You probably know by now that fall is my absolute favorite time of year and my favorite time to camping. But, it’s not as much fun when I go somewhere to camp and see great fall color only to find that I am either too early and only see a sea of green or am too late and the only color is on the ground where all the leaves have fallen.

That happened several years ago when I went to Vermont and found peak color has occurred the week before. There was still good color but considering I had driven several hundred miles to see it, I was disappointed.

So with that thought in mind I put together a fall foliage guide in 2007 that listed fall foliage hotlines to call and websites to visit for up-to-date fall color information in the United States. Last week I checked each of the website links and called each of the hotline numbers to make sure everything was still current and it’s a good thing I did. I was amazed at how many phone numbers had changed or were no longer valid and how many websites had changed.

So if you want fall color information for any state in the U.S. that has trees who drop their leaves and put on a great fall color show, check out my updated Fall Foliage Guide.

Happy Fall Camping!

For the last destination in the series we are heading all the way across the county to the west coast and the state of Oregon.

Did you know Oregon has over 150 state parks (187 if I counted correctly), 53 of which have campsites or overnight lodging? Plus it is also home to Crater Lake National Park. That’s a lot of nature to enjoy!

To enjoy the best fall colors call their fall foliage hotline at 800.547.5445 or visit them online at TravelLaneCounty.com. There are weekly updates. The fall color season typically starts in mid-September and can last through October but varies depending on the amount of precipitation the area receives.

Champoeg State Heritage Area is a great place to watch the oak and ash trees change colors and shed their leaves. It is located on the south bank of the Willamette River near St. Paul and is less than 30 miles from Portland.

The park has 12 full hookup campsites, 67 electrical campsites, 6 yurts, 6 cabins, 3 group tent areas, group RV area, group RV camp with meeting hall; 6 walk-in tent sites and a hiker/cyclist camp. So it pretty much has a campsite for every type of camping enthusiast.

Pets are welcome. They need to be on leash no longer than 6 feet in most areas of the park but there is a designated off leash area for pets where they can run around and get rid of their excess energy (or at least a little bit of it). The park is open year around although loop A closes from November through March, the group camps are closed October 1 through May 24 and the yurts are going to be closed October 27, 2008 through March 22, 2009 because of A loop restroom construction. Reservations for Champoeg are available through ReserveAmerica.com.

The park is a great place for history buffs. It is where Oregon’s first provisional government was formed in 1843 and has museums and historical markers so visitors can learn about what life was like for people who lived there in pioneer times.

Also located in the park is the Butteville Store which was founded in 1863 and is considered the oldest operating store in Oregon, although sadly it is closed this time of year (it’s open from Memorial Day weekend until the last weekend in September).

Other activities to do in the park include walking hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, playing disc golf or my favorite activity while camping – just relaxing and enjoying the view!

If you visit the park on Saturday, October 4, 2008 you can enjoy the Apple Harvest Festival being held there from 1 pm to 4 pm. There will be cider pressing, dutch oven baking, apple ornaments, music, garden produce to purchase, plus fresh-pressed apple cider to drink, yummy apple butter to eat, and desserts from the dutch ovens to gobble up.

For a great scenic fall drive, take a day trip to Cottage Grove (about 2 hours away) and drive the Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route where there are 7 covered bridges to view. It’s a 20 mile drive but allow a couple hours to enjoy it. For more information including the specific driving route, click here to go to the TravelOregon website.

If you enjoy wine, check out some of the wineries in the area. The Williamette Valley (which is where Champoeg is located) is the one of Oregon’s major wine growing regions. Click here for information on 16 wineries located in the area. The trip to visit all of them is 37 miles when starting from Eugene, Oregon, but that’s a lot of wineries to visit even for me and I’m a wine lover!

Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint, with a 1,629 foot elevation is nearby and worth a visit just to see the view. Try to go on a clear day because you’ll be able to not only see a gorgeous view of the Wilamette Valley but of 5 peaks of the Cascade Mountains – Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ranier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Jefferson.

And, if you are golfing fanatic like my brother-in-law is, there’s a golf course just 5 miles away – the OGA Golf Course near Woodburn, which in addition to being named one of the most affordable golf courses in America by Golf Digest, it’s a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

To find more things to see and do in the Willamette Vally in Oregon, such as enjoying area festivals, visiting a pumpkin farm or visiting an apple orchard, check out the TravelOregon website.

And, if you a “foodie,” autumn is a great time to visit Oregon because it’s when Oregon highlights the bounty of the state during Oregon Bounty, October 1 to November 30, 2008.

This concludes my fall camping destination series. I sincerely hope you are able to get out and enjoy at least one great fall camping trip. Thanks to the miracles of modern technology, while you are reading this post I am enjoying a 10 day camping trip in Northern, Wisconsin (or at least I hope I’m enjoying it because the weather forecast I checked just before I left on Saturday had a chance of rain all week and cool temperatures). I’ll post pictures of the trip, rain or shine, when I get back the second week of October.

Happy Fall and Happy Camping!

When this post goes live on the blog, thanks to the magic of technology, I will be on a camping trip in northern Wisconsin where I get to be outside in the wonderful fall weather for 10 whole days! I just hope the weather is nice and not too stormy and rainy.

