Falling into Fall

The fall foliage trip is considered a classic American national rite of passage. For many, losing oneself in a landscape of ruby reds, deep purples, and outrageous oranges can be a semi-religious experience.

New England, of course, is the classic destination for American fall-foliage travelers, however there are beautiful autumnal landscapes to be found almost anywhere in the country. Below we have named a few of our favorites ideas to enjoy this spectacular season!

While Inn hopping in New England is considered the chic way to experience fall, we have found our Travel 100 Group clients also rave about the New England fall Cruise. Like any cruise, this affords you the opportunity to see more than you would book your stay at one location. There are several types of cruise lines each within fall within a different price point. The luxury cruise experience aboard the Crystal fleet includes elegantly furnished staterooms, five-star cuisine, and opulence in general. Smaller cruise lines like American Safari Cruises and Cruise West offer trips as intimate as a Sunday drive in the family mini-van, but with a bit more comfort!

Whether you opt for a big boat or a smaller ship, the experience has as much to do with the historic ports-of-call as the foliage itself.

However, if cruising is not your thing don’t rule out the amazing Inn experiences of New England. We can promise you lots of color and comfort too!

Canada

If you are a cyclist Canada’s Prince Edward Island a perfect place to ride. The national Rails for Trails program have turned the 180-mile long Confederation Trail into a cyclist’s dream. There is a stretch between Mount Stewart and Saint Peters is particularly beautiful and for a nice 16 mile morning ride bike along the Hillsburough River and in the second half you’re next to Saint Peter’s Bay; you can do the whole ride in a morning, have lunch there at the Trailside Inn, and return in the afternoon.

Wisconsin

Near the small town of Baraboo, Wisconsin lays Devil’s Lake State Park, where you can follow Park Road as it twists and turns through a glacially formed 10,000-acre preserve.

There are fantastic walking trails, over 30 miles that cover the beautiful colors of autumn. Tinged birch, maple trees and many others will fill your walks with the bliss of fall colors not to mention the great views of Devils Lake. The bluffs above the blue lake reflects the fall colors against the autumn sky it is just stunning. Make sure you allow time to head south to the car ferry at Merrimac. The short ride across the Wisconsin River also promises spectacular foliage views.

If you are in need of a great leaf guide we recommend:

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region

By Elbert L. Little

This book serves as both a fall leaf guide and tree identification book. It is a light and compact book that can be easily carried on leaf viewing hikes.

Please contact Travel 100 Group for more information on a custom detailed itinerary.

Tammy Zacks-Travel 100 Group