Weekend Travel: Leaf Peeping Adventuresby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 23 Oct 2009 02:56 AM Right now autumn's finery is on display in much of the nation. From the mountains of the Northeast to the river gorges of the Pacific Northwest, landscapes are painted with a palette of vivid hues. If you are looking for a way to soak up the seasonal scenery, then pack a picnic and spend part of your weekend visiting the following top leaf peeping destinations: NORTHEAST If you live near Boston, then take time to explore the Near Coast Trail, which winds along back roads between Manchester and the Atlantic. Driving up the coast along Route 1A will provide unprecedented views of gorgeous fall colors. Once you hit Portsmouth, turn inland and you'll be able to snap incredible shots of fall foliage lined farms that have been in existence since the 18th century. Leaf peepers in New York can enjoy river views and blazing foliage as they tour the Hudson River Valley. If you only have one day to navigate through the area, then head to Bear Mountain State Park. Not only can you view fall's rich colors from the park's well-manicured trials, but you can also take an afternoon cruise on the river that passes enough foliage to fill a 1 GB memory card. MIDWEST Southeastern Wisconsin offers spectacular fall foliage-viewing opportunities. Start in Lake Geneva where you can walk along public waterfront paths or catch a ferry to view how the seasonal change affects exotic species, such as lindens, gingkos and Japanese pagoda trees. From Lake Geneva, head north to the southern portion of Kettle Moraine State Forest. The 20,000-acre stretch of land boasts native hickory, oak and maple, which you can see via the forest's myriad hiking and mountain biking trails or from your vehicle as you drive along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. NORTHWEST Oregon's Columbia River Gorge boasts dramatic cliffs, dense rain forests and dozens of tumbling waterfalls, and during fall the impressive tourist destination comes alive with dazzling fall colors. You can get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring landscapes by hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet it's one of the nation's highest waterfalls and the views of the foliage from the top are phenomenal. If you prefer leaf peeping on four wheels, then take the scenic drive along the gorge on the Historic Columbia River Highway, which passes through a number of state parks and provides dramatic views of Oregon's most photographed areas. Related Articles: Leaf Peeping and Other Fun Fall Family Weekend Activities Ways to go Wild with Your Family in Nature this Fall A Week's Worth of Fun Family-Friendly Fall Activities Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Discuss this article
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