Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan)
In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Pictured Rocks refers to 15 miles of colorful sandstone cliffs northeast of Munising. Rising 200 feet above lake level, the cliffs feature shallow caves and arches and formations that resemble castle turrets. Pictured Rocks is part of the U.S. National Lakeshore, running 42 miles along the shore of Lake Superior.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
Hundreds of trails on mountains and coastline offer sweeping views and stunning fall foliage in this park located on the southeastern coast of Maine. Six mountains rise in the park including Cadillac, the tallest mountain along the eastern coastline of the United States. Between Oct. 7 and March 6, the summit of Cadillac is the first place in the U.S. to welcome each sunrise. You also don't want to miss the lovely town of Bar Harbor.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee)
A park so beloved that it has become the most visited national park in the country, welcoming 14.1 million visitors to the park in 2021. Located across the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, there are 850 miles of trails and unpaved roads, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Mountains, waterfalls, streams and historic sites make up the park.
Kebler Pass (Colorado)
Outside the town of Crested Butte, the high mountain road Kebler Pass is known for its fall beauty since it is home to the largest aspen grove in Colorado. The pass rises to a summit of 10,007 feet above sea level and connects Crested Butte with Paonia to the west. The 30-mile stretch of road has a speed limit of 30 mph with gentle grades, making it suitable for driving or biking from May to early November before snow closes the road. Kebler passes through Gunnison National forest, which is renowned for its classic hiking trails, which are great for backpacking.