But today, day 4 of my 5 day series (day 1 was Vermont; day 2 was Michigan, and day 3 was North Carolina) on great fall camping destinations, focuses on a state several hundred miles from northern Wisconsin. It’s Georgia, with a focus focus on Vogel State Park and Amicalola Falls State Park.

VOGEL STATE PARK
Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks and is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. It is a popular fall destination because the trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains turn from a sea of green to a gorgeous vista of reds, oranges, and golds.

The park has 103 tent/trailer/rv campsites, 18 walk-in campsites, 35 cottages (3 are dog friendly!) and primitive backpacking campsites.

There are 17 miles of hiking and backpacking trails and the 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail is nearby. There are also opportunities for fishing in the park’s 22 acre lake and miniature golf.

A fall hoedown is taking place at Vogel State Park during its prime fall foliage viewing season. The hoedown is on Saturday October 18, 2008 from 2 pm to 9 pm and will feature hayrides, campfire and dancing, a professional storyteller around a bonfire, with chili and drinks available for purchase.

Some of the nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail I mentioned earlier; the Dahlonega Gold Museum which features an award winning film telling the story of the beginning of the gold rush in North Georgia along with exhibits that include a large hydraulic cannon and nozzle that was used to blast soil from mountainsides; and the Cabbage Patch Kids Babyland General Hospital where they are celebrating their 25th anniversary (remember when Cabbage Patch Kids were so popular that people were fighting over them in the stores?).

If being up as high as possible without leaving the ground is your idea of fun, visit Brasstown Bald Mountain, which is the highest point in Georgia at 4,784 feet above sea level. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Vogel State Park and on clear days you can see 4 states (Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina) from the top of the mountain.

And, if you’re looking for a nice scenic drive to take while in the area, drive the Richard Russell Scenic Highway – Highway 515. It’s a 40.6 mile drive that the NSBP (National Scenic Byways Program) suggests allowing three hours to enjoy.

Plus there are ample opportunities for antiquing in the area plus, fall festivals, rafting, fishing, and golf.

Other nearby state parks include Moccasin Creek State Park (55 tent/trailer/rv campsites, wheelchair accessible fishing pier, lake fishing, 1 mile interpretive trail, and 2 mile Hemlock Falls hiking trail); and Unicoi State Park and Lodge (82 tent/trailer/rv campsites, 34 walk-in campsites, squirrel’s nest camping shelters, 30 cottages, tennis courts, hiking, biking, and fishing) are also nearby.

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK
Amicalola Falls State Park is another popular Georgia State Park and is less than 50 miles from Vogel State Park, so you could split your trip into two segments and camp at both parks.

At 729 feet tall, Amicalola Falls State park has the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River (pretty easy to figure out how the park got its name isn’t it?); gorgeous views; 12 miles of hiking trails; trout fishing; great scenery for “shutter bugs;” and several lodging options with 24 campsites, 14 cottages, 56 lodge rooms, and the unique Hike Inn.

What is the Hike Inn? I wondered that too. It combines getting out into the wilderness and hiking with having creature comforts like soft beds, hot showers, and a family style meals you don’t have to cook!

That means no lugging of food and sleeping gear while on your hike. All you need to bring is water to drink while on the trail, clothing and socks, hiking boots, rain gear, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit and a flashlight – things that you’ll either be wearing or able to fit in a normal sized backpack.

And, if you don’t mind heading there after the color has peaked, consider visiting the park for their Appalachian Thanksgiving on Thursday November 27, 2008 for a traditional Thanksgiving buffet with Appalachian cultural demonstrations, or visit them on Saturday December 6, 2008 for their Christmas Open House where there will be choir performances, gingerbread houses on display, winter hayrides, and visits with Santa!

FOLIAGE REPORTS
Peak fall foliage viewing in north Georgia where Vogel State Park and Amicalola Falls are located is typically from October 15 to October 31, but check the fall foliage report for the area to see for yourself what the color is like before heading there to avoid disappointment like I experienced several years ago when I planned a visit to Vermont but ended missing the best color for that year by a week. Fall color updates for Georgia and the rest of the United States can also be obtained by calling the National Forest fall color hotline at 1.800.354.4595 or by visiting their webpage.

Quote from Elizabeth Lawrence (writer and garden designer born in Marietta, Georgia in 1904) “Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”

If you are a fan of taking scenic drives in the Fall, then a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must. It is a 469 mile road that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with 250 miles of the parkway located in North Carolina.

Yes, I know it is a long drive and gas prices are sky high, but it isn’t necessary to travel the entire distance to see great views, but if you do plan to traverse the entire parkway the NSBP (National Scenic Byways Program – sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation) recommends allowing 4 days.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is called “America’s Favorite Drive” and has been designated as an “All-American Road” because of its scenic beauty. It is an extremely popular fall destination because of its stunning fall foliage.

Construction of the parkway started in the 1930’s and took over 50 years to complete. It was finished in 1987 when the last stretch of road around Grandfather Mountain was completed.

Because the parkway goes through mountainous areas it is susceptible to periodic closures from storm damage. Always check on the National Park Service’s road closures website page to see if there are current closures on the Parkway; or call the park information line at 828.298.0398. In addition to listing the current closures, the website provides detour information (as of 9/22/08 milepost 367.7 to 355.3 and milepost 285.5 to 291.8 in North Carolina along with milepost 105.8 to 112.2 in Virginia are temporarily closed).

