The Great Garden Escape: Chasing Fall Colors Instead of Sprouts Jenell Jones

Ah, fall is right around the corner and it’s time for the fall and winter planting. Buy the seeds, weed the patch of dirt, dig in the dirt, get down on your knees for the dirt. Or, hear me out… maybe this year you enjoy a leisurely, restorative drive around the eastern United States to enjoy the ageless, never boring fall colors.

Compare and Contrast

The Garden Route: You’ll spend hours digging, planting, and hoping the weather plays nice. Your biggest excitement? Watching tiny green sprouts poke through the soil, if the squirrels don’t get them first. And don’t forget the thrill of weeding—your new favorite pastime! You’ll bask in the glow of your harvest, which will mostly be kale because everything else decided to call it quits.

The RV Adventure:

On the flip side, you hit the open road with your RV, chasing down fall colors like a leaf-peeping bounty hunter. Your "gardening tools" are a map and a GPS, and instead of dirt under your nails, it’s a camera in your hand, capturing nature’s fireworks show. No weeding required—just roll down the window and let the crisp air and scenic views flood your senses.

So, why choose? The garden will be there when you get back, probably thriving better without your constant meddling. Meanwhile, the fall colors wait for no one, and they’re putting on a show that’s best enjoyed through the windshield of an RV or a hike. This year we ride!

The Science Behind the Comfort

But why does leaf peeping bring us such comfort? Scientists suggest that our love for fall colors is deeply rooted in our biology. The change in scenery signals the onset of cooler weather and the winding down of the year, which can evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection. Additionally, the colors themselves—especially reds and oranges—are known to have a calming effect on the brain. They can reduce stress and evoke feelings of warmth and safety. In a world that often feels fast-paced and unpredictable, this annual display of nature’s beauty offers a moment of peace and reflection.

The Golden Route: Starting in New England

Our adventure kicks off in the cradle of American leaf peeping: New England. Picture this: you’re cruising along in your RV, the air crisp with the scent of pumpkin spice and woodsmoke, your favorite fall playlist on repeat. First stop, Vermont. Stowe and Woodstock are the celebrities of the leaf peeping world, but we’re going off-script. While the Marsh National Park is a popular tourist attraction that is certainly worth visiting, I prefer to explore off the beaten path. After all, one of the main reasons we buy an RV is to experience America in all its true and diverse beauty.

Hidden Gem: Groton State Forest, Vermont

Groton State Forest is a treasure trove for those who prefer their foliage with a side of solitude. With over 26,000 acres of unspoiled forest, this is the place to escape the crowds. Hike up Owl’s Head Mountain for a panoramic view that’ll have you ooh-ing and aah-ing like a toddler at a fireworks display. Plus, the winding roads are perfect for a leisurely RV drive and there are several Harvest Host locations nearby. Check out Macintosh Hill Maple Works. Vermont is the country's top maple producer so it just seems right to stay where they make maple syrup.

Shenandoah Mountains, 2022

New Hampshire’s White Mountains

New Hampshire’s White Mountains are like the Beyoncé of fall foliage—fierce, fabulous, and a must-see. The Kancamagus Highway (or “The Kanc” if you’re feeling local) is famous for its jaw-dropping views. But we’re taking a little detour.

Off the Beaten Path: Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is the lesser-known sibling of The Kanc, but trust me, it’s just as stunning. Take the Flume Gorge trail for a walk that feels like stepping into a postcard. The rocky walls draped in moss and the babbling brook lined with golden leaves make for a scene straight out of a fairy tale. A great Harvest Host stop is the Mount Washington Cog Railway. It's only a 30 minute drive from the park, has a dedicated lot for RVs and you will be staying in the fall colors!

Maine, 2021, another great spot for the fall colors

Cruising into the Mid-Atlantic

As we roll south, the colors soften into warm golds and rusty oranges. The next leg of our journey takes us to the charming backroads of Pennsylvania. While the Poconos are a popular spot, we’re venturing off the beaten path again.

Must-See: Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

Ricketts Glen is a hidden gem that boasts 22 named waterfalls and miles of leaf-strewn trails. The Falls Trail is a must-do, offering a cascade (pun intended) of color and water. Be sure to check out the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. It is the highest of the waterfalls. Beautiful old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the beauty of this stunning park. After a day of hiking, park your RV at Freas Farm Winery. This family owned farm has award winning wines and cider and offers another chance to stay in an area surrounded by the fall colors.

Down to Virginia and Beyond

Our final stretch takes us into the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, where the Blue Ridge Parkway beckons with its rolling hills and vibrant foliage. But instead of following the crowds to Shenandoah National Park let’s take a slight detour.

Hidden Treasure: Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia

Grayson Highlands State Park offers not only stunning fall colors but also wild ponies! Yes, you read that right. Imagine hiking through a sea of red and gold leaves, only to be greeted by a herd of ponies munching on the autumn bounty. It’s a sight that’s sure to make your Instagram followers green (or should I say orange?) with envy. These carefree horses are the descendants of 50 Assateague ponies, released into the area in 1975. This park is definitely out of the way but it offers few crowds, stunning colors, hiking and yoga in a meadow!

Great Falls, 2019

Final Thoughts

Don’t let the fall season pass you by while you’re knee-deep in garden chores. Instead, imagine yourself cruising through the endless vibrant autumn colors, with the open road as your canvas and each stop another piece of the memories you’ll create. Whether it’s the rustling leaves, the crisp air, or the warmth of a campfire shared with friends, this trip offers a chance to experience the magic of fall. So why stay home and watch the garden grow when you can hit the road and watch the world transform? Make this journey a part of your story—you’ll be glad you did. Garden next year—this year, we hit the road and let the weeds fend for themselves!