Epic Fall Getaways: What Mood Are We In?
Updated: Sep 21
Cool fall air, vibrant scenery, mountain peaks, and the cutest, coziest small towns.
Looking for the best fall getaways for families? 🍂 We've rounded up 9 colorful U.S. destinations filled with peak foliage, cozy stays, scenic drives, charming towns, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Whether you're dreaming of a leaf-peeping road trip, a cozy mountain escape, or a weekend exploring a storybook town, there's a fall getaway here for you. Find out exactly which destinations we're in the MOOD for and discover your family's perfect way to enjoy the season!
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9 FALL GETAWAYS FAMILIES WILL LOVE
It’s official: pumpkin spice season is here, and you bet we’re here for it! 🍁
From the sweet smell of apple crisp and fresh autumn air to pumpkin patch visits and corn mazes, we’re ready to soak up all things fall. As Upstate New York natives, we like to think we know a thing or two about doing fall right—and we're always on the hunt for those spectacular foliage views.
Fall getaways are some of our favorite family trips to plan. Whether you're craving a mountain town, lakeside retreat, charming village, or scenic road trip, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy the season. And trust us, narrowing this list down was not easy!
So grab your sweaters and hiking shoes, because it’s officially cozy season. Come explore the best of fall with us.
It’s fall, y’all! 🍂🎃
What's Your Fall Getaway Mood?
🍁 We want quintessential New England charm: Stowe & Woodstock
🏔️ We want mountain views + outdoor fun: Lake Placid
🚂 We want scenic drives + a fall train ride: North Conway & Jackson
🏘️ We want a walkable small town: Jim Thorpe
🌲 We want caves, waterfalls + a unique stay: Hocking Hills
🚗 We want a scenic mountain road trip: Colorado
🏰 We want a resort where we don't have to leave: Mohonk
🍎 We want Southern mountain charm: Blowing Rock
🌊 We want fall foliage + the coast: Bar Harbor
Before You Hit the Road...
Planning a fall getaway? These family-favorite essentials are worth adding to your packing list.
Kids packable hooded rain poncho (great for over warm layers)
Insulated poncho
Phone or great camera for all those fall views
STOWE & WOODSTOCK, VERMONT
Mood: We want quintessential New England charm, colorful foliage, covered bridges, and cozy small-town vibes.
Picture this: refreshing mountain air, colorful foliage, covered bridges, apple cider, and charming New England villages that look like they were made for a fall postcard. If you're looking for a family fall getaway filled with classic Vermont scenery, Stowe and Woodstock are hard to beat. Stowe brings the mountain views, outdoor activities, local shops, and plenty of ways to enjoy the changing leaves, while Woodstock delivers that quintessential small-town charm with beautiful historic buildings, covered bridges, cafés, and easygoing strolls through the village. Add in scenic drives, family-friendly trails, and plenty of cozy places to stop along the way, and you've got a classic New England fall getaway with something for everyone. And whatever you do, don't leave Vermont without trying a warm apple cider donut in Stowe or a maple creemee in Woodstock!
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: Last week of September through the second week of October.
Beat the Crowds: Stowe and Woodstock are busy! Start your days earlier, go midweek if possible, or explore later in October for fewer crowds. Book popular activities and dining reservations in advance whenever possible. Don't let this tip discourage you; these little towns are worth the trip.
Tip: If you want to explore both towns, give yourself at least 2–3 nights rather than trying to squeeze Stowe and Woodstock into one rushed day.
Lodging to Consider:
🍂 Topnotch Resort Stowe — A longtime favorite with gorgeous mountain surroundings, pools, and plenty of amenities.
🍂 The Lodge at Spruce Peak Stowe — A great splurge option, especially for families who want a full resort experience and mountain activities.
🍂 Trapp Family Lodge Stowe — Such a fun Vermont choice! The Austrian-inspired lodge has beautiful mountain views, trails, family activities, and tons of character.
🍁Woodstock Inn & Resort — Probably the most iconic choice. Beautiful, upscale, right in the heart of Woodstock, and perfect for a cozy fall getaway.
LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK
Mood: We need a mountain escape with vibrant fall foliage, relaxing lake views, and a touch of European charm.
Lake Placid is the perfect fall escape when your family wants a little bit of everything—mountain views, cedar-infused autumn air, beautiful lake views, a charming main street with European flare and plenty of outdoor adventures. With its storybook setting, Olympic history, scenic drives, and some of our favorite leaf-peeping spots, Lake Placid is made for a fall family adventure. Take the iconic scenic drive up Veterans Memorial Highway and climb to Whiteface Mountain Peak for unmatched views (weather-dependent), or tackle Little Whiteface via the Cloudsplitter Gondolas for a fun family adventure. In the evening, indulge in delicious eats and do some shopping along Main Street. Lake Placid is easily one of our family's favorite weekend escapes, and we know your family will love it too.