Sadly I have not personally driven the Blue Ridge Parkway or camped in the area yet, but it is definitely a trip I plan to enjoy within the next couple of years. But even if you are not familiar with the area, there is tons of information available to help “newbies” plan a great trip and maybe even help seasoned travelers of the area find a new thing or two to check out.

There are nine campgrounds on the parkway that are open early May through the end of the fall color season. Camping is $16 a night for all campgrounds. For a list of all nine campgrounds, along with their location and reservation information click here to go to the National Park Service (NPS) website. BlueRidgeParkway.org also has information about the nine campgrounds.

Julian Price is the largest campground along the parkway with 129 tent sites and 68 RV sites. It is near Boone, North Carolina and is adjacent to Price Lake.

Mount Pisgah Campground is at milepost 408 near Asheville, North Carolina. It has 70 tent sites and 70 rv sites. It is the most secluded campground on the parkway and also the highest with an elevation of 4980 feet so the views are spectacular. Keep in mind though that its high elevation mean that temperatures are usually moderate to cool during camping season (don’t forget to pack your long underwear, cozy sweatshirts and warm socks!).

For a list of 60 things to see and explore along and near the parkway (that should keep you busy for a while!), go to BlueRidgeParkway.info. The list is sorted by milepost number (for example, Linn Cove Viaduct is on the list at milepost 304.4) and has a handy key that lists available resources at each one such as G for gasoline, H for hiking, C for camping, F for food (all that sightseeing and exploring is going to make a person hungry) and FEE – fee charged.

And for one more suggestion, how about taking a trip back in time and to a place where money was no object – the historic Biltmore Estate. It’s near Asheville, North Carolina and is only 4 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway (take the U.S. Highway 25 north exit).

To stay up to date on when and where color is at its best along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina or anywhere else in the state, check out VisitNC.com’s fall foliage reports or call them at 1-800-VISIT NC (1.800.847.4862).

If you’re still not sure whether or not you want to grab your camping gear and head to North Carolina, check out this great photo slide show of some of the sights along and near the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina to see for yourself “what all the fuss is about.”

North Carolina Fall Scenes

Today the focus is on the Midwest and the state of Michigan. Although the New England area boasts great fall color and scenic drives, the Midwest is gorgeous and colorful in the fall too.

Color starts peaking in parts of the Upper Peninsula in mid-September and into early October. There is typically good color in parts of Michigan until the end of October. The Michigan Travel and Tourism website has fall color updates and a list of several color driving tours all around the state to help make sure you don’t miss the great color no matter what part of the state you want to visit.

For color reports specifically in the Northern part of Michigan and in the Upper Peninsula, go to the NewsUpNorth website. They also feature some great fall driving tours, one of which features Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

TAHQUAMENON FALLS STATE PARK – THE UPPER PENINSULA
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has a lot to offer. It has two of the best waterfalls in Michigan, 40 miles of hiking trails, and 13 inland lakes amidst its 45,000 acres. It’s a great place for camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, fishing, viewing the colors of autumn and a great place to take pictures (sounds like it would be pretty hard to get bored there doesn’t it?).

There are 4 campgrounds in the park with rustic sites to modern sites that have electrical hookups. The park is open year round and there are heated restrooms by the modern campsites. For more information on camping or to make a reservation go the Michigan DNR website.

For a fun fall activity at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, attend the Harvest Festival at the park on October 17 and 18, 2008. There will be pumpkin carving, hayrides, costume contests, trick or treating and a walk through the “Haunted Trail in Paradise.”

And, to see what the park is like for yourself without having to leave home or spend a penny on gas, check out this Webshots slide show on Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Michigan fall colors

TRAVERSE CITY
Traverse City Michigan is a popular destination in the summer and is also a great fall destination.

There are two great scenic drives in the area recommended by the Michigan Heritage Route Program . One is 64 miles long and goes from the Village of Empire on M-22 to the junction of M-72 just north of Traverse City. The second is easy on the gas tank at a little over 17 miles long and goes from the north city limits of Traverse City (just northeast of the Peninsula Drive and Center Road Intersection) to the northern terminus of M-37 at the Old Mission Lighthouse.

For more information on both drives visit the Michigan Highways website and look under the “Scenic Heritage Routes” section.

For a place to “park your wheels” check out Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Area at 4050 Hammond Rd. Traverse City, Michigan. They have camping facilities for for RV’s, tent campers, and cabins for those that don’t want to bring their camper or RV with them. They also have several miles of trails for hiking and biking.

On October 10 and 11, 2008 they are having a guided mountain bike ride where cyclists can enjoy the crisp fall air and colorful scenery on the Timber Ridge trails. Click here for more information.

While in the Traverse City area, why not take a side trip to visit a Michigan winery or two and to sample some wine (sounds like fun to me!). Chateau Chantel is just 12 miles north of Traverse City on M-37. They are open daily, year round (except for some holidays) and offer complimentary wine tastings.

And, to bring back carefree childhood memories, kick off your shoes and run down the sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan.

And to learn more about camping and rv’ing in general and to discover more great destinations to visit in Michigan check out the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds website (MARVAC.org).

