10 Fantastic Fall Foliage Destinations
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Devil’s Hopyard State Park
Location: East Haddam, CT
Why It’s Great: There’s gorgeous foliage everywhere, with the added bonus of a beautiful waterfall and covered bridge. It’s New England in the fall at its’ finest!
Devil’s Hopyard State Park (the name comes from a local legend of Satan being seen at the park along with various other paranormal sightings) is located in Southeastern Connecticut in the small town of East Haddam, which is frequently rated amongst the best fall color destinations in the country. Just taking a scenic drive around the area is sure to put you into the fall spirit.
I love this park because it never gets overcrowded, even during the prime of fall. The trails here are so quiet and peaceful with lots of trees and creeks. Bight foliage and pretty leaves scattered amongst the ground really creates that perfect fall ambiance. You will even find a gorgeous waterfall here that looks picture-perfect when surrounded by the colors of the season. I love seeing old covered bridges (pretty soon they will all be gone) and this park is home to one of the most gorgeous.
I recommend the 4 mile Red Trail which will take you past a historic covered bridge which looks absolutely gorgeous when surrounded by fall foliage. Devil’s Hopyard offers anything you could possible want in a New England fall day hike- gorgeous weather, an idyllic covered bridge, beautiful nature, and of course, stunning foliage. Photographers, nature lovers, and leaf peepers alike should all be very pleased with this quaint Connecticut treasure.
More info and pics from Devil’s Hopyard State Park
The Inner Basin Trail
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Why It’s Great: Rare-for-Arizona foliage just 2 hours from the hot desert climate of Phoenix, endless golden aspens, cool fall temperatures, and a great high altitude workout. Inner Basin is a great adventure for Sonoran desert locals looking to flee the heat as well as anyone else in search of an amazing fall trail.
Just 2 hours north of Phoenix, you will find one of the most colorful fall trails of all. Inner Basin is not just for Phoenix leaf peepers seeking an escape from the desert heat, but for everyone seeking a gorgeous fall mountain hike. This is one of my best fall hiking trails to date. I loved being surrounded by tall golden aspens in every direction.
Plus, Flagstaff is a great little mountain town with a cute downtown and lots of local businesses to support. I love all the cozy coffeehouses and restaurants here. A number of Rt. 66 cafes have been featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. It’s the highest elevated city in the state at 7000ft and a great base for outdoor adventure (just an hour from the Grand Canyon). There are many great fall hikes here but the Inner Basin hiking trail is loaded with golden aspens for its’ entire 3.4 mile length.
It’s a hard hike with a starting elevation over 8000 feet and an ending elevation of around 10,000. On the plus side, if you can handle the uphill climb, fall color will surround you in every direction. On one downside this trail is very popular as you can imagine with Southwestern residents flocking to the area to catch a glimpse of fall, so visit on a weekday if at all possible.
