It is FALL! My favorite time of year. Absolutely beautiful foliage, crisper weather, cozy, and of course the lead up to Halloween. It's just the best season. USA Today put together a list of the 10 best places to visit during fall for their beautiful scenery, fantastic weather, and wealth of seasonal activities and events. So if you've got some extra vacation days you haven't used up yet, check these out.
No. 10: Asheville, North Carolina
As the summer sun gives way to cooler temperatures, Asheville offers a wealth of fascinating attractions for autumn visitors to enjoy. Though best known for its spectacular beer scene, the region is also equipped with its fair share of gorgeous natural sites to explore, with area destinations ranging from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the North Carolina Arboretum.
No. 9: Taos, New Mexico
In terms of natural beauty, fall ushers in spectacular colors across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains — but there's a lot more to do in Taos than just enjoy the scenery. Outdoor adventure reigns supreme throughout the autumn season, with rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking all available across this idyllic New Mexico town.
No. 8: Cody, Wyoming
Renowned today for its prominent Old West heritage, the city of Cody serves as the perfect base for exploring the stunning fall landscapes found across Wyoming. Trout fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching are all top activities across the region, but if the weather isn't cooperating, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is perfect for gaining some insight into the rich history of the area.
No. 7: Bayfield, Wisconsin
Exploring the tranquil beauty of the Great Lakes this autumn? Don't miss out on Bayfield, a cozy town located in the northernmost reaches of Wisconsin. In addition to ample opportunities for kayaking and boating along the Apostle Islands, visitors can also attend the iconic Apple Festival, a time-honored tradition that first began in 1962.
No. 6: Greenville, South Carolina
During autumn, visitors can explore Greenville's thriving food and drink scene and wealth of outdoor attractions with the added bonus of gorgeous fall foliage. Guests are welcome to discover a new favorite brewery in the heart of the city, while the downtown Falls Park on the Reedy is perfect for a leisurely mid-afternoon stroll in one of the city's most charming green spaces.
No. 5: Stowe, Vermont
Spectacular fall foliage, craft beer, and classic New England architecture can all be enjoyed firsthand across Stowe, a charming Vermont town that's best known for its incredible skiing opportunities. During a visit, guests can bask in the beauty of the surrounding forest with a stroll along the Stowe Recreation Path, while the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is perfect for gaining some insight into the town's favorite outdoor adventure activities.
No. 4: Branson, Missouri
Located just north of the Arkansas border, Branson is one of Missouri's top destinations for basking in the beauty of the Ozarks. Attractions range from the Dinosaur Museum to the TITANIC Museum, but for best results, be sure to spend some time exploring the outdoors, with stunning sites like Table Rock State Park and Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area open for exploration.
No. 3: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island may measure in at just around 4 square miles in area, but this pint-sized Michigan landmark is a truly incredible ecotourism destination throughout autumn. Whether guests choose to explore the area by foot, embark on a guided kayak tour, or traverse via horseback, there's bound to be incredible vistas thanks to the region's high concentration of vibrant trees.
No. 2: Allegany County, Maryland
Equipped with a vast stretch of Appalachian landscapes, Allegany County serves as a treasure trove for Maryland outdoor adventure all throughout autumn. The 3,119-acre Rocky Gap State Park is a top destination for hiking and mountain biking, and visitors can enjoy the crisp fall air and changing leaves while camping out.
No. 1: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg serves as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but there's a wealth of attractions to enjoy right in town without setting foot outside of city limits. Upon arrival, visitors can tour iconic institutions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, while the Gatlinburg Space Needle is perfect for basking in the beauty of the surrounding region from roughly 400 feet in the air.