Category Archives: Fall Foliage Getaways

*The Berkshires of Massachusetts. Timing the peak fall foliage takes planning, but scenes are gorgeous even if not at peak. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

New England is famous for fall foliage and festivals. To catch the peak of color and festivities, the trick is to zero in where and when.

Peak foliage typically begins in northern Maine and the White Mountains in mid-September before moving southward through October. Coastal Connecticut and Rhode Island often peak in late October to early November (see: newengland.com/foliage/foliage/peak-fall-foliage-map).

Vermont

Vermont’s Green Mountains rank among best places in the country for fall foliage with peak viewing typically moving from north to south between mid-September and mid-October. Among the best foliage locations:

Route 100: A scenic 200-mile highway passing through the heart of the state with mountain vistas and quiet villages.

Manchester: A historic southern Vermont village offering stunning views near Mount Equinox.

Stowe: A famous mountain town known for brilliant autumn palettes and top-tier hiking trails.

The Stowe-liage Foliage Package at Topnotch Resort includes a $100 nightly resort credit to use at the Topnotch Spa, Tennis Center or dining at the resort’s two restaurants. Rates start at $324/night. Available for travel through Nov. 30 (www.topnotchresort.com/packages-specials).

Okemo Valley Fall Foliage Train & Pop‑Up Fall Festival, Oct. 3-4: Step into Vermont’s most enchanting season aboard a vintage foliagetrain, where nearly an hour of scenic mountain views, brilliant color, and old‑fashioned rail charm create an unforgettable autumn adventure. (https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/foliage-train/)

Get driving itineraries, lodging ideas at vermontvacation.com and the fall foliage report at https://vermontvacation.com/vermont-seasons/fall/fall-foliage-report/

Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s Interactive Fall Foliage Map provides updates and forecasts on peak foliage conditions at DCR properties across the state. You can select calendar dates to see which sections of the state and specific DCR properties will experience peak fall colors. Most of the state peaks by mid-October; the higher elevations in the Berkshires start showing vibrant color by early October.

Here are some of the best foliage destinations:

The Berkshires features mountainous views. Key spots include Mount Greylock (the state’s highest peak) and the scenic towns of Lenox and North Adams.

The Mohawk Trail: Known as Route 2, this historic byway takes you through dramatic mountain passes, state forests, and small towns like Shelburne Falls.

Pioneer Valley: Running along the Connecticut River Scenic Byway, this area offers rolling farmlands, orchards, and historic Deerfield.

Lexington and Concord: Located in the Greater Merrimack Valley, these Revolutionary War towns pair vibrant autumn leaves with iconic American history during America’s 250th.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in the Berkshires of Massachusetts is a stunning trail for biking and walking *© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a 12.7 mile long biking and walking trail that runs through Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, with spots along Cheshire Reservoir and Hoosic River providing excellent views.

Pittsfield State Forest, 1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield, offers an extensive hiking trail network, including the Taconic Crest Trail.

Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main St., Brewster,Cape Cod): Enjoy an easy 1.7-mile hike on the loop around Little Cliff Pond, a long and narrow 33-acre natural kettlehole pond, where the shoreline is largely wooded with pitch pines and scrub oaks, with occasional sandy beaches. Cape Cod also affords an outstanding network of biking trails, including the Shining Sea and Cape Cod Canal.

DCR’s Fall Foliage webpage also highlights 17 recommended foliage viewing spots in the state park system, along with hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks at the locations (www.mass.gov/info-details/fall-foliage-season-in-the-parks).

One of the notable festivals: Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, Sept.18 – Oct. 4, is the third largest agricultural fair in the U.S., with a mind-boggling array of food (BBQ brisket sundae, anyone?), midway rides, big-name music acts, a farmers’ market, and those amazing butter sculptures. The horse, dog, and farm animal shows draw competitors from all over (thebige.com)

Planning tips at VisitMA.com

Connecticut

Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) interactive fall foliage report map forecasts the progression of color across the state. Peak foliage is predicted to arrive in the northeast and northwest corners of the state around Columbus Day and extend to the lower Connecticut River Valley and shoreline through early November (https://ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-fall-foliage-report).

Peak foliage runs for several weeks in Connecticut due to diversified terrain and variety of trees, offering more opportunities to experience the autumn beauty. The Connecticut River, starting at the mouth of the Long Island Sound (between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme) and going up toward East Haddam, changes color last – into the first week of November.

A great way to enjoy the fall foliage is biking or hiking. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT), a partially paved trail running from New Haven CT north into Massachusetts. Historic buildings, canal locks, the remains of canal aqueducts and other landmarks are evident as the trail meanders along abandoned rail corridors and canal tow paths. The 56 miles of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT) and the 18 miles of the Farmington River Trail constitute the most picturesque and historic greenways in New England.

Ride the rails: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat showcase the Connecticut River Valley (essexsteamtrain.com/train-boat); Naugatuck Railroad‘s Autumn Colors Limitedshowcases Litchfield Hills (www.rmne.org/excursions/autumn-colors-limited)

Durham Fair, Durham, Sept. 24-27: Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair combines the harvest season’s abundance of fruit and vegetables with livestock competitions, arts and crafts exhibits, live music, and food, games and rides along the midway. There’s a monster truck rally and a lumberjack show durhamfair.com

Apple Harvest Festival, Southington, Oct. 2-4 & 9-11, on the Town Green features rides, a crafts show, music, and food, with apples making their appearance in pies, fritters, slushies. Evenings are capped with fireworks, and a parade along a one-mile route highlights the opening weekend southington.org

Trip planning help at ctvisit.com

Rhode Island

Rhode Island shows its brightest colors in the heavily wooded western and northern regions in October.

Among the best locales: Blackstone Valley region (Slater Mill is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America; the Blackstone Valley Explorer riverboat offers cruises into mid-October); Roger Williams Park and Zoo in Providence; and at Blithewold Mansion & Gardens in Bristol. In South County, Route 1 and 1A from Westerly to Wickford is a great scenic drive.

Bike the 14.5 mile East Bay Bike Path from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol, passing many state and local parks and recreation areas.

Harvest Fair, Middletown, Oct. 3-4: 70 of the region’s finest crafters and artisans gather at the 325-acre Norman Bird Sanctuary. Pony rides, midway games, and a mud pit. Bands, food trucks, and beer garden (normanbirdsanctuary.org/events/harvest-fair)

Autumnfest, Woonsocket, Oct. 9-12: Rhode Island’s biggest fall festival features rides, food court, continuous performances by local and top-name bands, comedians, crafts displays and marketplace, classic and muscle car shows, a wine garden; and on Monday, a Columbus Day parade (autumnfest.org).

Driving routes and planning info at www.visitri.com/state/foliage.

Maine

Northern Maine & Aroostook County: Peak arrives in late September to early October. Baxter State Park has great vistas.

Western Mountains (Rangeley & Bethel): Peak arrives in early to mid-October. Drive the Route 17 scenic byway and stop at the Height of Land overlook for stunning lake vistas.

Midcoast Maine (Camden & Rockland): Peak arrives in mid-October. Hike Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for views of color rolling down to Penobscot Bay.

*Acadia National Park is one of the best places in Maine to immerse in fall © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor: Peak arrives in mid-October. Combine ocean views with brilliant autumn leaves along the Park Loop Road or from Cadillac Mountain.

Southern Maine & Portland: Peak arrives in mid-to-late October, featuring vibrant oaks and coastal back roads.

The Maine Fall Foliage Map has weekly state updates and live reports, www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/projects/fall_foliage/whenandwhere

Cumberland County Fair, Cumberland, Sept. 27 – Oct. 3: Southern Maine’s biggest fall festival packs in events as diverse as truck and tractor pulls, rodeo, demolition derby, nightly fireworks and 10 live-music acts spanning blues to bluegrass (cumberlandfair.com).

Fryeburg Fair, Fryeburg, Oct. 4-11. Since it began in 1851, western Maine’s harvest fest has grown into an eight-day celebration of the region’s farms, gardens, foods, and crafts. Midway rides and oxen pulls, calf and pig “scrambles,” an anvil-throwing contest, midway rides and a farm museum. Woodsmen’s Field Day draws loggers from across the U.S. to test their mettle (fryeburgfair.org)

Fall Foliage Festival, Boothbay, Oct. 10-11, takes place on a handsome four-acre town green, done up as a “vintage village” featuring art exhibits, food trucks, booths selling local crafts, live music, and children’s corner. Take a ride on a steam-powered train at Boothbay Railway Village, and visit the adjacent antique car museum (railwayvillage.org; boothbay.org).

*The Stephen Taber, one of the historic Maine Windjammer Fleet. Fall cruises are scheduled through mid October © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Take advantage of fall cruises – the last of the year – aboard one of the historic Maine Windjammers fleet: Windjammer Angelique, Schooner American Eagle, Schooner Grace Bailey, Schooner Heritage, Schooner J. & E. Riggin, Schooner Ladona, Schooner Lewis R French, Schooner Mary Day. Schooner Stephen Taber (mainewindjammerfleet.com).

Trip planning at the Maine Office of Tourism, visitmaine.com

New Hampshire

Peak colors usually arrive from late September through mid-to-late October. The best place to see fall foliage in New Hampshire is the White Mountains region (visitwhitemountains.com).

Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), Highway 3. This 34.5-mile scenic byway runs between Lincoln and North Conway, offering continuous mountain views, bright red and gold trees, and easy stops like Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.

Mount Washington Auto Road. This steep, scenic drive climbs to the highest peak in the Northeast for panoramic views of fiery autumn forests.

Mount Washington Cog Railway: An amazing way to experience Mount Washington. The three-hour round trip Includes a one-hour layover at the top (www.thecog.com)

Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln: Located in a deep mountain pass, this park features stunning foliage, the Flume Gorge, and the popular Artist’s Bluff hike

Crawford Notch State Park, Hart’s Location: Route 302 winds through this park past dramatic cliffs, towering trees, and roadside waterfalls.

Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, NH: This mountaintop estate looks out over Lake Winnipesaukee and colorful surrounding forests.

Trip planning help at www.visitnh.gov.

Find seasonal lodging offers at New England Inns & Resorts

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

Fall Foliage Getaways, Festivals and Events, New York State travel, Outdoors Adventures

Fall Foliage, Festivals, Spirits of the Season Underway in New York State

September 14, 2026 krubin723

*Enjoying the dramatic scenes and fall foliage colors on a hike in New York’s Adirondacks. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Thanks to one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in America, autumn is traditionally one of New York’s most popular for travel, attracting visitors from around the world to its 11 diverse and picturesque vacation regions.

“Foliage watching complements hiking, cycling and paddling in the great outdoors, apple and pumpkin picking, visits to wineries and craft beverage makers, spooky Halloween activities and special Path Through History Weekend events at museums and historic sites, ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said.

Best Fall Foliage Places

Adirondack Mountains: Peak viewing happens early to mid-October, featuring stunning high peaks, mirrored lakes, and towns like Lake Placid. Take in the changing leaves during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Placid or venture out to more than 2,000 miles of nearby hiking trails. Popular spots include High Falls Gorge, Whiteface Landing, Catamount Mountain and Whiteface Mountain, which offers Cloudsplitter Gondola rides. Gore Mountain offers scenic skyrides, hiking and biking. Check out the Mirror Lake Inn and the Whiteface Lodge, an all-suite MICHELIN One Key and AAA Four-Diamond-rated resort with world-class spa tucked into the woodlands.

*Hiking the Kaaterskill Falls trail on the Hudson River School Trail in the Catskills © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Catskill Mountains: Colors reach their height early to mid-October. Enjoy scenic drives, cascading waterfalls and vibrant hiking trails. At Belleayre Mountain, new mountain bike trail connections link the mountain, Belleayre Beach and the Shandaken Wild Forest. Check out the Deer Mountain Inn.

*Gorgeous falls flow through the gorge at Letchworth State Park in the Finger Lakes © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Finger Lakes: Best colors show from mid- to late October, highlighted by dramatic gorges at Letchworth State Park, Watkins Glen State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park. The Lake House on Canandaigua launched The Collector’s Getaway, a stay designed around its Finger Lakes Antiquing Trail, a curated field guide mapping 13 stops across Canandaigua, Farmington, Bloomfield, Geneva and Rochester; The package includes: deluxe accommodations (two-night minimum stay); two complimentary cocktails at Library Bar; Lake House tote bag; curated map and field guide to local antique and vintage shops.. (Promo code VINTAGE, visit https://lakehousecanandaigua.com/packages/the-collectors-getaway/)

*Dramatic scenes hiking Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Hudson Valley & Capital Region: Peak foliage arrives by late October, showcasing historic Hudson River vistas and state parks like Minnewaska and North-South Lake Campground. Among the marvelous places to stay, the historic Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa, Mohonk Mountain Houseand Rocking Horse Ranch, an all-inclusive kid-focused dude ranch.

*Enjoy the fall colors while biking Long Island’s longest traffic free, paved bike path, the scenic 13-mile Bethpage Bikeway © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Long Island/NYC: Feel like you have gone for a true getaway escape in Shelter Island where you can take in the fall colors in Mashomack Preserve; a great place to stay is Shelter Island House. Enjoy the fall colors while biking Long Island’s longest traffic free, paved bike path, the 13-mile Bethpage Bikeway, a scenic trail that goes through 2 state parks, 2 wetland preserves and 2 town parks. In New York City, you can’t beat the scenes in Central Park and Prospect Park.

*A tranquil country scene right in the heart of New York City in Central Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Timing the foliage for the best possible colors and scenes is the trick.

The I LOVE NY weekly foliage reports launching September 16, updated every Wednesday throughout the season, showcases the progression of seasonal colors across the state.New York State’s tourism office, An interactive foliage map complements reports on the I LOVE NY website, tracking weekly changes and progression throughout the season. The map offers recommended viewing locations, examples of peak foliage in certain areas, and travel information about popular local attractions.

An interactive foliage map complements the reports on the I LOVE NY website, tracking weekly changes and progression throughout the season. The map offers recommended viewing locations, examples of peak foliage in certain areas, and travel information about popular local attractions © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This year, 100 volunteers are tracking changes and providing on-location accounts for the upcoming weekend that detail prevailing leaf colors, percentage of total transition, and progression relative to peak conditions, considered the best that the foliage will look. Historically, foliage reaches its peak between late September and mid-November, depending on the location within the State.

Travelers are encouraged to share their best foliage photos from around New York State on social media using the #NYLovesFall hashtag for a chance to be featured on the I LOVE NY website and official social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, X and Threads, which collectively reach more than two million followers.

Reports are available online at iloveny.com/foliage, or 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697).

Westchester: Foliage, Flavors & Festivities

Westchester County’s fall calendar is packed with standout experiences, from continued America 250 celebrations to iconic Halloween traditions and seasonal festivals. Experience the best of the season with apple picking, scenic foliage, local dining and fall getaways across the County.

Halloween happenings are already underway at Historic Hudson Valley:

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is already underway at Van Cortlandt Manor *© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returns to Van Cortlandt Manor, Sept. 18-Nov. 8, with a longer path and even more displays. Visitors can wander through an 18^th-century landscape illuminated by more than 7,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns, complete with synchronized lighting, an original soundtrack, movie monsters, storybook characters and a pumpkin dance party.

*Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk delivers a dramatic retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Washington Irving’s home, Sunnyside © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Washington Irving’s classic tale comes to life at Irving’s Legend, held Oct. 2-31 at the author’s Sunnyside home in Irvington. Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk delivers a dramatic retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow outdoors under the stars, accompanied by live music and sound effects. During the day, take one of the kid-friendly literary-themed Legendary Tours complete with lawn games, crafts and a shadow puppet show.

