The 16 Most Lovely Locations To See Fall Foliage In 2022

The canine days of summer time have us dreaming of crisp autumn air, leaf peeping, and tenting. We requested TravelAwaits contributors to inform us about their favourite spots for fall foliage. Some shared close by campgrounds, so we scoped out a few RVs you’ll be able to hire in every autumnal vacation spot. Listed here are the 16 most stunning locations to see fall foliage within the U.S. this yr, in keeping with our writers.

1. Lakes Area Of New Hampshire

“The White Mountains of New Hampshire are most likely the Granite State’s most well-known spot for viewing fall foliage — for good motive,” TravelAwaits contributor Kara Williams tells us. “The scenic drive alongside the Kancamagus Freeway is among the many nation’s most attractive areas for admiring blankets of brilliant orange, golden yellow, and fiery purple leaves in autumn,” she says.

“When you’re searching for a fall RV trip vacation spot that may have barely fewer guests in September and October, think about the Lakes Area,” Williams recommends, “This space within the central a part of the state is dwelling to Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest physique of water. Right here you’ll additionally discover scenic Squam Lakes, the place On Golden Pond was filmed. Whether or not you’re driving across the lakes, strolling by small cities like Meredith or Wolfeboro, searching for out coated bridges, taking a scenic boat cruise, or climbing within the space’s mountains, you’ll possible have the ability to take pleasure in fairly altering leaves. Sustain with the place and when leaves are peaking with the state vacationer affiliation’s on-line foliage tracker.”

RV Tenting At Ellacoya State Park

Williams suggests testing “the campground in Ellacoya State Park sits on the sting of Lake Winnipesaukee within the small city of Gilford. It has 37 RV campsites with electrical, sewer, and water hookups.”

RVs For Lease Close to The Lakes Area Of New Hampshire:

2. Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia

“Whereas Shenandoah Nationwide Park is barely a 75-mile drive from America’s capital, it’s a world away from the Washington, D.C. metropolis,” says Williams. “The Virginia nationwide park consists of greater than 200,000 acres of beautiful vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, attractive fields of wildflowers, and dozens of hikes for all talents.

On an autumn cross-country RV street journey, my husband and I landed in Shenandoah Nationwide Park simply as fall colours have been erupting at the start of October. From the second we entered the park and began motoring alongside Skyline Drive, our jaws dropped in any respect the unimaginable mountain views, and we continuously pulled over in our 32-foot motorhome to snap images,” she remembers.

RV Tenting At Huge Meadows Campground

“You probably have your coronary heart set on staying in a Shenandoah Nationwide Park campground on a fall weekend, you’ll need to attempt to guide upfront, as spots replenish quick. You possibly can additionally take a look at your luck and shoot for a first-come, first-serve day-of campsite, which is what my husband and I did within the centrally positioned Huge Meadows Campground. 

Our dwelling for 2 nights on this wooded space served as an awesome base for climbing. We have been capable of hop on one path, the Lewis Falls Loop, proper from our campsite. Trailheads for different in style day hikes, such because the Stony Man and the Higher Hawksbill, are only a brief, scenic drive away,” shares Williams.

RVs For Lease Close to Shenandoah Nationwide Park:

3. Tri-Cities, Tennessee

“In case you are searching for a novel spot to discover a rainbow of fall foliage colours this season, think about the Tri-Cities of Tennessee as your vacation spot,” suggests TravelAwaits contributor Melody Pittman. “Actions vary from seeing a NASCAR race on the Bristol Motor Speedway, climbing, boating, golf, and fishing on the pristine 950-acre Warriors Path State Park to exploring the unbelievable Jonesborough Historic District close by. Appalachian GhostWalks may additionally tickle your fancy.

