FollowWhen the leaves begin to change, everyone wants to get outside and enjoy the views that entire forests create. Rather than pay super high prices for one or two weekends a year at the more popular venues, try go off the beaten path to one of these budget friendly destinations. All of them offer fantastic views with several options for dining and hotels. These 5 Fall Leaf destinations have additional activities to keep you busy for an entire weekend.
Asheville, North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the best fall leaf destinations in the country. Asheville, North Carolina is the perfect budget friendly place to go. The small town vibe gives you plenty of food options, think foodie friendly with college budget prices. There are also hotel accommodations in every price range. Asheville’s location makes it possible for you to head in a different direction each day for a drive. You can also hike through the large national forests within the mountain range.
Adams, Massachusetts
Adams, Massachusetts is usually a stop for many fall leaf destination tours. It can be a great place to set up for a couple days while you get busy taking in the changing of the leaves. Enjoy the beauty of nature while hiking, visiting farms or enjoying a couple museums or galleries. From Adams you have the option of heading west toward Mt. Greylock State Park, east to Savoy Mountain and Mohawk Trail State Forests where a lot of people base their Berkshire drives for fall.
Seattle, Washington
Most people head to the east coast for fall leaf drives, but Seattle is a great city to head to if you want to get in a couple drives and enjoy the changing of the leaves. Drive out to the Olympic National Forest for one of the most majestic drives in the world. Swing all the way around and take one of the many access roads out to the Pacific Ocean, for some untouched, unspoiled views. Alternately, head out to Snoqualmie Falls for a hike around the waterfall and then drive through one of four national forests.
Rutland, Vermont
Rutland is one of the smaller towns in Vermont, that is positioned in the middle of two very popular fall leaf drive destinations. There are a lot of little shops, farms and markets along the way to Green Mountain National Forest and Coolidge State Forest. Several quaint small towns that are within driving distance make a great way to fill a morning and afternoon spent driving through.
Estes Park, Colorado
This family friendly destination offers great fall leaf drives and ample opportunities to get out and enjoy the sights, sound and smell of the forest firsthand. Estes Park is literally surrounded by outdoor destinations, with Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest coming together around the town. There are a lot of resorts, private lodging, budget hotels and camping options to choose from and outfitters to help you put together a trip filled with adventurous outings.
The next time you are thinking about going out for a drive to view the changing of the leaves, think about any one of these 5 Fall Leaf Destinations.