Halloween goes Hollywood at Philipsburg, in Historic Hudson Valley, the locale for Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hallow,” where you very well may encounter the Headless Horseman himself. *© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Expanded for 2026, Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow returns to Philipsburg Manor Fridays through Sundays through October, with live storytellers, fire performers, an evening market, an appearance by the Headless Horseman and more. Visitors can also investigate Ichabod Crane’s disappearance during the Headless Horseman Files, an interactive 18^th-century whodunit, or experience the magical illusions of The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country.

(Visit Historic Hudson Valley, 639 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591, Tel 914-366-6900; tickets at https://tickets.hudsonvalley.org/events)

Ghost stories descend upon Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington this fall. ’Tis the Wind and Nothing More, Oct. 2-11, features a dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven, while The Lady in White, taking place Oct. 16-Nov. 1, draws inspiration from a 1956 ghost story set at the house.

Artists, designers and craftspeople will gather at Lyndhurst Mansion for the Fall Craft Show, Sept. 18-20, featuring jewelry, fine art, ceramics, home décor and more. As Halloween approaches, the historic estate shifts into the spirit with seasonal tours, performances of The Masque of the Red Death, Gothic Market Weekend and a special Dark Shadows Halloween celebration.

Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk leads Ghost Tours of the Tarrytown Music Hall, Oct. 3-18, sharing fascinating tales of the theater’s history, legends and mysterious happenings.

Mystic Moon returns to Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in North Salem, inviting visitors to follow the mischievous adventures of a playful witch through a whimsical lighted path in the woods.

Witches take to the Hudson River at the annual SUP Witches Festival, held Oct. 10 in Sleepy Hollow. Hosted by Rivertowns SUP & Yoga, the fall tradition brings costumed witches and warlocks together for a paddle along the Hudson, while spectators join the fun onshore with live music, vendors, food and seasonal activities.

Leaf Peeping & Fall Fun

500 living historians bring the Revolutionary War to life at REV FEST 250, Oct. 24-25 at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. The two-day event features authentic Continental and British Army encampments, military demonstrations, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, exhibitors and local food trucks. Watch both armies assemble and march toward the weekend’s signature attraction—the Reenactment of the Battle of White Plains, a large-scale tactical demonstration.

Apple picking, hayrides, farm markets and seasonal treats draw visitors to Westchester’s farms and orchards. Local favorites include Muscoot Farm in Katonah, Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem, Stuart’s Fruit Farm in Granite Springs, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm and Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights. At Faraway Farm Alpacas, visitors can reserve a tour to meet alpacas.

Walk into the depths of a dark forest and discover Fantastic Beasts™ and illuminated wizarding world moments at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, returning to Westchester Oct. 16, in the awe-inspiring woods of Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights. This nighttime trail experience is designed for the whole family and books quickly, reserve your tickets today.

Autumn Glow Festival lights up Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, Sept. 11-Nov. 1. The immersive nighttime experience features hundreds of handcrafted Chinese lanterns illuminated with LED lights, transforming the park with towering sculptures inspired by folklore, culture and nature, along with food and entertainment.

Hands-on fall programs return to the Nature Center at Greenburgh this autumn. Apple cidering allows families operate an old-fashioned cider press, turning locally sourced apples into fresh cider to sample and take home. Creepy Crawlers offers another up-close nature experience, introducing visitors to snakes, tarantulas and other creatures while exploring how they survive in their habitats.

More than 4,300 acres of terrain and 35 miles of wooded trails make Ward Pound Ridge Reservation a standout for fall foliage. Other scenic spots include Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, Cranberry Lake Preserve in White Plains, Croton Gorge Park in Croton-on-Hudson, Graham Hills Park in Pleasantville and Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye.

Take in the changing leaves from a different perspective with Bicycle Sundays, Sept. 13 through Oct. 4. A nearly 6.5-mile stretch of the Bronx River Parkway closes to cars, giving cyclists, skaters, joggers and walkers the chance to enjoy a traffic-free outing.

Arts & Culture

One of Westchester County’s most significant revolutionary-era artifacts is on view at the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase through Dec. 20. The Declaration Distributed: Westchester County’s Holt Broadside of 1776 is a special exhibition centered around New York State’s historic adoption and distribution of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibit offers visitors a rare opportunity to view this important document and highlights Westchester County’s critical role in the nation’s founding.

Step back almost 300 years into Yonkers history at the Sherwood House Museum, a pre-Revolutionary War farmhouse built around 1740. The museum is open Sundays from 1-4 p.m. beginning Sept. 13, with free admission.

Celebrating its 15^th year, JazzFest White Plains returns Sept. 23-27 with five days of live music at venues throughout downtown White Plains. The festival features 19 performances from legendary artists, contemporary innovators and emerging talent, including five GRAMMY Award winners and nominees.

Two new exhibitions open on Sept. 18 at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers: Exquisite Creatures and Borinquen Gallo: Jungle Bliss. More cultural stops include the Hudson Valley MOCA in Peekskill, the Katonah Museum of Art and ArtsWestchester in White Plains.

Dining with Atmosphere

Dine your way through the region during Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, returning Nov. 2-16. Participating restaurants throughout Westchester offer special prix-fixe menus.

New additions are bringing fresh flavors to Westchester’s dining scene. In Bronxville, Cafe Nelo from chef Giuseppe Fanelli blends Italian, American and European influences, while North River Oyster Bar in Sleepy Hollow serves seafood and cocktails on Beekman Avenue.

Cozy up at The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges, where seasonal, farm-to-table fare is served in an 1833 inn. With reclaimed wood, rustic details and four working fireplaces, the longtime Westchester favorite offers an inviting setting for a memorable meal.

Surround yourself in history at Peter Pratt’s Inn, an American fine dining restaurant and bar located in a historic 260 year old farm house bordering a rustic pine forest in Yorktown Heights.

Sip your way through Westchester with the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail, connecting local breweries, cideries, distilleries and taprooms across the county. The free mobile passport lets visitors check in at participating stops, access special offers and earn points.

The Sailhouse Oysterfest brings oysters, seasonal food and drinks to the Hudson River waterfront for a lively dining experience. More information to come.

Autumn Getaways

Escape to the countryside at Bedford Post Inn, an intimate eight-room retreat surrounded by 20 wooded acres. Cozy guest rooms feature historic details and luxurious touches, while seasonal dining, daily yoga and outdoor experiences make it an inviting home base for a fall getaway.

Recently reopened following renovations, The Kittle House Inn in Chappaqua, pairs its 18^th-century history with newly refreshed rooms and gathering spaces. Guests can also enjoy fine dining featuring seasonal Hudson Valley ingredients and selections from the property’s award-winning wine cellar.

Set on 26 acres overlooking the Hudson Valley, Tarrytown House Estate pairs charm with modern comforts and on-site dining at Chef Dale Talde’s acclaimed Goosefeather, a modern Cantonese restaurant. This fall, guests can book the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Experience Package, which includes two tickets to the seasonal attraction and daily breakfast for two.

Perched above the Hudson River in Peekskill, The Abbey Inn & Spa offers a peaceful fall escape in a beautifully restored former convent. Unwind at the full-service spa, explore the scenic grounds and enjoy seasonal, locally inspired dining at Apropos. For an extra dose of relaxation, the Stay, Sip and Spa Package includes overnight accommodations, welcome mimosas and a $200 spa credit.

For more information, visit Westchester County Tourism, www.visitwestchesterny.com, 800-833-9282.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

Camping/Glamping/RVs, Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, Fall Foliage Getaways, Festivals and Events, Getaways, New York State travel, Outdoors Adventures

Plan a Fall Getaway Around Peak Leaf-Peeping

September 2, 2025 krubin723 1 Comment

Hiking to Castle Rock in the Adirondacks. To capture the peak foliage color, timing and advance planning are key. New York State offers foliage reports and an interactive map © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

With Labor Day in the rear view window, it’s time to look forward to a fall getaway. But if leaf-peeping is a priority, timing and advance planning are critical considering the relatively short time of peak color in any particular destination.

New York State has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. The change in color from the bright greens of summer to the brilliant hues of fall historically begins high in the Adirondack and Catskill mountains in early September and spreads out and down across the hills and valleys of the state, ending with peak foliage on Long Island and in New York City in mid-November. It takes about two weeks for the color to complete its cycle in any area, with peak brilliance lasting three to four days in any one spot.

Hiking Chimney Mountain in the Adirondacks. To capture the peak foliage color, timing and advance planning are key. New York State offers foliage reports and an interactive map © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

To help travelers plan a fall getaway, the state’s tourism office, I LOVE NY, provides weekly fall foliage reports beginning September 12, with updates issued every Wednesday throughout the season. The interactive foliage map on the I LOVE NY website tracks weekly changes and progression and offers recommended viewing locations, examples of peak foliage in designated areas. You can also find information about popular local and regional attractions and activities across the state from apple and pumpkin picking to haunted Halloween activities, hiking, craft beverage trails and Path Through History Weekend special events at www.iloveny.com/fall. (An excellent roundup is at: Fall Foliage: When and Where to Go in New York State, www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report.)

Reports and the interactive foliage map are available at www.iloveny.com/foliage, or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697).

For more information on tourism in New York or to plan a New York State getaway, visit www.iloveny.com.

Leaf-peeping in the Finger Lakes

*The Lake House on Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes is an ideal home base for a fall getaway*.

A great place to experience vibrant foliage, crisp air and rolling vineyards is the Finger Lakes. Nestled on the shore of Canandaigua Lake, The Lake House on Canandaigua is the ideal home base for a fall getaway. From peak grape harvest season to pumpkin picking, cider tasting and breathtaking lake views, the resort offers a memorable autumn escape.

Take a scenic foliage cruise; hike the trails at Grimes Glen Park offers trails lined with waterfalls and forests ablaze in fall hues, perfect for a peaceful autumn hike; explore the region’s farms, wineries and breweries that showcase the season’s bounty, and savor autumn-inspired dishes and local flavors at the resort’s Rose Tavern, Sand Bar and Library Bar. In the evening, enjoy an evening under the stars with complimentary s’mores beside a fire pit

At the resort’s Willowbrook Spa, relax in the spa garden surrounded by native plants in peak autumn color, enjoy cozy barrel saunas overlooking the brook and indulge in restorative treatments blending herbal remedies with modern wellness techniques.

The Lake House is offering up to 20% off luxurious lakefront accommodations this fall. (More details: https://lakehousecanandaigua.com/packages/lakeside-fall-escape/)

The Lake House, 770 S. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-394-7800, 800-228-2801, lakehousecanandaigua.com

Nature as Therapy in the Adirondacks

Lake Placid in the Adirondacks boasts one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country, thanks to its diverse elevations and microclimates. (Aim for the days that see dips into the mid-30s to low-40s – a sweet spot for kickstarting that vibrant color change.)

Explore more than 2,000 miles of nearby hiking trails, including: High Falls Gorge, dubbed the Adirondacks’ most breathtaking 30-minute walk; Whiteface Landing for tranquil lake views; Catamount Mountain, featuring twin summits and panoramic foliage vistas; and Whiteface Mountain, with multiple trailheads designed for ambitious hikers. (Use the Adirondack Fall Foliage Meter for up-to-the-minute reports on where leaves are prettiest—this insider resource helps you target the exact best spots each day.)

*High Falls Gorge, located between Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain, is dubbed the Adirondacks most breathtaking 30-minute walk © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

There’s so much to do in fall in and around Lake Placid:

For the ultimate view, take the elevator to the top of the 120-meter ski jump (26 stories) at the Olympic Jumping Complex for athlete-level panoramic views without any hiking.

Bike the new Adirondack Rail Trail (25 miles open, bike rentals in Lake Placid) through golden tamarack groves and brewery stops; climb the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge‘s 23 restored towers for panoramic treetop views; or ride the 1.4-mile Mt. Van Hoevenberg Cliffside Coaster (America’s longest alpine coaster) parallel to the historic Olympic bobsled track.

Festival calendar: Time your visit for the Flaming Leaves Festival (Oct. 11-12) combining ski jumping competitions with peak foliage, or the Adirondack Harvest Festival (Sept. 20) celebrating local agriculture with food trucks, live music, and farm activities.

*Enjoy a fall getaway at the Whiteface Lodge in the Adirondacks.*

Whiteface Lodge, a MICHELIN One Key and AAA Four-Diamond-rated all-suite resort tucked into the woodlands of Lake Placid, combines rustic luxury with the restorative rhythms of the outdoors. Think: forest bathing beneath golden canopies, stone massages inspired by nearby rivers, and private lean-tos warmed by firelight.

Named a Top 100 Spa by Spas of America, The Spa at Whiteface Lodge translates the region’s natural serenity into sensory treatments such as Ausable River Stone Massage, which uses heated basalt stones and Swedish techniques to melt away tension, named after the nearby Ausable River; and the Great Outdoors Facial, which harnesses antioxidants and botanical extracts to rejuvenate skin exposed to the elements.

Every Whiteface Lodge suite includes a cast-iron gas fireplace, a private balcony, and warm homemade cookies at turndown. Refuel at the rustic-elegant KANU restaurant or sip bourbon flights at Peak 47 before taking in a complimentary movie at the 56-seat in-house theater or a dip in the indoor-outdoor heated pool.

Whiteface Lodge’s Stay More, Play More package includes a $150 resort credit toward spa services and dining when travelers stay 3+ nights (with the credit increasing at the five night mark).

Whiteface Lodge, 7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, 518-523-0505, www.thewhitefacelodge.com

Another ideal place to make your Lake Placid home base is High Peaks Resort. Its location on Mirror Lake provides walking access to family-friendly nature trails (Cobble Hill, Peninsula) that locals use to avoid crowds at higher elevations. High Peaks Resort offers a Mountains & Maple Package (from $172.89) that includes authentic maple syrup, maple cotton candy, maple popcorn, and two resort mugs. (High Peaks Resort, 2384 Saranac Avenue, Lake Placid, NY 12946, 800-755-5598, www.highpeaksresort.com)

Lower Hudson Craft Beverage Trail

A short distance from the Wallkill Valley railtrail is Coppersea Distillery. Lower Hudson Valley region’s leaf peeping hot spots can be paired with nearby Westchester Craft Beverage Trail locations © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Lower Hudson Valley region’s leaf peeping hot spots can be paired with nearby Westchester Craft Beverage Trail locations.

Teatown Lake Reservation → Thompson’s Cider Mill (10 min. walk): Vistas of the Hudson’s fall reflections lead you to freshly pressed cider or a micro-brew.

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery → Bridge View Tavern (15 min. walk/5 min. drive): A family-owned and operated tavern with views of the Hudson River and Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

Tarrytown Lakes Park → Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. (5 min. drive): The area’s largest craft brewery, producing over 28,000 barrels of beer annually.

Croton Gorge Park → Croton Tapsmith (4 min. drive): This spot features their famous “La Bella Sophia” pizza from their wood-fired pizza oven.

Untermyer Gardens → Yonkers Brewing Company (10 min. drive): Established in 2013, this spot is known for its rich, original drafts and many activities offered on-site.

Blue Mountain Park → River Outpost Brewing Co. (6 min. drive): Rugged foliage trails wind into a cozy taproom—great for couples or solo adventurers.

Ossining Recreation & Parks → Sing Sing Kill Brewery (10 min. walk/3 min. drive): A tranquil gorge walk wraps up with a sustainable, community-crafted draft.

Graham Hills Park → Soul Brewing Company (30 min. walk/4 min. drive): Family-friendly trails segue into Soul’s warm microbrew environment—ideal for all ages.

Cranberry Lake → Wolf & Warrior (12 min drive): A nature escape in White Plains that ends with stylish sips in town.