Pittman has loads of ideas for tips on how to spend your time within the Tri-Cities: “Fall screams cider to me, and you may have a scrumptious one at Gypsy Circus Cider Firm in Kingsport. Convey the grandkids and hit the mazes and pumpkin patches, a drive-in film on the Twin Metropolis Drive-In Theatre, and eat pastries from Blackbird Bakery. Drive to Tannery Knobs for the last word panoramic photos of Johnson Metropolis and the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

RV Tenting Within the Tri-Cities

“We discovered probably the most pretty RV park,” remarks Pittman, “Rocky Prime Campground & RV Park in Blountville, nestled in a ravishing nation setting, with shut proximity to Bristol, Johnson Metropolis, and Kingsport. The campground has a homey really feel with privateness and permits hearth pits, one thing we’ve discovered will not be a given in RV life. You’ll be able to select between cabins and RV and tent websites.”

RVs For Lease Close to Tri-Cities

4. Land Between The Lakes, Kentucky

“Land Between the Lakes, or LBL for brief, is a nationwide recreation space that straddles the border between Kentucky and Tennessee a few hours northeast of Nashville,” TravelAwaits contributor Robyne Stevenson asserts. “The recreation space sits between the Cumberland River and Kentucky Lake and Dam. It grew to become nationwide land when the federal government constructed the hydropower dam,” she says.

“Immediately there are campgrounds, boating entry, climbing, and the reintroduction of buffalo and elk to the realm inside a wildlife sanctuary. It is a stunning drive on the 50-mile Woodlands Hint Nationwide Scenic Byway by hilly nation, throughout tributaries, and even by the sanctuary the place the wildlife could be very near your car. Within the fall, the timber flip sensible shades of purple and gold making a ravishing panorama. You’ll be able to go to the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Residing Historical past Museum within the nationwide space too. On the southern finish of the realm in Tennessee, you’ll discover Civil Conflict historic websites on the Fort Donelson Nationwide Battlefield,” says Stevenson.

RV Tenting In Land Between The Lakes

“Interstate 24 runs east to west throughout the northern boundary. Get off at Grand Rivers to catch the Byway. There are many campgrounds within the Recreation Space in addition to the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort with tenting on the west facet of the dam. Within the Recreation Space, there are a number of campgrounds together with Hillman Ferry that provides family-style full hookups or keep at extra rustic and distant websites on a few of the lakefront coves alongside the Cumberland River. I stayed at Vitality Lake Campground and located it fascinating. October is your finest month to see fall colours.

RVs For Lease Close to Land Between The Lakes:

5. Cheaha State Park In Delta, Alabama

“My absolute favourite vacation spot for doing a little bit fall foliage leaf peeping is Cheaha State Park within the city of Delta, Alabama,” TravelAwaits contributor Joe Cuhaj tells us. “The park is positioned atop the state’s highest mountain, the two,144-foot-tall Cheaha Mountain, the centerpiece of the gorgeous Talladega Nationwide Forest. Inside the park, there are a lot of places the place you’ll be able to peer out over the rolling Southern Appalachians for its spectacular breathtaking views of Autumn in all of its glory.

The perfect websites throughout the park embrace Bald Rock which could be accessed through a brief ADA-accessible boardwalk and a brief, however rugged, little rock-strewn hike to Pulpit Rock which hangs out over the mountains and forest beneath.

For extra superb fiery fall foliage, journey the Skyway Motorway, a 100-mile lengthy roadway that traverses the ridges of the nationwide forest from the city of Piedmont to Cheaha State Park. The 2-lane freeway (additionally referred to as the Talladega Scenic Byway) has been described as “Alabama’s reply to the Blue Ridge Parkway” with quite a few pull-offs alongside the route the place you’ll be able to look down and get misplaced in unimaginable views of the hardwood forests beneath and the sensible reds, oranges, and yellows of fall.

The Alabama Division of Tourism has arrange a useful on-line fall foliage colour tracker that gives the share of colour you’ll be able to count on all through the season,” he says.

RV Tenting At Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park options the proper campgrounds for RV campers. There are 77 lately transformed websites within the park’s higher and decrease campgrounds together with 4 ADA-accessible websites. Every web site has water and sewer hookups, 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical hookups, picnic tables, grill, and hearth ring plus clear and totally renovated (and heated) bathhouses.

