Crisp Air, Golden Landscapes and No Crowds | Embracing Fall Travel

Fall is a time to dust off our sweaters, simmer hearty soups, and cozy up by a warm fire. The season evokes a sense of nostalgia with its fading sunlight,  coloring leaves, and the rich smell of earth. It’s a time when the world slows down, summer’s brilliant intensity behind us and in anticipation of the coming winter. As the days grow shorter and the nights lengthen, the fragrance of ripe apples, warm spices, and wood smoke lingers in the air. With summer’s end, and as many prepare for a new school year, the bustling destinations of the past months begin to quiet, offering the perfect opportunity to explore and experience the landscape’s graceful shift. 

In that autumnal spirit, here is a taste of why the fall can be our favorite time to hit the road in the U.S., paired with a few of our most requested autumn journeys.

Dynamic Landscapes

There is a day in September, yet to be revealed, when we first notice that fall is here, when forests, valleys and mountains begin to transform around us. The air carries a scent of fallen pine needles, ripening fruits, damp morning dew and perhaps a hint of wood smoke from seasoned pinon, mesquite or oak.The leaves change from emerald hues of green to shades of crimson, gold, and yellow. The Rocky Mountain aspens turn to an electrifying yellow, the cottonwoods of the West Coast shades of gold, and the maples of New England a majestic red. The high deserts of the southwest see its first frost and the peaks of the Northern states see their first snow. These rich tapestries of color, blanketed across the U.S., are the perfect backdrop for traveling through some of the most unique spots in the country during this time.

A Classic Fall Road Trip: Luxury Holiday to New England

Perfect Fall Weather

As autumn unfolds, America’s landscape’s shift alongside the very feel of the air. Early autumn brings a palpable change—from the lingering warmth of summer to the crisp, cool embrace of fall. The New England coasts witness powerful storms, their waves crashing dramatically against the shore. Snow begins to dust the highest peaks of Colorado. The Midwest awakens to the first frosts, while the Pacific Northwest’s emerald forests are gently misted by autumn rains. California and the Low Country’s cooler evenings provide a much needed relief from months of scorching summer nights. In the high deserts of the Southwest, the first signs of frost sparkle at dawn, and the summer rains fade away. Despite the cooler air inviting us to cozy up by the fire, the feeling of exploring places like Joshua Tree under a mild sun or feeling the chilled breeze along Maine’s rugged coast makes for unforgettable experiences unique to this singular time of year.

Cooler, Crisper Fall Evenings: The Best of New Orleans and Cajun Country

Bountiful Harvests

The arrival of fall also marks the start of harvest season, a time of abundance when farmers reap the rewards for all the long days and cold nights of the previous year. Orchards in the Pacific Northwest and New England burst with apples, ready to be pressed into crisp cider, while in New Mexico, Hatch chiles are picked and roasted to perfection. Idaho’s fields yield their famous potatoes, and the forests of Washington offer mushrooms ripe for hearty dishes and stews. Across the country, food is harvested, gleaned, pickled, cured, stewed, smoked and stocked. It’s the perfect time to spend time with local producers, visit our favorite wineries or walk the woods on a foraging experience.

Farm-to-Table Inspiration: Sonoma to Mendocino: A Farm-to-Table Roadtrip

Wildlife on the Move

Fall is also a time to experience remarkable changes in the natural world. As animals across the country prepare for the colder, darker months of winter, bears scavenge and hunt to fatten up for hibernation, amorous deer and moose enter the rut, and birds embark en masse on their southern migration. Monarch butterflies leapfrog south to California’s eucalyptus and cypress groves, bison trek to lower elevations for the last shoots of vegetation, and salmon start their upstream river journey to spawn. Fall can offer a unique and intimate view of these incredible natural events, in the company of our  expert private  guides in the field.

Witness Yellowstone’s Bison Migration: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Road Trip

More Locals, Less Crowds

Lastly but perhaps most impactfully, as fall arrives, schools return, international arrivals slow, and locals emerge to enjoy their own backyards. . As the fast clip of summer starts to slow down, it gives travelers the perfect opportunity to explore the country at a more reflective pace and September and October become ideal for visiting small mountain towns, sought after hotels and popular national parks across the country. Experience the breathtaking views of Yosemite or Yellowstone, visit the alpine lakes in Glacier or Mt. Rainier, all without the summer crowds, while enjoying cooler temperatures along with the stunning backdrop of golden, autumnal leaves.

See the Red Rocks of the Southwest: Red Rock and Canyon Country of Arizona and Utah

For even more autumn inspiration, see the Best Places to Visit in the U.S. in October.