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: Last week of September through the first week of October.
Beat the Crowds: Start hikes and outdoor activities early; parking fills quickly. Book popular activities and dining reservations in advance whenever possible.
Tip: Lake Placid is one of those places where having a car helps, especially if you want to explore Whiteface and surrounding foliage drives.
Lodging to Consider:
🍂 Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort — Stay right on Mirror Lake and just steps from Main Street. Families love the complimentary lake activities, indoor pool, and location with village immersion and easy walkability.
🍂High Peaks Resort — This family-friendly resort sits right on Mirror Lake and is close to downtown. Enjoy lake activities, mountain views, fires, and plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring.
🍂Whiteface Lodge — A beautiful Adirondack-style resort with spacious suites and tons for kids to enjoy, including outdoor heated pools year-round, fires, bowling, a game room, and a movie theater. Guests especially love the cozy atmosphere and family-friendly amenities.
NORTH CONWAY & JACKSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Mood: We want mountain scenery, winding roads, fall train rides, covered bridges, and a classic White Mountains getaway.
Picture winding mountain roads, colorful foliage, covered bridges, and classic New England villages tucked into the White Mountains. Welcome to New Hampshire! If your family is looking for a fall getaway with scenic drives, outdoor fun, and plenty of small-town charm, Jackson and North Conway are worth a spot on your list. Take a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad, explore the shops and restaurants in North Conway, or wander through the village of Jackson and across its famous Honeymoon Bridge. And don't rush through the drive! Leave plenty of time for waterfall stops, short hikes, overlooks, and those unexpected roadside views that make the White Mountains so much fun to explore. Be sure to make a stop at Zeb’s General Store in North Conway for a little old-fashioned shopping and plenty of treats. Whether you're spending the day exploring the mountains or settling into a cozy spot for a few nights, North Conway and Jackson make it easy to slow down, get outside, and enjoy New Hampshire at its best.
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: Last week in September through the second week in October.
Timing is Everything: Buy tickets in advance, and get to popular White Mountain attractions early that don't have a time stamp.
Tip: Plan your scenic drives around your kids' tolerance for car time. The Kancamagus is beautiful, but don't make the entire day a drive—build in hikes, waterfalls, or stops.
Lodging to Consider:
🍁 Christmas Farm Inn & Spa Jackson — A cozy, historic inn with a beautiful setting and family-friendly amenities. The indoor pool is a big plus after a day of hiking and exploring.
🍁 Nordic Village Resort Jackson — Great for families who want more space. Condo-style accommodations, indoor and outdoor pools, and mountain views make this a practical choice with older kids and teens.
🍂 Red Jacket Mountain View Resort North Conway — A strong family pick with indoor and outdoor pools, an arcade, and Kahuna Laguna Water Park. Teens and younger kids will have plenty to do when you're not out exploring.
🍂 Eastern Slope Inn Resort North Conway — Right in the heart of North Conway Village, so you can walk to shops and restaurants. The resort has a classic New England feel and a variety of accommodations that work well for families.
JIM THORPE, PENNSYLVANIA
Mood: We want colorful mountains, a charming walkable town, fall train adventures, and a little old-world magic.
Often called the “Little Switzerland of America,” Jim Thorpe knows a thing or two about putting the “charm” in small town. Jim Thorpe is home to colorful mountainsides, historic Victorian buildings, cozy cafés, charming little shops, scenic trails, and a picturesque Main Street nestled in the Pocono Mountains. If you’re looking for a family fall getaway that combines storybook small-town charm with outdoor adventure, put Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, on your list! One of the best things about Jim Thorpe? You can park the car and explore much of the town on foot. Spend the day exploring the historic downtown, browsing the shops, grabbing a warm drink, or hitting the trails before hopping aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for an unforgettable fall train ride through the mountains. Add in brilliant autumn foliage, beautiful scenery, and plenty of family-friendly adventures, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable fall weekend. Don't forget to indulge in some local pierogies, fudge, and other Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired delights! We dare you not to fall in love with this sweet little historic town!
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: Mid-October through late October.
Beat the Crowds: Visit mid-week if possible. Do the train early, then enjoy downtown later. Book popular activities and dining reservations in advance whenever possible.
Tip: Stay downtown if walkability is your priority.
Lodging to Consider:
🍂 The Inn at Jim Thorpe — One of the best choices for families who want to be right in the middle of it all. Located downtown, it puts shops, restaurants, and attractions within easy walking distance.
🍂 Jim Thorpe RiverSide B&B — A cozy option with a more intimate feel and a great location for exploring the historic town.
🍂 Bear Creek Mountain Resort — A great choice for families who want more space and plenty of outdoor activities, with beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the resort.