“Cheaha is likely one of the state’s hottest parks so make your reservations early, warns Cuhaj, “Campgrounds replenish shortly when the autumn racing season begins on the close by Talladega Superspeedway. Test their schedule for race dates that will help you plan accordingly.”

RVs For Lease Close to Cheaha State Park:

6. Pelahatchie, Mississippi

“After a yr of full-time RV life, I can simply say that one in every of our greatest fall experiences was in Pelahatchie, MS, about half-hour outdoors Jackson,” Pittman pronounces.

RV Tenting In Pelahatchie

“Pelahatchie is the place you’ll discover the Jellystone Park Pelahatchie, a family-friendly getaway to take pleasure in tenting, RV life, cabin leases, and the most effective of Halloween and fall enjoyable,” says Pittman. “Assume s’mores, wagon rides, a Fall Nation Carnival weekend, and 6 weekends of Halloween haunts. Although close to empty throughout weekdays (we beloved having the park all to ourselves), the weekends are gangbusters, chock stuffed with households who go all out adorning. Jellystone presents prize giveaways (together with free stays) for the winners and has the huge campground property adorned to the hilt. Then, there’s the extremely in style Halloween Path or Terror, which sells out shortly.

When you’ve ever beloved adorning for Halloween, Jellystone Park Pelahatchie is the place for you. I child you not after I say some individuals introduced a U-Haul stuffed with decorations for this extremely anticipated occasion,” she attests.

RVs For Lease Close to Pelahatchie, Mississippi:

7. Little Rock, Arkansas

“Little Rock, Arkansas, proved to be a enjoyable fall foliage vacation spot,” in keeping with Pittman. “The downtown is lined with attractive ginkgo Biloba timber, which flip a surprising shade of gold within the fall. We stayed just a few weeks on the pretty wooded Little Rock North/Jct. I-40 KOA Journey to benefit from the native sights — the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the Outdated Mill (from the Gone with the Wind movie), and Little Rocktoberfest fall competition with a stadium of craft beer. Our KOA was adorned properly and put us within the fall temper upon arrival,” she recollects.

“One thing I like to recommend about Little Rock is utilizing this as the bottom camp to have a day or multi-day journey to Eureka Springs,” says Pittman. “We didn’t need to tow our RV up the steep hills, so we selected a street journey as a substitute. Eureka Springs will take your breath away. Fall is the most effective time to go to and hike with the city adorned in flowers, pumpkins, and the attractive Ozark Mountains. Mid-October to early November is the optimum time to go to. Maybe you’ll want to keep in a single day on the Crescent Lodge and Spa, the most haunted lodge in America. It’s also possible to take a tour of the historic property.”

Professional Tip: “Petit Jean State Park is about an hour outdoors Little Rock and one of many high spots for fall foliage,” she divulges.

RVs For Lease Close to Little Rock:

8. Ludington, Michigan

Based on TravelAwaits contributor Amy Piper, “Ludington, Michigan is a good place to discover the realm’s lumber heritage within the fall. Ludington State Park presents tree-filled trails ablaze with crimson, amber, and tangerine. You’ll be able to benefit from the autumn colours simply by climbing the 21 miles of trails that undergo forests, over dunes, and wetlands. As well as, the 1.8-mile stroll to the Huge Sable Level Lighthouse is a fairly trek year-round.

When you want to drive the again roads to benefit from the colours, observe one of many six Cultural Trails Ludington presents, similar to The Agricultural Path, the Barn Quilt Path, the Lumber Heritage Path, the Music Path, the Sculpture Path, and the Maritime Heritage Path. As well as, they’ve mixed particular person websites featured on these trails to create a Fall Colour Tour.

Professional Tip: In any case that climbing, you’ll need to deal with your self. Attempt the Home of Flavors in downtown Ludington for a meal or simply some ice cream.”

