It’s hard to believe fall is almost here. Now, for many, it’s time to get ready for that fall foliage vacation. Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or just a long weekend, we can help you get the most out of your trip.

 

Fall leaves hit their peaks at different times – the farther south you travel, the later the leaves change. The leaves will also change colors at different times depending on the kind of weather the area had during the summer. If there was a lot of rain, the leaves may peak later than if the summer was dry. 

 

If you need help planning, the Weather Channel has an interactive fall foliage map to help decide when and where to travel. Generally, the best time to see leaves in the Northeast – a popular destination for leaf peepers – is from the last week in September through mid-October. 

 

You can find beautiful leaves throughout the country so finding the right trip that matches your vacation preferences shouldn’t be a problem if you do your research. Sites like the Weather Channel or Fodor’s Travel are good places to start. Fodor’s compiled a list of the 10 Best Fall Foliage Trips in the U.S. that provides great photos and a small blurb on why the writers like each destination. It also recommends when to go and where to stay. Our favorite destination has to be the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway through New Mexico. The 83-mile loop features beautiful yellow and orange aspen trees as well as stunning views of New Mexico. Glacier National Park is another location for your bucket list. The larch conifers here turn a vibrant bright gold that stand out against the white snow peaks.

 

What better way to get experienced advice than by contacting someone who lives there? The local chamber of commerce in smaller destination cities can help plan your trip, pick the perfect weekend and much more. The chamber or the city’s travel and tourism department can even assist you in planning a multi-city trip to visit more places during your vacation. Also, it is a good resource should your weekend be sidelined by fog or rain. 

 

In many locations, changing leaves means changing temperatures. While temperatures may be warm during the day, many destinations will experience big dips at night. Pack an extra sweater or coat to make sure you can enjoy those cool evenings.

 

Bring items for hiking as well, as many locations offer trails that give you an up-close view of the leaves. Pack a backpack with comfortable hiking shoes, a refillable water bottle, some snacks and a first aid kit. Don’t forget the poncho – just in case!

 

Where do you like to go to see fall leaves? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!