Gorgeous fall foliage at Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut

It’s leaf peeping time! No matter where you live, you can typically find more than enough places to enjoy this favorite fall activity. Fortunately, fabulous fall foliage destinations can be found throughout the country, even in hot states like Arizona! Leaf peeping is a fun & enjoyable activity, not to mention one that gives you the opportunity to explore new areas and possibly even get a great workout in if you can find a great hiking trail or park loaded with foliage.

Brilliant orange foliage on the Minuteman Trail in Boston, MA

While New England is most famous for its’ extraordinary fall season, there are plenty of other areas around the country that see gorgeous color changes. These include the Mid-Atlantic, the mountainous areas of the Southeast, the Midwest, and even a few areas in the Southwest. Even if you live in hot climate, you can usually find a trail somewhere in your state. Take Phoenix for example. Drive 2 hours north and you are in one of the prime fall foliage areas in the West.

Leaf peeping along the Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff, Arizona
Leaf peeping on the Aspen Nature Trail in Northern Arizona!

The changing temperatures and vibrant colors of the fall season make it a truly exciting time of the year. An autumn getaway is a must for hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and anyone else who loves fall! Hiking and biking are great budget friendly means to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. Here are 10 great destinations for leaf peeping to consider for your next getaway!

The Minuteman Bikeway

Location: Boston, Massachusetts area

Why It’s Great: This trail offers the most amazing variety of foliage in the area. It’s conveniently located near the city & the trail is easy and flat enough for beginner cyclists (or walkers). And, you can’t beat a Trader Joe’s & Starbucks located directly on the trail (near the halfway point)!

Gorgeous orange foliage along the Minuteman Bikeway in Boston, Massachusetts

A fall ride on the Minuteman Bikeway is one of the top way to take in the beauty of fall in New England. The trail is 10.5 miles in total with the opportunity to see diverse fall colors in every direction if you plan your ride during the peak season. Orange, yellow, and red foliage lines the entire path. The path follows an old railroad, and therefore, is very flat and smooth. This is great for those who want to simply enjoy the colors and a leisurely ride, rather than a hard workout.

Striking red foliage along the Minuteman Bikeway in Boston, Massachusetts
Bright yellow foliage along the Mintueman Bikeway in Boston, Massachusetts

The path travels past 4 historic New England towns –  Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge. Along the route, you will come across interesting historical sites such as the Uncle Sam Memorial in Arlington. The Minuteman Path is just an incredible way to soak in the scenery of the season and enjoy the fresh, cool weather. Plus, you’ll get a nice little workout in.

More info and pics from the Minuteman Bikeway