The Westchester Craft Beverage Trail is a free, mobile, web-based passport that will lead you to great experiences and delicious drinks as well as some appealing special offers. Sign up at the website- there’s no cost and no app to download. Earn points when you check in at participating merchants, and use them to claim a special reward. More information: https://www.visitwestchesterny.com/things-to-do/dining/craft-beverages/trail/

Sign Up for Vermont’s Weekly Fall Foliage Report

*Spacious Skies Campgrounds provide a great home base to experience Maine’s fall foliage.*

Vermont is world renowned for its fall foliage. Vermont fall colors usually start in early to mid-September in the higher elevations and in the northern part of the state, moving into the valleys and southern parts of Vermont as September turns to October. The Vermont Tourism foliage report tracks the progression and provides itineraries, events, attractions, and more ways to experience the season. (Subscribe: https://vermontvacation.com/vermont-seasons/fall/fall-foliage-report/)

Plan a scenic drive along a river to see the foliage reflecting off the water and drive over a mountain pass connecting historic downtowns. Scenic Vermont Byways and toll roads open to expansive mountain vistas painted in fall colors. Apple orchards, pumpkin picking, scenic chairlift rides, corn mazes, farm or creemee stands, and historic downtowns round out a day touring around the Green Mountains. (https://vermontvacation.com/things-to-do/trip-ideas-itineraries/scenic-drives/)

Make Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Your Base

*Make your leaf-peeping a real getaway with a stay at Topnotch Resort, in Stowe, Vermont for the ultimate foliage experience, the Stowe-liage Foliage Package.*

Make your leaf-peeping a real getaway with a stay at Topnotch Resort, in Stowe, for the ultimate foliage experience: the Stowe-liage Foliage Package (from $279) includes a $100 nightly resort credit, essentially paying for your meals while enjoying Mt. Mansfield views from the heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi. (Travel dates through Sept. 30 and Oct. 14-Nov. 30).

Other tips to enhance your getaway: Book spa treatments during peak afternoon hours when trails are most crowded. Play tennis or pickleball on Topnotch’s outdoor courts which affords a stunning fall foliage backdrop. Take the flat, paved 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path from behind Topnotch for unobstructed mountain views without traffic. Festival timing: Plan a stay around the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival (Oct. 8-10) for peak color plus local artisans, or catch the quirky Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival (Sept. 26) for family fun. Book midweek for best rates and fewer tourists on popular activities like guided brewery tours and scenic boat charters.

Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vt., 800-451-8686, www.topnotchresort.com.

Spacious Skies Campgrounds Provide Home Base for Exploring Fall Festivals Throughout the East

*Spacious Skies Campgrounds has 15 locations along a Fall Color Trail, with many festivals timed for peak foliage.*

BERNARDSVILLE, N.J. – With 15 locations throughout the East, Spacious Skies Campgrounds are located within an easy drive of an array of fall festivals, from celebrations of fall harvest to books, films, arts, brews and history.

Fall festival fans can experience the progression of fall color from north to south along the Spacious Skies Campgrounds Fall Color Trail with many festivals coinciding with peak color in each location. For example, the Salem Haunted Happenings Festival, with events highlighting the town’s famous connections to witches, coincides with the peak fall color of the maple, birch, ash and oak trees that surround Spacious Skies Minute Man in Littleton, Mass. And the Savannah Film Festival beginning Oct. 25 coincides with the peak color of the majestic oak trees at Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks.

Among the fall festivals near Spacious Skies Campgrounds:

*Experience Maine’s fall foliage at a Spacious Skies Campground.*

Spacious Skies Walnut Grove, Alfred, Maine and Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, Abbott, Maine: Fall Foliage Festival, October 11-12. Boothbay’s Railway Village Museum has been staging a Fall Foliage Festival with art, food, music and train rides for 56 years.

Spacious Skies French Pond, Henniker, N.H. and Spacious Skies Seven Maples, Hancock, N.H.: New Hampshire Book Festival, Oct. 3-4. The annual New Hampshire Book Festival brings more than 50 nationally recognized authors together to celebrate literacy with panels, interviews and books signings.

Spacious Skies Minute Man, Littleton, Mass.: Salem Haunted Happenings Festival, Oct. 1-31. This annual festival takes place in New England’s most notorious witch-centric location, Salem, Mass. Included are a grand parade, artists, costume balls, haunted houses, live music and theatrical presentations.

Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, North Hudson, N.Y. and Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, Austerlitz, NY: New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, Oct. 18-19. Fiber arts fans will want to check out The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, a two-day celebration featuring sheep shows, workshops, kids’ activities and more.

Spacious Skies Country Oaks, Dorothy, NJ: Smithville Oktoberfest, Oct. 4-5. The historic town of Smithville stages a two-day Oktoberfest featuring crafters, food, music and kids’ activities like carousel rides.

Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, Luray, Va.: Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, Oct. 25. Marking its 52nd anniversary this year, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival features musicians, moonshiners, craftspeople, cooks, motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, coon dog racers, antique tractor buffs and old-time gamers for a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region.

Spacious Skies Sandy Run, Fayetteville, NC: Fayetteville International Folk Festival, Sept. 26-27. Downtown Fayetteville is host to cultural performances, art, bands and dancers and authentic cuisine from around the world.

Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, Savannah, GA: Savannah Film Festival, Oct. 25 – Nov. 1. Marking its 25th year, this festival at the Savannah College of Art and Design attracts 50,000 to see the work of emerging student filmmakers while well-known directors, actors and producers come to accept awards and discuss their craft.

Many of the Spacious Skies Campgrounds offer alternative accommodations for travelers who don’t own RVs, including cabins, yurts, tent sites and at select locations, retro trailers.Spacious Skies has also partnered with RV Share so would-be campers and glampers can rent RVs in each location or rent RVs that they can drive from place to place.

Travelers who are members of the Spacious Skies Loyalty Program – called Cosmic Campers – receive a 12 percent discount on all RV site, cabin and glamping reservations, including holidays. The annual fee to join the program is $31.90, and enrollment is quick and convenient online.

To learn more, visit www.spaciousskiescampgrounds.com.

Fall is National Parks’ ‘Secret Season’

Forget the summer gridlock. The real story of America’s national parks is told in September and October, during the “secret season.” This is when the crowds disappear, the weather is perfect and the landscapes transform. The post-Labor Day slump is a traveler’s dream. With schools back in session, parks like Zion, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are no longer at peak capacity. This means a more intimate and enjoyable experience. The intense summer heat subsides, making hiking and outdoor activities not just possible, but genuinely pleasant. Think crisp, cool air and golden sunshine. Wildlife, in general, is more active in the cooler temperatures, providing unparalleled viewing opportunities. Here are a handful of great national park vacation ideas.

Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone: Flying Pig Adventures’ three-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling class III rapids in a raft cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing to horseback rides and Yellowstone whitewater, guests will be talking about this unique experience for years to come.
Cycle Glacier National Park: The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip in Glacier National Park. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties and six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the ”Crown of the Continent” ecosystem.
Alaska Fjord Explorer: On Adventure Life’s Kenai Explorer tour, spend seven days amid the breathtaking landscape and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park and Seward, Alaska. Enjoy nature walks and paddling from a beachfront lodge with glacier views, keeping an eye out for wildlife like whales, Steller sea lions, otters, puffins and more, then visit the coastal town of Seward and go dogsledding or step on nearby Exit Glacier. Finish with an Alaska Rail ride to Anchorage.
Wyoming Cowboy Retreat: At Ranchlands’ 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch, guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike and experience the unique landscape of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. Accommodations are designed for guests to be as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands’ beef, local produce and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great basecamp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.
Bryce & Zion by MTB: Soaring red spires and ancient citadels of rich Navajo sandstone give way to haunting hoodoos and curving rock arches – a geologist’s dream and a mountain biker’s paradise. The rides on this six-day Escape Adventures tour offer swift lines that wind through deep alpine meadows and aspen forests only to spill out onto wide mesas and buttes. The world-famous trails of Red Canyon’s Thunder Mountain, Cassidy and Casto Canyon symbolize but a few of this tour’s many highlights.
Grand Teton Glamping: Fireside Resort offers luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus a short distance from Grand Teton National Park, making it the perfect basecamp for summer adventures. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife while hiking through the Tetons or revel in the wonder of Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features.
Arizona Ranch Getaway: Step back in time at White Stallion Ranch, outside Tucson, Arizona, on the edge of Saguaro National Park. Originally built in the 1900s as a cattle ranch, the True family has been welcoming guests to White Stallion for 60 years. While there, enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fat-tire biking, shooting, archery, a weekly rodeo, charming accommodations, Southwestern dining and more with the towering cactuses of the Sonoran Desert as the backdrop.
Colorado National Parks Road Trip: AdventureGenie is the ultimate co-pilot for planning a perfect road trip to Colorado national parks. As the world’s first AI-powered, end-to-end road trip planner, AdventureGenie makes it easier and more exciting than ever to discover the Centennial State. Colorado is more than just the Rocky Mountains – the state is richly diverse with deep canyons, rolling sand dunes, glistening rivers and expansive rolling plains. From accessible trails to hikes of various distances and difficulties and amazing scenic drives, these five Colorado national parks are full of geographical marvels and prehistoric wonders.
Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a home base for adventure year-round. In fall, golden aspens and cottonwoods light up the mountainsides and river bottoms, and there are opportunities to hike, bike, fish or watch for wildlife in the forestlands near town and Yellowstone National Park. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers accommodations that blend modern comfort with Montana style just steps from dining at Block 3 Kitchen & Bar and more in Big Sky Town Center.
E-Bike Tour of Canyonlands: Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park comes on like a natural rollercoaster, looping in and out of a multicolored spires, arches, buttes and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. A primitive trail framed by blooming cactuses below and snowcapped mountains above, the White Rim Trail loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Guests will spend the majority of this four-day mountain biking and camping tour riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches and ancient Puebloan ruins.
Utah Hut-to-Hut Adventure: Discover the Aquarius Trail Hut System, an unparalleled e-bike adventure in Utah’s stunning color country. This unique trail stretches from Brian Head Peak through picturesque locations like Panguitch, Bryce and Escalante. Along the way, modern huts provide essential amenities, including solar-powered kitchens, comfortable sleeping arrangements and bike repair tools, ensuring a perfect blend of rugged exploration and convenient comfort.
Grand Canyon’s North Rim: Escape Adventures invites adventurers and families to discover the cool, high-altitude sanctuary of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim on an unforgettable five-day mountain biking and camping expedition. Revered by hikers and cyclists for its breathtaking vistas and gently rolling, lung-expanding terrain, the North Rim offers a unique and less-crowded perspective of this natural wonder.

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Biking Tours, Camping/Glamping/RVs, Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, Driveable adventures, Driveable destinations, Fall Foliage Getaways

Best Road Trips for Leaf Peeping this Fall

September 3, 2024 krubin723

*Leaf-peeping road trips are popular getaways in fall © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Autumn colors invite leaf-peeping by car, bike and campervan. Here are some of the best routes to steer your travels:

Roadtrippers Names Six Lesser-Known All-American Roads for a Memorable Fall Road Trip

There are National Scenic Byways and then there are Think of All-American Roads – a category above. These wholly American thoroughfares pass through 28 states, and automotive travelers can expect extra special features – beyond natural beauty – when they explore them. With fall season fast approaching, the road trip experts at Roadtrippers have compiled a list of six of their favorite routes to explore when the trees change color and the temperature becomes crisp.

To be designated a scenic byway, roads must have one of six intrinsic qualities: archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational or scenic. All-American Roads must have at least two of those qualities, and that’s what makes these routes extra special. While both National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads must be designated by the Scenic Byways division of the Federal Highway Administration, becoming an All-American Road means that travel on that road is a major part of the travel experience, or a “destination unto itself.” In other words, it’s not just another road with pretty scenery.

As of 2021, the last time the Federal Highway Administration added to its lineup of Scenic Byways, there are 150 Scenic Byways but only 37 All-American Roads.

“America’s roads are the envy of the world because car travelers have an up-close view of some of the most beautiful and historically significant places on the planet,” said Mary Heneen, CEO of Roadpass, the parent company of Roadtrippers. “Everyone’s heard of Route 66 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, two of the best-known All-American Roads, but there are lesser-known routes that are equally beautiful and offer a ‘wow factor’ that travelers might not expect.”

Roadtrippers staffers spend their workdays – and often their free time too – thinking about road trips and devising new ways to make the features of the app even more useful to travelers who love their automotive adventures. One of the latest features, introduced this spring, is the app’s new Autopilot feature, which uses patent-pending AI technology to allow users to customize their road trips based on their personal travel style.

The feature is especially useful to travelers planning multi-day trips, as they the app helps find accommodations that suit travelers’ needs, and it identifies roadside stops – called Extraordinary Places – that travelers can select based on their interests.

“By analyzing the data gathered through Autopilot, especially the stops travelers want to make along the way, we can clearly see that the vast number of our users think of the road trip as part of the experience and not just necessary drive time to get to their destination,” noted Heneen. “Travelers who like to explore, learn and reflect will be find many of our All-American Roads a great fit.”

Here are Roadtrippers’ top six picks for an epic All-American Road adventure this fall:

Historic National Road in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia: This 824-mile Midwestern road – known as U.S. Route 40 – became the first federally funded interstate highway in the U.S. more than 200 years ago. It is historically significant because it opened a route for goods to be transported across the country. The route even has its own headquarters and visitor center located in Uniontown, Pa. Travelers wishing to follow the entire route should plan at least 2½ days to experience some of the classic inns, diners and historic hotels that dot the path.

San Juan Skyway, Colorado: Travelers who are comfortable with some serious mountain driving will find this 233-mile route not only breathtaking in the fall – the region is known for its stunning yellow Aspens – but also a clear reminder of the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples who lived there centuries ago. The aptly named route summits at more than 14,000, offering views of the towering San Juan Mountains. Travelers pass ancient pueblo ruins and travel through classic towns. There are hot springs and even a narrow-gauge railroad for travelers who want to linger in this famed Colorado destination.

*Visit New Orleans on the Great River Road © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Great River Road, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin: This 2,069-mile route follows the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Minnesota, and it reminds travelers of how the mighty river impacted the lives of indigenous peoples such as the Chippewa and Dakota and slaves seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad. Travelers can expect to see numerous Extraordinary Places along the way, such as the Birthplace of Judy Garland, with a fun museum and shop (note: it’s not in Kansas), and the Mastodon State Historic Site. Interestingly, the Great River Road is an All-American Road in eight of the states it traverses but not in Mississippi and Missouri, where the road is designated a National Scenic Byway.

*In Vicksburg, Mississippi, visit the restoration of the Civil War era union ship, USS Cairo on the Great River Road © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota: The Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive is a terrific way to spend a colorful fall day. The 154-mile route encircles the shoreline of Lake Superior and showcases spectacular scenery throughout the fall. Travelers will see classic lighthouses and gorgeous waterfalls and pass through charming towns with historic inns, shops and museums.

Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway, Maryland: Although it is called a scenic byway, this 419-mile All-American Road is another good choice for an afternoon drive. Or you can take a few days and explore the many recreational and cultural attractions along the way. The route celebrates the lives of the farmers, shipbuilders, fishermen and others who worked the waters. Summer is a good season to travel the route too, as one of the towns along the way, Eaton, is home to one of the largest plein air festivals in the world, in July.

*Tour Baltimore’s Inner Harbor while traveling on the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, Idaho: History buffs will enjoy traveling this 202-mile north-central Idaho road showcasing the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they searched for the Northwest Passage. Travelers will also see the places settled by the Nez Perce tribe as well as abundant cultural and recreational attractions.

Roadtrippers road trip planning app is designed to streamline discovery, planning, booking and navigation into an engaging and intuitive process. Roadtrippers has helped millions of users plan more than 38 million trips across 7 million points-of-interest and covering more than 42 billion miles (visit www.roadtrippers.com).

Rails to Trails: Five Top Trails to Bike this Fall

Exploring a new trail by bicycle offers a refreshing way to enjoy nature’s seasonal transition. Rails to Trails Conservancy, which advocates for converting obsolete rail lines into recreational trails and guides cyclists to the trails with its TrailLink, has compiled this list of five fantastic trails from around the country that are ideal in fall:

Banks-Vernonia State Trail : The Banks-Vernonia State Trail meanders 23 miles through forests and pastoral farmland northwest of Portland, Oregon. Thirteen bridges provide amazing views of the Coast Range and a variety of flora and fauna also populates the route. The popular trail also includes access to side paths displaying railroad relics and to a number of rivers and creeks.

