With fall approaching rapidly, it’s time to start planning your adventures to witness the changing colors. Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year, and camping out for a night or two (or more) offers the opportunity to relax while you enjoy the cooler weather, warm up with your favorite hot beverage, and appreciate all the vibrant colors around you. ReserveAmerica provides many options around the country for popular fall foliage viewing, and here are a few highlighted spots to enjoy. Although it is difficult to predict exactly when the leaves will turn in any one location, we provided a timeframe to arrive and enjoy the peak colors.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Virginia
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has been noted as a wonderful place to go to enjoy fall colors. Peak time will be from the middle to late October, so plan your trip accordingly. Smith Mountain Lake also provides some great water recreation. You can take a boat and a camera out on the water and get some unique shots of the fall foliage. With miles of trails, you’ll love a hike into the forest where you will be surrounded by color. This state park is the perfect place to bring the family for a weekend getaway.
Bear Lake State Park, Idaho
Bear Lake is a great destination for fall foliage and having fun with lake activities. You will want to arrive in mid-October so you can be there at the height of the fall colors. Driving any highway to reach the lake will give you occasional glimpses of what is to come, but when you reach the lake and see the fabulous orange, red and yellow leaves everywhere you look, you will be amazed. The beautiful blue of the lake just accents the view. There are many activities including picnicking, bird watching and boating.
Macedonia Brook State Park, Connecticut
For breathtaking views of the fall foliage in the Catskills and on the Taconic Mountains, Macedonia Brook State Park is the best destination. The season for the best fall colors starts in mid- to late September and goes through October. With 2,300 acres in the park, there’s a lot of area to explore. The rustic setting is ideal to view the changing colors and get back to nature with some lovely hikes.
October Mountain State Forest, Massachusetts
Plan a visit to the western Massachusetts area and October Mountain State Forest so you can catch the scenic fall views. The first week of October is the best time to come, with the Berkshires offering the best of their autumn colors at this time. Take leisurely walks or ride a bike among the falling leaves. October Mountain’s name has been attributed to Herman Melville who was impressed by his view of these hills from his home in Pittsfield.
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Killens Pond State Park, Delaware
Schedule your visit to Killens Pond State Park between mid-October and early November to catch the peak fall colors. Besides being awed by the vibrant colors, you can also boat, canoe, hike, play disc golf and so much more here. You can take Pondside Trail on the edge of Killens Pond and move into the hardwood forest on a 2.6-mile loop while stopping to enjoy scenic overlooks along the way.
Clifty Falls State Park, Indiana
Clifty Falls State Park offers a lot in the way of fall season fun. Of course, foliage colors are a big draw, but you will also find gorges, beautiful waterfalls and many trails to hike. Photographers love this park for its scenic majesty. Plan to view the peak time of fall foliage in mid- to late October and make a point to see the four waterfalls including Tunnel Falls, Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, and Hoffman Falls.
Make your Reservations Now for a Fall Treat
Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area, New Hampshire
Monadnock State Park offers some fabulous hiking, where you can follow the trail to the top of Mount Monadnock or other spots within the park. This is a great way to experience the fall colors in New Hampshire. The best time to come is in the middle of October. Autumn can be an inspiring time in these forests, reminding us to take it easy and enjoy some relaxing time in nature. Enjoy a quiet hike on the Harling-Hinkley Loop, a two-mile hike off the beaten path.
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.