RV Tenting At Ludington State Park

“Ludington State Park sits between the shores of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake in Ludington, Michigan,” Piper informs us. “It presents three campgrounds appropriate for RV tenting. The Beechwood Campground close to Hamlin Lake primarily options generous-sized shaded websites with bigger timber. It is a superb fall campground to take a seat amongst the autumn colour, nonetheless, it’s below development and isn’t taking reservations for the rest of the 2022 season.

The Cedar Campground is an open, sunny campground with 106 websites, together with eight tent-only websites with no electrical energy.

Lastly, the Pines Campground close to Lake Michigan has 99 closely shaded, modestly-sized websites,” Piper remarks.

RVs For Lease Close to Ludington:

9. Gooseberry Falls State Park In Two Harbors, Minnesota

“In relation to fall colour tenting or RVing in Minnesota, it’s arduous to beat our state parks,” in keeping with TravelAwaits contributor Joan Sherman. “Gooseberry Falls State Park on our rugged ‘North Shore’ and Itasca State Park, dwelling to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, are two stunning decisions,” she shares.

“Gooseberry Falls State Park is famend on Minnesota’s North Shore for spectacular surroundings alongside Lake Superior,” says Sherman, “Fall colour comes alive within the park’s 1,700 acres of aspen and birch forests set amid evergreen fidelity. There’s loads of fall colour climbing amid the sound of speeding waterfalls right here, courtesy of the Gooseberry River. From the ample parking on the customer middle, stroll alongside the falls through a brief accessible path to the Higher or Center Falls. If you’d like extra train, the longer one-mile Falls Loops Path is an efficient possibility. In any other case, you may pack a picnic lunch for the Picnic Stream space (an historical lava move) for views of Lake Superior, rugged and delightful in each season.”

Professional Tip: “In any respect Minnesota state parks, you’ll want a state park car allow,” Sherman warns, “Purchase one on-line or on the park.”

“When you like biking, attempt the off-road, paved Gitchi-Gami State Path,” she suggests. “From the trailhead close to the campground, you’ll be able to journey 15 miles north to the city of Beaver Bay and again once more for stunning (though typically, hilly) views of the lake, colourful aspen and birch forests, and Lake Superior shoreline (with some seaside entry).”

Professional Tip: “Earlier than you go, obtain the Gooseberry Falls Go cell app so that you’ll have the park at your fingertips,” she suggests.

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10. Itasca State Park In Park Rapids, Minnesota

“Within the land of 10,000 lakes, the 32,500-acre Itasca State Park accommodates some 100 lakes and is the oldest state park in Minnesota,” Sherman explains. “Whereas this park has nice climbing, canoeing, and kayaking on Lake Itasca, the favored Mississippi Headwaters on the north finish of the park steal the present.

Begin on the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Heart for a brief (900 toes) stroll to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. There’s nothing like wading or rock-stepping your method (watch your footing) throughout the small stream that ultimately turns into the mighty Mississippi, flowing 2,300-plus miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Professional Tip: Don’t miss the prospect to take your photograph by the enduring publish proper on the headwaters. It’s a little bit of a novelty for extra than simply location. The Thirties historic marker credit the river’s mileage at 2,552 miles, however since then, the river has been modified (shortened) by flooding and channeling, so the two,300-plus determine is correct.

When you’re feeling formidable and would really like a fowl’s eye view of the autumn colour, park on the Aiton Heights Hearth Tower car parking zone and stroll half a mile alongside the gravel/grass (and considerably hilly) Aiton Heights Hearth Tower Path by a maple-basswood forest. You’ll move three lakes (Mary, Allen, and Kasey), then you’ll be able to climb the 100-foot-high hearth tower for panoramic views of the Lake Itasca space,” Sherman says.

RVs For Lease Close to Itasca State Park:

11. Winterset, Iowa

“Set towards the autumn colours of central Iowa, the Bridges of Madison County seem to be a scene out of a Norman Rockwell portray,” relates TravelAwaits contributor Tim Trudell. “The colours — purple, orange, yellow, and brown — pop off the maples, oaks, and aspens that decision the Winterset space dwelling. My spouse and I really like visiting the Bridges of Madison County and revel in assembly buddies there for a weekend of exploration and camaraderie.