Truly immerse yourself in everything Michigan has to offer and make a point of experiencing all 10 things on their “Top Ten Michigan Experiences.” I’ve done a few of them (crossed the Mackinac Bridge – a scary thing because I hate bridges, tasted a Michigan tart cherry – yum!, biked Mackinac Island – lots of fun because we rode a tandem bike, and watched freighters pass through the Soo Locks).

While Michigan isn’t at the top of most people’s “places to visit,” it should be. There’s so much to see from the gorgeous lakeshores, to the many rivers and lakes, to the vast forests, to the cities like Detroit (the hub of American automobile manufacturing), and to places like Mackinac Island where visitors take a step back in time when there were no motorized vehicles.

Transportation on Mackinac Island is via horse, bicycle, or your own two feet (no noxious gas fumes found there!). While I admit Mackinac Island has gotten “touristy” it’s still a great place to visit. To get away from the crowds so that you can enjoy the beauty of the island, get away from town and onto the state park land trails (80% of the island is park land).

And, if you’re a history buff and enjoy getting a glimpse back into days gone by, check out this video from YouTube that I found while researching this article. It’s a circa 1949 documentary about Michigan (a short one – less than 9 minutes long). It’s a neat trip back in time (check out the hairstyles and the don’t miss the segment on the “bear man of Michigan”).

For a more modern day look at Michigan and its beauty check out this video from a former Michiganite who misses it (snow and all).

And one last picture (taken at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)

Then reality hits when one of those yellow jackets that seem to be everywhere this time of year stings me. Then I start to think about how I have to start getting out sweatshirts to wear at night and how it won’t be long before fall will be over and I’ll start seeing that four letter “s” word stuff – snow.

But even though Fall brings to mind both good and bad things (doesn’t almost everything?) it’s still my absolute favorite time of year to go camping.

With that in mind, this week’s posts are going to be a series of some great fall camping destinations where you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery and partake of the bounty of fall (aren’t fresh crisp apples one of the most wonderful things?), but also enjoy a few more days outside in the fresh air, and get cozy around a few more campfires before winter arrives and many of us pack our camping gear away until next year.

The states featured in this 5-day series will be: Vermont, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia and Oregon.

First up is my favorite – Vermont.

VERMONT Vermont is considered the crown jewel of states to visit in the fall. Pictures don’t do the area justice even though the pictures of the fall colors are breathtaking!

My husband and I took our first trip to Vermont 8 years ago and even though we planned the trip a little late in the season when color was past peak, the color was still breathtaking. We took the trip just before we were bit by the “camping bug” so it was a car trip with nights spent in local hotels.

I’m hoping to go on another trip to Vermont in the next year or two, this time with my camper. Since I have a pop-up I shouldn’t have problems towing on the roads in Vermont, but if you are towing a large trailer, 5th wheel or have a Class C or Class A Motorhome, keep in mind that some roads in the state are little more than rugged dirt paths and some of the mountain roads are narrow, steep, and kind of scary (scratch -the “kind of ” – some of them were really scary to me but I’m kind of a wuss).

So if you’re camping with a bigger rig, or any tow vehicle, my suggestion is to find a campground to stay at for the the duration of your stay in the state or maybe pick 2 (one in the Northern part of the state and one in the Southern part of the state, splitting your trip into 2 segments) and take day trips around the area with your car, truck or motorcycle.

Now, let’s talk about the gorgeous fall colors. If you’re wondering why the color is so much better in Vermont and the other New England states it’s because the area has many more deciduous trees that turn colors and shed their leaves each year (hardwoods like maple, oak and beech) than coniferous trees which usually stay green and don’t shed their leaves (pine, spruce and cedar trees). That means when the leaves start turning the area is awash in the brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds we typically associate with fall with few “green” trees breaking up that colorful view.

That is why Vermont is considered the number 1 destination in the United States to view spectacular color and why reservations are highly recommended during the peak viewing season (Columbus day weekend is typically considered the peak foliage weekend and falls on October 11 and 12 in 2008) although color starts showing around mid-September and goes as late as the first part of November.

The northern parts of the state have peak color earlier than the southern portions but instead of guessing when to go, check out the color forecast at Vermont Vacations and click here for their current fall foliage report. If you’ll be away from an Internet connection, call 1.800.VERMONT (1.800.837.6668). As the fall color season gets into high gear, the hotline will have updates twice a week (on Tuesdays and Thursdays).

The great news for 2008 is that color is expected to be great because of warm weather and rain in the early part of summer that helped the trees develop healthy and strong leaves.

A few tips about fall travel in Vermont from Vermont Vacations:

1 – the first two weekends in October are the busiest of the entire year so make reservations (including campsite reservations) as early as possible.

2 – consider a visit during the week instead of the weekend

3 – think about staying in another state and driving to Vermont. Vermont is not that wide – only about 80 miles. Vermont has many residents who commute daily to either New York State, New Hampshire or Massachusetts for their job. East to west driving in Vermont can be a little tricky though. I remember when we were there we thought a trip was only going to take about 30 minutes because our destination was only 25 miles away but we forgot about the mountains we had to drive through to get there.

Where to stay – Sue from the Addison County Chamber of Commerce was kind enough to provide information on area campgrounds. View the list by clicking here (it includes both private and state campgrounds).

