There’s nothing more New England than hitting the road for some leaf-peeping. However, foliage tours are not without their challenges. There’s Mother Nature to contend with, crowds, and a thousand other details to consider.
Not to mention, the season has so much more to offer. To find your next autumnal adventure, whether it’s leafy or not, you just have to look a bit beyond the forest (and the trees).
Go With the (Foliage) Flow
This is always good advice, but it’s especially useful when planning around the leaves. Tools like the Farmer’s Almanac can help, but those colors will show up when they’re good and ready, whether or not that aligns with your trip dates.
Flexibility is key. That can mean being ready and able to change your dates if needed or accepting that you may miss peak colors (but still have a great trip).
Shift Your Perspective
Another great way to fortify your trip against the whims of the weather is to look a bit beyond just leaves. Of course, fall foliage is an inescapable part of autumn, but that doesn’t mean the trees need to be the sole focus of your outing. Find an adventure that lets the season shine without making it a wash if the color odds aren’t quite in your favor.
For instance, instead of heading to the usual mountain outlook, try a river cruise that sets sail amongst the leaves. Or find a farmstand, art exhibit, or historic spot in the autumnal area of your choosing where you can take in the seasonal colors on your way there. Fall can provide the perfect backdrop for just about any day out.
Forge New Paths
Everyone loves a fall foliage moment — literally everyone. And that means crowds, lots and lots of crowds, which leaves you with two options: Deal with the crowds or avoid them by uncovering destinations the crowds haven’t found yet. We’ll admit, the second option is easier said than done (that’s what we’re here for).
Start with curiosity. Keep your eyes and ears open, you never know when the next big thing will pop up. Community hubs like the local park district or library can be great starting points. If they’re available online, check out local publications in the areas you’d like to visit.
Check social media; there’s literally a Facebook group for everything, and you might be able to pick the brain of someone from the area. If you’re able (and it’s a reasonable trek), consider making a quick day trip to scope it out, you might even get the chance to ask a local what their favorite spots are.
Get an Autumnal Assist
Find a trusted travel partner, like Unicorn Tours to help you handle the season’s ups and downs. While we can’t control the leaves or the weather, we can handle the tour planning challenges and take some of the stress off your plate. (We’re also great at minimizing holiday stress, too!)