With six coated bridges, Madison County serves as Iowa’s coated bridge capital. The Hogback Bridge is ideal for fall viewing, spanning a shallow creek, because it establishes a ravishing setting towards the altering colours. Whereas every bridge is the star of its location, Hogback presents the most effective fall views. A six-mile drive from city, the 97-foot-long bridge was inbuilt 1884. One other coated bridge that stands out is Holliwell. Situated about 4 miles east of city, Holliwell Bridge is well accessed through gravel roads. Stretching 122 toes, the bridge makes for a powerful photograph alternative with the autumn colours behind it.

“With the most effective time for fall foliage starting in mid-September, making an attempt to pin down the precise time to go to is at all times a problem. As you intend your journey, verify EcoWatch for peak foliage. Mix your coated bridges tour with the annual Lined Bridges Competition on October 8-9, 2022. The competition encompasses a parade, quilt present, tractor rides, and distributors. Whereas in Winterset, go to the Iowa Quilt Museum with dozens of hand-sewn coverings on exhibit, in addition to the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum,” Trudell tells us.

RVs For Lease Close to Winterset:

12. Aspen, Colorado

“When the climate grows cooler in September, Aspen is ablaze in its namesake yellow timber,” Williams attests. “I grew up in New England, accustomed to fiery orange and purple altering leaves, however there’s one thing very hanging and particular in regards to the beautiful patches of brilliant yellow amid darkish evergreen timber within the space’s mountains. Mom Nature does stunning work within the Colorado Rockies, for certain! 

Space street journeys from Aspen to view the most effective shows of golden aspens embrace driving curvy Independence Cross to the highest of the Continental Divide.

Professional Tip: Autos over 35 toes lengthy are prohibited, so this drive is barely potential should you’re towing a automobile or in a smaller camper.

Different nice close by spots to view the gorgeous gold leaves are Fort Creek Drive to the ghost city of Ashcroft, and additional afield alongside Freeway 133 from Carbondale to Redstone and past to the highest of McClure Cross. Additionally, think about reserving a shuttle reservation to the well-known Maroon Bells twin peaks,” says Williams.

RV Tenting At Troublesome Campground

“Troublesome Campground is ready amid timber within the White River Nationwide Forest at 8,180 toes in elevation southeast of Aspen,” Williams says, “It has 47 non-electric campsites that may accommodate autos as much as 40 toes lengthy.”

RVs For Lease Close to Aspen:

13. Arizona White Mountains

“Fall is a time of superb climate in Arizona’s excessive nation,” TravelAwaits contributor Cindy Barks remarks. “Owing to its altitudes that soar to the 6,500-to-9,000-foot-plus vary, the White Mountains are at all times significantly cooler than the lowland deserts of the Phoenix and Tucson areas.

Interspersed with the mountains’ pine and fir timber are pretty stands of white-barked aspens and thickets of Gambel oaks. In late September and early October, the altering colours of the aspens and oaks alternate with the evergreen pines, making a hanging green-and-gold patchwork panorama,” she states.

RV Tenting At Lyman Lake State Park

“Lyman Lake sits at slightly below 6,000 toes elevation and has summer time excessive temperatures within the 90s and fall highs within the 70s and 80s,” in keeping with Barks, “The park web site notes that the nice and cozy, sunny days make Lyman “excellent for fishing, swimming, leisure boating, waterskiing, climbing, or simply enjoyable. Together with its diverse actions, the Springerville-area state park additionally presents tenting and rental cabins.”

RVs For Lease Close to The Arizona White Mountains:

14. Flagstaff, Arizona

“On the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff lies on the highest elevation within the state,” TravelAwaits contributor Emese Fromm informs us. “In stark distinction with a lot of Arizona, coated by desert, forests encompass the town. Most of its timber are evergreen, however massive aspen colonies add colour to the environment.

This makes Flagstaff an ideal year-round vacation spot and a favourite of Phoenix residents in the summertime. It’s fall that finest highlights its pure magnificence, with its beautiful autumn colours rivaling these of the nation’s hottest fall foliage locations.

Visiting Flagstaff within the fall ought to deal with walks by the aspen colonies, however the metropolis has heaps extra to supply. From a stroll within the historic middle to a chairlift journey to the highest of the San Francisco Peaks, visits to the encompassing nationwide parks, and searching by telescopes on the Lowell Observatory, you’ll discover a lot to do in your fall weekend within the metropolis,” she says.

RVs For Lease Close to Flagstaff:

15. Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space, Pacific Northwest

“Nature has blessed the Pacific Northwest with an abundance of forests,” TravelAwaits contributor Jo-Anne Bowen relates. “Timber similar to alder, bigleaf maple, aspen, and cottonwood placed on an autumn splendor of yellow, orange, and purple. My favourite location to take pleasure in fall leaf peeping is the Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space, one of many gems of the Pacific Northwest,” she says.

RV Tenting At Beacon Rock State Park

“Start your journey in Vancouver, Washington, and head east alongside Freeway 14,” Bowen suggests, “Comply with the north shore of the Mighty Columbia River for 32 miles to Beacon Rock State Park, a year-round tenting park of over 4,000 acres and 26 miles of roads and trails which beckons one to hike and bike within the splendors of the autumn. Beacon Rock is an 848-foot basalt volcanic plug. Use the park as a base and discover the encompassing small cities of Stevenson and White Salmon. The park is fairly year-round however particularly within the fall with its autumn colours.”

RVs For Lease Close to Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space:

16. Anchorage, Alaska

Potter Marsh Chicken Sanctuary

TravelAwaits contributor Carol Colborn had just a few favourite fall foliage spots to share, all inside Anchorage: “Simply on the southern finish of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is Potter Marsh fowl sanctuary, simply quarter-hour from the middle of the town. It is a perfect pastime for fowl watchers, particularly throughout fowl migration time. Guests can leisurely stroll the Turnagain Arm, a picket boardwalk that winds 1,550 toes from the parking space by the marshland habitat.

We noticed geese feeding off the fish, mallards resting on fallen tree trunks, eagles hovering within the sky, and white swans gracefully gliding on mini ponds. Certainly, no less than 130 fowl species have been sighted right here. Even moose are typically seen within the swamp. The factor I beloved probably the most was the panoramic view it presents of Anchorage and the mountains. A forest of cottonwoods, birch, and spruce rim the open space, making a portal to the woodlands. Throughout fall, the colours make it simply the most effective scenic viewpoint round,” she shares.

Eagle River Nature Heart

“On our second go to to Anchorage, we went to the Eagle River Nature Heart, 40 minutes from the town middle,” Colborn tells us. “It has 10 miles of climbing trails within the river valley of the Chugach State Park. We paid a small parking charge and selected to stroll the straightforward 0.75 miles of Rodak Path. With pretty fall foliage throughout, glacially-carved mountain faces, a operating contemporary river, and two picket viewing decks, the explorer Mendenhall has referred to as the valley ‘a miniature Yosemite.’ At Mile 12, you can see the log cabin the place nature packages are carried out by the small nonprofit group working this picturesque mountain setting,” she says.

Professional Tip: “Twenty minutes away is the Eagle River Campground with 57 RV websites,” Coborn informs us.

Mirror Lake

“We noticed this lake from the freeway whereas we have been on the best way down from the Eagle River Nature Heart, Mile 24 of the brand new Glenn Freeway,” Colborn recollects. “It’s certainly a mirror lake, the water superbly reflecting the birches and different timber. The autumn season made the entire scene extraordinary. There was even a Filipino father and son fishing. It seems it’s their favourite fishing spot as a result of it’s usually stocked by the Alaska Division of Fish and Recreation. Its imply depth is greater than 6 toes, it has a shoreline size of 1.4 miles, and even has a day-use picnic space and coated pavilion,” she says.

Professional Tip: “Simply 5 minutes from the lake is Bobby’s RV Park,” in keeping with Colborn.

RVs For Lease Close to Anchorage:

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