*Biking on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, outside of New Haven, Connecticut, one of Rails to Trails’ recommended scenic railtrails to ride this fal*l *© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: First a canal, then a railroad, and now a trail, the nearly completed Farmington Canal Heritage Trail has a rich history. Completed segments span Connecticut south to north, from New Haven to the Massachusetts border, for nearly 50 miles. The paved pathway runs through fields, farms and forests, as well as areas of residential and commercial development.

Monon Trail: Stretching across central Indiana, the 27.1-mile Monon Trail connects Indianapolis neighborhoods, Carmel, and the northern suburbs of Westfield and Sheridan. The trail offers a mix of lively Midwest towns and scenic countryside.

Cherry Creek Regional Trail: The Cherry Creek Regional Trail is a picturesque 47.8-mile route that connects downtown Denver with the suburban and rural Arapahoe and Douglas counties. Paralleling Cherry Creek, the trail meanders through urban landscapes, parks, and a variety of suburban and rural areas.

Silver Comet Trail: Situated northwest of Atlanta, Georgia the Silver Comet Trail runs over 60 miles through landscapes of pine stands and farmland in the west, and more residential areas in the east. The rail-trail gets its name from the shiny Silver Comet passenger train that provided luxury service between New York and Birmingham in the mid-1900s. Today, three trestles along the trail provide scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Get out on any of these amazing trails with Rails to Trails Conservancy’s TrailLink (traillink.com). Rails to Trails’s advocacy has helped create 41,400 miles of multiuse trails across the country – safe, off-road routes for walking, biking and being active; 150 trailnetworks with at least one in eachstate,$24 billion in federal funding for projects and connected 90 million through TrailLink. Its latest project is to advocate for the creation of the Great American RailTrail, which would link Washington DC to Washington State, 3,700 miles on connected railtrail networks. Visit railstotrails.org for information and to get involved.

Three New Routes Added to US Bicycle System, Now 20,000 Miles on the Way to 50,000

The Adventure Cycling Association has announced major expansions to the United States Bicycle Route System, including three completely new routes, bringing the total to top a major benchmark of 20,000 miles.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a developing national network of officially designated, numbered, and signed routes that use existing roads, trails, and other facilities appropriate for bike travel. It will eventually encompass 50,000 miles of routes and open new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional touring, and commuting by bike. It also benefits communities by providing new bicycle routes, enhancing safety, and increasing tourism and economic activity.

*While cycling USBR 95 along the California coast, stop off at the Piedras Blancas Viewpoint for a closeup view of elephant seal rookery © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The three new routes are USBR 51 in Arkansas, USBR 76 in Wyoming, and USBR 85 California. USBR 76 will be Wyoming’s first U.S. Bicycle Route. Additionally, Florida extended USBR 15 to go north-south through most of the state and California extended USBR 95 to finish the coastline.

Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website.

With the new designation and realignments, the U.S. Bicycle Route System now boasts over 22,000 miles of routes in 35 states and Washington, D.C. At least 25 states are currently developing additional U.S. Bicycle Routes.

“It’s satisfying to see the USBRS network grow and know that we are playing a part in making long distance bicycle travel more accessible to more people through these routes,” said Jenn Hamelman, Director of Routes. “None of this would be possible without new and long-standing partnerships with state departments of transportation and local advocates.”

The nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association promotes bike travel and is the only organization that coordinates national development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System. Adventure Cycling staff offer technical assistance, volunteer coordination, and outreach to help states achieve official designation of routes. You can see a map of the corridor plan or photos of USBR 15 in Florida here.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System and the Adventure Cycling Route Network are quite different from the Great American Rail-Trail being promoted by the Rails to Trails Conservancy. Both the USBRS and ACRN use existing infrastructure to route cyclists between destinations while the end goal of the Great American Rail-Trail is to establish a 3,700 mile route across the country, east to west, from Washington D.C. to Washington state, entirely using paths and trails separate from automobile traffic.

More information about the U.S. Bicycle Route System: adventurecycling.org/usbrs

3 Must-Ride US Railroads this Fall

There are places in America where you can see a live steam engine run at speed (go fast) in regular service, ride to the top of one of America’s only accessible 14,115-foot mountains (higher than Machu Pichu), and roll on the rails of a Pennsylvania 150-year-old railroad lost and considered a national treasure.

Here’s a look at three of the most interesting, unique railroads in the US:

THE BROADMOOR, MANITOU and PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY (Manitou, CO to the summit at Pikes Peak – 14,115 feet)

This is one 14-thousand-foot mountain in the US that you don’t have to climb. You can take a unique train (a cog) at The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. This is America’s highest railway reaching a height of 14,115 feet. This is where the words to the song “American the Beautiful” were composed. This iconic railway is one of only two cog railways in the U.S. and runs all year long (it is closed on certain holidays, like Christmas). Originally built in 1891 and owned and operated by The Broadmoor, this historic railway is the highest Railroad in America, the highest cog railway in the world, one of Colorado’s top attractions, and one of the nation’s most unique experiences. For information and reservations, hop onboard at www.cograilway.com

THE GRAND CANYON RAILWAY (Williams, AZ on Rt. 66 steps from South Rim, Grand Canyon)

*The Grand Canyon Railway has been taking people to the South Rim since 1901.*

Grand Canyon Railway has been taking people to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon since 1901 before the land was a national park. Built by the legendary Atkinson, Topeka, and Santa Fe (ATSF), the Grand Canyon Railway runs from Williams, AZ, on historic Rt. 66 to within steps of the Grand Canyon South Rim and El Tovar. The pristine train, comprised of railcars from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, including luxury dome cars and an open platform observation car, as well as vintage coaches with opening windows, departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:45 p.m. with a 2.5-hour layover at South Rim of Grand Canyon. The train takes an estimated 70,000 cars off the road. It runs daily nearly every day of the year except on certain holidays such as Christmas.

On select days during the year, the Railway pulls the daily train once a month with a massive 100-year-old steam engine built in 1923, which runs on waste vegetable oil. There is no extra charge. It is believed that the Grand Canyon Railway is the last standard gauge passenger railroad in the US, where steam engines are still scheduled to pull revenue trains.

Visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724) for updated and current information on the hotel and the train.

THE EAST BROAD TOP RAILROAD—Orbisonia, Central Pennsylvania

This is one of the true treasures of American railroading. The Smithsonian considers the 150-year old steam railroad an American Treasure and one of the country’s best-preserved examples of 19th-century American narrow-gauge railroads and industrial complexes.

The East Broad Top Railroad (EBT), located in Orbisonia, PA, is nestled in the rolling hills and farmlands in the central part of the state. The EBT shut down in 1956 and is running again with a century-old steam engine pulling one-hour train rides with space available in comfortable enclosed passenger cars, open-air cars, or even a vintage caboose. Trains run on a nine-mile round-trip ride from the historic station in Orbisonia to a picturesque picnic grove and back and through a classically beautiful Pennsylvania valley, nearly untouched by the rushing, modern and worried world. Guided tours of the Railroad’s remarkably intact late 19th/early 20th-century machine shop complex are also available every day that trains operate. The Railroad runs through October, with holiday trains in November and December.

Reservations are strongly suggested, as this Railroad’s renaissance draws national and international attention. For information and reservations, visit www.eastbroadtop.com or call 814-447-3285.

After Oktoberfest, Take a Scenic Road Trip by Campervan of Bavaria

Munich’s 189^th Oktoberfest, taking place in Munich from September 21 to October 6, 2024 will again draw millions to the Bavarian capital for a deep dive into local culture – and some serious beer drinking. But, after days of partying, even the most dedicated will need a refreshing change, and Munich-based roadsurfer RV rental suggests the perfect hangover cure: rent a small, fully-equipped campervan and hit the road to explore Bavaria’s stunning landscapes, castles, and villages.

Passau Germany, a short drive from Munich. Roadsurfer rents fully outfitted campervans for touring Bavaria and throughout Europe, plus West Coast US, Vancouver and Calgary Canada © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

Here are their suggestions for a 4, 5, or 6-day post-Oktoberfest road trip:

4-Day Alpine Campervan Round Trip from Munich

Enjoy mountains and castles on this 4-day round trip from Munich. First stop: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, at the foot of the Alps, to explore the Partnach Gorge, or take a cable car up Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. Spend the night in the Bavarian Alps.

The next day take the scenic drive to Füssen, home to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Continue towards Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region, but make sure to stop at King Ludwig’s Linderhof Palace. Camp in Oberstdorf, a hub for hiking and winter sports.

Drive west for your last night to Lake Constance, explore historic Lindau, and enjoy views of the surrounding Alps. Head back to Munich the next day, via a scenic drive to Berchtesgaden, where you can visit the historic Eagle’s Nest or take a boat ride on the Königssee. If time allows, stop at Lake Chiemsee before returning your roadsurfer.

5-Day Fall Trip along the German Alpine Road

This journey takes you along a section of the German Alpine Road, a 280-mile scenic route from Lake Constance to Königssee. On a five-day itinerary you pass through stunning landscapes, past castles, charming villages, and crystal-clear lakes framed by the Alps in their autumnal glory.

Pick up your campervan in Munich and drive to Füssen. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoy stunning views from Marienbrücke. Explore Hohenschwangau Castle and take a walk around Alpsee before camping near Füssen.

From here, head to Oberammergau to see its famous frescoes and wood carvings. Continue to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, take a cable car up the Zugspitze and explore the dramatic Partnach Gorge.

The next day, drive your roadsurfer to Walchensee for a swim or relax by the lake. Continue to Tegernsee for a boat trip or hike. Overnight near the lake before continuing your Bavaria road trip with stops at Herrenchiemsee Palace on the way to Königssee, where you can take a boat to St. Bartholomew’s Church, explore nearby Ramsau and spend your last night around Schönau.

Hike to Obersee the next morning for lake views, before returning to Munich.

6-Day Romantic Road: Culture and History

This 6-day itinerary offers a well-paced journey through the highlights of the Romantic Road, combining cultural exploration, historical sites, and scenic beauty, all while enjoying the flexibility of traveling by campervan.

Pick up your roadsurfer in Munich and drive to Landsberg am Lech, to explore the historic town square and Gothic Church. Camp near the Lech River and continue to Augsburg the next day (day one and two could be combined). Here visit the Fuggerei, Augsburg Cathedral, explore the town square and stay overnight at a local campsite.

Next day’s highlight is medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you wander the cobblestone streets, visit the Medieval Crime Museum, and climb the Rathaus tower. Overnight near Taubertal nature reserve.

From Rothenburg continue to Würzburg where you can visit the Würzburg Residence and Marienberg Fortress, before continuing the next day to Dinkelsbühl, with its old town walls, St. George’s Minster, and the colorful houses around Weinmarkt. The next day, drive about 120 miles to Füssen with the must-see Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. Camp near Füssen for the final night.

Camping: For routes and camping spaces go to roadsurfer spots, an app-based booking platform with access to 10,000 individual private camping spots (currently available in Europe only).

Roadsurfer, a Munich-based RV/campervan rental, operates a European network of 70 locations in 14 countries, plus North America stations on the U.S. West Coast, as well as Vancouver and Calgary. The company offers a total fleet of 8000 vehicles, making Roadsurfer a worldwide market leader. Their compact, lifestyle-oriented campervans and RVs are fully equipped and come road trip ready. Bookings include unlimited miles and a free second driver.

More information and booking at https://roadsurfer.com/

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @TravelFeatures. Threads @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Biking Tours, Camping/Glamping/RVs, Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, Fall Foliage Getaways

Fall is an Optimal Time for Travel

September 2, 2024 krubin723

*Stunning scenes delight hikers in New York’s Adirondacks in fall © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Post-Labor day, the weather has cooled, crowds have thinned, airfares and hotel rates have dropped precipitously, and tour companies offer discounts, especially on near-term departures. On top of that, Mother Nature puts on a show of autumn colors. Fall can be the best travel time of the year.

Fall is Ideal for Biking

*Biking the Great Allegheny Passage Rail Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Discovery Bicycle Tours: Cycle over 200 miles from the tip of Manhattan to through the Hudson River Valley to Albany on its six-day day Empire State Trail bike tour, along New York State’s network of rail trails, bike paths and bikeways; cycle the Appalachian Rail Trails between Virginia and West Virginia, one of its newest tours; or the six-day P’tit Train du Nord, one of the most scenic rail-trails in Quebec; or for a shorter tour, pedal for 4 days on the GAP Trail Getaway or spend 3 days riding the Vermont Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (discoverybicycletours.com, tours@discoverybicycletours.com, 800-257-2226, 802-457-3553)

Bike tour operators including Discovery Bicycle Tours and Wilderness Voyageurs offer fall trips along New York’s Empire State Trail, riding from the tip of Manhattn, through the Hudson River Valley to Albany © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Wilderness Voyageurs: Fall is a great time to travel and experience the season’s beauty around the country. Take advantage of its flash sale on the Sept. 29 departure of the Virginia Shenandoah & Skyline Drive Bike Tour – $150 off and free bike rental. Fall bike trips Include: five-day Kentucky bike & Bourbon; four-day Cycling Chattanooga, six-day Ohio-Cycling Cincinnati to Cleveland; four-day Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay; Colonial Williamsburg; six-day Mickelson Trail & the Badlands; four-day Georgia Gold Coast; and Missouri’s Katy Trail (https://wilderness-voyageurs.com/fantastic-fall-bike-tours/, 800-272-4141)

*Stopping for a photo in the Badlands of South Dakota on Wilderness Voyageurs’ “Mickelson Trail & Badlands” biketour © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Butterfield & Robinson: Nothing quite says adventure like last-minute plans to get away. The impromptu decision to travel, the excitement of meeting new faces in new places that just weeks ago weren’t even a consideration. Fall is the perfect time to escape from it all, whether you’re headed to the Morocco, riding along famous ancient caravan routes; striding along the Path of the Gods, hiking mountain and coastal trails and then unwinding in luxurious accommodations on the Amalfi Coast on this walking and hiking trip; or immersing in Portugal’s culinary and cultural heartland of Alentejo—biking from historic castles and villages across a farmland landscape of cork trees and olive groves to the gorgeous Atlantic coast.(butterfield.com)

Fall Rafting, Glamping on the Gauley River

Adventures on the Gorge offers two-day Deluxe Gauley River Overnight package offered throughout Gauley Season in September and October, when the Gauley River is transformed with some 100 rapids – including several Class Vs – within a 25-mile stretch of river. The adventure includes two days of rafting, one night of camping at the resort’s permanent Canyon Doors Campground and gourmet meals prepped fresh by a chef. The campground features hot showers, bathrooms and hot tubs, as well as a huge sandy beach with room for games and story-telling beneath the stars.

The Upper Gauley starts just below Summersville Dam and drops more than 335 feet in fewer than 13 miles, creating the most intense whitewater on the river and one of the most challenging whitewater experiences in the world. The 12-mile Lower Gauley is slightly less intense, but still extremely challenging, with 70 rapids.

On Gauley Season days, water is released from the Summersville Dam into the river below by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The release is controlled at 2,800 cubic feet per second (CFS), ensuring that the resulting rapids are predictably wild.

As a result of a long-time agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and resorts like Adventures on the Gorge, the releases are scheduled for Fridays through Mondays so rafters can plan for long weekends of adventure. Release dates this year are Sept. 6-9, 12-16, 20-23, 27-30 and Oct. 4-6, 12-13 and 19-20.

The minimum age to experience the Deluxe Gauley River Overnight is 16. Pricing of the two-day adventure starts at $439 per person.

