With crisp, cool days and cozy nights, the first signs of autumn can be a welcome retreat from the dog days of summer. It’s a time of year for comfy sweaters and hardy meals accompanied by the soundtrack of crunchy leaves and the scent of pumpkin spice everything. For some, the change of season inspires a yearning for chills and thrills, while others lean into the warmth and contentment of tradition. Whichever calls to you, there’s no denying there’s something enchanting about fall.
And with its brilliant colors and the heightened sense of playfulness and curiosity that it inspires, fall is a great time for travel. Whether vacationers are hoping to admire the best foliage the U.S. has to offer or are in search of a real-life scare, these seven destinations are filled to the brim with tricks and treats to uncover.
Estes Park, CO
Often referred to as “the gateway to the Rockies,” Estes Park is a cozy mountain town surrounded by snowcapped summits, towering treetops and sparkling shorelines. The town’s close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park makes it a favorite among travelers, especially in the fall when those same tree lines impress in dazzling shades of amber, orange and red.
While Estes Park’s incredible location ensures there isn’t a bad view in town, to see the fall colors up close, travelers might consider a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the country.
Of course, the region’s natural assets aren’t the only thing attracting droves of visitors each year. Estes Park is also home to one of the nation’s most famous haunts: The Stanley Hotel. Commonly known as the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining,” the beloved author was moved to pen the sordid tale after waking from a nightmare during a 1974 stay on the property. And perhaps King was on to something as the popular resort is well known for reports of paranormal activity, including disembodied voices, ghostly apparitions and playful poltergeist-like antics.
Baraboo, WI
As the former home of the famous Ringling Brothers, Baraboo, WI has a unique connection to the big top. In fact, The Greatest Show on Earth’s influence can be felt so strongly that the tiny town has been dubbed “Circus City,” and Baraboo continues to celebrate its quirky history today. However, with its ties to Al Capone, cryptid creatures and active hauntings, it’s fair to say an alarming abundance of clowns isn’t the only odd thing this region has going for it. Purveyors of the strange can investigate hair-raising tales for themselves when they visit famously spooky spots like the Old Baraboo Inn, the aptly named Devil’s Lake State Park and AL. Ringling Mansion.
Speaking of Devil’s Lake, travelers can spot something much less elusive than Thunderbirds and lake monsters within the park’s rolling hills each fall: a kaleidoscope of colors in the form of shade-shifting treetops and giant stone boulders. For some of the best views, parkgoers can conquer the East Bluff Trail, a three-mile stretch leading to incredible natural formations like Devil’s Doorway and Balanced Rock. Plus, at 500 ft, the trail’s highest points offer amazing views of the landscape below.
Forks, WA
Internationally known as the setting of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” saga, Forks, WA is indeed a real place. And while we can’t promise travelers a budding romance with any local vampires or werewolves, the tiny town on the Olympic Peninsula acts as a fabulous jumping-off point for foliage chasers looking to explore the Hoh Rain Forest. Just over 40 minutes east of Forks, the Hoh Rain Forest has an almost magical quality to it with its moss-covered tree trunks and serene atmosphere. It’s the perfect backdrop for a fantasy novel, and the feeling is amplified the moment a blanket of crisp leaves begins to coat the forest floor.
Back in town, travelers can bring their “Twilight” reveries to life when they visit the bounty of filming locations and attractions inspired by the series. Notable stops not to be missed include the beaches of La Push, the Treaty Line sign, Dr. Cullen’s Parking Spot at Forks Community Hospital, the Swan Residence, Jacob Black’s House, Bella’s Truck at the Forks Chamber of Commerce and more. Hardcore fans can even order the same mushroom ravioli as Bella did at Bella Italia.
