My bucket list contains a ton of high-flying adventures (and even more non-stop food binges), including taking a hot air balloon ride to view nature’s magnificent color show in Asheville, North Carolina. The area is a Mecca for leaf peepers, but instead of viewing the awe-inspiring burnt oranges, golden yellows and fire-engine red leaves from the ground, I would love to get a bird’s-eye-view of the Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains from 500 to 2,000 feet in the sky.
Of course, hot air balloon rides are not the only unique ways you can view fall’s spectacular colors. It’s just the one I would prefer experiencing before I die… which could be sooner than later given the crazy hours I keep. But, I digress. The country is bursting with action-packed leaf-peeping adventures, such as biking through the gorgeous tree-lined trails that make up California’s Yosemite National Park.
Once October rolls around, most of the mosquitos vanish and the temperatures are cool enough to bike for hours without breaking a sweat. If you don’t live near the park, then consider renting a bike from a Yosemite-based kiosk. Then, take in the wonders of the deciduous trees while you pedal more than 12 miles of paved paths.
Another exciting fall color excursion doesn’t require any strenuous physical activity. All you need to do to enjoy Burlington-based Vermont Discovery Cruises’ Moonlight Lady ride is to sit back and relax. The fall foliage sail tours the waters of Lake Champlain where you can view fiery displays of red, orange, burgundy and gold leaves blanketing the surrounding Adirondack and Green Mountains. These one- to six-night cruise options offer unprecedented views of the area’s most breathtaking fall foliage, thanks to the vessels’ sprawling outdoor decks. You can take in amazing view from elevated decks that provide prime picture-taking vantage points. What’s more, because the ship only features eight cabins, you won’t be bumping elbows with a ton of other leaf peepers during your overnight sailing.
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