The conclusion of Gauley Season coincides with the region’s annual Bridge Day celebration on the third Saturday of October. That’s when the New River Gorge Bridge is closed to traffic and BASE jumpers and rappelers jump from the bridge into the New River below while hundreds of pedestrian celebrants watch the fun.

*Adventures on the Gorge is an adventure resort located on more than 350 acres along the rim of New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia,*

Adventures on the Gore offers several options for rafters, including the Upper Gauley, Lower Gauley and Gauley Reverse 2-Day. Additionally, some rafters run both stretches as part of the Gauley Marathon while others take on the Upper Gauley twice in one day as part of the Double Upper Gauley 1-Day 2-Night package.

Other adventures include rafting on the New River, TreeTops Zipline Canopy Tour, Bridge Walk, rock climbing, and TimberTrek Adventure Park.

One of AOTG’s more popular options is a two-day Upper and Lower Gauley rafting experience broken up by camping at Canyon Doors, a permanent campground on the river featuring a wood-fired hot tub, hot showers, bathrooms and gourmet meals prepared by an expedition chef.

Adventures on the Gorge offers glamping tents, RV sites, tent platforms and a variety of cabins, such as multi-bedroom Cabins on the Gorge, with kitchens, furnished living areas and private hot tubs; bunkhouse style Sportsman Cabins, ideal for families and friend groups; and hotel-style Sunnysides.

Adventures on the Gorge is an adventure resort located on more than 350 acres along the rim of New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, in a region with three national parks units including the newest national park in the U.S., New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

(https://adventuresonthegorge.com/, 1-855-379-8738)

Spacious Skies Campgrounds Along the Fall Color Trail

Spacious Skies Campgrounds has launched a two-week sale on stays during its Fall Color Trail. Guests who book RV sites, lodging and glamping accommodations and tent sites through September 12 will receive a 25 percent discount between now and October 14, 2024 at any of the company’s 15 campgrounds located from Maine to Georgia, which also are staging Themed Weekends throughout the season.

For RVers with time and a love for natural beauty, there’s the Fall Color Trail, a 2,500-mile route that connects the campgrounds from Spacious Skies Balsam Woods in north central Maine to Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks in Georgia and showcases the brilliant progression of fall color over a 2 ½-month period, from early September through mid-November. Along the way there are wide-ranging adventures such as apple-picking farms, golf courses, historic sites, charming towns, national and state parks, museums, shopping and outdoor adventures.

Many of the campgrounds offer alternative accommodations for travelers who don’t own RVs, including cabins, yurts, tent sites and in select locations, retro trailers. Spacious Skies has also partnered with RV Share so would-be campers and glampers can rent RVs in each location or rent RVs that they can drive from place to place.

Among them:

Lakeside: Cosmos Cottage at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in Upstate New York’s Taconic and Berkshire Mountain Ranges. The cabin can sleep up to six people – and canine campers too – and it includes two bedrooms, kitchen area stocked with cookware and dishes, coffee machine, two televisions, fire pit, picnic table and private deck overlooking the campground lake.

Cosmic retro vibe: Also at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, there are three Riverside Retro Campers that sleep between two or four guests. These glamping faves are great for getaways with a retro vibe but all the modern stuff. Riverside Retro Trailers are also available at Spacious Skies Country Oaks in Dorothy, N.J., Spacious Skies French Pond in Henniker N.H. and Spacious Skies Walnut Grove in Alfred, Maine.

*Hiking New York State Adirondacks in fall. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

A place for you and 13 of your besties: The Zodiac Lodge at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks is just the place for girlfriend getaways, multi-family fun or even corporate retreats. Filled with fittingly lodge-y furniture, a fully equipped kitchen, four bedrooms and two bathrooms, this sprawling cabin in the Adirondacks – open May through October – is just the place for a woodsy getaway.

Moonlight, big sky…and a must-visit place for history nerds: The Quarter Moon at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views is a four-person yurt at with a private deck and patio, kitchen and bathroom and big-sky views of the Virginia skies and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Located within minutes of Shenandoah National Park, wineries, rafting and ziplines, historic sites and the darling town of Luray, the campground is a go-to place for fans of fall color and outdoor adventure. Nearby attractions include Patsy Cline’s hometown as well as the point a young surveyor named George Washington used as a reference to map the vast land holdings of Lord Fairfax in the 1700s.

A tiny home called Hercules: This quaint little cabin Spacious Skies Walnut Grove in Alfred, Maine, called Hercules is an impressively designed, compact cabin that sleeps six with two full beds and twin bunk beds. Explore the nearby Old Orchard Beach Pier or the landmark L.L. Bean store.

A place to reconnect with your inner compass: The North Star Guesthouse at Spacious Skies Belle Ridge in Monterey, Tenn. between Nashville and Knoxville is a three-bedroom, two-bath retreat that can sleep up to 12 people. Open year-round, guests can explore the 500-acre campground’s trails, backcountry waterfalls, fishing pond and natural spring-fed rock pond for swimming. It’s also the place to be for fall color, with abundant oaks, maples, dogwoods and poplars turning vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow well into mid-November.

To receive the discount, campers can book online and use the promo code FALLTRAIL. The sale ends September 12 and is limited to one usage per customer. For more information, visit www.spaciousskiescampgrounds.com.

Maine Fall Vacation

Crisp beach walks; apple orchards; and brilliant crimson, gold and orange foliage are just a few of the things that make fall a glorious time to visit Maine. Maine’s Tourism office has created helpful lists to facilitate your visit:

*A historic Windjammer is a gorgeous way to experience fall in Maine © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Outdoor Recreation opportunities include Hiking & Climbing (see Maine Trail Finder for hikes for all abilities). On the Water: take a leisurely sail aboard a historic Maine Windjammer or a sea kayaking trip; visit a beach (my favorite, Old Orchard Beach has access to a beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland, with rides and Maine’s largest arcade). Biking (pedal through tunnels of vibrant colors or bike to a breathtaking overlook along Maine’s scenic trails and picturesque routes). Camping. Fall Festivities and Fairs.

Leaf-peeping Opportunities: Peak foliage season varies across the state, but it is typically from the last week of September to the first two weeks of October. Maine has a foliage tracker that starts up in September to help you plan your trip.

Stunning Drives: Maine’s foliage is accessible via the state’s seven National Scenic Byways. These historic drives are designated by the federal government as some of the most beautiful and enjoyable across the country.

Fall Meandering: The newly enhanced Maine Oyster Trail will help you experience Maine’s acclaimed bivalve from the farmer to the raw bar. Get off the beaten path and link to Farms & Fiber Arts Trip Ideas to enjoy a getaway visiting farms, farm stands and specialty shops, or try a workshop where you can learn a variety of skills, like knitting a sweater from Maine wool. Maine Craft Weekend, the first weekend October, is the chance to see private artist studios and meet the artists, visit craft-based schools and craft beer breweries collaborating with artists, and purchase Maine-made goods at pop-up shops.

Arts & Culture: The Maine Art Museum Trail features nine museums and more than 80,000 works of art, (my favorite is the Farnsworth Museum, Rockland, with a fabulous collection of Wyeths). Check out the Art & Ales Trip Ideas for tips on where to find art in Maine in many shapes and forms, from gigantic sculptures to live performances, and sample the art of handcrafted local brews.

Where To Stay: The choices are endless: Campgrounds, Sporting Camps & Wilderness Lodges, Inns / Bed & Breakfasts, Resorts, Hotels & Motels

More info at VisitMaine.com

Fall in Tennessee

*Enjoying fall colors on a cruise on the Tennessee River from Chattanooga © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Vivid autumn leaves burst through the trees, new experiences await the fall bucket list, the aroma of apple and pumpkin treats waft through the air and echoes of ghost stories whisper with haunted happenings. Here’s what’s new and trending this fall in Tennessee.

Chattanooga – Rock City’s Fall Colors is an autumn splendor of pumpkins, haybale vignettes and seasonal decorations and live music.

Pigeon Forge (Sept. 9-Oct. 28) –. Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights illuminates the evening with the whimsical glow of over 12,000 pumpkins.

Nashville (Sept. 14-Oct. 27) – Cheekwood Harvest is a fall wonderland with 75,000 pumpkins and 4,000 chrysanthemums; stroll through the Community Scarecrow Trail, iconic Pumpkin Village, live music in the beer garden.

Nashville –Ghost Tours: Tragedy and Mystery at The Hermitage presents stories of unusual experiences of Andrew Jackson’s family and unexplained incidents on the site, a rare opportunity to see the mansion, grounds and cemetery by lantern light.

Memphis – Each October, visitors can take special tours and attend Soul of the Cemetery to hear stories of Elmwood Cemetery. BackBeat Tours shares more historically spooky tales with walking ghost tours through some of the most haunted places in Memphis.

Rugby – Historic Rugby After Dark tours guide guests through original buildings and structures of the Victorian village founded in 1880s..

Adams – Experience October at one of the most haunted locations in the country. Hear the folklore at Bell Witch Cave, which offers paranormal tours, cabin tours, daytime hayrides, nighttime haunted hayrides.

McMinnville – The Discovery Walking Tour is an all-new immersive experience surrounded by video, light and sound deep within the cave.

Morgan County – Hike MoCo kicks off the Fall Frenzy Hiking Series Sept. 22. Explore and soak in the scenery along trails of Big South Fork, Frozen Head, Obed, Cumberland Trail.

Visit TNvacation.com

California Colors

*Fall is harvest season in Sonoma, California © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Fall is harvest season in California wine country so while the wine is flowing, the vineyards have turned orange, maroon and crimson. Sonoma Valley, a 17-mile-long valley within Sonoma County that encompasses the city of Sonoma and the villages of Carneros, The Springs, Glen Ellen, and Kenwood, is the ideal drive to take in stunning rolling hills, gorgeous hotels and resorts, historic attractions and, breathtaking vineyards.

From its dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoias and unbelievably tall, sheer granite towers, Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking places on earth and during the fall, its full of life and colors. Dogwoods, Big Leaf Maples, and the Black Oaks are but just a few that put on a showy display of autumnal color. Fall colors can usually be seen throughout the month of October but have been known to start in September at higher elevations and run into November.

*Fall is ideal time to visit Yosemite National Park, when (hopefully) crowds have thinned out © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

In El Dorado County, Historic Hwy 49 (which runs the length of historic Gold Country) offers an array of colorful foliage – dogwood, aspen and maple light up the Mother Lode with orange, red and yellow. In Coloma, the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park affords spectacular views along the American River as well as many stands of colorful trees.

More info at www.visitcalifornia.com.

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @TravelFeatures Threads @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, Driveable adventures, Driveable destinations, Fall Foliage Getaways

Most Glorious Fall Foliage is Right in Our Neck of the Woods

October 6, 2021 krubin723

*A hike up Chimney Mountain in New York’s Adirondacks to take in the fall colors © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin

Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Take advantage of the outdoors this fall – hiking, biking, kayaking, pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and camping!

And New York State really has it all.

The I LOVE NY weekly foliage report is a great tool for visitors looking to plan a seasonal getaway – you can not only follow the progress of the changing colors, but the new interactive fall foliage map, located on the I LOVE NY foliage website, showcases great foliage viewing locations in each of the various regions throughout the state. You can use the map to see what the foliage is like during peak viewing in a given area find nearby, must-see attractions and events, from harvest festivals to Halloween celebrations, craft beverage trails, museums and family fun. Reports and the new interactive map are updated Wednesdays throughout the season at www.iloveny.com/foliage or dial 800/CALL-NYS (800/225-5697).

Thanks in part to its size and location, New York State has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. From late September through mid-November, some part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage.

Travelers are invited to share their photos of New York State’s amazing foliage on social media by using the #NYLovesFall hashtag. Submitted photos may be featured on the I LOVE NY fall foliage website and official I LOVE NY social media accounts reaching nearly two million followers.

*A hike up Chimney Mountain in New York’s Adirondacks to take in the fall colors © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The colors are already turning in the ADIRONDACKS, which peaks around Columbus Day weekend. Adirondack Experience lists hikes in categories, one of which is “best summit views” with excellent descriptions (also alltrails.com gives precise maps, elevations). Last fall, based on their recommendation, we did Chimney Mountain and Castle Rock hikes in one day (www.adirondack.net). The Adirondack Fall Foliage Meter (www.adirondacksusa.com/fall) provides up-to-the-minute fall foliage reports on where the leaves are prettiest and most colorful. More sources: Adirondacks Regional Tourism, visitadirondacks.com; Hamilton County Tourism, adirondackexperience.com, 800-648-5239.

A little later in the season, GREENE COUNTY/GREAT NORTHERN CATSKILLS are spectacular (https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/outdoors) – like hiking through the exquisite North South Campground, which is part of the Hudson River School Art Trail (a network of trails and attractions like Frederic Edwin Church’s Olana, where besides his extraordinary home, you can visit Olana’s 250-acre landscape for free (olana.org) and the Thomas Cole House (thomascole.org). I’m still partial to spending as much time outdoors as possible, so I am happy following the Hudson River Art School Trail (hudsonriverschool.org). (These days, it is best to check the website to make sure indoor attractions are open and if they require advance purchase, timed tickets.)

In Greene County:

Take a Ride:

The Windham Mountain Skyride features a two-mile chairlift to the summit of Windham Mountain, providing incredible panoramic views and is open through October 11th. For additional mountainous scenery, the Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride offers a two-mile, six-passenger chairlift with views of the Northern Catskill Mountains, open through October 17th.

Explore one of many motorcycle routes showcasing scenic views: ride on the Mohican Trail past the Five State Lookout, the Mountain Clove Run, or another picturesque route in the Great Northern Catskills. Or explore the 120 miles of some of the best mountain biking trails in the country.

Take a Hike:

In Prattsville, Pratt Rock, known as “New York’s Mount Rushmore,” offers a 3.1-mile round trip hike featuring a historical monument dedicated to Zadock Pratt, with summit views overlooking the valley with ample foliage.

For a challenging, yet rewarding ascent, the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower via Spruceton Trail, offers incredible panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains.

For a less intense, yet equally as scenic excursion, the Mountain Top Arboretum in Tannersville offers 178 acres of trails and boardwalks to admire the autumnal beauty.

Visit Local Farms:

Boehm Farm located in Climax offers a pick-your-own produce experience in addition to a variety of farm-grown and baked seasonal goodies. Be sure to call prior to visiting for the most up-to-date information on picking variety availability.

For a family experience, find spectacular views at East Durham Farms in East Durham. Bring home farm-grown produce, local jams, jellies, cheeses and other goods for everyone to enjoy.

To sample fall-grown produce and locally made products, visit Story Farms in Catskill for delicious harvested fruits and vegetables from the family-run farm, or RSK Farm in Prattsville for a variety of fall vegetables available at their farmstand.

(Great Northern Catskills, 800-355-CATS, 518-943-3223, www.greatnortherncatskills.com)

Letchworth State Park, the “Grand Canyon of the East” (where New York State has just opened an innovative autism nature trail) © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Finger Lakes region has over 1,000 waterfalls and gorges, 650 miles of shoreline, more than 16,000 acres of National Forest, and over 2,000 miles of hiking and biking trails – such as we enjoyed in Watkins Glen State Park and Letchworth State Park, the “Grand Canyon of the East” (where the state has just opened an innovative autism nature trail – a one-mile hiking loop that includes eight marked sensory stations, each designed to address a different sensory experience in a safe and supportive environment). Also, vineyards, wineries, breweries, rail-trails. museums, art galleries, historic sites, theaters. Excellent planning aids are available from The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, 309 Lake Street Penn Yan, NY 14527, 315-536-7488, 800-530-7488, www.fingerlakes.org. Another excellent source of visitor information is Visit Finger Lakes, 585-394-3915, info@visitfingerlakes.com, www.visitfingerlakes.com.

Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Go totally au natural and camp out (through October). We adored our camping adventures at the in Letchworth State Park and the4 Six Nations Campground in Watkins Glen State Park (https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/)

In Coxsackie, Gather Greene is a glamping destination with 17 wooden glamping cabins on 100 acres of rolling hills and fields, each equipped with air conditioning and heating, full bathrooms, a mini-fridge (176 Levitt RoadCoxsackie, 262-448-3683, www.gathergreene.com).

Camp New York is a network of independent campground owners across New York State, from the high peaks of Adirondacks to the majestic Niagara Falls frontier, from the scenic Finger Lakes to the eastern edges of Long Island, and everywhere in between (585-586-4360, www.campnewyork.com). Here are some of their recommendations: For those looking to take scenic fall drives, U.S. Route 20 runs east/west through the heart of NYS, crossing along the tips of several Finger Lakes and offering beautiful rolling hills and sweeping vistas. These websites, https://nyroute20.com/ and https://www.dot.ny.gov/display/programs/scenic-byways/route-20, cover sights to see in the Central New York section. Some popular base camps along the way include Lebanon Reservoir Campground in Hamilton (www.lebanoncampground.com), about 15 minutes off Route 20, and Cider House Campground in Bouckville (www.ciderhousecampground.com), which is located right on Route 20 in the heart of the Madison Bouckville Antiques Community (https://www.ciderhousecampground.com/. https://www.madisontourism.com/things-to-do/antiquing/). Families looking for spooky destinations across New York should check out the Haunted History Trail (https://hauntedhistorytrail.com/) and crosscheck the haunts of interest with neighboring campgrounds on CampNewYork.com.

New England Beckons

NEW HAMPSHIRE’s Lakes Region not only offers gorgeous scenery, hiking, biking, but wonderful fall festivals and events.

I have my sights set on the 58-mile long Northern Rail Trail. Set geographically right in the middle of classic New England, it crosses New Hampshire beginning just north of the state’s capitol in Concord, N.H. and extends almost to Vermont in Lebanon, N.H. Now a recreational trail, it was once the rail bed of the Northern Railroad built in 1847, so the gradient never exceeds 1 percent. It traverses rivers, working farms, orchards, horse and alpaca farms, lakes, quaint towns and historic covered bridges and affords classic New England vistas. Railroad buffs will love seeing the historical artifacts that remain: there are the original granite mile markers a couple of old railway stations and noteworthy rock work supporting trestle crossings and culverts. You can easily imagine what New England looked like in the 1850s. Currently the trail has been completed for four-season use from Lebanon, NH through Grafton, NH and Danbury, Andover to Depot Street in Franklin. (The Friends of the Northern Rail Trail group has the goal of extending the tail from Danbury, NH to Boscawen in Merrimack County, NH). (More information: Friends of the Northern Rail Trail, www.fnrt.org )

New Hampshire innkeepers have made it delightful to turn the Northern Rail Trail ride into an inn-to-inn bike tour. Seven historic inns throughout the Lakes and Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee regions are connected by the trail and offer inn-to-inn packages. For more information, maps and rates, visit Bike the Northern Rail Trail website at: http://bikethenorthernrailtrail.com and find the innkeepers at www.nhcountryinns.com.

We recently enjoyed our stay at Mill Falls at the Lake (312 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, NH 03253, 800-622-6455, 844-745-2931, info@millfalls.com, www.millfalls.com) , but there are scores of bnbs, cabins, cottages, hotels in the region.

The Lakes Region tourism office has a fantastic site to plan a visit: https://www.lakesregion.org/

Of course, VERMONT has practically trademarked “fall foliage.” Indeed, three-quarters of the state is blanketed with forests, most of it maple trees that turn the vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. You can track the progress of the color changes with the state’s foliage forecaster and sign up for Vermont’s fall foliage report to get real time updates on where the color is peaking each week. Find trip planning inspiration, ideas and resources at https://vermontvacation.com/seasons/fall.

There, you can link to Vermont’s 10 federally designated scenic byways routes and roads that take you through Vermont’s forests and farmland to historic villages and towns that are vibrant hubs of culture, commerce and recreation. These byways range in length from 14 miles to 400 miles and provide access to museums, art galleries, antique auctions and curio shops, trail heads, swimming holes, waterfalls, hikes and valley views (https://vermontvacation.com/byways). You can also follow the Vermont Arts Council’s recommendations for arts and foliage viewing destinations along Vermont’s most scenic drives during foliage season (www.vermontartscouncil.org/blog/autumn-and-art).

Enjoying the fall foliage biking along the 12.7-mile Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in the Berkshires, Massachusetts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

MASSACHUSETTS is the 8^th most forested state in the United States, with over 3 million acres of forest, accounting for 62% of the entire state. Some parts of Western Massachusetts are over 90% forested. Its foliage season stretches from mid-September to early November. Here are some highlights and “secret gems”:

CAPE & ISLANDS: In Cape Cod, a secret gem is theWest Barnstable Conservation Area, one of the largest conservation parcels (1,114 acres) on the Cape. The entire tract is filled with glorious fall colors from mid-October through November. Better yet, rather than drive, Cape Cod is a paradise for cyclists, with the most wonderful bike paths that basically extend over the entire Cape.

Foliage comes later to Martha’s Vineyard than the rest of Massachusetts, typically peaking for brilliant colors at the end of October into early November. TRAILSMV is a free app that allows visitors to explore the Island’s fabulous network of pristine trails for walking, biking and hiking that make leaf peeping so much fun.

WESTERN MA: In the gorgeous Berkshires, find the best fall foliage at this site: https://berkshires.org/four-fabulous-ways-to-enjoy-fall-foliage/#more-82593

Mohawk Trail: Hoosac Range Trail (2441 Mohawk Trail) located at the first summit on the Mohawk Trail features high elevation long views and sublime rock cliffs formed by “glacial plucking” with trees twisted into fantastical forms by wind and ice. Look out for migratory raptors at Spruce Hill and great views over North Adams, Mount Greylock and Florida State Forest. (https://www.bnrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Hoosac_Range_trailmap.pdf)

Mount Greylock State Reservation is the highest point in Massachusetts. At 3,481’, on a clear day, you can see as far as 90 miles away. The middle of September to middle of October with peak season typically Columbus Day weekend.

NORTH OF BOSTON: Some secret gems are:Harold Parker State Park in Andover; Old Town Hill in Newbury; Ravenswood Park in Gloucester; and Pipestave Hill and Mill Pond in West Newbury.

Merrimack Valley: The Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge is a 12-mile river wetlands conservation area stretching from the towns of Billerica, Massachusetts (downstream) to Wayland, Massachusetts (upstream), along the Concord River and Sudbury River (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/great_meadows/)

Drive the 90-mile Essex Coastal Scenic Byway that links 14 coastal communities from Lynn to Salisbury and features breathtaking vistas, working harbors, quaint villages, world-class art and culture, and distinctive local food, shops, lodging and visitor services.

Fall in the Berkshires, Massachusetts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

CENTRAL MA: The secret gem here is theTully River Valley: Royalston, Athol, and Orange offers many options for hikers, bikers, and paddlers. A 4.5-mile foot trail loops around Tully Lake and the quarter-mile cascades of Doane’s Falls, and a 7.5-mile mountain bike and hiking trail circles adjacent Long Pond, passing by red maple trees that offer vivid foliage along the water’s edge starting in late September. Access is available at Tully Lake Recreation Area on Route 32, and Tully Lake Campground and Doane’s Falls Reservation on Doane Hill Road (https://thetrustees.org/content/tully-trail/).

Jacob’s Hill Reservation features two vistas with panoramic westerly views across the Tully Valley, and the steep cascades of Spirit Falls, which are especially picturesque after an autumn rain. The entrance is on Route 68 in Royalston, and the reservation may also be reached via the Tully Trail from Long Pond. Across the valley rises Tully Mountain in Orange, where ledges provide a striking view across the region to Mount Monadnock, Wachusett Mountain, and Mount Watatic (https://thetrustees.org/place/jacobs-hill/)

NORTH CENTRAL MA: The Mount Wachusett State Reservation located in Princeton and Westminster, offers stunning views of the region. Visitors can also take the skyride at Mt. Wachusett Ski Area. With over 800 farms and orchards in the region, the country roads in North Central Massachusetts provide scenic opportunities to see the bright vivid fall colors. These include routes 119, 13, 2A, 140, 117, 70, 202 just to name a few. Best time to go: late September/October.

SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS has some of the largest cranberry bogs in the nation and is a great place to see foliage alongside the cranberry bogs flooded with crimson berries.

Plymouth/South of Boston: A great experience in Plymouth County is the wet harvesting of cranberries at the height of fall foliage. The A. D. Makepeace Company in Wareham gives cranberry bog tours starting in late September that takes you into the heart of cranberry country in Massachusetts (www.admakepeace.com)

Freetown-Fall River State Forest offers 5,000 acres of forest and open space, a perfect setting for fall foliage. It is also the home of the Wampanoag Reservation (the “”eople of the First Light” who were there when the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. (https://www.mass.gov/locations/freetown-fall-river-state-forest http://visitsemass.com/freetown-fall-river-state-forest/)

GREATER BOSTON:The Emerald Necklace, a ring of green open space created by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 19^th century is a great way to enjoy foliage in the city of Boston. Highlights include Franklin Park in Dorchester, the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, The Riverway and Back Bay Fens. You complete the Necklace by taking the Commonwealth Avenue Mall into the Public Garden and then to Boston Common (https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/park-overview/emerald-necklace-map/)

To track fall foliage in Massachusetts State Parks, go to https://www.mass.gov/location-details/fall-foliage-season-in-the-parks.

A great guide to visiting Massachusetts is available at https://www.visit-massachusetts.com/state/foliage/.

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© 2021 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Camping/Glamping/RVs, Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, Driveable adventures, Fall Foliage Getaways, New York State travel, Outdoors Adventures

New York’s Watkins Glen State Park is Spellbinding

September 9, 2021 krubin723

By Karen Rubin, David Leiberman & Laini Miranda

Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Rainbow Falls, one of the highlights of the Glen Creek Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park, © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Walking the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park in New York’s Finger Lakes is, in a word, spellbinding.

The centerpiece of the 778-acre Watkins Glen State Park is a 400-foot deep, narrow gorge cut by the Glen Creek that was left “hanging” when glaciers of the last continental glaciation, some 12,000 years ago, deepened the Seneca valley, creating rapids and waterfalls through layers of hard rock. The textures and shapes of the soft shales, sandstone and limestone – which erode at different rates – are gorgeous.

If you have ever visited a slot canyon, and marveled at the smooth, twisted, perfectly contoured curves, walk the Glen Creek Gorge Trail, where you can watch Mother Nature working her magic.

We don’t waste time after arriving at the Six Nations Campground in the park in the afternoon, in order to take advantage of the beautiful sunlight. So we drop out things and rush down to the Gorge Trail for a taste of what we will see more completely the next day.

In the course of a 1.5 mile stone trail, with 800 steps and beautiful stone bridges you see 19 incredible waterfalls.

Cascading falls on the Glen Creek Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park, © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The waterfalls range from those that flow from dramatic heights of 200 foot-high cliffs, to those that cascade; you see waterfalls coming in together from different directions, cutting through the sedimentary rock of shale, sandstone and limestone, making exquisite, remarkably perfect shapes and cuts that are astonishingly precise and straight or curved, and cascades of falls that twist.

In this “hanging valley,” we also see “hanging gardens” – the tender mosses, ferns, mosslike plants (liverworts) that drape over the rocks and down the rock walls, the delicate plants that stubbornly grow, albeit slowly in crevasses in the rock walls. They depend on continuous moisture trickling down, and you can see differences in ecosystems based on the amount of sun, shade and moisture that a section of the rock wall gets. (Visitors are told not to pick anything.)

A place of perfect peace, Watkins Glen State Park, © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

You are enveloped by a feeling of perfect peace – the sound of the flowing water, the cool of the green moss and moist rock, the fresh smell, the late afternoon light that turns the tops of the trees into shades of yellow and gold. The gorge is fairly narrow, so you feel cocooned in this primal, Jurassic Park-like setting.

Looking down into where the water flattens out at one point into soil what appeared to be a giant fossil skeleton, exposed in the low water. It is exciting to imagine.

Could this be a titanoboa fossil, only just exposed in the Glen Creek? © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We walk back to Mile Point Bridge where we follow the trail back into the Six Nations Campground, after this brief survey mission.

Back at our campsite, we set up our tents and go downtown to where John, who checked us into the campground, had recommended as the best place in Watkins Glen for sunset: the marina on the southern tip of Seneca Lake. There is a rock wall that is very popular for people to walk out to watch. We opt to go to the Village Marina for dinner where we can dine outside and take in the sunset.

Blazing sunset from the Village Marina in Watkins Glen © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The colors that blaze through the sky, reflect back in the water, after the sun went behind the hills, are spectacular.

The next day, we stroll down from our campsite to the Gorge Trail.

We enter the Gorge Trail at Mile Point Bridge, giving us our first stunning view. We walk the half-mile to the end, at Jacob’s Ladder (a set of 180 stairs that goes to the Upper Entrance), and then return, choosing to go back along the Gorge Trail rather than connect to the Indian Trail that goes along the rim for views down into the Gorge. Going back this way on the Gorge Trail we go down in elevation towards the Main Entrance in the village (many people who don’t want to do the 1.5 mile trail both ways start park up here, hike down, and take a shuttle bus back, $5).

Glen Creek Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park, is spellbinding © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Just beyond the Mile Point Bridge is Frowning Cliff, a gorgeous waterfall, then the climatic scene, Rainbow Falls (most dramatic from the other direction on the way back; you walk behind the falls along the trail), aptly named because, on some afternoons, the sunlight comes at just the right angle to create rainbows.

On to the Central Cascade (plunging more than 60 feet, this is the highest waterfall in the Gorge), Glen Cathedral (the horizontal layers of shale were formed 380 million years ago; ripples in the rock were created by wave action at the bottom of an ancient sea floor that eventually turned to stone), then a steeper descent, through the Spiral Tunnel (hand cut in 1927) to the Cavern Cascade, where you again walk behind the waterfall) and across Sentry Bridge (look for a round flume hole in the rock where, in the 1800s, water was once diverted to power a mill where the visitor center now stands) to the new Visitor Center and main entrance on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen.

Walk through the Spiral Tunnel (hand cut in 1927) to the Cavern Cascade, where you walk behind the waterfall, Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Along the way, we meet up with a park ranger who we tell about seeing what appeared to be a giant fossil. He tells us that it was exposed only two days before and might well be a titanoboa – a giant sea snake that could be as big as 45 feet long. This exciting news passes from one to another as people come to that spot to view it. Another park ranger tells us that a naturalist is coming to investigate.

For awhile, visitors to Watkins Glen State Park that morning had an extra thrill beyond the breathtaking scenery: the prospect of seeing a newly discovered fossil of a prehistoric sea snake, Monster in the Glen.

We finish walking the trail, have a delightful lunch at the Harbor Hotel on the lake. By now it is the afternoon and markedly less crowded (everyone seems to come out early for the walk) as we walk back on the Gorge Trail.

By the time we get back to where the “titanoboa fossil” would have been, we see the naturalist has etched in the soil, “Not a Fossil,” and smudged the image completely away, having revealed the fossil to be a hoax (people had remarked on what they thought were footprints leading to it).

Not a fossil! But now the mystery remains: who created it and how? © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

So, if we didn’t witness a major fossil discovery, we were witness to the hoax. ow the mystery is: Who created the hoax? How? Anyway, it got everyone buzzing that day.

Also, on my walk I saw in black rock what looked like an ammonite. That too was smudged away on our return.

