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Where's the best fall foliage? You tell us!

by Meg Massie (RSS feed) on Sep 8th 2008 at 1:00PM

There's a saying in Virginia that goes "If God's not a Hokie, then why are the leaves orange and maroon every football season?" Okay, okay, not all Virginians agree that Virginia Tech has the best football program in the land, but we are solidly united on the question of fall foliage. When the leaves start to turn, there's no better place to see them than from a lookout point or a hiking trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Come to Virginia when the weather turns cool, and (if you can find a vacant hotel room) you'll find a statewide celebration of our fantastic fall. In the Shenandoah Valley, especially, you'll find art shows, wine tastings, parades, and special guided hikes and bike rides throughout October. Just when peak tourism season is ending everywhere else, we get a real boom from all those savvy travelers who have been able to admit to themselves that Virginia really does have the best autumn around.

I can't speak for the rest of the country, though, because like my fellow Virginians, I prefer to stay here in the fall. But I have heard plenty of arguments from others. My husband says nothing beats an Oregon October. New Englanders tend to argue that they've got the best autumn colors. I'm guessing that wherever it is you call home, you think the fall foliage there is unbeatable, too. Tell us about it, then! Comment and let Gadling and our readers know what's so great about autumn where you live.

Filed under: Hiking, Festivals and Events, United States

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Kent Wien Sep 8th 2008 1:56PM

My vote is for New Hampshire. Start in the quaint city of Portsmouth and work your way up north on Route 16 into the White Mountains. Maybe take a side trip to Lake Winnipesaukee and marvel at the amazingly clear water.

Along the way, you'll see the most impressive leaves turning before your eyes. Oct. 5th to the 25th works well for timing purposes, I've found.

Slightly biased Kent (in NH)

Brenda SFO Sep 9th 2008 5:22PM

Hi Kent,

How far is that from Boston? I'm going to be in Boston from October 16-19th and am looking for some good fall foliage driving suggestions within a 3-4 hour range from the Boston area.

Kent Wien Sep 11th 2008 11:21AM

Hi Brenda!

Portsmouth is just under an hour from the Logan airport. Straight north on I-95. Take Exit 7, which is just before crossing the bridge into Maine (a place you'll have to check out as well).

Your timing might be just perfect! That's right at the peak 'leaf peeping' season.

Brenda SFO Sep 13th 2008 4:37PM

Excellent! Living in Cali, sometimes I forget how close everything is in New England. I've got my car already rented, and I'm going to check it out!

Thanks Kent! :)

C Montgomery Sep 13th 2008 6:40PM

Well now, in 4 hours you can go to the Canadian boarder. in VT 93 to 89. In 4 hours Kakamangus Highway across the White Mountains and with good timing go to the top of Mount Washington.

Cindy Sep 8th 2008 3:53PM

Your husband sounds like a very smart man. I would agree that Oregon has some great fall colors. The drive from Salem or Portland to the coast or to Bend is often very beautiful in the fall.

Emma Leigh Sep 8th 2008 4:51PM

Another Virginian here. The Shenandoah Valley is beautiful any time of year.

I would also recommend visiting Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home, during October. It is in the Charlottesville area. The view from his plantation is breathtaking when the leaves are changing.

http://www.monticello.org/index.html

Just down the road from Monticello is James Monroe's home, Ashlawn, which is also open to the public.

http://www.ashlawnhighland.org/

Dustin Sep 13th 2008 12:20PM

As a fellow Virginian, and a Wahoo, I second the vote for Cville. Albemarle county is stunning in any season, but especially in fall.

Also, Wahoowa!

Marilyn Terrell Sep 9th 2008 9:03AM

Connecticut's not too shabby:
http://intelligenttravel.typepad.com/it/2008/08/once-again-i-fi.html

Jamie Rhein Sep 9th 2008 11:19AM

I love watching the leaves of aspen trees shimmer like gold in the mountains of New Mexico.

Donna Sep 9th 2008 2:09PM

I've seen Fall in several parts of the Eastern US and Canada, and, while Virginia is always beautiful, there's not even a hint of the intensity and vibrancy of color that happens farther north.

When I was at Hiram College (conveniently located in Hiram, Ohio), one of my professors came back from one of those New England leaf tours, and said that she didn't see anything as beautiful as the drive up the big hill, up Rt. 82, coming into Hiram.

The thing about a northern Fall, is that the turning tends to happen all at once, so it's one month, with an overabundance of color.

LadyExpat Sep 10th 2008 2:37AM

Nova Scotia has some great fall colors. The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is amazing in the fall (well, anytime of the year)

Dick Sep 13th 2008 9:35PM

There are so many beautiful places for Autumn foliage and at my home on Lookout Mountain which is a plateau that extends from Gadsden, Alabama, Northeast, through northwest Georgia to Chattanooga, Tennessee, you'll see some brilliant coloration and meet some friendly people here in southern Appalacia. You all, come!

Gael Sep 13th 2008 11:33PM

Here's a switch - one of the best kep secrets in the U.S. - NORTHEAST WASHINGT STATE - Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties (Pond o Ray), especially Pend Oreille County = Besides the deciduous trees, and other folage, there is the Tamarac and the scenery is breath taking - great any time of the year - plus wonderful history in its own right.

NANCY DENNLER Sep 15th 2008 5:27PM

I live in Ohio and the foliage in Ohio does not even come close to New England.......specifically The Berkshires, Great Barrington, MA - it is just breath taking. Every color imaginable. A matter of fact I am flying to New England this Fall just to see the foliage, I truly miss it.