As we slowly approach the beautiful season of autumn, in the Northern Hemisphere, at least, let’s first take a moment to appreciate the fact that the weather is going to get cooler and the nights, longer. There are just so many things to love about autumn, whether it’s the colours, the cool weather, or even the food. From pumpkins to Halloween-themed parties, there’s something for everyone. But are we forgetting about the photographers and those who just want to appreciate the natural colours that autumn has to offer? Fret not, here are the best places in the USA that you can take the best fall photos. That’s right, you don’t have to go far to experience the beautiful reddish, orange, and yellow leaves.
1. Nashville, Tennessee
When you think of foliage in Nashville, the first thing that’ll probably come to your mind is the Smoky Mountains. Well, there are actually so many places in Nashville that offer great photo-taking opportunities during the fall. Head over to Radnor Lake State Park, located right off Otter Creek Road south of downtown Nashville, where you can enjoy over six miles (9.7 kilometres) of trails that’ll have you encountering deer and more. Do stop by the 85-acre (34.3-hectare) lake after which the park is named and known for!
For the festivals, the most well-known festival would have to be Americana Music Festival, where thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world gather for a week and play the best musical performances.
Americana Music Festival
Address: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Dates: 20 - 25 September 2016
Website: Americana Music Festival
2. Portland, Oregon
Portland, or the whole of Oregon, in fact, is just blooming with amazing colours during the fall season. And in Portland, the places that offer the best foliage photos include historic and architectural buildings as well. For example, head over to the Pittock Mansion to admire the plot’s gorgeous gardens, panoramic views, and also its hiking trails. The building, which was built over a century ago, is a top hit for lovers of fallen orange leaves. Another prime location is the Japanese Garden, located at Washington Park. Here, marvel at the Japanese maple leaves that will definitely not require you to book a ticket to Japan!
For the festivals, look out for Portland’s annual food and spirits festival, Harvest on the Harbor, which is also every foodie’s paradise!
Harvest on the Harbor
Address: Portland
Dates: 20 - 23 October 2016, 12 noon - 5 pm
Website: Harvest on the Harbor
3. New York City, New York
In the city that never sleeps, the best places to take foliage photos are usually always accompanied by bustling fall festivals that cater to just about everyone. Head over to Central Park, where you’ll be greeted with a picturesque view right at the entrance of Fifth Avenue. There, marvel at the hawthorn trees that are covered in red berries, followed by a gorgeous 28-acre (11-hectare) ramble in the middle of the park. At Central Park, the leaves come in purple, red, and yellow shades all through the season. If you continue along the trail, you’ll encounter brooks, various oaks, elms, red maples, and black cherry trees, amongst others.
New York City surely isn’t lacking in festivals. If you’re looking for something that’s sure to thrill everyone, check out the Ellicottville Fall Festival, which features more than 200 art vendors, carnivals, chairlift rides, and much more.
Ellicottville Fall Festival
Address: 13 Washington Street Ellicottville, NY 14731
Price: Free
Dates: 8 - 9 October 2016, 10 am - 5 pm
Website: Ellicottville Fall Festival
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4. Louisville, Kentucky
The whole of Kentucky offers amazing photo-taking opportunities for foliage lovers. First off, head to the various parks in Louisville, such as Iroquois Park, where the colours remain gorgeous even at the end of October. Another prime example is Jefferson Memorial Forest, located in southwest Louisville, where scenic trails and gorgeous landscapes can be explored.
In terms of festivals, look out for the very famous National Bourbon Heritage Month in Bardstown, Kentucky, where people celebrate the history and art of distilling Bourbon Whiskey.
National Bourbon Heritage Month
Address: Bardstown, Kentucky
Dates: September 2016
5. Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, is probably the perfect place to go for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. With the wide array of theme parks, expect Halloween-themed rides and events that are sure to thrill young and old alike. Also, the autumn months mark the start of the school year, which generally means that many of the ticket prices are likely to go down. So, what are you waiting for? Bring your whole family to Orlando and enjoy the theme parks that attract so many visitors from all around the globe.
In terms of where to get the best photos, Orlando’s various state parks offer the most amazing foliage views that will surely be a delight to every photographer. The most recommended state park? Torreya State Park, a whole 12,000-acre (4,856-hectare) preserve that includes incredible views of the Apalachicola River.
Torreya State Park
Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321, United States
Fall right in the USA
This just proves that you don’t necessarily have to book a flight ticket just to take the best foliage photos, unless, of course, your heading to the USA from overseas. And, nobody would be surprised if you did, as fall is just so lovely! Go grab your camera and start foliage hunting now!
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