It’s nearly that time of year again. The air is turning crisper, nights are becoming longer and apples are ready for harvesting. Sweet aromas of pumpkin spice and cinnamon are already wafting through the air. The season in question is none other than autumn! To mark this time of year, we’ve pulled together a list of the best places to see autumn leaves fall.
1. New England, U.S.
Every year, travellers migrate to New England take part in “leaf peeping”. Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and parts of Massachusetts offer guided tours. The autumn hues are usually most vibrant from late September to early-to-mid October. Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire and Vermont’s Route 100 are famous for their scenic drives.
2. Kyoto, Japan
While Japan is most famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, the country’s year-round appeal leaves much to be discovered in autumn. Leaves in Kyoto start to turn ruby red and rusty orange from mid-November. The Kiyomizu-dera and Tofuku-ji temples are must-visits to marvel at the spectacular colours. Clients will find ample Instagrammable moments at the mountain village of Takao, with its mountainsides adorned with maples. Seasonal treats such as roasted sweet potatoes and chestnut deserts complete the autumnal experience.
3. Bavaria, Germany
Next is Bavaria. This German state, known for its cluster of medieval castles, is more magical in early to mid-October. Neuschwanstein Castle is cast in a kaleidoscope of crimson and amber, contrasting sharply with a blanket of lime-green fields below. Mornings at Lake Königssee present a distinctive panorama — fog shrouds the lake, which is surrounded by peeps of yellows and reds.
4. Canadian Rockies, Canada
Autumn in the Canadian Rockies is larch season. To witness needle-laden trees change from green to gold, clients should aim for the middle of September. The snow-capped mountains in Banff and Jasper National Parks framed by vibrant leaves make for dramatic vistas. What’s more, the picturesque Icefields Parkway route joins both parks. For those travelling by rail, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a scenic journey through Canada‘s fall foliage.
5. Loire Valley, France
This 800-square region in Northern France is complete with medieval riverside villages, historic châteaux, famous vineyards and scrumptious cuisine. In autumn, however, the focus falls on the valley’s rich bursts of colour. Think striking gardens and pumpkins adorning the grounds of the Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire castle.
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American Holidays captures the best of this seasonal highlight on a nine-day Fall Colours of New England tour which begins in Boston exploring the Freedom Trail before heading to Cape Cod, an area of both natural beauty and quaint colonial villages. Next it’s time to head out in nature to see the rich colours of Vermont through the Green Mountain National Forest to Burlington. A highlight is the quintessential fall colour excursion to the White Mountains past Mount Washington-the tallest peak in the northeast at 6,288 feet (1,917 metres)-through Crawford Notch State Park.