HOCKING HILLS, OHIO
Mood: We want something totally different - golden leaves, epic waterfalls, cave exploration, and cozy treehouse nights.
Dramatic sandstone cliffs, countless cascading waterfalls, cave exploration, and beautiful hiking trails make Hocking Hills a one-of-a-kind fall getaway. Explore the iconic Old Man’s Cave, wander through Ash Cave, and take in the towering cliffs and colorful foliage throughout the peaceful forest at Hocking Hills State Park. What makes Hocking Hills especially unique is the way its ancient sandstone formations, deep gorges, caves, and waterfalls create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly—especially when surrounded by beautiful fall color. Spend the day chasing waterfalls, exploring winding trails, and soaking up the spectacular scenery, then make a stop for fresh apple cider or apple slushies at Laurelville Fruit Company before retreating to a cozy cabin or treehouse surrounded by the woods. With peaceful evenings, brilliant stargazing, and plenty of outdoor adventure, Hocking Hills is the perfect place for families looking to be immersed in nature and experience something a little different this fall.
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: Mid to late October.
Timing is Everything: Weekdays + early morning are your best bet. Do popular hikes first.
Tip: Many Hocking Hills trails involve uneven terrain, stairs, rocks, and elevation changes. Keep this in mind when selecting hikes.
Lodging to Consider:
🍂The Oasis Hocking Hills — A family-friendly lakeside retreat offering spacious accommodations (cabins & treehouses), outdoor activities, and plenty of amenities to keep kids and teens entertained.
🍂Cherry Ridge Retreat — Luxury cabins, lots of privacy, hot tubs, trails, and a private pool. It has eight cabins, so there are options for different family sizes.
🍂Tree Houses at River Ranch — Most memorable for kids. Luxury treehouses with full kitchens, Wi-Fi, modern bathrooms, and on-site activities.
🍂Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center — Best if you don’t want a private cabin. You get lodge/hotel accommodations plus cabins, pools, and other resort-style amenities, right in the state park.
SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
Mood: We want a fall road trip with golden aspens, dramatic mountain scenery, hot springs, and a little Wild West charm.
If your family is ready for a fall road trip that feels completely different from New England, head west to Colorado. Telluride, Ouray, and Crested Butte make an incredible mini road trip through the San Juan Mountains, where golden aspens meet towering peaks, historic mining towns, waterfalls, hot springs, and winding mountain roads. Start in Telluride, where you can explore the walkable mountain town, ride the free gondola for sweeping valley views, hunt waterfalls, and enjoy the mountain scenery surrounding the valley. From there, head to Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America,” for Box Cañon Falls, hot springs, and the scenic drive toward Silverton along the Million Dollar Highway. Finish in Crested Butte, where the landscape shifts to miles of golden aspen groves and wide-open mountain views. Take the scenic drive over Kebler Pass, explore the historic town of Gothic, or hit one of the area's family-friendly trails. In fall, Kebler Pass is especially memorable, winding through one of Colorado's largest aspen groves. And here's the best part: the drive is part of the experience. This isn't a road trip where you're simply trying to get from one town to the next. Build in extra time for overlooks, roadside stops, short hikes, and those moments when everyone in the car says, “Whoa—look at that!” Just keep in mind that fall arrives earlier at Colorado's higher elevations, and mountain weather and road conditions can change quickly.
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: Last week in Mid September to the first week in October.
Beat the Crowds: Consider shoulder-season timing when some crowds and prices ease.
Tip: Build in extra driving time. Mountain roads are part of the experience, but distances and weather can make this a slower road trip than it looks on a map.
Resorts to Consider:
🍂 Telluride — The Peaks Resort & Spa: A great family resort with indoor/outdoor pools, hot tubs, a waterslide, and plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring. It’s also close to the gondola connecting Mountain Village and Telluride.
🍁 Ouray — Ouray Riverside Resort: A fun choice for families who want a more outdoorsy experience. Choose from cabins, inn rooms, and other accommodations along the Uncompahgre River, with easy access to town and the hot springs.
🍂 Crested Butte — Lodge at Mountaineer Square: A convenient mountain base with spacious accommodations, a pool, hot tub, and easy access to hiking and outdoor activities. Families love the location and the extra space.
MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, NEW YORK
Mood: We want a cozy resort escape with fall foliage, activities, great food, and a little pampering.
