9 under-the-radar towns for the perfect fall getaway

Bring on the cozy sweaters and give us a bowl of soup. At the slightest crisp in the air, we’re ready for the beauty and comforts of fall: foliage, apple cider doughnuts, and weekends spent soaking it all up in the countryside. While hotspots like Stowe, Vermont, Yellowstone National Park, and Aspen, Colorado are popular choices, a slew of lesser-known towns await to be discovered, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds this fall. 

RECOMMENDED: These are officially the top fall weekend destinations in the U.S., according to Airbnb

Whether you prefer to leaf-peep along hiking trails or on a slower-paced retreat, you can do fall your way across the USA. Leaf-peep under the radar while enjoying your favorite activities—here are nine getaway destinations ideal for all things autumn.

For Classic New England Vibes: Winhall, Vermont

Winhall—who’s she? This tiny town in southern Vermont is an unknown Green Mountain treasure. If you love the charm and incredible dining scene of Manchester, but also crave solitude, get the best of both worlds in Winhall, with quintessential rural Vermont scenes. Sandwiched between Bromley Mountain (ride the alpine slide weekends until Oct. 12th) and Stratton Mountain Ski Resorts, Winhall is an idyllic hub for autumn endeavors.

Base yourself at the historic Slade School, where you can practice foliage appreciation from the hot tub or around the fire pit. Five minutes away, The Red Fox will become your favorite new aprés adventure haunt: a historic tavern with a sprawling beer garden and live music events. Hike a little over 3 miles round trip to Lye Brook Falls, a 125-foot cascade framed by foliage, or a shorter jaunt to Pike’s Falls. Or, hop in the car and meander the scenic Mount Equinox Skyline Drive for a sweeping panorama (open until the end of October). 

Get your Vermont General Store fix at JJ Hapgood General Store and Eatery, where you can grab snacks to go, build your own grilled cheese for lunch, or enjoy a full sit-down breakfast or dinner. Speaking of food, Manchester is full of incredible restaurants like the Crooked Ram or the Copper Grouse. But if you don’t want to venture too far from town, try Johnny Seesaw’s for homemade pastas and more in a chic, lodge-style tavern. 

For Wine Lovers: Lodi, California

Everyone knows Napa and Sonoma, but California has another incredible wine destination on the rise: Lodi. Zinfandels and Cabernet Francs pair well with harvest-season colors like golds, browns, and reds that blanket the vineyards. Lodi is home to more than 85 wineries and within easy reach of San Francisco (less than two hours) or Sacramento (one hour). In between days of wine tasting, it’s even possible to spend the day in Yosemite National Park (two-and-a-half-hour drive). 

Stay at the adorable Grape Escape, a restored Victorian home with ample communal areas for cooking or sipping your vineyard-bought wines. Many popular wineries host fall events such as Sunset Sips, a Harvest Moon Dinner, and a Tempranillo Fest (Nov.) at Bokisch Vineyards, Sunday dinners and a Harvest Concert at Oak Farm Vineyards, or an adults-only Hallo-Wine tour on a vintage trolley. Plan your visit around the Lodi Grape Festival in mid-to-late September, a local favorite celebrating the grape harvest with local food vendors, entertainment, wine tasting, and more. 

For Book Lovers: Hobart, New York

If your idea of a cozy fall getaway involves curling up with a good book (or three), the ‘Book Village of the Catskills’ is for you. Inspired by Hay-on-Wye in Wales, the small town of Hobart has seven bookshops and a newly opened literary-themed hotel: The Book Village Inn. Each room is named after a different author, and the on-site restaurant/bar slings a great smashburger. The property's barn was also converted into a bookstore and coffee shop and sits just steps from the Catskills Scenic Trail, a multi-use recreational path perfect for foliage walks and biking.

Spend your days browsing the village’s independent bookshops like Quarry Books or Liberty Rock Books, reading on the inn’s porch, exploring nearby antique stores, or driving scenic back roads along sections of the Rt. 30 corridor and Rt. 28, filled with rolling farm hills and foliage-draped mountains.

For Hot Spring Seekers:

Leaf-peeping from a hot spring sounds like a dream come true, and in Saratoga, Wyoming, it can be reality. Flanked by the Sierra Madre and the Snowy Mountain ranges, there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation and foliage beauty to behold. Mid-late September is when the foliage typically pops, with hues of gold and yellow adorning the Aspen trees. Whether you hit the freshly renovated Tie Hack Trail just outside of town, venture into the Medicine Bow National Forest, or embrace road trip vibes along the 29-mile Snowy Range Scenic Byway, you’ll be treated to gorgeous golds and contrasting greens. Relax at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, with its spa and brewery, or dip in a more primitive setting on the North Platte River at Hobo Hot Springs (free).

