Get outside this fall and enjoy the splendor of color. (iStock)
At the end of summer, the leaves change. If you want to see fall foliage this time of year, we’ve rounded up some great places to visit anywhere in the continental US.
The leaves can change color from mid-September to early November. Typically, the second and third weeks of October are peak times, but this depends on which part of the US you live in. For example, Southern states typically see leaves change color faster than those in Northern states because they tend to get cooler later in the winter. But enjoying the fall leaves is not limited to the scenery; Fall weather is a great time to enjoy activities like hiking and wildlife watching.
Here are five places to enjoy fall foliage in the US and six accessories you need on your trip.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
Head to Arkansas for beautiful fall foliage. (iStock)
Talimena National Scenic Byway is a well-known spot for fall foliage in the central US region. This 54-mile drive winds through the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma and Arkansas, and is a popular destination for those looking to capture the beauty of winter. The best time to see the peak colors is usually from the last week of October to the first week of November.
Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is a great place to enjoy fall colors. (iStock)
The Texas Hill Country is a great place for a late fall color change. Any national state park in the area is a great place to visit, but some say Garner State Park is the best place to see fall colors in Texas. The park’s fall colors reflect on the turquoise waters of the Frio River.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park has some of the best fall colors to see. (iStock)
Maine offers several views of fall foliage, but Acadia National Park is the premier place to enjoy the best colors. You can check the status of Maine’s fall foliage on the state’s fall foliage website, which is updated every Wednesday during the season, to find out when to visit for peak fall colors.
Lake Geneva area
Lake Geneva offers many fall hiking trails. (iStock)
If you’re near the Midwest, the Lake Geneva area of ​​Wisconsin is a popular place to catch fall colors. The area has many lakes, natural areas and outdoor recreation areas, so you can capture the season and bypass the crowds.
Great Smoky Mountains
Discover beautiful fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains. (iStock)
The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee offer prime fall foliage viewing from early to mid-October, but colors typically reach their peak between mid-October and early November. One way to enjoy the changing leaves is to drive Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Foothills Parkway.
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Beyond the awesome photography gear to get the best shots, here are six other things you should pack if you’re heading out for a hike and enjoying fall’s colorful show.
original price: $19.99
A first aid kit is wise to carry up any. (Amazon)
Make sure to pack this first aid kit on any good drive. Small enough to fit in your pocket when you stop for a walk. The kit includes a variety of supplies that can be used to treat cuts and scrapes for more serious injuries. Or another ultralight kit, $18.99 at Backcountry, has enough aid to cover a single trip for 28 days.
original price: $21.99
A good pocket knife is wise for hiking. (Amazon)
A knife can be useful to carry on a walk, and some say it’s a good thing. This Smith and Wesson folding knife is made with partially serrated black high carbon stainless steel. Or this Rubato pocket tool, $34.99 at Olight USA, has high wear resistance, durability and optimal grip.
This hydration pack carries more than just your water. (Cotopaxi)
Carry your gear in a cute little pack that doubles as a hydration pack, like the Lagos Cotopaxi hydration pack. The pack provides lightweight storage and convenient hydration for time on the road. For a more affordable option, you can also pack a water bottle and all your other gear in this 10-liter Ozark Trail day pack, which costs $4.97 at Walmart.
original price: $249.88
This raincoat fits in your backpack. (Bearskin)
This ultralight rain jacket is easy to pack and will keep you ready for any weather. Featuring two deep zip pockets on the outside and two secret wide pockets on the inside to keep your gear dry. Stay dry and warm in this Patagonia jacket for women, on sale for $125 at Backcountry.
Pack a good pair of binoculars. (Walmart)
If you have space, pack binoculars to watch the wildlife during the hike. This Nikon PROSTAFF, for sale at Walmart, provides a wide field of view that shows more of the scene and is also easier to hold steady, which is great for finding wildlife or using binoculars on the go. You can buy similar binoculars on Amazon.
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Wear this Stanley while walking. (Stanley)
The new Stanley Cross bottle, available at Stanley, features everything you’ve come to enjoy from a quencher – double wall, vacuum insulation, leak-proof fit – plus a silicone base to cushion each landing, a colored lid, and a soft lid. woven jacquard rope. Wear it while hiking for a trendy way to stay hydrated. You can also buy cross bottles at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