This stunning gorge has been visited by tourists since 1863 and was privately operated as a tourist resort ($1 admission per person, equivalent to $34 today) until New York State acquired the property, in 1906 for a state park. (It is named for Samuel Watkins; “glen” comes from a Greek word meaning “small, narrow, secluded valley”.). After the 1935 flood destroyed the trail, it was rebuilt with a stunning series of stone walks, staircases (there are 800 steps altogether), bridges and tunnels cut through the rock, by Franklin D Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps between 1935-1940. (You can do the trail one way and take a shuttle bus, $5, back).

The stunning rock formations, created by the rushing water, on the Glen Creek Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Capping this experience is the beautiful Six Nations Campground – beautiful trees, excellent restroom facilities, and a glorious Olympic-sized pool. There are also a couple of pavilions that can be rented for groups and even the Iroquois Lodge, which is essentially a house that can be rented instead of a campsite (altogether, you can imagine a wedding here, with photos in front of waterfalls; there are also lovely accommodations in town including a luxury Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, right on Seneca Lake, where we enjoy lunch). Where we camp, we are just a short walk down to the Gorge Trail.

Our campsite at Six Nations Campground, Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Six Nations Campground is named for the Haundenosaunee Confederation, more commonly known to us as Iroquois (Haundenosaunee means “They made the house”), a reminder of whose land this was before the European colonists came. The loops of the campground are named for the nations of the Confederacy: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the park brochure notes, is renowned for its organization and democratic system, one of the first of its kind (Ben Franklin is said to have drawn upon the Iroquois Confederation for our US Constitution; suffragist Melinda Gage drew upon the Oneida’s matriarchal structure, in which women could be chiefs, own property, have custody of their children in a divorce, to set out demands for women’s rights in 1848).In 1842, what remained of the First Nations were relegated to the Six Nations Indian Reserve. (More information is available at nearby Ganondaganb State Historic Site, 7000 County Rd. 41 (Houghton Hill Rd), Victor, NY 14564).

Walking the stone trail along the Glen Creek Gorge, Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

There are seven moderate trails in Watkins Glen State Park ranging from 0.7 to 7.6 miles and from 479 to 1,171 feet above sea level, but we focus all our time on the Gorge Trail (1.5 miles), captivated by the views and the enchantment of the place. Other trails – the Indian Trail (2.4 miles) and the South Rim Trail (2.6 miles) provide views of the Gorge from above. You can connect from the Gorge Trail to Lovers Lane Loop which takes you to a Suspension Bridge for a view above the gorge. You can also do a Gorge Trail, Outer Rim and Finger Lakes Trail combination (7.6 miles, about 3 hours) (see alltrails.com for more detail). (The trail is closed in winter.)

Cavern Cascade, Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It’s about 3:30 in the afternoon when we return to the campsite. We go to the gorgeous, Olympic-sized pool to refresh before returning to the campsite for an amazing steak dinner David and Laini prepared over the campfire they built for our second night camping.

The gorgeous Olympic-sized pool at Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It is no wonder that Watkins Glen State Park was awarded the third best among 6,000 state parks nationwide in 2015, and is consistently among the state’s top parks.

Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, 607-535-4511, https://parks.ny.gov/parks/watkinsglen/maps.aspx.

There is so much to do in Watkins Glen, in the heart of the Finger Lakes, you could easily make this your base for a week.

Auto enthusiasts know Watkins Glen for its famous NASCAR races. The pavement is dotted with names of winners throughout the years, the crosswalks painted like the race start/finish. Auto racing is still sacred here, with much of the quaint village (the downtown was a recipient of New York State’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award) themed for autos.

Wine enthusiasts know Watkins Glen as the southerly point of Seneca Lake, from which you can drive up Winery Trails on both sides.

Nearby is the Corning Museum of Glass; about 1 ½ hours drive away is another jewel, Letchworth State Park, “The Grand Canyon of the East,” where we camped and hiked last year; a half-hour away is Ithaca.

The Finger Lakes region has over 1,000 waterfalls and gorges, 650 miles of shoreline, more than 16,000 acres of National Forest, and over 2,000 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is plenty to explore indoors at museums, art galleries, historic sites, theaters, wineries, breweries.

With summer turning to fall foliage season (which is amazing here), plan early and secure tickets and lodging.

Excellent planning aids are available from The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, 309 Lake Street Penn Yan, NY 14527, 315-536-7488, 800-530-7488, www.fingerlakes.org.

New York State Begins Weekly ILoveNY Fall Foliage Reports; New Interactive Map

The 2021 fall foliage season is underway in New York State. Fall is one of the most popular travel times in New York, attracting visitors from around the world to explore the state’s unique communities and support local businesses. To help travelers and foliage enthusiasts plan a fall getaway, I LOVE NY has begun issuing its weekly fall foliage reports and will now include a new enhanced interactive progression map (www.iloveny.com/foliage).

The foliage report is compiled each week using the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY’s team of volunteer leaf peepers. More than 85 spotters extending across the state’s 11 vacation regions are tasked with keeping track of the color change in their area as leaves progress each week. Reports detail the predominant leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions.

*View from Chimney Mountain, The Adirondacks. ILoveny.com/foliage report helps you monitor the progress of fall foliage throughout New York State © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

New this year, I LOVE NY is introducing an enhanced, interactive map that tracks weekly foliage change and progression across the state throughout the season. The map, located on the I LOVE NY foliage website, showcases great foliage viewing locations in each of the various regions throughout the state. Visitors can also use the map to see what the foliage is like during peak viewing in a given area, and learn about nearby, must-see attractions.

Thanks in part to its size and location, New York State has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. On any weekend from late September through mid-November, part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage.

Travelers are also invited to share their photos of New York State’s amazing foliage on social media by using the #NYLovesFall hashtag. Photos submitted to this hashtag have a chance of being featured on the I LOVE NY fall foliage website and official I LOVE NY social media accounts reaching nearly two million followers. Reports and the new interactive map are updated Wednesdays throughout the season at www.iloveny.com/foliage.Reports are also available toll-free by dialing 800/CALL-NYS (800/225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada. For more information on how to volunteer for as an I LOVE NY leaf peeper, e-mail your name, address and phone number to foliage@esd.ny.gov.

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Driveable adventures, Driveable destinations, Fall Foliage Getaways, Getaways, New York State travel, Outdoors Adventures

Catching the Peak Fall Foliage in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains

October 5, 2020 krubin723

Stunning rock formations atop Chimney Mountain in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, made all the more spectacular by fall foliage colors © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin and Dave E. Leiberman

Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

We literally raced up to catch the peak fall foliage colors in the dramatic, spectacular setting of New York’s Adirondack Mountains.

There are so many different hiking trails, we wanted to make the best choices for a one-day adventure. Researching potential hikes, I found The Adirondack Experience, which lists hikes in categories, one of which is “best summit views” and excellent descriptions (also alltrails.com gives precise maps, elevations). That wasn’t enough for me to pin down, so I called Adirondack Experience, to get the low-down on the trails to high peaks. They also offer a fall foliage report, as does New York State (www.iloveny.com).

We set up an itinerary that would allow us to do two hikes to summits affording 360-degree views, in one sensational day:

View of the Adirondack Mountains at peak fall foliage from the summit of Chimney Mountain © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Chimney Mountain: The extraordinary appeal here are the geologic formations at the top, a maze of caves and crevices, after an invigorating mile-long climb (entirely uphill), before you get to the true summit, a smoothed, mostly flat boulder, reached via a quarter-mile long herd path. “Chimney Mountain has unique features due to a large proportion of soft, sedimentary Grenville layers that have made passageways, cliffs, boulders, and caves. View the large geologic depression that was formed when the Western Rift separated from the Eastern Rift.” The hike, three-miles round trip (in/out), is a 870-foot ascent to 2721-foot elevation. Plan on 3 hours (bring water, face mask, and take into account that it gets dark in the woods before the sunset). (Big Brook Road, Indian Lake, NY, 12842, 518-548-3076, info@adirondackexperience.com, www.adirondackexperience.com/hiking/chimney-mountain).

View from the summit of Chimney Mountain at peak fall foliage. © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We came down and had ourselves a picnic lunch before setting out for our afternoon hike, about 30 minutes further drive, at Castle Rock, above Blue Mountain Lake. By the time we arrived, the drizzle which started just as we got back into the car turned into an actual rain when we were on the trail. But no matter, we were determined to forge on. This trail is a 3.2 mile long loop with a steady rise, but more gradual than Chimney Mountain – that is, until the last one-tenth mile that involves a scramble up over and between boulders, made more challenging (and therefore satisfying), by the slippery leaves (young kids would have no problem). But so worth it (and really satisfying to have accomplished it)! The rock formations here at the top are absolutely fabulous. Amazingly, just as we got to the summit – another relatively flat boulder – the rain turned to drizzle and then stopped altogether, allowing the sun to poke through, making the wet rock surface glisten. The views of Blue Mountain Lake, with its several tiny islands, and Blue Mountain, with other mountain peaks in the near and far distance, are stunning.

View from the summit of Castle Rock with the Adirondacks at peak fall foliage, rocks glistening with rain © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The summit is about at the half-way mark of the loop. At about the 1.5 mile mark, there is a sign that directs you to the summit, only a little disconcerting to realize you have another half-mile to go. It’s 1.8 miles up on the less steep part of the trail, 1.4 miles on the other side, which goes past fabulous rock formations. (So glad we opted to do the full loop, instead of returning on the 1.8 mile side to avoid a steeper descent, but it actually wasn’t bad at all, even with the slippery leaves. I’ve cultivated a technique of hanging on to trees and branches to swing down, or climb down, or sit down and dangle my feet, and I really value my hiking poles.)

Tackling the scramble to the Castle Rock summit © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This is one of the most popular hikes in the area, so people are advised to get here early to get parking at the trailhead (Maple Lodge Road, Blue Mountain Lake). Also, on all of these hikes, wear a face mask and respect social-distancing when people are passing.

The Adirondack Fall Foliage Meter (www.adirondacksusa.com/fall) provides up-to-the-minute fall foliage reports on where the leaves are prettiest and most colorful.

More sources: Adirondacks Regional Tourism, visitadirondacks.com; Hamilton County Tourism, adirondackexperience.com, 800-648-5239.

Hiking up to Chimney Mountain © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Since the Adirondacks are about a five-hour drive from the downstate metro area, people are flocking to Lake George and the surrounding area for accommodations which has maintained very strong occupancy. There are also any number of cabins, lodges, Airbnb’s to choose from, many with exquisite views along one of the many, many scenic lakes. At the trailhead to Chimney Mountain, in fact, there are rustic cabins.

High Peaks Resort in the heart of Lake Placid offers three different lodging experiences overlooking Mirror Lake and the Adirondack Mountains: The Resort, a traditional hotel with 105 guest rooms and suites (newly renovated earlier this year); the modern retro-vibe Lake House with 44 guest rooms; and the private and serene Waterfront Collection with 28 guest rooms including 10 suites on the shores of Mirror Lake. Take a break from studying or work with a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, paddling Mirror Lake, hiking, biking, golfing. Dogs are welcome, with special canine-friendly treats and amenities. Save up to 30 percent with the Best Dates, Best Rates package, with rates from $125 per night (www.highpeaksresort.com).

Coming down from the summit at Castle Rock (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Foliage in the Catskills: Find vibrant fall colors on a hike along the Hannacroix Creek Preserve (www.greatnortherncatskills.com/outdoors/hannacroix-creek-preserve-hcp) in New Baltimore—featuring 113 acres of trails and scenic vistas—or explore the RamsHorn Livingston Sanctuary (https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/outdoors/ramshorn-livingston-sanctuary) in Catskill, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plant life along more than three miles of trails. For exhilaration on your quest for foliage, try mountain biking along the Tannersville-Hathaway Trail System (https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/outdoors/tannersville-hathaway-trail-system) in Tannersville—suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. To get the latest update on colors in the region, check out the Catskills’ f all foliage meter (www.greatnortherncatskills.com/catskills-fall-foliage).

Connect with nature while camping at Purling Waters (www.greatnortherncatskills.com/camping/purling-waters), a fully-equipped campsite accommodating up to 6 campers, located along the banks Shinglekill Creek. For a historic stay, try Tumblin’ Falls House (www.greatnortherncatskills.com/resorts-lodging/tumblin-falls-house). The house, offering 5 guest rooms in an 1890s Dutch Victorian perched on a cliff overlooking Shinglekill Falls, has a tree level spa overlooking falls, natural pools, garden and trails.

To keep tabs on the progress of fall foliage in New York State, www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report.

See more information on where to go, what to do in New York, www.iloveny.com, 800-CALL- NYS, info@iloveny.com.

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Biking Tours, Driveable adventures, Driveable destinations, Fall Foliage Getaways, New York State travel, Travel in a Time of Pandemic

New York’s Empire State Trail Comes Together: Biking the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in Hudson Valley

October 1, 2020 krubin723 5 Comments

Biking over the Rosendale Trestle, 150 feet above the Rondout Creek, on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, part of the New York Empire State Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

by Karen Rubin, Dave E. Leiberman, Laini Miranda
Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

The ambitious New York Empire State Trail is taking shape, linking and connecting and improving existing trails for a 750-mile network that will enable bikers, hikers, recreational users go from New York City to the Canadian border, and from Buffalo to Albany. And it seems like it is on track for completion by the end of the year, when it would become the longest multi-use state trail in the nation.

We headed out to one of the trails, Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, newly incorporated in the Empire State Trail, with signage and improvements (new trestles, bridges, widened paths, improved drainage), from New Paltz, which itself is a hub for some marvelous multi-use trails that collectively form the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail (www.ny.gov/empire-state-trail/routes-empire-state-trail).

It was pure delight. The linear trail through forests, beside and over creeks, passed dramatic rock formations, is 22 miles long (so 44 miles, out and back). Because of time limitations (and the fact the trail has some closures north of the Rosendale Trestle, midweek, for improvements that are expected to be completed in October, check the site), we only went seven miles north of the parking lot at Sojourner Truth Park in New Paltz, but can’t wait to return to do the rest, another 7 miles north to Kingston, and 7 miles south to Gardiner. The northern half of the trail, from New Paltz to Kingston, has been incorporated into the Empire State Trail, with new signs and improvements.

Biking the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Shortly after the Wallkill Valley branch of the New York Railroad closed in the 1980s, the Wallkill Valley Land Trust purchased the12-mile stretch of the corridor between New Paltz, south to Gardiner, leading to the opening of the first stretch of trail in 1993. Today, the trail stretches a total of 24 miles and runs along its namesake river from Gardiner to Kingston. In 2009, the northern section was purchased, extending the linear park 11.5 miles north from Rosendale through Ulster to Kingston, incorporating the dramatic Rosendale trestle, a 940-foot bridge across the Rondout Creek that provides one of the most thrilling parts of the ride. This portion of the trail, from New Paltz to Kingston, has been designated as part of the statewide Empire State Trail, which, when complete next year, will stretch 750 miles, running from New York City to Canada and from Albany to Buffalo. (info at Wallkillvalleylt.org, 845-255-2761).

The sights are marvelous, and the trail very pleasant.

We find our way from the New York Thruway to the Sojourner Truth Park along the river (where you can rent kayaks), park the car and set off, north.

We soon come to a repurposed train station, now the Rail Trail Cafe, right on the trail.

About a mile north of the village, the trail crosses the Wallkill River on the Springtown Truss Bridge, featured in the movie “A Quiet Place” with magnificent views.

Biking over the Springtown Truss Bridge over the Wallkill River, featured in the movie “A Quiet Place” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The trail passes besides orchards, organic farms, lakes, streams and the Wallkill River.

In Rosendale, the most memorable feature of the trail can be found, the Rosendale Trestle. This 940-foot-long continuous truss bridge carries the trail 150-feet high over the Readout Creek, and spans both route 213 and the former Delaware and Hudson Canal.

