Capturing Autumn's Splendor - A Guide to the 8 Best Mountain Cities for Fall Photos Across the U.S
October 16, 2023 10:23 PM by Isaias J
This article was derived from the 8 Best locations for fall. Mountain cities are across the United States and can look amazing during the fall season. Whether you are on a spontaneous trip or planning a trip, it is worth checking these places out during the peak fall season.
Times will vary on visiting these locations for the best fall photos. Let's start with the New England region of the United States:
Stowe, Vermont
This beautiful town is located in northern Vermont. It is known as a place for great photos and great skiing.
There are a couple of ways to get there including the Burlington International Airport (BTV), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) or Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Each with 45 min, 3-5 hours, and 2.5-hour times respectively.
Additionally, you can go by car from New York City, Boston.
Stowe, Vermont's surrounding parks include:
- Smuggler Notch Park
- Mount Mansfield State Forest
- Weissner Woods
North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a village in the mountains and forest. Some of the hiking trails and parks available include:
- Echo Lake State Park
- Tuckerman Ravine Trail
- Black Cap Mountain
- White Horse Ledge Trail
- Champney Falls Trail
The closest airports include the Portland International JetPort PWM, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Each takes around 1.5-2 hours to get to North Conway (2.5-3 hours from Boston).
Additionally, Concord Coach lines have bus operations that go from Boston to North Conway and take around 3-4 hours.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is located near the Acadia National Park that has plenty of hiking trails, coastal and mountain views. Some of the trails available include:
- Precipice Trail
- Jordan Pond Path
- Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
- Beehive Trail
- Gorham Mountain Trail
- Eagle Lake Carriageway Road
Traveling to Bar Harbor can be done through the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Taking a car from Boston, you can take I-93 and continue on NH-16 N. This takes around 2.5-3 hours. There are no close trains such as Amtrak; the closest is Portland, Maine.
Lenox, Massachusetts
Lenox is located in Berkshire County on the west side of Massachusetts. Some hiking trails there include:
- Kennedy Park
- Pleasant Valley
- October Mountain State Forest
- Tyringham Cobble
- Olivia’s Overlook
There are a couple of ways to get there. You can fly to Albany International Airport (ALB) with a 1-hour drive, Bradley International Airport (BDL) with a 1.5-hour drive, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with a 2.5 to 3-hour drive.
There are also buses to Lenox from Boston via Peter Pan Bus; this takes around 3-4 hours.
Amtrak also stops at Pittsfield, which is 15 miles from Lenox.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is situated in Windsor County on the east side of Vermont. Some of the notable hiking trails in the area include:
- Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
- Mount Tom
- Quechee Gorge Trail
- Billings Farm & Museum Trails
- Taftsville Covered Bridge
Getting to Woodstock from major cities can be done in several ways:
- Fly to Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB), which is the closest airport to Woodstock. From there, it's about a 20-minute drive.
- Woodstock is easily accessible by car. It's approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Boston, a 3.5-hour drive from New York City, and a 4-hour drive from Montreal.
Woodstock, Vermont, is known for its charming village, historic architecture, and the scenic beauty of its surroundings. Whether exploring the village or venturing into the nearby trails, there's much to discover in this picturesque part of Vermont.
Jackson, New Hampshire
Jackson is situated in Carroll County, New Hampshire, nestled in the scenic White Mountains. Some of the notable hiking trails in the area include:
- Black Mountain
- The Jackson Falls and Loop Trail
- Honeymoon Bridge
- Wildcat Mountain
- Ellis River Trail
To reach Jackson, there are several transportation options. If you prefer flying, the closest major airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine, and from there, you can drive to Jackson in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Another option is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire, with a 2 to 2.5-hour drive to Jackson. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is also accessible, and the drive to Jackson takes approximately 3 hours.
For those who prefer ground transportation, there are no direct buses to Jackson, but you can take a bus from Boston to Conway, a nearby town, and then arrange for local transportation to Jackson. Additionally, Amtrak stops at the station in North Conway, which is about 20 miles south of Jackson.
Whether you arrive by air, car, or bus, Jackson, New Hampshire, offers a charming base for exploring the natural wonders of the White Mountains through its diverse and scenic hiking trails.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Some notable hiking trails in the Leavenworth area include:
- Icicle Gorge Trail
- Colchuck Lake Trail
- Enchantments Trail
- Waterfront Park Trail
- Leavenworth Ski Hill Trails
To reach Leavenworth, there are several transportation options:
- Fly to Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT): Located in East Wenatchee, Pangborn Memorial Airport is the closest airport to Leavenworth. From there, it's about a 30-minute drive.
- Leavenworth is accessible by car, and the drive time depends on your starting point. It's approximately a 2-hour drive from Seattle and a 4.5-hour drive from Portland.
Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, is situated in the heart of Central Oregon, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Some notable hiking trails in and around Bend include:
- Smith Rock State Park
- Deschutes River Trail
- Tumalo Falls
- Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
- The Bend Urban Trail System
Getting to Bend from major cities involves various transportation options. You can fly into Roberts Field Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), which is approximately 20 minutes from Bend. Another option is flying into Portland International Airport (PDX) and driving to Bend, which takes about 3 hours. Additionally, the city is accessible by car, making it a great road trip destination.
Public transportation options are available as well. While there isn't a direct bus service to Bend from major cities, you can explore options like Greyhound or Amtrak to reach nearby cities and then use local transportation to get to Bend. Bend is known for its outdoor lifestyle, and the numerous trails cater to hikers of all skill levels.
Before embarking on any hiking adventure, it's advisable to check trail conditions, get trail maps, and be aware of any regulations or permits that may be required.
In conclusion, mountain cities across the United States offer a breathtaking backdrop for capturing the beauty of fall. This guide highlights some of the best locations for fall photos, each with its unique charm and scenic trails. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant foliage of Stowe, Vermont, the picturesque landscapes of Woodstock, or the charming village of Jackson, New Hampshire, these mountain cities promise an unforgettable fall experience. As you plan your fall adventure, consider the diverse options for reaching these destinations, from airports like Burlington International and Manchester-Boston Regional to scenic drives from major cities.
The hiking trails mentioned, from Smuggler Notch in Stowe to the Enchantments Trail in Leavenworth, showcase the natural wonders awaiting exploration. Whether you're an avid hiker or a casual stroller, these mountain cities provide a perfect blend of outdoor beauty and cultural charm.
So, whether you're capturing the reflection of fall foliage on Jordan Pond Path in Bar Harbor or enjoying the diverse trails around Bend, Oregon, each location offers a unique perspective on the enchanting season of fall. Embrace the crisp air, vibrant colors, and scenic trails as you embark on a fall photo journey in these mountainous havens.
