Fall Colors in the Northeast
A quick guide to creating a perfect northeastern getaway this fall.
This sweltering heat might have you thinking otherwise, but fall will be here before you know it. Now, it might still be a little premature to bust out the cardigans and PSLs, but it’s never too soon to start planning that next autumnal getaway. And while there are plenty of great regional spots to catch some foliage, today we want to highlight some fall colors in the northeast.
Connecticut
Fall in Connecticut feels like a Hallmark movie – brimming with colonial small towns, vineyards and adorable farms offering all the hayrides and apple-picking your heart desires. If you want to properly play tourist, you can bump on over to Mystic for a lobster role or slice of pizza and walk around the harbor. But no matter what you do, you can’t go wrong and it’ll also probably inspire you to dust off a season or two of Gilmore Girls.
A place to camp this fall.
Salem, CT
Massachusetts
First off, everyone should hopefully be in a great mood following the Celtics hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy (that is unless the Pats get off to a rocky start). Secondly, it’s a well-known fact that Boston looks extra stunning in October (if you’re looking for a big city experience). But if you want to go off the beaten path, you really can’t beat hiking around the Berkshires, or getting spooky with a daytrip to Salem.
A place to camp this fall.
Wales, MA
Maine
Sure, summer is prime “beach season,” but have you ever taken a sunset stroll around Old Orchard? It’s, in a word, “stunning.” And in three, “also has rollercoaster.” Furthermore, Maine has no shortage of great camping spots, hiking, or cute little shops in towns like Freeport or Bangor.
Places to camp this fall.
Kennebunkport, ME
Wells, ME
Scarborough, ME
North Carolina
Okay, I know we’re dipping a little bit out of the northeast, but let’s just go with it, because autumn in North Carolina is just special. How about a dazzling sunrise stroll along the Brunswick Islands? Or floating pumpking heads at the Bond Park Boat House? Or just enjoying some crisp evening air and a movie on the silverscreen at the Eden Drive-In? Sounds like we just came up with a perfect long weekend.
Places to camp this fall.
Marion, NC
Whittier, NC
Fort Wilderness Campground and RV Park
Cherokee, NC
Flat Rock, NC
Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground
Swannanoa, NC
High Point, NC
Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground
Bryson City, NC
Maggie Valley, NC
New Hampshire
If you want a photo-worthy fall, you can’t go wrong with New Hampshire. Whether you fancy a train ride through the countryside, navigating an elaborate corn maze, or just settling in over great conversation and a flight of ciders, it’ll make for a pretty scene-stealing experience.
A place to camp this fall.
Hampton Falls, NH
Pennsylvania
Speaking of colorful scenic views, Pennsylvania just doesn’t get it’s due. Between Allegheny National Forest, Pine Creek Gorge, and Heritage Rail Trail (just to name a few) the Keystone State can really punch up. And if it’s October baseball you’re after, there’s always a chance the Phillies have another good run in them.
Places to camp this fall.
Gettysburg, PA
Whispering Pines Camping Estates
Benton, PA
Virginia
As the old saying goes, “Virginia is for lovers (of fall).” I might have made a slight amendment, but Charlottesville and Colonial Williamsburg really do look extra vibrant when painted red, orange, and yellow. Not to mention there are dozens of festivals whether you’re into food, music, art, or just looking for something to take the kids to.
Places to camp this fall.
Williamsburg, VA
Greenwood, VA
Mount Jackson, VA
Waynesboro North 340 Campground
Waynesboro, VA
West Virginia
Last but not least on our list, West Virginia is an autumnal getaway if I’ve ever seen one. Take a hike (in a good way) on part of the Appalachian Trail, tailgate for gameday in Morgantown, or spend a perfect saturday with the family picking out pumpkins and apples at Gritt’s Farm – all while being enveloped in a beautiful coat of gold and amber. Sounds like a perfect fall adventure is you ask me.
Places to camp this fall.
Princeton, WV
Leatherman’s Falling Waters Campsite
Falling Waters
Fayetteville, WV