Discover 5 stunning locations in the US to admire the autumnal scenery.

Don't just hit the highway, explore the outdoors with these six hiking picks.

Discover 5 stunning locations in the US to admire the autumnal scenery.
Discover 5 stunning locations in the US to admire the autumnal scenery.

The changing of the leaves marks the end of summer. For those looking to witness fall foliage, we have compiled a list of top destinations across the continental U.S.

The fall foliage season can begin as early as mid-September and last until early November, with the peak times typically occurring in the second and third week of October. However, the timing of leaf color change can vary depending on the region of the US. For instance, Southern states may see leaves change colors later than Northern states due to the later onset of cooler temperatures. Despite the scenery, fall is also an excellent time to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife watching.

Six accessories you need on your trip to five places to enjoy the fall foliage in the U.S.

Talimena National Scenic Byway

Head to Arkansas for gorgeous fall leaves.
Head to Arkansas for gorgeous fall leaves. (iStock)

The Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma and Arkansas is a popular destination for fall foliage, with the Talimena National Scenic Byway being a well-known spot. This 54-mile drive showcases the beauty of the season and is a must-see for those looking to capture its essence. The best time to see the peak colors is usually from the last week of October through the first week of November.

Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is a great place to enjoy fall colors.
The Texas Hill Country is a great place to enjoy fall colors. (iStock)

The Frio River in Garner State Park is a popular spot to view the changing colors of autumn in the Texas Hill Country.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park has some of the best colors for fall viewing.
Acadia National Park has some of the best colors for fall viewing. (iStock)

Acadia National Park is the best spot in Maine to enjoy the peak fall foliage viewing.

Lake Geneva region

Lake Geneva offers lots of fall hiking trails.
Lake Geneva offers lots of fall hiking trails. (iStock)

The Lake Geneva region in Wisconsin is a popular spot for fall color viewing, with an abundance of lakes, nature areas, and outdoor recreation spaces.

Great Smoky Mountains

Find beautiful hues of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Find beautiful hues of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains. (iStock)

The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee provide excellent fall foliage viewing from early to mid-October, with colors peaking between mid-October and early November. One way to experience the changing of the leaves is by driving the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway.

If you plan to go outside for a hike and enjoy fall's colorful show, in addition to great photography gear, here are six other must-haves.

Original price:$19.99

A first aid kit is wise to carry on any hike.
A first aid kit is wise to carry on any hike. (Amazon)

Make sure to pack a compact first aid kit on your scenic drives. It can fit in your pocket and is small enough to take on long walks. The kit contains a range of supplies for treating minor injuries to more serious ones. Alternatively, you can purchase an ultralight kit for $18.99 at Backcountry, which is perfect for one to 28-day trips.

Original price: $21.99

A good pocket knife is wise to carry on a hike.
A good pocket knife is wise to carry on a hike. (Amazon)

While hiking, carrying a knife can be beneficial, and some people believe it's always a wise decision. This Smith and Wesson folding knife features a black high-carbon stainless-steel partially serrated clip-point blade. Alternatively, the Rubato pocket tool from Olight USA offers high wear resistance, durability, and optimal grip for $34.99.

This hydration pack carries more than your water.
This hydration pack carries more than your water. (Cotopaxi)

You can carry your gear in a funky little pack that doubles as a hydration pack, like Cotopaxi's Lagos hydration pack, or opt for a more affordable option with the Ozark Trail 10-liter day pack, which costs $4.97 at Walmart.

Original price: $249.88

This rain jacket fits in your backpack.
This rain jacket fits in your backpack. (Baerskin)

This Patagonia jacket for women is an ultralight rain jacket that is easy to pack and will keep you prepared for any weather. It has two deep zip pockets on the outside and two secret wide pockets on the inside to keep your gear dry. Keep dry and warm in this jacket, which is currently on sale for $125 at Backcountry.

Pack a good pair of binoculars.
Pack a good pair of binoculars. (Walmart)

Pack these Nikon PROSTAFF binoculars, available at Walmart, for your hike to enjoy wildlife. These binoculars have a wide field of view and are easy to hold steady, making them perfect for spotting wildlife or using them on the go. You can also purchase the same binoculars on Amazon.

For more Deals, visit planetchronicle.net/category/deals

Wear this Stanley on your hike.
Wear this Stanley on your hike. (Stanley)

The new Stanley Cross Bottle, available at Stanley, offers all the features you love from the original, including double wall insulation, a leakproof fit, and a silicone base for added protection. It also comes with a tinted lid cover and a soft-woven jacquard strap for added convenience. Wear it on your hike for a stylish way to stay hydrated. You can also purchase the cross bottle at Dick's Sporting Goods.

by Nora Colomer

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