5 Breathtaking Places To Visit During Fall

Fall is not just about pumpkin spice…especially since that basically shows up in the summer now. While I’ve personally visited a few places on this list, I have to admit, writing this really made me want to travel to all of the others. Here are 5 Best Places For Fall Colors That Are Remarkably Breathtaking.

* Momijidani Park, Miyajima, Japan

Miyajima, and more specifically Momijidani Park, is a destination unto itself. As one of the top three scenic spots in Japan and a world heritage site, the island of the gods boasts a number of amazing sites for its visitors. When “Koyo” season arrives, the island comes alive with every fall shade imaginable. After visiting the various shrines (all of which are engulfed with various fall colors), the best view comes from the summit view station of Mount Misen.

* Conway Summit, Lundy Canyon, Lee Vining, California

The Eastern Sierras in California represent a prime area for viewing aspens turning yellow, and then orange, along with crimson red cottonwoods and willows in a steady golden color. Combine that with already picturesque mountains and an abundance of crystal clear lakes, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more breathtaking scene. After optimal fall color viewing through Conway Summit to Lundy Canyon (including a magnificent waterfall), check out the nearby, unrestored ghost town (the West’s largest), Bodie, in the Basin Range.

* Mount Mitchell State Park, Burnsville, North Carolina

As the highest point east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell stands at 6,684 feet above sea level giving you amazing views any time of year. After spending time on the observation deck, take a drive on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway for miles of nearly unending fall colors.

* Bran Castle, Transylvania, Romania

Dracula’s castle might be a den of evil that once housed the legendary vampire count, but you have to admit, as far as location goes, that man had some serious taste. Bran Castle sits atop a smoky hill in the middle of an unforgettable fall landscape. Greens, pure chocolate browns, and vibrant oranges make for an impressive Halloween color scheme that you can see stretching for miles in any direction. If you’re the superstitious type, you may want to leave before the sun goes down… just in case.

* Hoh Rainforest, Olympic Peninsula, Washington State

My home state of Washington is not where you would expect to find fall colors. (The vast majority of trees are evergreen.) However, head out to the Olympic Peninsula and to the northern part of the Hoh Rainforest to find Sitka spruces in orange and gold contrasting with the evergreen. Don’t be surprised if you come across the native Sea Otter, Elk, or Cranes during your visit, and head up to Hurricane Ridge for some gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains.