The fall may be the best time for adventure travel in the United States. The weather is cooler, there are fewer crowds and there are some highlights you can't see at any other time of year. Among the most appealing fall destination is New England's Appalachian Trail, which is replete with breathtaking views and one-of-kind foliage. New England may be known for it's autumn colors, but there are several spots along the way that are not to be missed.
Franconia Notch State Park
Located within New Hampshire's famous White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is home to many of the most famous natural destinations in the Granite State. Though its most famous feature, the Old Man of the Mountain rock formation, succumbed to the wear and tear of erosion, there are still plenty of landmarks to check out.
Flume Gorge certainly stands out as a highlight. The unique formation sits at the base of Mount Liberty, and visitors can follow a path that takes them especially close to the cascading water. The park is also home to excellent hiking opportunities including paths that lead to Lonesome Lake and Cannon Mountain.
Mount Washington
The highest peak in the northeastern United States, Mount Washington has long been a favorite adventure travel destination for many people. Despite its height (approximately 6,288 feet), the hike up this landmass is still relatively accessible for even the casual climber.
Depending on what route you take, there are a number of highlights along the way, but perhaps the best-known areas is Tuckerman Ravine. A popular spot for skiers and hikers alike, the glacial cirque is among the most iconic natural formations of the mountain.
Smugglers' Notch State Park
Located in the northeast corner of Vermont, Smugglers' Notch State Park is a highlight of the Green Mountains and offers some of the best views of fall foliage in the entire country. There are numerous hiking opportunities within the park, but any adventure travel enthusiast will tell you that you can't visit without trekking down the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance trail in the United States.
Walden Pond State Reservation
Perhaps best known as the home of legendary writer Henry David Thoreau, this Concord, Massachusetts, natural highlight also provides some of the best fall foliage views in the region. Aside from its natural appeal, Walden is especially appealing to literary enthusiasts, who can visit the cabin where Thoreau spent two years and penned one of his most famous works. The pond is also just a short distance from other highlights of the Bay State and will certainly appeal to anybody who has a love of early U.S. history.
Camden, Maine
It may not be a state park, but the small town of Camden, Maine, has plenty to offer by way of fall foliage. Located on the state's east coast, the views are made especially appealing thanks to the town's proximity to Penobscot Bay, which is beautiful any time of the year. And with many rolling hills, there are plenty spots to get a great look.
Five of the best fall foliage spots in New England
Posted on Monday, Sept. 24th, 2012
