Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1483107
THE OZARKS, ARKANSAS With over 4,000 acres of parkland, 60 miles of trails, and three beautiful lakes, the Ozarks provide the perfect conditions for catching the magnificence of the season at your own pace. Fish, bike, or hike your way through the Ozarks to completely appreciate Mother Nature's shining moment. Trees that wow: Blackgum, Sweetgum, Sassafras, Maple, Oak Colors to behold: When to go: Late September – Late October WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON Home to Eugene, Portland, and Salem, the Willamette Valley is centrally located, and its lower elevation, lush forestry, and ideal temperatures make it an optimal site for both winemakers and leaf peepers alike. Dubbed Pinot country, you can enjoy breathtaking views and top-rated Pinot noirs from the comfort of a local vineyard. Trees that wow: Big-Leaf Maple, Cottonwood, Ash, Twisted Pine, Douglas Fir, Deciduous Conifer Larch, Oak, Pacific Dogwood Colors to behold: When to go: October – Early November NEW ENGLAND A region comprised of six states in the northeastern United States—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—touring New England during the fall is the quintessential leaf-peeping adventure. In 2018, Travel + Leisure named Bar Harbor, Maine, as the top town for fall colors. Trees that wow: Maple, Aspen, Oak, Beech Colors to behold: When to go: Mid September – Early November NORTH SHORE LAKE SUPERIOR, SOUTHERN MINNESOTA One of the best road trips in the United States, the drive from Duluth to Grand Portage hugs Lake Superior's Minnesota shoreline and features fall's splendor in its most vivid form. Make overnight reservations along the route—think Beaver Bay and Grand Marais—well in advance, and plan a midweek trip to avoid the hustle and bustle of this autumnal destination. Trees that wow: Maple, Oak, Birch, Aspen, Pine Colors to behold: When to go: Late September – Mid October 7