Autumn's Colors at Your Doorstep

5. Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. The country's first National Forest is a perennially popular destination for tourists and hikers, especially with the onset of cooler weather. A diverse blend of hardwoods displays auburn, orange, and gold towards the end of September and enlivens the forest's gently rolling hills. Options for leaf-peeping are myriad; climb Mt. Pisgah for the best view, or observe the colors during a bike ride, kayak expedition, or horse ride. A long section of the Blue Ridge Parkway wends through the forest and offers some of the best vantage points overlooking the foliage at any time of year. Cabins and lodges provide accommodation, but you'll need to reserve a spot well ahead of time if you're planning a fall getaway.

6. Aspen, Colorado. Nestled between the Elk Mountains to the west and the Sawatch Range to the east, Aspen lies in the heart of Colorado's White River National Forest. Hikers and skiers flock here to enjoy peaks like Mt. Elbert – the highest point in Colorado at 14,433 feet – and picturesque spots like the oft-photographed Maroon Bells. Cottonwoods and aspens provide the autumnal hues, mostly golden yellow, which tourists eagerly capture in photographs. Fortunately, there's a lot more to do in Aspen than just watch the leaves change color. Besides the top-notch outdoor activities, visitors enjoy unique shopping, dining, and accommodation in this hip mountain town.

7. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. Much of the border between Oregon and Washington is formed by the Columbia River, the fourth-largest river in North America. Designated as a National Scenic Area, the Columbia River Gorge is known for its breathtaking scenery, including a multitude of waterfalls and the steeply rising hills on both sides of the river. Fittingly, the fall colors here are suitably dramatic. A healthy mix of conifers and hardwoods makes for a spectacular show of cool greens perfectly complemented by bright reds and oranges. Maple, cottonwood, ash, and oak are the species responsible for the multi-chromatic panorama.

8. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Although the lake is only 75 years old, it's already become a favorite destination for Missouri residents and Midwest adventurers. The lake's many twists and turns create countless coves, offering outdoor enthusiasts a host of activities in a unique and beautiful environment. Oak and hickory are ubiquitous throughout the area's woodlands, providing a color show in late October that is reflected brilliantly in the lake waters. Whether you choose to hike one of the region's many trails or participate in swimming, parasailing, fishing, or boating, you're guaranteed a superb view of the fiery hues that light up the surrounding hills.

9. Coconino National Forest, Arizona. Located near Flagstaff, this parcel of land boasts some of the most diverse geography of any national forest. Deserts, flatlands, tundra, volcanic peaks, pine forests, and mesas can all be found within its borders. While ponderosa pine is the forest's most dominant tree, oak, aspen, and juniper also make appearances, and lend their bright autumn spectrum to the primarily evergreen forest. Thanks to Coconino's wildly varied elevations and topography, the fall leaf season here is an unusually long one, stretching from late September to late October.

10. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington. Some of Washington's most magnificent scenery can be found within this national forest's expansive boundaries. The rugged – and at times harsh – landscape encompasses the Cascade Mountains as well as an active volcano in the form of Mt. Baker. Beginning in mid-September, the forest's flora slowly change from bright greens to reds and oranges, providing an attractive contrast to the area's coverage of conifers. Huckleberry, mountain ash, and heather offer a patchwork of warm colors, often reflected in the forest's many lakes. Since the forest is so extensive, a driving tour is an ideal way to see as much fall foliage as possible in a relatively short time. Try the Mt. Baker Highway or the North Cascades Highway for some unforgettable views.