19 Family-Friendly Places That Are Perfect for Viewing Fall Leaves

With the changing season comes the magic of family fall activities. From apple picking to binge-watching Halloween movies, there are so many different activities to do with your children. However, one of the easiest ways to get into the spirit of fall is by going for a foliage drive.

America offers so many amazing places to see beautiful fall leaves from early September until November. So, if you are in the mood to marvel at nature, grab a mug of hot cocoa and a caramel apple, cozy up in the car, and head out to one of these perfect destinations.

The Magic of Fall Leaves and Family Time

There is just something magical about fall. If you happen to be an autumn person (like me), then you understand what I'm talking about — the crisp morning air, the smell of apple spice and pumpkins, and the beautiful changing leaves. You'd be hard-pressed to find something better, and that's why you should take note of these top places to see beautiful fall leaves with your kids.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage as a Family

Depending on where you live, you may be able to see the best fall foliage every single year. However, for some people, it's necessary to drive to other parts of the country to see the beauty of nature. If you are wondering where the best places are to go to see gorgeous fall leaves, look no further. We put together a list of 19 great places to visit this year with your kids. If you live near one of these spots, that's even better!

Mohican State Park, Ohio

The best time to visit Mohican State Park in Ohio is early to mid-October. If you love scenic drives, then this destination is for you. Enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves while exploring the covered bridges and hiking on the trails.    

Conner Prairie, Fishers, Indiana

If you want to experience more than just driving with your children, visiting Conner Prairie in Indiana is a must. You and your children can step back into history, see how people used to live, and enjoy fall festivals. From corn mazes to an epic Headless Horseman Festival, there's something that everyone in your family will love at Conner Prairie.

Door County, Wisconsin

Fall comes to Wisconsin early. By late September, you and your family can drive through Door County and enjoy the beautiful Autumn colors. Another activity that families tend to enjoy while here is camping. Camping allows families to take it slow, enjoy a crisp, breezy morning hiking, and just take in the gorgeous views.

Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

The Mohawk Trail region is made up of more than 30 towns. This means that you and your kids can explore more than the beautiful fall foliage while you are here. Explore historical sites, enjoy art museums, and hike the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, which is over 12 miles long.

Ashville, North Carolina

You can visit Asheville, North Carolina, anytime between September and early November and still enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage of reds, oranges, and yellows. Some great spots to visit while here include Grandfather Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Graveyard Fields.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Full of history and beautiful nature, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a must-visit at least once in your lifetime. Make a trip of it by taking a bus tour through the Gettysburg Battlefield, or go on a spookier tour with the exclusive Haunted Bus Tour. Explore the fall festivals and rich history, all while taking in the beautiful nature in the area.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park, West Virginia

Canaan Valley Resort State Park is another area of the country that offers a long foliage season. Whether you want to enjoy the natural beauty early on in September or wait until late October, you have plenty of time to visit.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is one of the best places in the country to start peeping at fall foliage early on. The high elevation means that the leaves change colors early in the year. Whether you are hiking, biking, or driving, you and your family will love taking in the gorgeous views here.

Northwestern Wyoming

Take a visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in late September or early October for the best view of the beautiful foliage. Both parks offer spectacular views of the beautiful changing leaves.

Quebec City, Canada

Go north to Canada, and you will be able to catch the most gorgeous views by late September. Old Quebec is full of rich history and beautiful fall colors, or you could take a refreshing hike through the Montmorency Falls Park as a family.

Park City, Utah

If your family enjoys a scenic drive, then Park City, Utah, may be the perfect destination for you. Some of the best places to see the foliage include Guardsman Pass, Silver Lake Trail, and Millcreek Canyon.

Golden Road, Maine

Maine is another state that offers beautiful Fall foliage by late September. This means you get to enjoy the views for even longer. Golden Road is a 96-mile road that takes you through forests. It stretches from Millinocket to the Canadian border. This formerly privately owned road is now open to the public.

Glade Top Trail, Missouri

Glade Top Trail is a 23-mile road that takes visitors through the Mark Twain National Forest and is surrounded by the Huckleberry Glades Wilderness. Drivers can pull off into overlooks and take in the gorgeous scenes.

Stowe, Vermont

Vermont is one of the best places to visit to see beautiful fall leaves. While visiting, be sure to stop in at the Stowe Farmers' Market for some fresh jam and delicious homemade bread. Then explore the downtown artisan shops before going on a scenic fall drive through Smuggler's Notch.

Northern Nevada

Nevada is a perfect place to visit during the fall. However, if you are looking for a specific destination within the state, you can try one of these:

• Copper Basin
• Oxbow Nature Study Area
• Lamoille Canyon
• Great Basin National Park
• Ruby Mountains
• Lake Tahoe

Any of these destinations will make a day trip well worth it when you see the gorgeous foliage views.

Route 7, Vermont

One of the neatest things about going on a fall foliage trip on Route 7 is being able to visit all the magnetic little towns. If you find yourself traveling this route during autumn this year, be sure to stop in Manchester or Middlebury.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a popular vacation destination, and one of the busiest times is during the summer. However, a better time to enjoy this vacation spot is actually in the fall. You can take in all the beautiful scenery while also participating in all the fun Gatlinburg activities, such as exploring history at Cades Cove, spending the evening at the Island, or riding a skylift to take in all the autumn glory.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

If you live in Virginia, then the Shenandoah National Park is a wonderful place to visit during the fall. You can enjoy the autumn foliage at many places, but some of the best spots to visit include Big Meadows, Old Rag Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road is the perfect place to visit during the fall for several reasons. For starters, it's not quite as crowded as it is during the summer. Meaning a drive on this road may be more relaxed. Additionally, there are some impressive trails to hike on and even spots for fly fishing.

In Conclusion

Fall can feel like a magical time for families. Your autumn family activities don't have to be elaborate or expensive. One of the best ways to create memories with your kids while enjoying fall is simply by taking a drive. Choose one of these fantastic places to drive to and see gorgeous leaves with your kids. This can be a perfect day drive or even a weekend getaway. Regardless of where you choose to go, there are so many places to visit that offer beautiful views and a cozy atmosphere.

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