Base yourself at the historic Hotel Wolf, which dates back to the late 1800s and has an on-site restaurant and saloon, or go luxe at Brush Creek Ranch or Medicine Bow Lodge. Just don’t leave without grabbing at least one breakfast at Hen & Harvest Eatery—think: Nutella French toast and chicken and waffles.

For Cyclists: Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina

Just 20 minutes from Greenville, South Carolina, the small town of Traveler’s Rest is a bike-lover’s sanctuary. The 22-mile multi-use recreational Swamp Rabbit Trail (an old rail corridor) offers the perfect fall adventure, connecting TR to Greenville with numerous scenic, historic, and refueling stops along the way. Whether you bring your own bike or rent one from Sunrift Adventures, riding the tree-lined trail is the ultimate leaf-peeping activity here. 

Start your day at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse—order the Grazing Goat crepe and thank us later. Then set out on your wheels for a choose-your-own-length adventure. Highlights include the Furman University Campus, riding along the Reedy River, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery, The Commons, Unity Park, and downtown Greenville’s Falls Park on the Reedy with the famous Liberty Bridge. On your way back, hit up the Tipsy Taco (right on the trail) or the Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom for a drink al fresco, and make sure to get a table at Topsoil for dinner. You can either stay in downtown Greenville or closer to Traveler’s Rest (and on the trail) at The Station by Compo Hotels.

For Slow Travel (and Sailing) Enthusiasts: Rockland, Maine

Craving the coast this fall? A little less than 2 hours north of Portland, the small seaside town of Rockland, Maine, is a lesser-known home base for fall adventures of the maritime kind. Hop aboard the Schooner Heritage, a historic 145-foot schooner that looks like something out of a movie. Their multi-night itineraries weave you past rugged islands, lighthouses, and quaint towns, and during the fall season, it’s pure magic. An all-you-can-eat lobster bake, live music, homemade communal meals, and epic stargazing are just a few highlights of this unique leaf-peeping experience, where strangers become family over a few days. If it’s slow travel you’re after, this is one million percent up your alley. 

Once back on land, the town of Rockland is worth a wander as well. Get caffeinated at Rock City Coffee Roasters, and then head to the bookshop in the back, Hello Hello Books. Peruse local art at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art or the Farnsworth Art Museum, or take a tour of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, dating back to 1902. Saddle up to a table at North Beacon Oyster for some top-notch sharing plates. 

For Festival Enthusiasts: Wood River Valley, Idaho

This year marks the 30th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Idaho’s Wood River Valley. Each October, the towns of Hailey and Ketchum host a 5-day fest to pay homage to the area’s sheepherding heritage and the more than hundred-year migration of the sheep from the mountains down to the valleys in the south for winter. Multiple events take place amongst the area’s beautiful fall backdrop: a parade of 1,200 sheep down Main Street, Sheepdog trials, a wool fest, culinary tastings, and more.

In between festival events, gaze upon the stellar golden Aspens with a hike in Taylor Canyon, or a scenic drive on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway (Highway 75). Slumber at the Limelight Hotel or Hotel Ketchum.

For Food and Beer Lovers: New Glarus, Wisconsin

Cheese lovers rejoice! About half an hour outside of Madison, the small town of New Glarus is known as ‘America’s Little Switzerland,’ with a charming downtown that feels like the pages of a Swiss storybook. Their annual Oktoberfest caps off September, with German food (hello, Bratwurst!), beer, and live music. Down the road in Monroe, Green County Cheese Days is the oldest culinary festival in the U.S., with events like a parade and live music. The main attraction is obviously all the cheese-infused food, with treats like fried cheese curds, mac and cheese, and cheesecake on a stick (to name a few). 

In town, tap into Swiss cuisine at Glarner Stube, a New Glarus institution since the early ‘90s. Drink even more beer at New Glarus Brewing Co, and book a stay at the Chalet Landhaus Inn. Walk one of the trails in New Glarus Woods State Park to add to the foliage extravaganza.

For Thrill-Seekers: Ocoee, Tennessee

With class III and IV whitewater rapids, the Ocoee River in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest is ideal for adrenaline junkies looking to catch a thrill during the fall season. The area around Ocoee (or Cleveland) is a fantastic base, putting you close to whitewater adventures and hiking trails. You can also camp in various spots within the national forest. Join a guided rafting expedition and choose from levels of difficulty based on the river sections (upper, middle, or full). If it’s a challenge you’re after, sign up for the upper portion of the river, which includes navigating the 1996 Olympic whitewater course, for bragging rights. 

After tackling the Ocoee River, stretch your legs on a few hikes for more leaf-peeping. An easy trail leads to the 65-foot cascade of Benton Falls, or take the steep climb up to Chestnut Bluff for sprawling views, particularly beautiful with autumn coloring. Carve out some time for a leisurely drive on the 26-mile-long Ocoee Scenic Byway (the first designated scenic byway in the country), with multiple overlooks—Chilhowee has one of the most stunning vistas.