of routes for viewing a rainbow of colorful fall foliage in Minnesota: Rainbow Routes: 10 Fall Color Drives.  The list includes some well-known favorites, and some less-known gems where you don’t have to share the view with a crowd.

Wisconsin

Nothing ushers in autumn like the flaming red and yellow colors Mother Nature paints during October. But why just settle for an ordinary foliage getaway? Combine it with the fruits of the fall harvest, a scenic coastline and culinary adventure and you’ve got fall foliage in Door County, Wisconsin.  Located just 64 km. northeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin, the 112-km. long peninsula of Door County is situated perfectly between the waters of Green Bay (to the west) and Lake Michigan (to the east) giving visitors a variety of experiences on two distinctive coasts, and in charming towns in between. Known as “The Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County features 482 km. of shoreline, 11 lighthouses, 5 state parks and 19 county parks.

You can view the Wisconsin Fall Foliage report here.

Michigan

Michigan offers fall colour tours to awaken your senses and spark your imagination.  You can find the most up-to date Michigan Fall Foliage report here.

Ohio

The first week of autumn is ushering in an array of colors as Ohio begins its fall color transformation, according to Casey Burdick, “Fall Colour Forester.”

You can view a detailed Ohio Fall Colour Report here.

Pennsylvania

The rolling hillsides, quaint country lanes, and acres and acres of farm fields of crops — agriculture’s always been a big part of what makes Pennsylvania so special. And now, there are plenty of chances all over the state to explore the state’s harvest bounty.  Check out a county fair, a local country market, or one of Pennsylvania’s beautiful and award-winning wineries, where you can sample everything from sweet ice wines to big, robust reds as you relax on a patio surrounded by vineyards.  All the while you can be taking in Pennsylvania’s gorgeous fall foliage.

Pennsylvania’s Fall Foliage Report can be found here.

New York State

Autumn in New York State is a magical time of year. Crisp, cool days transform the state into a breathtaking palette of spectacular color with many vantage points to view it from. Fall is also time for fresh picked apples, decorative gourds and pumkins aplenty. Try traversing a corn maze, taking a hayride, making your way through a haunted house or biting into the season’s first apple cider donuts.

View New York State’s Fall Foliage Report here.

Virginia

Virgina is home to many scenic fall drives that you can enjoy while the forests are in full colour. Shenandoah National Park is just one location with fantastic views to view the fall hues.  You can even take a peak for yourself on their live webcam.

You can view all of the Fall activities Virginia has to offer here. To hear the most up-to-date information on the progress of the Fall colours, call their hotline at 1-800-424-LOVE

Vermont

The Fall Foliage season in Vermont is the busiest time of the year for us as visitors flock from all over the world to witness the phenomena.  Take a drive through the Appalacian Trail when the time is perfect.

You can view Vermont’s Fall Foliage report here.

New Hampshire

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing lakeside getaway, a week of antiquing and outlet shopping or a fun-filled road trip adventure, autumn in New Hampshire is an experience you won’t want to miss. Check out The Amber Rays of Autumn for an idea on planning your trip. or view our online foliage reports to plot out your own leaf peeping route!

Or, view New Hampshire’s Foliage Report to make up your own route.

Maine

With the crisp air of autumn comes the chance to experience a quintessential fall weekend in Maine. You’ll be amazed at the glorious colors on display across the state. From quiet coastal villages to lakeside golf courses to scenic mountain passes, Maine offers a variety of settings for nature’s brilliant show. Another fall favorite is heading to an orchard for apple picking and a glass of cider fresh from the press. Or try your hand at fly fishing at one of Maine’s famous rivers. There are a ton of things to do in Maine.

The colours in main are reaching peak season.  Check out the current progress in the Maine Fall Foliage Report.

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