With autumn in full swing, it’s easy to get the travel bug.
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Whether admiring fall foliage with a long hike or setting up shop in a remote cabin to drop off the map for a bit, it’s a time when nature calls.
And the only way to answer is by getting comfy with all the staples of a great autumn experience.
Anyone with a car can hit the road on a scenic drive—but there are certain locales around the US that just feel made for fall.
Not only do they have fantastic foliage displays, but the best fall destinations also offer harvest and Halloween festivals with plenty of family-friendly fun. From pumpkin patches to costume parties, the list of activities never seems to end.
I’m sure you’re already imagining a few places close to home. But do you know what contributors and readers from USA Today have to say?
This year’s 10 Best Autumn Escapes from USA Today ranks unique spots from around the country, from Branson, Missouri to Cody, Wyoming to Lafayette, Louisiana.
But can you name the top three selections from USA Today’s Readers’ Choice 10 best Autumn Escapes? Let’s count down.
No. 3: Allegany County, Maryland
As part of Appalachia’s northern stretch, the hills of western Maryland come alive during autumn. In Allegany County, there are dozens of ways for locals and tourists to immerse themselves in nature, from Towpath to C&O Canal National Historical Park.
But the true magic might be the number of public festivals.
There’s the Allegany County Fairgrounds’ Fall Festival, along with unique community events in cities like Cumberland. Plus, historical festivals such as the Heritage Days Festival and the George Washington Whiskey Rebellion Festival (also held in Cumberland) run during autumn.
Heading to Allegany County?
No. 2: Mackinac Island, Michigan
As an enduring tourist favorite, Mackinac Island is a great choice no matter the time of year. Even during winter, when the island largely shuts down, visitors can still soak up a scenic and charming American Dream-caliber small-town atmosphere.
Still, autumn might be the best time to visit Mackinac. Those Michigan falls are particularly crisp and lovely, while local establishments go all-out in decorating for the harvest and Halloween seasons.
It’s the kind of place where even adults dress up for the holiday—and who doesn’t like to be ushered into a delightful autumn wonderland that almost feels like a Hollywood movie set?
Heading to Mackinac?
No. 1: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
You might be wondering how any US city manages to pull the rug out from a picturesque spot like Mackinac. (Or is that just me?)
But Gatlinburg, USA Today’s No. 1 Readers’ Choice pick for best fall destinations, has the glorious Smoky Mountains on its side.
It’s hard to beat a Michigan fall—but it might be impossible to beat autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains. Incredible hiking and scenic drives aside, the area comes alive with unique festivals, including the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival at Ober Mountain and Bear-varian Fall Festival.
Heading to Gatlinburg?