Four Fantastic Destinations to View Fall Foliage
Four Wonderful Destinations to See Fall at Its Finest The fiery, festive colors of Autumn in North America grab the attention of millions of nature enthusiasts every year. While most places nationwide offer at least a bit of the beauty of nature in its fall finery, a select few areas of the country really raise the bar when it comes to fall foliage viewing. And while we can't make a
In a comprehensive list of all the most beautiful destinations here, we will at least mention these four of our absolute favorite destinations in the continental United States.
The Catskill Mountains, New York Has Stunning Fall Foliage
Nestled in southeastern New York state, the Catskills, NY, are comprised of 6000 square miles of rolling hills and mountains. Though a destination for tourists the whole year round, the region really comes to life between mid-September and October, when the hickory trees, red maple trees, and sugar maple trees shed their chlorophyll and show off their true fiery fall colors. The Catskills, NY, offers many great areas to view the fall foliage, with many hikes and drives of varying lengths. Top-notch lodging and dining accommodations really make the Catskills a 5-star fall destination.
The Great Smoky Mountains Is Known For It's Fall Foliage
Gatlinburg, Tennessee The southern stretch of the Appalachian Mountain Range is home to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg, TN Smoky Mtns house some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and offer a wonderfully rustic taste of rural Appalachia. From mid-October through November, the region explodes with the vibrant colors of yellow birch trees, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry, as well as sugar maple trees, scarlet oak, red maple trees, sweetgum, and hickory trees. The Gatlinburg, TN Smoky Mtns are also home to one of the nation's best aquariums, skiing, and a multitude of other outdoor attractions for the outdoors oriented the whole year through.
Great River Bluffs MN
The Great River Bluffs State Park, situated in southeastern Minnesota, is home to King's and Queen's Bluffs, two Scientific and Natural Areas. From atop the bluffs, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the vibrant Autumn colors of the Mississippi River Valley, as well as the myriad of wildlife it houses. Great River Bluffs, MN, is especially celebrated for its stunning views of the eagles, hawks, and waterfowl that use the Mississippi River as a flyway. With its convenient access near Interstate I90, the Great River Bluffs of Minnesota is a true wonder from mid-September through October, when brilliantly vivid foliage dresses the drastic landscape. Just a short drive from Minneapolis, the beautiful area is a must-see for any visitors to the region any time of the year, but especially in the fall. Dedicated leaf peepers would do well not to miss this oft-overlooked autumnal treasure.
Aspen Colorado Is Obviously Known For Its Fall Foliage
Known the whole world round as a top-class vacation destination and skiing paradise, Aspen, Colorado, is also home to some of the most breathtaking views of autumn's vibrancy anywhere on the continent. Aspen is a wonder to see all year long. Seated just below 8,000 feet in the Sawatch Range, the opportunity to view the wonder of the fall foliage cannot be understated. The popularity of Aspen as a world-class skiing destination tends to take attention from the town's unmatchable value to leaf peepers, but anyone who has been there from early.
September through October wouldn't even dare to deny the awe-inspiring beauty of the steep mountain bases and endless rolling foothills when coated in fall's fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. It goes without saying that Aspen has some of the finest lodging and dining accommodations the world over, making it a true paradise on Earth in autumn. A nice long ride up a mountain on one of the many ski lifts in the area is sure to provide one with memories that last a lifetime. Though some may not care for the cold weather that inevitably follows the cool autumn days, nature always provides a reason to enjoy each season. Those of us who live in or have the opportunity to visit regions that experience the full effect of all four seasons should consider ourselves lucky. Plan an unforgettable trip to one of these true autumnal wonders this fall.
Vibrant Fall Trees
TN Nurseries best selling Fall trees
River Birch
Redbud
Sugar maple
Silver Maple
Red Dogwood
Weeping willow
One of the most challenging parts of landscaping is waiting for new trees to grow. Autumn lovers want their trees to grow as quickly as possible to enjoy their vibrant foliage immediately. Luckily, several tree varieties don't just grow fast but also turn to stunning red, yellow, and orange during their first fall season.
Maple trees
Maple trees grow very tall, and their strong branches spread wide, making them responsible for some of the most prominent fall colors in the United States. Like the red maple and the sugar maple, certain varieties can grow up to three feet per year when the tree is young. Some are even named after their autumn colors, like the October glory red maple and the red sunset maple. Other varieties grow at only a medium rate, but they still produce beautiful colors in the fall.
Tupelo trees
Tupelo trees like the black Tupelo have some of the most prized fall foliage among landscapers. These trees grow up to two feet yearly and produce many leaves, starting low on the trunk. These oval-shaped leaves turn sunset red in the fall, and they are often some of the first to turn; whether young or mature, a tupelo's fall color lasts through most of the season. Tree expert Tammy Sons that the Tupelo is "one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color."
Birch trees
Birch trees are grown not only for shade but also for their brightly colored leaves. They grow at a relatively quick rate of up to two feet per year and mature at around 40 feet. Some varieties, such as the crimson birch, have deep red leaves throughout the summer, which turn to shocking red and yellow in the fall. Birch trees, like the paper birch, also have distinctively pale bark, adding another color contrast against the reds and browns of autumn.
Willow trees
Willow trees are among the fastest-growing trees used in landscaping, allowing them to fit quickly into any yard. Given the right conditions, they can grow up to eight feet yearly, quickly producing the drooping branches this tree is famous for. In the fall, willows are a cascade of delicate, yellow leaves. These colors look best when reflected in a pond or lake, where willow trees thrive.