If you’ve read my blog posts in the past you know I’m a fan of the campgrounds at state parks because they are typically roomier, have more nature themed amenities like hiking trails, bike trails, and fishing, and most importantly to me – they are almost always cheaper. The downside is that they often don’t have as many amenities as private campgrounds (such as electricity and water hookups) plus there may not be many sites large enough to accommodate large RV’s (if you’re curious about why that is, it’s because most state parks were built over 50 years ago when campers and RV’s were smaller). Several of the state campgrounds in Vermont are already closed for the season, with many more closing by mid-October so call ahead if you want to stay at a state campground to be sure it’s open and to be sure it will accommodate your camping rig. Otherwise, there are plenty of great private campgrounds as well.

Mid-Vermont’s most popular state campground is Little River State Park, 30 miles south of Burlington. It’s open through Columbus Day weekend and has 81 tent/trailer campsites and 20 lean to sites. It was named Park of the Year. As a bonus, it’s not far from Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory! I went there on my trip to Vermont, took a tour, and had some delicious ice cream. And if you’re a cheese fan, it’s only about 34 miles from Ben and Jerry’s to Cabot Farms for their factory tour (yes, I know they are 2 very “touristy” things to do but I was a tourist when I was there and was happy to play the part – I took a tour of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company too).

Beautiful Fall Drives In Vermont
Sue from the Addison County Chamber of Commerce says that any drive over the Green Mountains in Vermont is beautiful in the fall. There are 4 gaps that can be driven in a day or two and they all pretty much run between Rte 100 to the east of the mountains and Rte 7 to the west of the mountains.

Here are 5 recommended drives (4 gap drives through the mountains and one non-mountain drive):
1 – Rte 73 which runs west to east between Brandon, Vermont and just south of Rochester, Vermont, going over the Brandon Gap. Take a break in Brandon to walk around their downtown and have lunch at one of their restaurants. Brandon is also one of the gateway villages to the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area which is in the heart of the 400,000 acre Green Mountain National Forest. The Moosalamoo Recreation area has over 70 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding but a flood in August damaged some trails and roads so check the Green Mountain Forest Conditions web page for closures or call the forest office at 1.802.747.6700 before heading out.

Branbury State Park on Lake Dunmore is near Rte 73. It has 22 tent campsites and 6 lean-to campsites. The park is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend.

2 – Rte 125, west to east from E. Middlebury over Breadloaf Mountain/Middlebury Gap to Hancock. The views are great but the road isn’t so great. Because of flooding in August there is dirt and gravel along some of the road surface edges although the road is open, but only to passenger vehicles in some areas.

The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail is just off Rte 125, about about halfway between Ripton village and the Breadloaf School of English. It’s an easy walk through a woods a little over a mile long where people can pause to read markers with Frost’s poems written on them. The walk is meant to show people what one of the walks in the woods was like when Robert Frost took them while thinking about his writing. Maybe the walk will inspire the inner poet in you!

3 – Rte 116 from Bristol east over the Lincoln Gap to Warren. Both Bristol and Warren have nice downtown areas. Note that some of the road surface at the peak is dirt.

Bristol is celebrating their annual Harvest Fest on September 27, 2008. The festival offers family fun with music, horse/wagon rides, children’s activities, a craft festival, the “Taste of Bristol”, a kid’s area, and bandstand music. Car enthusiasts should stick around the next day, September 28, 2008 for Bristol’s 4th annual Better L8 Than Never Car show that will features 26 classes of vehicles to drool over, 10 “best of” trophies, muffler raps, music and lots of delicious food.

4 – Rte 17 from Bristol over the Appalachian Gap to Waitsfield is an especially beautiful day drive with lots of scenery. The road is completely paved but it does have lots of twists and tight turns.

5 – For a nice drive that’s not in the mountains but has nice views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, drive along Vermont’s “coast” (Routes 17, 22A and 125 all skirt along the edge of the shoreline of Lake Champlain). Start at the city of Vergennes where there are nice shops and good restaurants. If you’d rather stay at a cottage than camp, check out the Basin Harbor Club (click here to take a photo tour of their cottages)on Lake Champlain where you’ll have a front row seat to watch the migration of waterfowl that are heading south to a warmer climate for the winter.

For great camping with a view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, check out Button Bay State Park. It has 73 campsites, and 13 lean-to’s. The campground is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day weekend.

Getting Some Exercise in Vermont
Walking on a treadmill or being a gym rat may be some people’s idea of great exercise but many others would rather be active outside in the fresh air. There’s plenty of opportunities for great outdoor activity in Vermont. Click here for some great bike trail guides. There are lots of choices including: Lake Champlain Region Bikeways Map and Guide, Heart of Vermont Bikeways, Adirondack Coast Bikeways, Northern Adirondack Coast Bikeways, Cycle the City (Burlington), Island Line Trail, Champlain Islands Bikeways, Northwest Dairyland, Franklin County Bicycle and Walking Guide, Guide to the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail and Bicycling Along the Richelieu River. Whew! I got tired just typing out all those choices.

For hiking trail information visit VTLiving.com.

How About Something Delicious
All that biking and hiking in the crisp fall air is bound to work up an appetite. How about some fresh, juicy, crisp apples? Click here for a list of Vermont apple orchards.

