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Fall Trip? Fly Here!

Fall is officially here! Are you looking for a vacation with beautiful fall scenery? We have some great ideas for you. 
Pilot Gear Blog

Although nobody can predict when the peak fall foliage will be, the following locations are stunning from October to November. I’ve listed five destinations below and their closest airports so you can enjoy the fall foliage from the air too.       
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Acadia National Park, Maine




Closest Airport: 
Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) in Trenton, ME                                                                                                                                                             
Distance to Destination: 10 miles

Acadia National Park is a favorite and has 4 million visitors every year! It is known for having the highest headlands along the east coast! Fall foliage is at its peak in mid-October and features vivid hues of oranges and yellows. You must explore the nearby quaint town of Bar Harbor and try a hot and creamy chowder.

Asheville, North Carolina



Closest Airport
: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in Fletcher, NC

Distance to Destination: 15 miles from the heart of Asheville

Asheville lies within the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for its charming and artsy downtown area. There’s a lot to do in Asheville, such as zip lining in the mountains, apple picking, markets, hiking, and tons of breweries. Asheville has one of the longest fall seasons in the world making it a popular destination.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee



Closest Airport: Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) in Sevierville, TN                                                           

Distance to Destination:
 17 miles 

Fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains peak at lower elevations later in the season, about mid-October to early November. You can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Foothills Parkway, or Clingmans Dome Road to get an incredible view. Knoxville is only about 31 miles from GKT and its downtown area has a great view of the mountains if you prefer the city. Knoxville has lots of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and other fall activities to enjoy.

White Mountain National Forest, Maine


Closest Airport: Eastern Slopes Regional Airport (IZG) in Fryeburg, ME     
                                                                                                                                                                                                 
Distance to Destination: 16 miles

White Mountain National Forest is stunning – it has lots of waterfalls and views of the Connecticut River. There are plenty of activities to do here, such as skiing, hiking the Appalachian Trail, climbing Mount Washington (the tallest mountain in New England), or camping. If you want to enjoy the fall foliage from your car, you can drive on Kancamagus Highway.

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, Utah



Closest Airport: Logan-Cache Airport (LGU) in Cache County, UT   
                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Distance to Destination: 7 miles

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is known for its limestone formations and peaks. It has beautiful views of fall foliage and Bear River. Driving the entire byway takes about 40 minutes and is perfect for taking pictures! Downtown Logan is nearby and has fantastic views of the mountains and tasty restaurants. People enjoy going on ghost tours, eating at local restaurants, and attending the annual
Pumpkin Walk. Great Salt Lake is also nearby and is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.

Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania

Closest Airport: Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) in Mercer County, NJ           
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Distance to Destination: 5 miles

Washington Crossing is for those of you who are fans of history! Washington Crossing Historic Park is where George Washington crossed the Delaware River from New Jersey to Pennsylvania in 1776. You can view the beautiful fall foliage across Bucks County from the top of the 125-foot-tall Bowman’s Hill Tower.

Now you can start planning your trip! These destinations offer beautiful scenery each with a unique charm. There’s something for everybody whether they enjoy the outdoors, the city, or spooky activities. Get in the mood for fall by enjoying what these destinations have to offer, both in the air and on land!

AOPA employee Caroline Smith headshot at Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, Maryland, February 27, 2023. Photo by David Tulis.
Caroline Smith
Product Marketing Coordinator
Caroline Smith is a Product Marketing Coordinator at AOPA. She graduated from Towson University with a BS in Business Administration. She has experience writing as a Marketing Intern at the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce in Essex, MD, where her work was featured in the Avenue News. She enjoys pet sitting, reading thrillers, and crocheting.

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