Summary
- Affordable fall activities in White Mountains: Hiking to Flume Gorge, riding aerial tramway over Cannon Mountain.
- Top attractions in Great Smoky Mountains NP: Newfound Gap, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Grotto Falls Trail.
- Salt Lake City in fall: Visit Liberty Park, Temple Square, Red Butte Garden to enjoy beautiful fall foliage.
The US is home to many breathtaking destinations in the fall that travelers love to see and experience. It is a season that beckons outdoor enthusiasts for laid-back experiences without as many crowds. The weather is clear, the leaves regain their dignity in dazzling colors, and the foliage is incredible.
For budget travelers, here are some of the places in the United States to enjoy a fall vacation without spending much. There are so many cheap and free experiences waiting to be enjoyed!
10 White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains in New Hampshire is one of the best fall destinations in the US, and it doesn't cost much to enjoy this place. In the fall, its mountains are carpeted by deep yellow, gold, red, and burgundy flora, while its valley radiates greenery.
Visitors can make great fall memories for free by hiking to the Flume Gorge and sighting beautiful rivers, lakes, and a breathtaking waterfall. For a mind-blowing experience, ride the state's only Aerial tramway over Cannon Mountain; the price is affordable at $28, and the foliage views are breathtaking.
- Affordable fall activities to do in the White Mountains: Hiking to the Flume Gorge, riding the aerial tramway over Cannon Mountain
9 Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a small mountain town in Arizona and home to ponderosa pine forests. In autumn, the town is a paradise for leaf-peeping and travelers can enjoy its foliage bloom and Aspen glory in many free or cheap ways. Taking a one-hour drive to Sedona or hiking the Flagstaff urban trail system are great options.
Visitors can also ride the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift to get incredible fall scenery for a cost between $15 and $24.
- Attractions to visit in and near Flagstaff in fall: Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, the Arboretum at Flagstaff
8 Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the US, yet entrance is free. The park's landscape is occupied by yellow birch, mountain maple, and other adorable flora that glow in hues of gold and orange in fall.
For budget-conscious visitors, Douglas Lake is a scenic spot to swim, hold picnics, watch birds, and admire views of fall's glorious foliage. Alternatively, hike to Laurel Falls, one of the park's most popular attractions, or bike through the Cade Coves, a picturesque valley housing diverse wildlife.
- Top attractions to visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Newfound Gap, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Grotto Falls Trail
7 Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is a spellbinding destination to experience the charming beauty of fall. As for cost, seeing the iconic falls is free, but guests may have to pay a small fee for parking their vehicles. The waterfalls combine striking cascading views with golden hues of flora to give visitors stunning sights.
Also, visitors can head to the Niagara Wine Trail to enjoy tasty wines and absorb the magnificent beauty of the vineyards. Camping in nearby parks to experience more of the falls is cheap, including recreational activities.
- Top attractions to see in and around Niagara Falls in fall: Prospect Point Observation Tower, Whirlpool Rapids, Niagara Gorge Trail
6 Vermont
Vermont is incredibly beautiful in the fall as a significant part of the state consists of lush forests full of different kinds of trees. In autumn, they change their colors into hues of gold and orange, creating a picturesque sight.
A vacation here is cheap, with budget-friendly accommodations and many free things to do. Visitors can head to Burlington City to admire the enchanting beauty of Lake Champlain as it reflects colorful foliage.
Taking the scenic Gondola ride in Stowe over Mount Mansfield is also an affordable yet thrilling experience that offers incredible foliage views in Vermont.
- Top attractions to see in Vermont in fall: Mount Mansfield, Smuggler's Notch, Waterbury Center State Park
5 Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Lodged between rolling hills, forests, and waterfalls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a paradise that glows with enchanting beauty during fall. Surprisingly, entrance to this park is free, and most of its activities are also free or super affordable.
The park features many miles of hiking trails to immerse in the beauty of fall. However, hiking to Brandywine Falls, the park's largest fall, is the best experience one can have here.
- Top attractions to visit in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in fall: Brandywine Falls, Ledges Trail, Cuyahoga River
4 Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is naturally alluring in the fall, and the season tends to last longer here. With better weather and fewer crowds, visitors can have an amazing fall vacation without breaking the bank. It costs nothing to take the scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where various elevations offer magnificent foliage views.
Alternatively, hiking the Hickory North Falls trail near Asheville will cost nothing without a guide and those are just a few of the numerous free things to do in Asheville in fall.
- Top attractions to visit in Asheville in Fall: Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Botanical Gardens at Asheville
3 Hudson Valley, New York
Hudson Valley is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for those who seek a relaxing fall season. The valley is quite massive and covered with shrubs that glow in amber and light gold colors during the fall.
Visitors can hike around the Catskill Mountain for panoramic views of leaves in their full bloom. Also, there are numerous farms in the valley to pluck apples, go leaf peeping, and enjoy charming views. Most farms are open to visitors for free, while some may require booking ahead with a small fee, especially for apple plucking.
- Top attractions to visit in Hudson Valley in Fall: Bear Mountain State Park, Sleepy Hollow, Hurds Family Farm
Check out some free things to do in New York State in the fall.
2 Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is known for many eye-catching things and one of them is the scenery that fall brings. It does not cost much to enjoy an amazing fall vacation here, with many cheap inns to lodge and free things to do.
Home to several maple, oak, and Aspen trees that bloom in autumn, the city's numerous parks are ideal places to soak in these beauties. Entrance fees are relatively cheap in these parks, and fall is an off-peak season which also means fewer crowds.
- Top attractions to visit in Salt Lake City in Fall: Liberty Park, Temple Square, Red Butte Garden
1 Central Park, New York
Central Park is one of the world's most renowned public parks. Here, the beauty of fall is simply incredible. The park features an army of trees, shrubs, meadows, and gardens that bring out gorgeous colors during this season.
Yet, entrance to Central Park is free, and visitors can freely roam the park to capture its most beautiful sights. The conservatory garden and Central Park Mall offer some of the best foliage views, and by the lakes, the sights are jaw-dropping. It is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms and travelers should keep their cameras handy.
- Top attractions to visit in Central Park in Fall: Wollman Rink, Conservatory Garden, Bow Bridge