If you prefer something even sweeter, like delicious, pure Vermont maple syrup (and other maple products), stop at one of the numerous roadstands in Vermont or click here for a list of sugarhouses that are open year-round.

Lastly, this article about Vermont wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the covered bridges. I saw several when I was there and enjoyed every one of them. Many have weight restrictions so you may not be able to drive over them if you have a large RV or trailer, but you can still stop, look, and maybe ask other people also looking if they’ll take your picture. My husband and I did that while we were there and we had the good fortune to hand our camera to a professional photographer. We got a great picture but that was before my “digital camera” age so I’m unable to share it here.

But most of all, no matter what you do while visiting Vermont, relax and enjoy yourself – and see if you can catch a glimpse of a moose. That’s the one thing I never saw while I was there even though I kept my eyes on the lookout for them(at least while I wasn’t watching for falling rocks!).

And, for a great “armchair tour” of Vermont to give you a taste of how beautiful the area is, watch the Webshots Vermont slideshow below.

VERMONT REVISITED – Autumn 2004 (Hi-Res)

For more information on Vermont, visit Vermont’s official tourism site, VermontVacation.com

Fall is, hands down, my favorite time of year. I love the smell of the air, and the gorgeous fall colors of golds, oranges, and reds.

And, judging by how busy campgrounds are in areas where there is a lot of fall color, I’m not the only person who loves autumn.

While on a recent camping trip I was hoping to see lots off all color but was disappointed when I arrived and found out I was about 10 days too early. I should have planned ahead and found out exactly when color was projected to be at its peak or near peak before driving several hours.

So in order to not make that mistake again, I’ve compiled a list of resources for checking on the status of fall color around the United States.

Although the New England area, most notably Vermont, is touted as having the most spectacular color because of their hardwood forests (unlike other areas of the country that also have coniferous trees such as pine trees that don’t shed their foliage in the winter), there are other parts of the country that have nice color and great views.

The fall color peaks in the Northernmost parts of the country in mid to late September or the early part of October.
In the southern areas of the country, such as Alabama, color doesn’t typically peak until late October or early November so there is still plenty of time to plan a scenic fall camping trip to enjoy the colors of nature.

Use the resources below to make sure your excursion is as gorgeous as possible.

NATIONAL WEBSITES

The U.S. Forest Service has links to fall foliage “hotspots” around the country including several national forests, regional reports, and a drop down list of state website with fall color reports. They also have a fall color hotline at 1.800.354.4595 (click here for directions on using their phone menu).

It’s a one-stop place to check out fall color all around the country with a wealth of up-to-date information including how recent wind and rain storms have affected color (mostly meaning that the leaves have been blown off the trees, shortening the color season), and tips on what roads to travel for the best views.

The Foliage Network has reports for the Northeast U.S., Southeast U.S., and the Midwest. Reports are updated weekly by volunteer spotters from all over the country (you can sign up to be one yourself if you want). Tip: sign up for the newsletter that sends an e-mail whenever the foliage reports are updated.

This webcam website has links to webcams in several states. Webcams are a great way to see what things are really like in an area. Click on states with orange text for a listing of webcams (ones that have a symbol of a red circle with a line drawn through it are inactive web cams), in that state and check out the colors. There’s also a drop down list of fall foliage websites by state.

BY STATE (If available)

ALABAMA – Sweet Home Alabama Fall Color Trail – Color watchers report on the status of color in their area of the state during October and November. The website is updated weekly. Color typically peaks during late October and into the middle of November. Tip: check out the suggested circle tour for a driving route of many of the color hotspots. The helpful people who work for the Alabama tourism department are also happy to provide current fall color information. They can be reached at 1.800.252.2262 (a real live person will answer the phone so don’t drop the phone in shock!).

ALASKA – The fall color season in Alaska is short with some areas peaking as early as mid-September. The U.S. Forestry Fall Foliage Hotline 1.800.354.4595 has a current report for Alaska. To hear it, listen to the entire recorded message without exiting the main menu. The Alaska report will be after the instructions for accessing the reports in all the other areas of the U.S.

ARIZONA - The Arboretum at Flagstaff has a website with fall color status. The BoyceThompson Arboretum, about an hour’s drive from Phoenix, also has information on fall color and encourages people to visit the latter part of November and early December.

ARKANSAS – The state has a network of color spotters in all the regions of the state who supply weekly updates that are compiled into a weekly report that’s posted on the state’s tourism site by 5 pm Central time every week during the fall (in 2008 the first report will be posted on September 25). The color typically peaks in Arkansas during the latter part of October and the early part of November, but it can change from year to year depending on weather conditions.

The Ozarks are gorgeous in the fall. This website is devoted to the Ozark Mountain area and typically puts up its first foliage report in the middle of October. Peak is usually at the end of October into the early part of November.

CALIFORNIA – There’s a
good website from a photographer where people write in with updates from around the state. The department of tourism also provides information and updates. Contact them at 1.916.444.4429.

COLORADO – Because Colorado doesn’t have the
variety of hardwoods that some other areas of the country has, the fall color
isn’t as varied but it’s still gorgeous. The primary color is bright gold
from the state’s numerous aspen trees. But, there isn’t a big window of
time to see the colors at their best. Color usually peaks in September and
only lasts about a week. For more information check out the
tourism’s fall foliage guide.

