Best Weekend Getaway Spots to See Fall Foliage
Want to take a quick weekend trip? Read on to discover the top two East Coast locations to see the leaves change color this fall. 🎃🍁
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tennessee / North Carolina
This park offers a spectacular display of fall colors, with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow across its diverse landscapes. The foliage peaks around mid-October, making it an ideal time for hiking and scenic drives.
Things to do:
Scenic Drives
Cades Cove Loop Road
Hiking
Alum Cave Trail
Clingmans Dome
Wildlife Viewing
Cades Cove
Picnicking
Heintooga Ridge Road
Autumn's vibrant colors in the Great Smoky Mountains
Restaurants:
The Old Mill Restaurant
Location: 154 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Location: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Lodging:
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek
Location: 961 Campbell Lead Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Description: This upscale lodge offers luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. It features rustic yet elegant decor, a full-service restaurant, and easy access to the park. It’s ideal for those looking for a more refined and relaxing stay.
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek
Acadia National Park
Maine
Acadia is renowned for its breathtaking autumn colors, particularly along the Park Loop Road and Cadillac Mountain. The mix of coastal views and dense forests provides a stunning backdrop for fall foliage, usually peaking in late September to early October.
Things to do:
Hiking
Cadillac Mountain
Precipice Trail
Jordan Pond
Scenic Drives
Park Loop Road
Biking
Bike the Carriage Roads
Explore
Just outside the park, venture to the Village of Bar Harbor
Restaurants:
Havana
Location: 318 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
The Travelin’ Lobster
1569 ME-102, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
A lobster roll at the Travelin' Lobster
Lodging:
The Acadia Hotel
Location: 20 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Description: This boutique hotel is known for its charming and cozy atmosphere. It offers a range of rooms and suites, some with kitchenettes. The hotel is centrally located in Bar Harbor, providing easy access to dining, shopping, and park activities.
Under Canvas Acadia
Location: 702 Surry Rd, Surry, ME 04684
Description: A unique lodging option offering a glamping (glamorous camping) experience near Acadia National Park
A vacation doesn’t mean you have to leave the country for several days. With one of these trips, you can either pack your car or take a short flight to explore a new destination and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. Enjoy!