Gorgeous scenery off the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We ride a little further north beyond the Rosendale Trestle, and come to the Binnewater Historic District where local quarries produced Rosendale cement. (I subsequently learn The Rosendale Cement Works near Limewater employed 5,000 workers and produced 4,000,000 barrels of cement a year at the peak of its activity at the turn of the century. Rosendale cement was used in the Brooklyn Bridge, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Treasury Building, as well as in many other structures around the country. The decline of the cementworks in this area is what accounts for the rail line being abandoned, and subsequently repurposed for the recreational trail. You can still see mines used to extract the cement,)

Interesting rock formations on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in the Binnewater Historic District where local quarries produced Rosendale cement © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Here, though, we see magnificent rock formations – what looks like a cave from which it feels as if air conditioning were flowing and we sit on a boulder to have a snack before turning back.

Notes about the trail say that were we able to continue biking north, we would come to great views of Third Lake, Fourth Lake, and Fifth Lake before passing under Interstate 87 alongside Hickory Bush Road. The northernmost stretch of the trail runs through a scenic forested area before reaching its terminus at a parking area off of New York State Route 32 just south of Kingston. However, the City of Kingston and Ulster County are exploring options for extending the trail into the city. Meanwhile, the Empire State Trail is adding roadway enhancements to run the trail along roadways into the city, where it can connect with other projects currently underway, including the Kingston Point Rail Trail and the Ulster County Midtown Linear Park which runs out towards the O&W Rail Trail.

Riding back, we come to the Café in the Woods, set up for musical performances, where you can purchase food from what looks like a gypsy caravan, and an outdoor kitchen with a wood-burning stove.

Here is where we see Happy Trails Bike Rental (917-443-3600; call in advance) set up right on the trail, (you should call in advance to make sure he’s around). (There are a couple of bike rental shops in the area).

Café in the Woods on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It’s late afternoon by the time we ride back south to the Sojourner Truth Park, but if we had time, we would have wanted to complete the trail the further 7 miles to Gardiner.

The southern end of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is at Denniston Road in the Ulster County town of Gardiner. True to the corridor’s original use as a rail line, the trail is generally flat. However, especially at this southern end, the trail is unpaved and best suited in the summer for hikers or for bicycles with wider tires. (www.traillink.com/trail-itinerary/wallkill-valley-rail-trail)

New Paltz Hub for Trails

New Paltz has become a regional hub for trails, with the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail running as the spine through the village. To the east, carrying the Empire State Trail up from New York City, is the Hudson Valley Rail Trail (which I have done in the past and found fantastic). This trail connects with the Walkway Over The Hudson’s western end in Highland – which has become one of New York State’s most popular attractions – and as a part of the Empire State Trail’s investment, was recently extended from its previous terminus in the town of Lloyd all the way through to New Paltz where it connects with the Wallkill. Running west from New Paltz, a newly opened River-to-Ridge Trail amidst the magnificent scenery of the Shawangunk Mountains.

Biking the new River to Ridge Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Indeed, the next weekend, we return to bike the River-to-Ridge Trail (www.openspaceinstitute.org/places/river-to-ridge-trail) which was created by the Open Space Institute in partnership with Mohonk Preserve (www.mohonkpreserve.org) with support of the Butler Conservation Fund and only opened in 2018. This is a surprisingly hilly, gravel trail, about six miles long, that runs from the Wallkill River up through newly protected lands adjacent to fields, to 90 miles of carriage road trails on the grounds of the Mohonk Preserve, Mohonk Mountain House, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Developed and managed by the Open Space Institute, the trail is a scenic and recreational off-road loop. It meanders through farm fields and over gently rolling hills, connecting New Paltz directly to the Shawangunk Ridge and 90 miles of recreational carriage roads and trails at the Mohonk Preserve and the Minnewaska State Park Preserve (https://parks.ny.gov/parks/127); the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail; and the Empire State Trail.

Just off the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and up the road from the River to Ridge Trail is Coppersea Distillery © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

There’s a bike rental set-up right by the parking lot on Springtown Road. Just up from the parking lot, on Springtown Road, we found you can visit Coppersea Distilling, where you can go for whiskey tasting, which turns out to be a stone’s throw from where we had biked the Wallkill Valley trail (239 Springtown Road, New Paltz, 845-444-1044, coppersea.com).

We also go for cider tasting, fruit picking, and have pizza, prepared in a wood-burning stove, enjoyed at an outdoor table (with strict COVID-19 protocols), rounding out a sensational day.

Empire State Trail

About 400 miles of the Empire State Trail network had already existed – the absolutely fantastic Erie Canalway, 326 miles from Buffalo to Albany (which we have done on the annual 8-day, 400-mile Parks & Trails NY Cycle the Erie supported biking/camping trip, ptny.org), during which you see unfurled before you 400-years of American history. Improvements to connect the Canalway have also been made.

Most notable is the work done to connect the trails on the north-south routes, from New York City (where you can ride the fabulous Hudson River Park), all the way up to Canada. This involved some 60 different construction projects, all engaging local stakeholders.

When the full 750 miles of continuous route is finished, The Empire State Trail will be the longest multi-use state trail in the nation. (see https://www.ny.gov/programs/empire-state-trail)

When the New York Empire State Trail is completed, it will be possible to bike from Hudson River Park in Manhattan, up to the Canada border © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The sections include:

Hudson Valley Greenway Trail

The Hudson River Valley Greenway segments start in New York City and run north to the Capital District:

LOWER HUDSON VALLEY

Hudson River Park
On-Road connection from Upper Manhattan to Van Cortlandt Park
South County Trailway
North County Trailway
Putnam Trailway
Beacon Rail Trail
Dutchess Rail Trail
Walkway Over the Hudson

UPPER HUDSON VALLEY

Hudson Valley Rail Trail
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Kingston Point Rail Trail and Promenade
On-Road North of Kingston to the City of Hudson
Albany-Hudson Electric Trail (AHET Trail)
Corning Preserve Trail
Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail

Champlain Valley Trail

The Empire State Trail within the Champlain Valley goes from the Capital District to Whitehall, Wherever feasible, it is off-road along Champlain Canal towpaths. The 120- mile section from Whitehall to the Canada border at Rouses Point is on-road route primarily intended for bicyclists.

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY

Champlain Canalway Trail
On-Road from Mechanicville to Stillwater
Path through Hudson Crossing Park
On-Road to Fort Edward
Champlain Canalway Trail
On-Road from Fort Ann to Plattsburgh
Terry Gordon Bike Path
Saranac River Trail
On-Road from Plattsburgh to Rouses Point / Canadian Border

Erie Canalway Trail

The Empire State Trail within the Erie Canalway include proposed new trail sections and link Buffalo to the Capital District.

WESTERN ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL

Buffalo Connection
Pendleton Connection
On-Road connection in Lyons
Shared Use Path from Lyons to Clyde
On-Road connection in Clyde
Shared Use Path from Clyde over Erie Canal
On-Road connection to Savannah
Savannah shared use path
On-Road connection to Port Byron trailhead
Honeywell Trail to Loop the Lake Trail
Onondaga Creekwalk
On-Road Water Street Connection in Syracuse
Erie Boulevard

EASTERN ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL

Old Erie Canal State Park
Rome Connection
Utica – Schuyler
Ft. Herkimer Church – Lock 18
Lock 18 – Little Falls
Schuyler – Ilion
Ilion – Mohawk
Pattersonville Trail
Rotterdam Junction Connection

More information from Parks & Trails NY (ptny.org). (Next Cycle the Erie scheduled July 11-18, 2021).

Also, Rails to Trails Conservancy (railstotrails.org), Great American Rail-Trail, which would link up 3,700-miles of multi-use trails from Washington DC on the east coast to Washington State on the west coast (www.railstotrails.org/greatamericanrailtrail/vision).

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Fall Foliage Getaways, Festivals and Events, Getaways, Travel in a Time of Pandemic

Fall Festivals, Hayrides, Corn-Mazes, Pumpkin Picking & Leaf Peeping Underway Throughout New York State

September 21, 2020 krubin723

*While in North Creek (Gore Mountain ski area) for an Adirondacks getaway, Marty takes a class with artist-in-residence glassblower Greg Tomb.* In cooperation with North Creek’s Tannery Pond Center, Tomb has made hundreds of colorful, glass-blown pumpkins that will be sold at the “Glass Pumpkin Patch” weekend, September 25-27 © Laurie Millman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

by Karen Rubin
Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

This fall, you can enjoy your favorite corn mazes, pick-your-own-fruit and vegetable activities, hayrides and haunted houses, plus farmers’ markets and craft beverage trails in New York State, albeit under special health protocols for low-risk outdoor outdoor arts and entertainment. You can also visit the state’s farmers’ markets and craft beverage trails, which have remained open under New York’s NY Forward guidance, supporting agriculture and tourism in the state.

Sleepy Hollow’s Iconic 16^th Annual Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Comes to Long Island for the First Time

The extraordinarily popular Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze event that takes place each extended Halloween season at historic Hudson Valley is coming to Long Island for the first time, as Nassau County’s Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR) hosts the iconic fall event in conjunction with the original Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® Hudson Valley, kicking off this week, running for a record 53 select evenings from September 18 through November 21. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® Long Island will run for 23 nights from October 2 through November 1. Both locations feature outdoor self-guided, touch-free walk-through experiences through the wooded pathways, orchards, and gardens of historic sites. A small team of local artists hand-carved more than 7,000 Jack O’Lanterns and elaborate pumpkin sculptures at each site. Nassau’s location will feature pumpkin sculptures that celebrate icons of Long Island culture – from the Apollo Lunar Module to the Montauk Lighthouse to the windmills of the East End.

Bringing the event to Nassau County is part of County Executive Laura Curran’s efforts to expand on the variety of extraordinary, cultural and memorable activities available to residents close to home – making the County a spectacular place to live, work, and play. OBVR provides a perfect 19th century backdrop for this magical and spooky event where attendees can safely socially distance across the property’s 209 acres. Advance purchase tickets are required; prices start at $32/adult, $24/child, purchase online (https://pumpkinblaze.org/blaze-long-island.html). (Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage, NY 11804)

The Headless Horseman in jack o’lanterns during Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Historic Hudson Valley’s Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. This year, for the first time, a second Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is taking place at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

To see the original, come to Van Cortlandt Manor. Meander through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved on site by HHV’s team of artisans. New for 2020, a fire truck—making a special rescue—and witches stirring up a spell. Tour the Museum of Pumpkin Art, where classic paintings get the gourd treatment, see who let the (pumpkin) dogs out, listen for the Headless Horseman—and watch out for swooping jack o’lantern bats. See the Pumpkin Carousel twirl and the Pumpkin Windmill whirl and step inside the Pumpkin Planetarium for a star show like you’ve never seen. Hold a torch for the 25-foot-tall jack o’lantern Statue of Liberty and get personal with Instagrammable signs of the zodiac. Social distancing and masks required at all times (no food and beverage on site and no outside food or drinks permitted). Tickets must be purchased in advance. (Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520, https://hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze/).

Historic Hudson Valley is also re-creating its famous “Legend” event for these times. Sunnyside celebrates its connection to Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, at this family friendly daytime event. Home of the ‘Legend’ includes a literary-themed scavenger hunt and a Legend-themed exhibit on the grounds of Washington Irving’s estate. Weekends through Nov. 6-8; tickets $12/adults, $10/seniors and children 3-17. (Sunnyside, West Sunnyside Lane, off Route 9 in Tarrytown, https://hudsonvalley.org/events/home-of-the-legend/).

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Hudson Valley Bountiful With Farmers Markets, Pick-Your-Own, Biking, Hiking

Hudson Valley is full of farmers markets, pick-your-own, and tastings that show off New York State’s bounty.

After biking the River to Ridge trail in New Paltz, just off a Springtown Road, filled with apple and pumpkin farms and stands, just a few minutes away from the trailhead (and actually located right off the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail), we found Coppersea Distilling, with beautifully laid out bar stands for tasting their wonderful whiskeys and brandies, made with “heritage” methods, and locally source (within 25 miles) all the ingredients. They even use New York State wood for their barrels (which actually shape the taste). They floor-malt grains, ferment in wood tanks, distill in direct-fired copper pot stills to crate spirits with “provenance.” (It’s fascinating to hear James explain these processes.) They also have resurrected a 250-year old process for “green whiskey” – the significant difference in method and taste is that the grain is still alive and has chlorophyll, which gives the whiskey a kind of green-tea flavor. (Coppersea, 239 Springtown Road, New Paltz 12561, coppersea.com, 845-444-1044).

Whiskey tasting at Coppersea Distilling, New Paltz, meeting New York State’s COVID-19 guidelines. The state has made it possible to enjoy the traditional festivals and festivities of fall throughout New York State, with apple and pumpkin picking, farm stands, tastings, leaf-peeping, biking, hiking and more. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“New York State’s amazing outdoor attractions and recreational opportunities are a boon for families and communities during the fall season each year, and we want New Yorkers to be able to enjoy this time with their family responsibly and safely,” Governor Cuomo said. “The new guidance will ensure that these businesses can open to the public, allowing families to enjoy their favorite fall activities while providing a boost for our farming communities and local economies.”

New York State will be offering fall festivals that support the state’s agribusiness and agritourism, such as with this “Taste of New York” stand at one of the service centers on the New York Thruway, with COVID-19 precautions in place. (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“As one of the nation’s top agricultural states, New York traditionally comes together in the fall to celebrate the harvest—from apples to grapes to pumpkins,” State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. “This year, while things may not look exactly the same on your favorite farm, I am happy to say we can still celebrate agriculture’s bounty and the many family-friendly activities that go with it. With this new guidance, we hope New Yorkers will be able to enjoy some of the best of New York agriculture in a safe and socially distanced manner.”

The protocols include reduced capacity, face coverings, social distancing between individuals and parties, and frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, cleaned and sanitized between rides. (See https://agriculture.ny.gov/coronavirus).

Autumn in The Adirondacks

Autumn is always a fabulous time to visit the Adirondacks in upstate NY, but in a year when fresh air and wide open spaces are what we are all craving, the region’s natural landscape is especially nurturing. Travelers will find endless opportunities for adventure, exploration and relaxation, from hiking the High Peaks to scenic drives along the Whiteface Memorial Highway to fireside dining on outdoor patios.

The Adirondack Fall Foliage Meter provides up-to-the-minute fall foliage reports on where the leaves are prettiest and most colorful. In Lake Placid, the new Skyride, an 8-person state-of-the-art gondola, takes guests from the Olympic Jumping Complex’s base lodge to the 90-meter and 120-meter ski jump towers, where a new glass-enclosed elevator brings them to the top to enjoy the panoramic vista of the Adirondack High Peaks (and to experience what the jumpers see as they start to accelerate towards the end of the ramp!). The new Sky Flyer zipline also offers unparalleled views of Lake Placid and the High Peaks. (https://lakeplacidolympicsites.com/todo/skyride/)

Adirondacks ‘Glass Pumpkin Patch’ Weekend, Sept. 25-27

For a COVID getaway, which we just did over Labor Day, enjoy fall foliage colors and no quarantining required (if you live in the Northeast) in New York State’s Adirondacks State Park.

While in North Creek (Gore Mt ski area), visit and/or take a class with artist-in-residence glassblower extraordinaire, Greg Tomb — last day for classes this season is September 23, 2020.

In cooperation with North Creek’s Tannery Pond Center, Tomb has made hundreds of colorful, glass-blown pumpkins that will be sold at the “Glass Pumpkin Patch” weekend, September 25-27, 2020, from 10am – 6pm daily. Each pumpkin has been hand-blown by Tomb, giving them their unique and distinctive sizes and designs (starting price of $35). A sizable percentage of all sales goes towards the arts and operations of North Creek’s Tannery Pond Center, North Creek, NY. For more info, visit https://tannerypondcenter.org/event/fundraiser-glass-pumpkin-patch/). — Laurie Millman and Martin Rubin/Travel Features Syndicate

To keep tabs on the progress of fall foliage in the state, www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report.

See more information on where to go, what to do in New York, www.iloveny.com, 800 CALL NYS, info@iloveny.com.

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