CONNECTICUT - Fall foliage hotline number is 1.800.282.6863 (press 3). The “Visit Connecticut” website has a foliage map, foliage report (from weather.com – another resource for checking out fall color all over the country), and a detailed listing of scenic drives to take while visiting.

DELAWARE - Although Delaware is thought of as more of a summer seaside destination, the fall color there is nice. Check out the University of Delaware’s fall foliage cam and the foliage network’s color map. Color typically peaks from mid-October into the early part of November. The Delaware Tourism Office can also provide fall foliage information. Contact them at 1.866.284.7483.

FLORIDA – The temperate climate of Florida makes it a great destination for snowbirds who are looking for warm weather and lots of sunshine during the winter months but the climate in the state doesn’t make it a great destination for viewing fall color.

GEORGIA - The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest’s color usually peaks in the third week of October and is definitely worth the trip to see it. Click here for the forest’s foliage report. To see the current view from atop Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain, check out the southwebcam and north webcam.

HAWAII – Though long a dream vacation destination for most people, it’s not known for its beautiful color in the fall but as a tropical, sun-kissed destination with some of the best beaches in the world.

IDAHO Yellowstone National Park, Bear Lake, Palisades Reservoir, Upper Mesa Falls, Boise National Forest, and the Idaho Wine Country are all prime fall color viewing areas. To see current live views, check out the Hauser Lake and Sawtooth Mountain webcams.

ILLINOIS - Click here for six scenic Illinois fall drives, one of which is part of the famed Route 66. For fall color watch updates, click on the “fall color watch” leaf on the tourism home page.

INDIANA - The tourism website lets you see the changing colors without ever leaving your home with the leaf cams.

IOWA - Fall foliage hotline number is 1.515.233.4110 (recorded message). For the best viewing, get off I-80 and take some more scenic routes where you will not only see great fall color but may pass through Amish communities, see geese, and view river valleys.

KANSAS – Contact the tourism bureau for fall travel suggestions and questions about fall color at 1.785.296.2009. While visiting, check out a few of the haunted houses in Kansas City.

KENTUCKY - The tourism site has updates on color for us “leaf peepers” and also has video updates that includes info on upcoming fall events. Color typically peaks in the later part of October into November.

LOUISIANA – The fall color is gorgeous along the western edge of Louisiana along Route 1 and Route 171. View the fall colors and camp at Kisatchie National Forest. If you’re visiting at the end of October, check out the Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport. For vacation planning visit the Louisiana Travel website.

MAINE - Maine’s official fall foliage website has maps, video footage of Maine scenery in the fall, detailed information on the best time to visit the various areas of the state in order to see the best color, driving tours, featured state parks (many with camping facilities), and fall events such as the Scarecrow Festival held at Fort Kent in September. For weekly Fall foliage report podcasts, click here.

MARYLAND - Weekly updates on fall color and upcoming events are on the state’s Department of Natural Resources website. Visit Green Ridge State Forest and check out the DNR’s self-guided “Fall Color Tour Guide” which is a guided driving tour of the forest that includes folklore and historical info about the area. The tour is about 30 miles long and takes about three hours. Primitive camping is available at Green Ridge.

MASSACHUSETTS - The state’s tourism website has foliage reports for the Berkshires, Lower Pioneer Valley, Quabbin Reservoir/Upper Pioneer Valley, Central Massachusetts, Blackstone Valley, Merriamck Valley, North Shore, and Greater Boston areas. Tip: take an excursion to Salem, site of the infamous witch hunts, and check out the haunted festivities that take place in October.

MICHIGAN - Michigan’s official travel website is full of great fall information including: featured fall destinations, a weekly fall color tour with lots of interesting stops along the way (when I visited the site it featured a 150 mile middle Michigan drive with W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Fort Custer Recreation Area, Sojourner Truth Monument, Fenner Arboretum, as just a few of the suggested stops, a listing of Haunted Houses, campgrounds, gorgeous video, and fall events and festivals. Tip: sign up for the newsletter to receive weekly fall color updates.

MINNESOTA - Peak fall color typically starts the middle of September into early October in the upper one-third of the state; late September to early October in the middle portion of the state; and late September to mid-October for the southern part of the state with one exception – the trees along Lake Superior turn color a week later than the inland trees because of the warming effect of the lake. For fall foliage reports from the state’s “Explore Minnesota” website, click here.

MISSISSIPPI - Visit Holly Springs National Forest in north-central Mississippi, Tombigbee National Forest, or Natchez Trace Parkway for scenic fall viewing. Contact the tourism department at 1.866.733.6477 for questions about the best times to view color in different areas of the state or to request travel brochures.

MISSOURI - The fall color season can last as long as six weeks starting in mid-September and going until the end of October although peak is usually mid-October when the hardwood trees change color. The Missouri Department of Conservation website has color updates and a link to “routes with a view.”

MONTANA - Call the Forest Service’s fall foliage hotline for up-to-date info at 1.800.354.4595. Late September to mid-October is generally the best time to see peak color. Click here to view a digital image of Crown Point in Bitterroot Valley that’s updated every 30 minutes. Visit Glacier National Park to see the maples, larch, and aspen trees turn varying shades of yellow, orange, gold and red.

