Hot apple cider, crunching leaves 🍂, crisp weather, vibrant trees… What reminds you of autumn? I think most people will agree that there’s nothing better than a weekend trip during this time of year. Get ready to explore all of the best East Coast fall getaway destinations!
I am from the DC area and I’ve traveled throughout the East coast to experience cozy 🥰 fall vibes. These destinations are perfect for a weekend that is quintessentially autumn. Explore small towns, wander through forests full of orange trees, and try all of the best baked treats.
Read below for the ultimate fall destinations along the East Coast from the Northeast to the Southeast. You’ll find the spot that is just right for you.
You Might Also Like These Posts:
- 5 National Parks to Visit this Fall
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- The Best New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
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Table of Contents
5 Best East Coast Fall Getaways
1) Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is the ultimate park to visit in the Fall. It has everything you’d want including kaleidoscope colored mountains, crisp fall temperatures 💨, fantastic forested hikes, and a quaint small town to walk through.
Maine is arguably one of the prettiest states in the US and Acadia is the crown jewel. But, in September and October the landscapes will simply blow you away 🤯! Travel up the mountains to take in a rugged coastline lined with fall colors.
Then, once you’re done exploring the park, head to Bar Harbor for a lobster roll 🦞 and a hot drink. It’s sure to be a memorable trip.
Things to Do in Acadia National Park in the Fall
- Visit the adorable town of Bar Harbor
- Hike to see the foliage at Precipice Loop
- See the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain
- Drive through the scenic road
- Stop at Jordan Pond
Typical Acadia Fall:
🍁 Peak Fall Colors: Mid-October
🌡 Fall Temperatures: 40s-60s
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor:
2) Adirondack Mountains, New York
Visit the largest park in the Lower 48 and spend autumn in the Adirondack Mountains. Home to sprawling mountains and gorgeous lakes 🚤, this is the perfect destination for an East Coast fall getaway.
Rent a cabin on a lake, go for a paddle, don your flannel, and spend some time in the woods 🌳.
Because this park is so large, there are countless things that you could do within its bounds. This area has some of the best hikes 🥾 on the entire East Coast as well as some of the most stunning lakes. You may have a hard time choosing just what to do in one weekend!
Things to Do in the Adirondacks in the Fall
- Walk around Lake Placid
- Hike up to the Top of Indian Head
- Explore High Falls Gorge
- Paddle out on Sarenac Lake
- See hot air balloons at the Adirondack Balloon Festival
Typical Adirondack Fall:
🍁 Peak Fall Colors: Last Two Weeks of September-First week of October
🌡 Fall Temperatures: High 30s-High 50s
Where to Stay in Lake Placid:
3) Stowe, Vermont
Stowe might be the definition of Fall. This town has everything you want including adorable stores to walk through, warm apple cider donuts 🍎, and orange trees covering mountains.
Stowe is the ultimate fall destination and was even named the top Fall destination by TripAdvisor. You’ll find brilliant hues on the trees and wonderful small town vibes. You’ll feel like you’re starring in Gilmore Girls✨ as you wander the streets.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can even conquer the difficult Mount Mansfield 🏔 hike! There’s something for everyone in this adorable town.
Things to Do in Stowe in the Fall
- Stroll around town
- Try the different varieties at Stowe Cider
- Climb up to Mt Mansfield
- Eat Delicious apple cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill
- Take a tour at Ben & Jerry’s
Typical Stowe Fall:
🍁 Peak Fall Colors: Last Week of September-Second Week of October
🌡 Fall Temperatures: 30s-High 50s
Where to Stay in Stowe:
4) White Mountains, New Hampshire
I have never seen more vibrant foliage than the leaves I saw in the White Mountains. Trees of red, orange, and yellow cover the mountain tops and line the winding roads. With colors like these, it’s no surprise that the White Mountains are a popular fall destination 🧡.
Driving the Kancamangus Highway 🚗 should be on everyone’s bucket list. This scenic drive has incredible Fall colors and plenty of hikes or lookouts to stop at. It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend!
Plus, Artist’s Bluff in Franconia Notch may be the most photographic 📸 autumn spots in the country. Just be prepared for the crowds that frequent this iconic area and get an early start.
Things to Do in the White Mountains in the Fall
- See the picturesque Artist’s Bluff in Franconia Notch
- Drive the Kancamangus Highway
- Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad
- Go on a hike in Crawford Notch
- See the scenery at the top of Mt Washington
Typical White Mountain Fall:
🍁 Peak Fall Colors: Last Week of September-Second Week of October
🌡 Fall Temperatures: 30s-High 50s
Where to Stay White Mountains:
- Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa (Whitefield)
- InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook (Lincoln)
- Comfort Inn & Suites North Conway (North Conway)
5) Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina & Tennessee
There’s nothing like looking at rolling hills covered with oranges, yellows, and reds. Visit the Great Smokey Mountains and drive through the winding roads while vibrant colors line the road.
Great Smoky Mountains are the number one most visited park for a reason- it’s spectacular! Walk along the Appalachian trail, see stunning sunsets 🌅 up on the mountains, and visit roaring waterfalls all while being surrounded by bright autumn colors.
One of the best parts of visiting the Smokys is that you can see incredible colors with warmer temperatures. You won’t get the same cool weather that you get in the Northeast, so you’ll feel like you can spend all day out in the sun ☀️!
Things to do in the Smoky Mountains in Fall
- Get panoramic views at Clingman’s Dome
- Hike to Mt Leconte
- Drive the scenic road to Newfound Gap
- Wander through Cades Cove
- Go glamping near the park
Typical Great Smoky Mountains Fall:
🍁 Peak Fall Colors: Early to Mid-October
🌡 Fall Temperatures: 40s-High 60s
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg:
- Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
- Margaritaville Gatlinburg
- Under Canvas Smoky Mountains (Glamping)
- Historic Rocky Waters Inn
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, there’s no better place to spend the Fall season than anywhere on the East Coast. These are the perfect destination for your next East Coast fall getaway! I hope you enjoy a weekend full of fall activities and flavors.
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Kristen Valenti says
As an East coaster, I can attest to all this!! The best spots here. I just haven’t been to Acadia yet! 😱 Beautiful pics that make me excited for fall!