Another New York gem, Mohonk Mountain House is a destination in itself! Imagine leaf-peeping splendor surrounded by mountains, with miles of hiking trails, lake activities, beautiful gardens, an indoor heated pool, Kids’ Club, tennis, and a world-class spa—all set on a stunning Victorian castle estate overlooking Lake Mohonk. The resort's overnight stay experience includes three meals a day, with farm-to-table dining featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, plus afternoon tea and cookies. Families rave about the variety of activities and the fact that there's always something to do, while parents can sneak away for some much-needed relaxation at the spa. From guided hikes and outdoor adventures to cozy fires, seasonal activities, gorgeous mountain views, and incredible food, Mohonk Mountain House is the kind of resort where the resort really is the destination. You could easily spend your entire fall getaway here without ever needing to leave the property—and honestly, you may not want to! Sign us up!
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: Mid to late October.
Timing is Everything: Book the resort and activities well ahead since it's more of a planned destination.
Tip: Plan this one around the resort, not around a sightseeing itinerary. If you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing fall escape, this is it.
Lodging to consider:
🍂 Mohonk Mountain House (wink)
BLOWING ROCK, NORTH CAROLINA HIGH COUNTRY
Mood: We want southern mountain charm, brilliant fall foliage, scenic drives, cozy cabins, and a little Appalachian adventure.
A sneaky gem? Why yes! Our Southern states know how to put on a gorgeous fall show, and the North Carolina High Country knows a thing or two about fall retreats. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock is the kind of picturesque mountain town that feels like a little escape from the everyday. Think brilliant fall foliage, winding mountain roads, cozy cabins, cute little shops, local restaurants, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and plenty of outdoor adventures for the whole family. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, take in the incredible views from Grandfather Mountain, explore waterfalls at Linville Falls, or simply wander the streets of Blowing Rock and enjoy the Appalachian mountain culture. And if you're craving a true taste of fall, make a stop at The Orchard at Altapass along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pick apples, sip fresh apple cider, grab a warm apple treat, and take in the spectacular mountain views. The high country is peaceful, beautiful, family-friendly, and just different enough to feel like you’ve discovered one of fall’s best-kept secrets.
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: Mid to late October
Beat the Crowds: Start Blue Ridge Parkway stops and hikes early.
Tip: Check Blue Ridge Parkway road conditions before heading out. This is especially important because weather and road closures can affect mountain drives.
Lodging to consider:
🍁Chetola Resort — A family favorite with spacious condos, an indoor pool, lake, trails, and beautiful mountain grounds.
🍁Hemlock Inn — A charming, family-owned inn in the heart of Blowing Rock, perfect for walking to shops and restaurants.
🍁Swiss Mountain Village — Cozy cabins and chalets with kitchens and plenty of space for a relaxed rustic mountain experience.
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Mood: We want coastal New England charm, fall foliage, rocky shorelines, and a little Acadia adventure.
If you're looking for a fall getaway that gives you a little bit of everything, put Bar Harbor on your list. Charming coastal streets, colorful foliage, rugged ocean views, and the spectacular landscapes of Acadia National Park come together here in a way that's hard to beat. Spend your days driving the Park Loop Road, taking in the views from Cadillac Mountain, exploring Jordan Pond, or letting the kids experience the booming waves at Thunder Hole. Wander downtown Bar Harbor and along the Shore Path, take a scenic boat ride, or time your visit to walk across to Bar Island at low tide, finding incredible sea creatures along the way. And come hungry! This is the place to dig into a classic Maine lobster roll, warm popovers with blueberry jam, fresh seafood, and a slice of wild Maine blueberry pie. If your family loves the idea of combining fall foliage with the coast, Bar Harbor is the place to do it.
Know Before You Go:
Typical Peak Foliage: First two weeks of October.
Beat the Crowds: Get into Acadia early, especially on foliage weekends. Book popular activities and dining reservations in advance whenever possible. Travel mid-week if possible.
Tip: If Acadia is a priority, plan your days around the park rather than trying to squeeze it in between other activities.
Lodging to Consider:
🍁 Bar Harbor Inn & Spa — Great location, waterfront views, pools, and easy walking to downtown.
🍁 Harborside Hotel & Marina — Best for families; waterfront location, pool, and plenty to do nearby.
🍁 Bar Harbor Regency — Good family option with a pool and easy access to Acadia.
So… what's your family's fall getaway mood? 🍁
Are you craving a cozy New England village? A mountain road trip? A lakeside escape? A walkable little town with a fall train ride? Or maybe you're ready to check into a gorgeous resort and let someone else handle the planning?
Whatever your fall mood, there's a getaway waiting for you.
Now grab the sweaters, load up the car, and go find those leaves. 🍂
Until our next "mood",
Cheers!
Martha
PS - Don't forget to PIN this post so you can find it later! Be sure to check out some of our other posts! Have a favorite fall getaway that didn’t make our list? Please share it in the comments!
Martha is a Family Travel Planner and Travel Blogger who loves creating unforgettable vacation experiences for families. When she’s not traveling or planning incredible getaways, she enjoys living life in beautiful Upstate NY with her husband, two boys, and two dogs.
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