It might be the beginning of Summer—but believe it or not, now’s the perfect time to start thinking ahead to Fall. As calendars fill and popular spots book up early, a little planning now can mean a lot more breathing room later.

Here’s some inspiration to get the wheels turning—some fun ways to experience fall across the U.S.:

🍎 Apple Picking in New England
Nothing says autumn quite like a trip to a local orchard. In Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut, you can spend a crisp afternoon picking apples, sipping warm cider, and taking in rolling hills bursting with color.

🚂 Riding a Scenic Train in Colorado
Climb aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for an unforgettable ride through the San Juan Mountains. In peak fall, the aspens turn to glowing gold—best viewed from an open-air car.

🎃 Exploring a Historic Town by Lantern Light
In places like Sleepy Hollow, New York, and Salem, Massachusetts, fall brings a mix of history, folklore, and Halloween charm. Ghost tours, candlelit walks, and old legends make for a uniquely autumnal evening.

🍁 Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway
Known for its winding roads and panoramic views, the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia is a fall must. Pull over at overlooks, hike among fiery red maples, and breathe in the mountain air.

🌽 Getting Lost in a Corn Maze
From the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest, farms open their gates to giant corn mazes in the fall. It’s part puzzle, part adventure—and often paired with hayrides, bonfires, and hot donuts.

🔥 Cozying Up in a Cabin in the Woods
There’s a special kind of stillness that comes from waking up in a cabin surrounded by changing leaves. Places like northern Michigan, the Catskills, and the Smoky Mountains are ideal for quiet getaways with books, blankets, and no alarm clocks.

🌲 Hiking Under a Canopy of Color
Trails across the U.S.—like Shenandoah National Park, the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, and Oregon’s Silver Falls—offer unforgettable hikes through technicolor forests. Fewer crowds, cooler temps, and brilliant views make fall prime time for hitting the trail.