As long summer nights give way to shorter, cooler evenings, nothing heralds the arrival of autumn better than the blaze of color covering the trees and hillsides. Why not load up your bike and hit the road for a closer look at this amazing and fiery show? Touring the countryside on a bicycle takes you to places you might not have driven through in a car, and offers the opportunity to meet and chat with the locals instead of being locked in your metal box away from the world. The slower pace also gives you the opportunity to really take in all the beauty around you. Here are some outstanding fall cycling destinations to view the changing leaves in all their multi-hued glory.
1. The Berkshires
The Berkshires is a quaint example of classic New England. Rolling hills, serene pasturelands, covered bridges, and Shaker villages are scattered along this mountain range. Crossing through Massachusetts and Connecticut, it is a tranquil and picturesque ride. Best time to go: mid to late October.
2. Maine
Maine is a nature lover’s paradise in many ways, and fall foliage abounds in this northernmost state. See the color reflecting off the surface of Greenville’s Moosehead Lake, or ride along the coast in Bath and Camden for a seaside view of changing colors. You’ll never look at orange the same way again once you’ve experience the myriad of shades Maine has to offer. Best time to go: early to mid October, with northern areas changing first, as early as late September.
3. Vermont
Vermont is replete with whitewashed church steeples and charming small towns. Canopied country roads will surround you in breathtaking color as you make your way through this small state. With shades ranging from pale greens to deep reds, Vermont will not disappoint. Best time to go: late September to early October.
4. Pacific Northwest
In the Pacific Northwest, Washington and Oregon offer rugged mountains and stunning stretches of seashore awash in the colors of autumn. Take the long road with a cycle along the Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route from Washington’s Mt. Ranier to Crater Lake in Oregon. Or, for a colorful day trip, take a spin around Bainbridge Island. A 35 minute ferry ride from Seattle will bring you to this peaceful spot where you can cycle by day and enjoy the many local wine offerings by night. Best time to go: late October to early November.
For more fall cycling destinations, check out: Top 20 Fall Hiking Destinations in the U.S.!
Featured Image from Aaron Weiss/Unsplash