NEBRASKA - The home of Arbor Day offers a 50 mile scenic fall foliage tour in the southeastern part of the state in Nebraska City. If you want to see fall color in Nebraska, get off the Interstate and stick to the eastern part of the state as the Western part of the state is all plains and trees are sparse. (The sandhills in western Nebraska are nice, but are not good for fall foliage lovers.)

NEVADA – The mountain and desert areas ensure a long color season that lasts into December in the lower desert although some areas reach their peak by mid-October. The Great Basin National Park is colorful in the fall and offers camping. Call the tourism office at 1.800.638.2328 for fall travel suggestions or visit their website.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - With an eye to helping people receive up to date foliage reports wherever they are, the state’s tourism website offers foliage alerts for your cell phone. Click here for their signup page. Online foliage reports are available here. Fall is the state’s busiest time of year so make reservations early.

NEW JERSEY - There is a foliage network website, and the Jersey tourism website has several interesting driving tours including a mountain tour, historic tour, farmlands tour, woodlands tour, pinelands tour, and fun and foliage tour.

NEW MEXICO - The aspen forests offer gold color in the fall and the state’s mountains, deserts, lakes, and forests offer lots to see and do, but it’s not one of the prime states in the U.S. for viewing vibrant fall color.

NEW YORK - The Adirondacks in upstate New York is the most popular place in the state to see fall color. Color peaks in the Adirondack Park the last two weeks of September and during the first two weeks of October in the lowland areas surrounding the peaks. Current fall foliage info and scenic drives can be seen here. For a list of campgrounds in the area that are open for fall camping, click here. For foliage info for the entire state, visit New York’s tourism website. Depending what part of the state you visit, the fall color season extends into the first part of November.

NORTH CAROLINA - The tourism website has fall fishing reports (in 2008 the first one will be posted on September 24) in addition to a fall color guide that includes a current foliage guide (Click the North Carolina Fall Guide link on the site’s home page that is front and center on the site during the fall season). For unique ways to see the fall foliage in the state, hop on the Smoky Mountain Railroad train, take part in a Carolina Tailwinds Bicycle Tour, fly above the trees in a hot air balloon ride from Yadkin Valley Balloon Adventures, or go Whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River.

NORTH DAKOTA – The tourism hotline number is 1.800.435.5663 (call during normal business hours to ask for information on fall foliage). For a scenic fall drive, meander down the Chan SanSan Scenie Byway in the James River Valley. As well as being beautiful, it is rich in history and is a good wildlife viewing area. For other fall activities, go to the tourism website’s “what
to do” section, and search by category filling in the “fall foliage” checkbox.

OHIO - Ohio’s DNR website does a great job at providing up-to-date info on changing colors and has maps and info on camping at the state parks. Leaves usually start changing color in mid-September and peak mid-to-late October.

OKLAHOMA - The state’s tourism website has fall foliage information and several scenic driving suggestions. The state offers a rainbow of fall color against a backdrop of rolling prairies, rivers, granite bluffs, and mesas. For info on hiking, backpacking, and nature trails, click here.

OREGON - The fall foliage hotline number is 1.800.547.5445 which is updated weekly or visit the state’s fall webpage. Fall colors peak mid-September to mid-October. Include a drive along the Columbia River Gorge when planning a fall trip to Oregon. Although Oregon is not as popular of a destination in the fall as the New England states, it puts on a pretty good show of vibrant color.

PENNSYLVANIA - Fall foliage hotline number is 1.800.325.5467. Pennsylvania’s fall foliage website is chock full of info. It has fall foliage reports, four foliage cams, hiking and biking info, the best places to do bird watching, and lots of traveler submitted photos that are gorgeous.

RHODE ISLAND - Rhode Island may be a tiny state in the New England area but it has lots of things to see and do in the fall. The state’s tourism website encourage “leaf peepers” to come and enjoy the scenery. Click on the “seasonal page” link on the home page for info about how to best enjoy the fall activities and fall colors throughout the months of September, October, and into November. For foliage reports, there are links to Yankee Magazine, The Weather Channel, and the Foliage Network.

SOUTH CAROLINA - South Carolina Upcountry is reputed to be the best place in the state to view fall color. Drive the Cherokee Foothill National Scenic Highway for access to several state parks, waterfalls, hiking, wildlife viewing, and spectacular views. Peak color in the area generally starts the second week of October through the end of the month. In the rest of the state, peak foliage usually occurs late October to early November.

SOUTH DAKOTA - Mount Rushmore isn’t the only thing to see in the state. The state’s tourism site offers several suggestions for fall destinations and scenic drives including the Black Hills to see the aspens put on their brilliant gold color show; the Hwy 14A National Scenic Byway to see limestone cliffs, various varieties of trees, wildlife, wildflowers, Spearfish Creek, and waterfalls; or visit Sica Hollow State Park.

TENNESSEE - For nature lovers, the Great Smoky Mountains are a feast for the eyes in fall. Color usually peaks the latter part of October in the Smoky Mountains but the color season extends into the later part of November in the western part of the state. Click here for weekly foliage reports.

TEXAS - Check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for updates on color at the parks across the state. While there, make a reservation at one of the many campgrounds.