From leaf-peeping in the diverse landscapes of Colorado to seeing the changing seasons from above the city skyline in Pittsburgh, there’s all the reason to book a last minute trip to these 11 beautiful destinations this Autumn.
Explore New South Wales with a brand new coastal walk in Port Stephens
This autumn, New South Wales has unveiled the brand new Tomaree Coastal Walk, a £3.4 million project showcasing the magnificent coastline of Tomaree National Park and offering a 27-kilometre walking adventure in the heart of Port Stephens. The walk has been carefully designed and constructed so a wider range of people can access and enjoy the beauty of the Port Stephens coast. The upgrades allow wheelchair and mobility restriction. https://www.visitnsw.com/
Wind through the trees at Snowmass Bike Park, Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass’ gold-level bike park is the perfect setting for an autumn adrenaline filled adventure. Featuring 25 miles of pristinely maintained downhill trails lined by golden aspen trees, Snowmass Bike Park has a trail for every ability from beginner-friendly singletrack to adrenaline-inducing downhill. www.aspenchamber.org / www.gosnowmass.com
Tour through the vineyards in Temecula Valley and Murrieta, California
Find yourself in the magic of autumn in Southern California’s wine country. Colourful autumnal leaves cling to the grapevines after the harvest and these vibrant oranges and yellows will last well into November. Sample some of the local vintages at any of the 19 vineyards peppered along Rancho California and Da Portola Road. For the best views, hop on the Temecula Cable Car, a restored 1914 cable car originally from San Francisco, for an immersive tour of the local wineries. www.visitcalifornia.com
Fall for Pittsburgh this autumn
Open since 1877, Pittsburgh’s Duquesne Incline is one of the only remaining working funiculars in the US. The best way to get lost in the city skyline is to ride the century-old cable car to the top of Mount Washington. At dusk, expect breathtaking views of autumnal settings against the skyline as golden hues of the sun reflect off PPG Place, the riverbanks and the iconic yellow bridges over the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. www.visitpittsburgh.com
Explore Colourful Colorado
A four season destination, Colorado boasts beautiful scenery all year round but autumn is truly one of the best times to visit. Travellers can expect tall trees in shades of gold and amber set against a backdrop of towering mountainous ranges. Travellers can drive along the San Juan Skyway – known as “America’s Most Beautiful Drive” – where the fall foliage is one of the most iconic and photographed experiences in the state. Road trippers will traverse through the heart of the San Juan Mountains with stops in the historic towns of Durango, Silverton, Telluride and Ouray. www.colorado.com
Spot the seasons changing in Seattle, Washington
Travellers can expect colours of red, orange and yellow in Seattle through the autumn season. Beginning to transform in mid-September, the colours are at their most vibrant in October and November. Visitors can experience the falling leaves in beautiful nature spots around the city including Washington Park Arboretum. Running along Lake Washington, the natural attraction has 230 acres of unique plants including some which can’t be located anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest. The free park has some of the best walking trails in the city where the changing colours of the trees can be enjoyed. Visitseattle.org
Amble under blazing maple leaves in Kenrokuen Garden, Japan
One of the three most famous gardens in Japan, the Kenrokuen Garden is the focal point of Kanazawa and boasts a long and celebrated history. Created over the span of several hundred years, the garden is now one of the best examples of a ‘strolling-style’ Japanese landscape garden. The gardens are illuminated from mid-November, showcasing the blazing red maple leaves that blanket the paths. These vivid trees are lit up after sunset, creating a beautiful atmosphere for visitors to wander along the winding trails and viewing platforms. IshikawaTravel.jp/en/
Marvel at the contrasting beauty of the Goshikinuma Ponds, Japan
Walk through the Bandai-Asahi National Park and experience the beautiful contrasting colours of the Goshikinuma Ponds, or five-coloured marshes, located just north of the volcanic Mount Bandai. Here, the striking blue colour of the lake changes subtly throughout the day and none are identical. The bright red and orange autumn foliage that surround the ponds offers a magnificent contrast and make for gorgeous photos. An hour and a half walking trail leads around the five main ponds as well as several other photogenic bodies of water. www.japan.travel/en/uk/
Escape into Ponderosa Pines of Prescott, Arizona
Escape into the ponderosa pines of Prescott National Forest to hike under its amber leaves. Stay within the forest when camping at Yavapai Campground in the Granite Basin Recreation Area and embark on the Granite Basin Trail to see the autumn leaves reflect off Basin Lake before having a picnic and taking social media-worthy photos. Make time to head to downtown Prescott to witness the city’s iconic granite courthouse surrounded by gorgeous autumn foliage before shopping and eating on Whiskey Row. www.visitarizona.com
Visit El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Mariposa County, California
As the leaves change colour and the crisp autumn air sets in, Yosemite Mariposa Country transforms into a mesmerising wonderland, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Made famous in Ansel Adams shot of Yosemite Valley from Inspiration Point, Bridalveil Fall is one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls. El Capitan’s enormous façade towers above making a picture perfect shot of autumn beauty. While most trees in the park are evergreen, big-leaf maples, black oaks and Pacific Dogwoods transform into bronze works of art. www.yosemite.com
Discover Downtown Sonora’s sights, Tuolumne County, California
Visitors will discover bright leaves with architecture to match in the town of Sonora. The gold rush town’s historical downtown is a buzzing community, with shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums to explore, standing in the buildings that were created during the Gold Rush. Sonora is the perfect basecamp for travellers hoping to explore Yosemite National Park, with over half of the park within Tuolumne County it is an ideal destination to enjoy the autumnal colours of nature. www.visittuolumne.com
