Image via Flickr by kimberlykv
I love autumn. The sunshine, patio drinks, and long nights of summer are fantastic, but there’s something truly Canadian about the crisp fall air and the autumn shades of crimson and gold that the maple leaves develop. One of the best places to experience this seasonal change is in America’s Northeast. This area conjures up images of bed and breakfasts, forest walks in comfy sweaters, and a Thermos filled with hot, aromatic coffee.
Planning a fall foliage trip to the Northeastern United States. Book your stay in some of the area’s best hotels.
White Plains, NY
New York State is home to countless broadleaf trees, which boast a full range of fall colors. From White Plains you can take Route 9 along the Hudson River through Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and Amawalk Reservoir to see all the fall scenery that the area has to offer. The Residence Inn by Marriott White Plains is a great choice for a fall foliage trip. It’s just two miles from Silver Lake Park, where hiking trails take you through a beautiful forest, to a historic African-American cemetery, and up to a ridge for a spectacular views over Silver Lake.
Albany, NY
In Albany you’ll hit peak radiance in mid-October, when the city hosts many of its annual festivals like the Upper Union Street Harvest Fest & Art Show. A stay at the upscale Park Manor Hotel places you within short driving distance of Bowman Orchards. There, you can pick your own apples for cider or pie and enjoy other autumn produce like pumpkins, pears, and peaches.
Staten Island, NY
With all the energy and excitement of New York City, it’s easy to forget that the Big Apple is home to almost 30,000 acres of parkland. The forest, wetland, and salt marsh areas offer diverse colors for your fall foliage experience. Staten Island has an eight-mile trail that crosses the entire Greenbelt. Climb up Moses’ Mountain for a panoramic view of the Greenbelt, New Jersey’s Atlantic Highlands, and the chance to spot bald eagles. For easy access, stay at a hotel near LaTourette Park and Golf Course. You can easily access the trail from this site.
Bethlehem, PA
Top billing for leaf peeping in this area goes to Lehigh Gorge State Park, which offers a scenic railway route and bike trails. Narration accompanies the 16-mile train journey, giving you tidbits about the park’s history and the surrounding woodlands. For a place to stay in Bethlehem, check out the restore Sayre Mansion Inn, a gorgeous bed and breakfast in a bucolic countryside location.
Lancaster, PA
Autumn in Lancaster is fall foliage and harvest galore. You’re just next to door to the beautiful Lancaster County Park and a short drive from Chickies Rock. Perched right on the Susquehanna River, Chickies Rock offers views in three directions, from the rolling hills of Wrightsville to the clouds of smoke from Three Mile Island.
No matter where you go in the Northeast, you’ll find a wonderfully vibrant palette of fall colours!