Forget the red, white and blue, America is at her best when she shows her true colors in autumn. Fall foliage tours have become a massive tourist industry in the past decade or so and native Floridians who have never experienced the majesty of watching Mother Nature work her paintbrush in the fall will have a real treat if they plan a trip to somewhat chillier climes this time of year. The weather is usually brisk enough to require a sweater and warm jacket, but not so cold as to be unpleasant.
To get the full effect head up to New England. A quick plane trip to one of the major cities in the area can afford you easy access for day trips out to the country. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania , Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts all offer picturesque settings to catch this colorful phase of photosynthesis.
Maine’s top routes include Route 17 from the coastal city of Rockland to the state capital of Augusta, as well as the areas around Sebago Lake, near Portland, and Baxter State Park, in center of the state. In Vermont, head to the center of the state along Routes 100, 107, 12 and 106 for an 88-mile loop through Gaysville, Barnard, Woodstock, Ludlow and Killington. New Hampshire’s White Mountains (start in Jackson) provide a wonderfully scenic tour.
Connecticut’s US Route 44 takes you through Natchaug State Forest, or hit Old Saybrook on State Route 154. In Pennsylvania, head to Bucks County (stay in New Hope, the Wilton Manors of Pennsylvania) or Lancaster. New York’s Hudson River Valley’s Point Lookout Inn’s elevated panoramic view a five-state perspective. It’s easily accessible via the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The Adirondack and Catskill Mountains and the Finger Lakes region are also good spots for leaf-watching.
Massachusetts, though not as well known for its fall foliage offers a couple of special options. The Mohawk Trail offers a riotous explosion of autumn color blankets the streamside trail at Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls. For the ultimate GLBT fall foliage excursion, head to Provincetown. Fly into Boston and take the ferry out to P-Town, or rent a car and enjoy fall colors on the 2-3 hour drive. If you like to travel with your pooch, you’ll be happy to know that Provincetown is a dog-friendly place. Many, if not most, of the lodgings allow pets, and your dog ill love taking a walk along the trails you hike to see the autumnal colors.
Cape Cod is breathtakingly beautiful on brisk fall days and most of the shops and restaurants are open until Thanksgiving. Nearly every motel, hotel and B&B offers fall packages and specials. For example, at the Harbor Hotel (harborhotelptown.com), the room rate (including breakfast) is the temperature at 2p.m. (the average temperature in November ranges from the mid-40s to the low 60s). The hotel also bikes you can borrow for a quick spin around town or over to the dune trails. Some of the shops along Commercial Street will be closed after Halloween, but those that are open will offer deep discounts on merchandise so they can clear out their stock before boarding up for the winter. For special rates on lodging and package deals, check out ptown.org/specials and ptownchamber.com/specials. Some November events in Provincetown include the Beaux Arts Ball on the 2nd, Men’s Weekend the 9th through11th (PtownMensWeekend.com), the Thanksgiving Weekend arts and crafts Fair and the lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree in Lopes Square on the 30th.
For all of these options, remember to pack a good pair of hiking books or walking shoes. While most of the routes are drivable, you’re going to want to get out and walk the trails and pathways to fully appreciate the experience. For more ideas, check out U.S. Forest Service’s web site, fs.fed.us/fallcolors, or call its hotline 800-354-4595.
