The “Golden Time of the Year” is the perfect opportunity to discover our nation!
There’s never a WRONG time to travel in the United States, but fall is a magical season to see our country’s changing colors. Imagine bright yellow Aspen Trees enveloped by spectacular mountains in Colorado.
Or what about those scenic coastal views along the North Shore in Minnesota? The truth is that there are so many places in our beautiful nation to see fall foliage in September and October!
From the winding mountain routes along the Blue Ridge Parkway swallowed up in vibrant oranges and reds to serene coastal highways streaked with golden foliage, our list goes from coast to coast.
So, if you’re planning some scenic drives in the country’s most popular national parks or wish to see hidden gems with far fewer tourists, the “Golden Time of the Year” is the best time to see some of the most incredible fall foliage in the world!
Here are 7 of our favorite places:
Telluride, Colorado
We don’t know the source of this Colorado mountain town’s unique name, but there are a few prevailing theories.
The first is that Telluride comes from the word “tellurium,” the semi-metallic element often signifying the presence of gold deposits that prompted 19th-century fortune-seekers to make their way to the area.
Historians say “to hell you ride” was a standard send-off for anyone heading by horse and wagon to reach the isolated outpost in the craggy San Juan Mountains. The rallying cry may have also referred to the territory’s rowdy mining town climate.
No matter the case, nowadays, travelers and residents alike continue to enjoy a foot-stomping good time at Town Park music festivals or Telluride’s Main Street bars.
And this place’s biggest attraction, it’s over 2,000 acres of ski terrain, regularly draws avid skiers and snowboarders… beginners and experts alike.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter where the name comes from – all that counts is the great experience you’ll have here during the “Golden Time of the Year!” If you choose to visit, you won’t believe the stunning views of the fall foliage’s changing colors.
Sequoia National Park, California
Home to some of the most towering trees worldwide, Sequoia National Park is a pretty humbling place to visit. With the park’s majestic trees hundreds of feet above you, it’s easy to feel tiny in comparison.
Situated approximately 80 miles south of Fresno, in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range, this National Park was founded in 1890 to protect the giant trees from being logged, making it our country’s second national park.
The neighboring Kings Canyon National Park was formed in 1940, and eventually, both parks became fused together. Highlights of the park are, obviously, the trees.
But the most notable probably has to be the General Sherman Tree, which has earned the title of the world’s giant tree by volume. It’s 275 feet tall, and its base is 36 feet long.
And there’s plenty to see and do beyond admiring the park’s flora, from hiking to exploring caves to snowshoeing.
Yet the best part is that the park is open every day of the year, and each season holds its own special charms. Our favorite? The “Golden Time of the Year,” of course. We love seeing the fall foliage’s changing colors!
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Located along the Tennessee River and cradled between the mountains of South Tennessee, Chattanooga has truly earned its nickname as one of the most scenic cities, especially during the “Golden Time of the Year!”
Once called the most polluted city in the US by the Department of Health, Chattanooga has experienced an urban revival over the past couple of decades, giving the city a much-needed boost without losing the touch of its small-town charm.
This place is a historical hub, serving as the grand central station for railway travel in the south across the 19th and 20th centuries and a Civil War battlefield.
But nowadays, the city is a pioneer of different kinds, as one of the first cities in the nation to offer its citizens 2 gigabits per second internet service and the first American city to have its typeface, appropriately named “Chatype.”
Technological advancements aside, visitors of all types can spend their days enjoying Chattanooga’s many diverse attractions.
History buffs can traverse terrain once inhabited by Civil War troops at Chickamauga, adventurers can explore the nooks and crannies hidden within Lookout Mountain, and engineers can marvel at 100-year-old restored trains at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
That’s not all, though! Foodies can eat their way through the delicious North Shore district. Or, you can take a leisurely stroll along the city’s riverwalk and get a glimpse of the sunset from the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s lengthiest pedestrian bridges.
Helen, Georgia
The little, Bavarian-style town of Helen is a delightful place to visit during the “Golden Time of the Year.”
Fall weather sees highs between the low 60s and the high 70s, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities like marveling at the changing colors on hikes to Anna Ruby Falls and meandering past the shops and German restaurants of Helen’s adorable downtown area.
If you’re a beer lover, we recommend visiting when Helen’s Oktoberfest takes place. While you might see some inflated prices for lodging, it’s typically affordable and certainly more reasonable than traveling overseas to Germany.
Asheville, North Carolina
Try as you might, it’s impossible to give Asheville a label. Is it a quaint mountain town? Some consider it a hipster haven! And then there are those who’ve dubbed it “Beer City, USA!”
No matter which name it goes by, Asheville is located in the western part of North Carolina just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and this Culinary destination is an unexpected gem! You’ll find a vibrant arts scene intertwined with Southern traditions and stunning scenery.
It’s safe to say that no matter what interests you, this place has something to offer you. While many get lost on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, foodies can sample from a culinary smorgasbord and entice their taste buds at one of the city’s countless breweries.
Culture hounds can stroll through the River Arts District while adventure seekers go zip lining, hiking, biking, or whitewater rafting in one of the numerous forests and parks. Don’t forget to peep the beautiful fall foliage while enjoying your activities!
Asheville links these personalities together to make something uniquely its own, with an identity that’s constantly evolving yet still stays true to its original roots.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos have long been a superior part of East Coast travel bucket lists. The Northeastern Pennsylvania mountains’ lasting appeal comes mainly from its accessibility. The hills are roughly two hours away from the Big Apple and Philadelphia.
So what’s the big deal? World War II veterans and their partners began traveling to the Poconos in the 40s to take advantage of its romantic and remote atmosphere. And even though honeymoon culture is a massive part of this area’s history, so are outdoor activities.
Big Boulder Ski Area opened in 1946 and brought the slope rider, while the Pocono Raceway started attracting racing fans in 1968.
Today, the Poconos serves as an ideal family retreat, with kid-friendly activities like adventure courses and water parks. The best part? There are many accommodation options during the “Golden Time of the Year,” ranging from rustic cabins to all-inclusive resorts.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington has a cosmopolitan feel that misrepresents its relatively small population, especially during the “Golden Time of the Year.”
Pedestrian-only promenade Church Street bustles with local restaurants, shops, and street performers, while Burlington breweries deliver some of the most sought-after beers in the New England area.
The Queen City also makes a fantastic starting point for exploring nearby communities to see the stunning fall foliage!
In historic Shelburne, for instance, you can find lakefront walking at Shelburne Farms and explore artwork at the Shelburne Museum, where kids can play in a steamship revived to its century-old glory. Don’t forget to pack some comfy walking shoes!
You can also leave the Champlain Valley and head into the Green Mountains to sample creative ice cream at Waterbury’s Ben and Jerry’s Factory or hike through bird-friendly forests.
Would you agree that the “Golden Time of the Year” is the best time to travel? If so, let us know if you know of any other amazing places we missed in the comments below.
And if you enjoyed this article, we also think you’ll like: 7 Charming Small Towns Our Readers Love to Visit, and One That Shocked Our Editor
