“Fall paints leafy landscapes with rich red, gold and orange shades that are so picture-perfect, you will want to pack your bags and hit the road to see them in person.“
The following written content by Jennifer Kester via Forbes
Of course, many of these destinations are parks and mountains. But numerous hotels have expansive grounds with vibrant fall foliage that remind us why this is not just the season for spice pumpkin lattes.
Cliff House Maine, Cape Neddick
Perched atop Bald Head Cliff, this 70-acre refuge offers a glimpse of both New England’s brilliant foliage and Southern Maine’s rocky coastline. Soak up the vistas from your glass terrace, preferably after being sated with fresh lobster. When the skies darken, shift your gaze above and join the complimentary Thursday stargazing sessions at Cliff House with astronomer Edward Gleason from the University of Southern Maine.
The sweeping 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate is a vision in the fall. Wander through the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed gardens to spot unusual trees like the golden rain (which sports shades of yellow and chartreuse) and the katsura (with a sweet scent akin to cotton candy) as well as hundreds of mums in autumnal tones. Then, sink into an Adirondack chair on the hilltop inn’s terrace for more panoramas.
Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont
Escape to this secluded retreat among the tree-covered Vermont mountains to see the season’s splendor. Spanning 300 acres, the adults-only playground lets you hike or bike through six trails; canoe, kayak or paddleboard in Copper Pond; or try archery and ax throwing. Break for a meal at the newly converted Lift Shack, which accommodates four and provides some of the most impressive views of the grounds.
The Point, Saranac Lake, New York
Meander through the forests of sugar maples, white birches and white pines at this Upstate New York haven to see the glorious fall foliage. Then experience more of the great outdoors by riding an electric bike through the property to Fish Creek State Park for a four-mile lakeside jaunt. Or try geocaching, a popular Point activity that’s essentially a high-tech nature scavenger hunt using Garmin GPS devices.
Blantyre, Lenox, Massachusetts
Teeming with tall peaks and stunning river valleys, the Berkshires is one of the state’s best places to go leaf peeping. This gilded age mansion’s immaculate woodlands-filled 110 acres make for scenic strolls but hop in one of the BMW house cars to take a fall foliage drive. You will receive maps of picturesque and colorful routes, a basket prepared by Blantyre’s Café Boulud and suggestions for picnic locations.
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, Washington, Connecticut
This modern English country house unveiled a new look for its centennial in 2020, but you will want to come for the bucolic setting. The 35-room inn is surrounded by 58 acres of manicured gardens, leafy woodlands, rolling hills, streams and ponds. Huddle in the warmth of the flames of the nightly bonfire with comfort food such as grilled three-cheese sandwiches and English-style s’mores.
Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York
Composed of more than 6 million acres, the Adirondacks have one of the longest and best fall foliage seasons in the country. Get a front-row seat at this rustic mountain getaway with timber architecture and touches like antler chandeliers and nature-inspired artwork. When you aren’t gazing at the leaves, take a dip in the indoor-outdoor heated pool, visit the catch-and-release pond or hike the nearby High Falls Gorge, Whiteface Landing, Catamount Mountain or Whiteface Mountain.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, Wyoming
In the autumn, vivid yellow and orange hues blanket the Tetons. Witness the colorful spectacle from this alpine lodge, where most rooms have mountain vistas and balconies. The hotel can arrange a wildlife tour and nature walk for foliage sightseeing in Grand Teton National Park (you’ll hear the echoes of bull elk during a rut) or you can go with a nature photographer who will guide you on a wildlife tour of Jackson Hole and the park. Read more from Forbes.
Here’s yet another place to view fall foliage, as well:
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