Packing for Adventure

Fall is in the air, and people are giving a collective sigh of relief for cooler temperatures. As for myself, I thrive in the heat! The cooler temperatures are a reminder of what’s coming- SNOW! I am jealous of people who love snow and I hope to one day not be hating life for 3-6 months of the year.

But for now, I’ll try to enjoy the moment rather than dread the inevitable. What better way to live in the present than by taking a trip?

Top 3 Places to Visit in the Fall

Four Corners Roadtrip (Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado)

Autumn brings cooler daytime temps that make exploring red rock canyons and desert landscapes much more comfortable than in the summer. Here’s a sample 6-day itinerary packed with iconic Southwest scenery:

• Day 1: Start in Moab, Utah → Sand Island Petroglyphs (Bluff).
• Day 2: Monument Valley Scenic Drive → Navajo National Monument → overnight in Kayenta, AZ.
• Day 3: Four Corners Monument → Petrified Forest National Park (Painted Desert, Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, Giant Logs) → overnight in Holbrook, AZ.
• Day 4: Canyon de Chelly (Spider Rock, White House Overlooks) → overnight in Chinle, AZ.
• Day 5: Lower Antelope Canyon (guided tour required) + Horseshoe Bend hike → overnight in Page, AZ.
• Day 6: On the drive back, stop at Moqui Cave, Kanab Sand Caves, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and Belly of the Dragon.

Why it’s worth it: Slot canyons, red rock mesas, ancient ruins, and petrified forests! Not every trip offers this much variety!
What to know: Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon require Navajo Nation permits and guided tours. Expect heavy crowds at Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)

The Smokies are one of the best places in the country to see fall foliage, with rolling mountains blanketed in fiery reds and golds. Popular scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop make it easy to soak in the views. Cooler weather also makes hiking more comfortable.

The perfect trip would be 3-5 days. A long weekend would be great to hit up just the highlights, but extra time allows for longer hikes like Alum Cave or Mount LeConte.

Why it’s worth it: Mountains covered in color with misty mornings that live up to the park’s “smoky” name. The scale of color present in the fall alone makes it worth the traffic!
What to know: Expect bumper-to-bumper traffic during peak foliage, but sunrise hikes or weekday visits bring quieter moments.

Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood (Oregon)

Just outside Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is lined with waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Latourell Falls, all framed by fall foliage. Continue on to Mount Hood, where you can drive the scenic Fruit Loop and stop at orchards for apples, pears, and fresh cider.

Perfect for a quick getaway if you don’t have more time in your calendar. Two days covers the highlights, but if you can spare 4 days, you can spend more time on longer hikes (like Tamanawas Falls) and enjoying Hood River’s orchards.

Why it’s worth it: Few places combine waterfalls, fall colors, and mountain views so close together.
What to know: Parking fills quickly at popular falls, but arriving early or visiting midweek makes it much easier.

Quick Comparison

• Four Corners Road Trip: Best for photography and bucket-list Southwest landmarks.
• Great Smoky Mountains: Best for viewing fall foliage at its best and scenic mountain drives.
• Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood: Best for a short getaway with waterfalls, orchards, and fall colors.

Whatever destination you pick, expect cooler weather and vibrant colors. Enjoy the best of autumn while it lasts!

Did I miss one of your favorite autumn getaways? Comment and tell me!

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