Point Pleasant, WV
Winged humanoids, the Men in Black, a disastrous bridge collapse … what do these things have in common? They’re all components of the bizarre Mothman sightings that captivated the residents of Point Pleasant, WV in the 1960s. One of America’s most beloved cryptids, Point Pleasant is proud to call this mysterious winged beast theirs, so much so the town established an annual Mothman Festival to celebrate the ominous, red-eyed creature each September. At the event, festgoers can enjoy a roster of exciting activities alongside live bands, homemade costumes and more. Travelers can even take part in a TNT bus tour, where they’ll visit the very site where the Mothman made its first appearance many years ago.
Leaning into the fall spirit, the leaves in West Virginia begin to change from late September to October. Visitors to the area can hop in a car and head west to Monongahela National Forest. Here they’ll discover some of the state’s most awe-inspiring displays of fall foliage in places like Dolly Sods Wilderness, Seneca Rocks, Blackwater Falls State Park and Spruce Knob.
Mount Shasta, CA
As the fifth-highest mountain peak in the state of California, Mount Shasta is a haven for outdoor adventurers. From hiking and boating in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, the impressive formation and the city that shares its name is an ideal getaway year-round. Come fall, Mount Shasta is painted in vibrant pops of color as the region’s oak, aspen, dogwood and bigleaf maple trees begin to shift, complementing the mountain’s snowcapped summit in shades of burgundy, yellow and orange. Trails like Castle Lake Shore, McCloud River Falls and Box Canyon are cited as some of the best for leaf-peeping.
But changing leaves aren’t the only things travelers will want to keep on their radar; Mount Shasta is a hotbed of otherworldly occurrences of all sorts. Bigfoot, UFOs, lizard people and more, reports of the strange and unusual are commonplace at this behemoth geologic feature. Interestingly, the lore surrounding this mysterious mountain is nothing new. Local indigenous tribes believed Mount Shasta to be a sacred place, and the Modoc tribe even had a name for a bigfoot-like creature of its own, matah kagmi, which translates to “keepers of the woods.”
Bangor, Maine
Any Stephen King fan will instantly recognize Derry, the fictional town where many of the author’s twisted tales unfold. But readers might not realize Derry is based on a real place: Bangor, Maine, a town in The Maine Highlands region that King calls home. Despite having just over 31,000 residents, Bangor is the third-largest city in the state boasting a bevy of recreational activities and a charming downtown — complete with a Paul Bunyan statue. However, reminders of King’s hair-raising stories are ever-present, and travelers can visit many of the real-life spots reimagined to fit the horror genre such as The Barrens, Thomas Hill Standpipe, Mount Hope Cemetery and the Pet Sematary House.
Often considered one of the best U.S. states for fall foliage, those visiting Maine between late September and late October won’t want to miss their opportunity to witness some of the prettiest colors in the nation. And for those adding a visit to Bangor to the agenda, Acadia National Park is one of the closest places to enjoy the autumnal season at just over an hour southeast of the town.
Bonus Haunt: Jerome, AZ
Alas, while fall colors are something to be admired, it's hard to let go of the balmy days of summer. Travelers can savor a last taste of toasty temps and unlimited sunshine — with a dash of festive spookiness — when they visit Jerome, AZ. Once a booming copper-mining town, tragic fires, landslides, failed crops and an inadequate water supply rendered Jerome a ghost town in 1953, causing the region’s population to plummet to under 100 residents. However, despite its inhospitable nature, something about Jerome’s secluded location, sweeping mountainside views and haunting history continues to call to people. Today, the town’s siren song attracts artists, craftspeople and hermits from around the world, 450 of which call it home.
Among those itching to explore Jerome’s winding streets and charming storefronts are paranormal enthusiasts, many of whom flock to the sleepy desert city thanks to its reputation as one of the most haunted spots in the state. And with a history of death, murder and corruption, it's not hard to see why. In fact, the area’s penchant for gambling and prostitution earned it the nickname the “Wickedest Town in America” back in its heyday. For a chance to experience some ghoulish activity for themselves, visitors won’t want to miss paranormal hotspots like The Connor Hotel, Sliding Jail, The Haunted Hamburger and most famously, the Jerome Grand Hotel.
Originally appeared in the Fall 2023 issue of The Compass magazine.
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