New Places for Fall Colors

Amazing Vistas Across America

The varied landscape of the continental United States provides a feast for the eyes anytime of the year, but its beauty may be most dramatic and memorable in autumn months. So, we’ve traveled America (virtually) to find new leaf peeping alternatives in three states you may never have considered.

Pennsylvania

Few other regions of the country offer more opportunities for fall leaf peeping than The Allegheny National Forest of northern PA, but we’ve found a few more within a two-hour drive of Philadelphia International Airport. Peak season: Early to Mid-October

Lebanon County

Dating back to the 1880’s, the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is an 18-mile multi-functional greenway running between the southwestern border of Lebanon County, Colebrook, Mount Gretna, Cornwall and Lebanon. We suggest you start in downtown Lebanon, where you’ll instant step into rolling countryside adorned with fabulous fall foliage.

Dauphin County

Memorial Lake State Park encompasses on 230 acres at the base of Blue Mountain near East Hanover Township and Grantville. The centerpiece of this natural wonderland is Memorial Lake, which not only features a 2.3-mile perimeter walking trail, but two boat launching ramps and a courtesy dock for sailing, boating and paddle boarding.

Washington County

Want to add a little learning to your leaf peeping? Washington Crossing Historic Park is situated on the site where General George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River in 1776. You’ll find walking trails and historic buildings that reveal both the natural beauty and historic significance surrounding the town of Taylorsville. The best views can be enjoyed by climbing Bowman’s Hill Tower for a 14-mile, 360-degree vista.

Georgia

Georgia may be famous for its flowering magnolia and peach trees, but the northern portion of the state is home to a variety of colorful, mountainous fall foliage – including yellow sweetgums, golden hickories and red dogwoods. Peak season: Early October thru mid-November

On Foot

Just south of the Tennessee state line, Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona features a variety of trails with radiant colors. You can walk the 4-mile Iron Hill Loop for unique vantage points of the lake and forest, then visit the park’s log cabin and blacksmith shed.

Tallulah Gorge State Park offers you an abundance of glorious scenery including one of the region’s most popular canyons. Hike a variety of trails overlooking the rim and waterfalls, while taking in the beauty of glowing yellow oaks and radiant red maples. Just a little further south, Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the American southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. Choose a flat path to the boardwalk overlook or test yourself on the stairway from the bottom.

On the Road

Just a few minutes away, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway offers what many Georgians point to as their favorite mountainside tour of fall foliage. This wandering road is lined by luminous trees with several turnoffs and scenic overlooks along the way. You can even stretch your legs by strolling walking paths that cross the famous Appalachian Trail.

California

Inyo & Mono Counties

Californians in the know are quick to recommend a trip along US 395 to experience the Eastern Sierra’s fabulous fall foliage. From Bishop to Bridgeport, the quaking aspens put on a show that sticks with you through the longest winter. We suggest a drive along Highway 168 from Bishop to Sabrina, the June Lake Loop (Highway 158) past Silver and Grant Lakes or Lundy Lake Road north of Lee Vining. You can also head north on US 395 to visit Conway Summit or travel Bridgeport’s Twin Lakes Road west to Twin Lakes. Peak season: Mid-September thru October

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara may be famous for palm trees and sandy beaches, but the Santa Maria Valley of northern Santa Barbara County includes 14 miles of forested canyon on Tepusquet Road (near the Byron Winery) as well as the golden arroyo willows surrounding Oso Flaco Lake. Don’t miss the 1.5-mile boardwalk trail above the lake. Peak season: Early September thru Mid-October

San Diego County

With Thanksgiving around the corner, you can still watch the black oaks turn at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park near Julien. Palomar Mountain State Park showcases bracken ferns and leafy oaks on the Thunder Ridge and Chimney Flat Loop. And the Five Oaks Trail at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve is home to some of the largest black oaks in San Diego County. Peak season: Mid-October thru Mid-November

Ready for more? At least two dozen other states undergo some sort of natural transformation each autumn. Best of all, they’re just a flight away and you can estimate the peak season for each by viewing this map: www.almanac.com/fall-foliage-color-map-when-peak-foliage. Just remember to plan ahead, pack comfortable shoes, and reserve your LAX airport parking space at Joe’s Airport Parking.

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