Five fabulous fall trips for leaf-peeping

Summer isn’t quite over, it’s true, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the cooler weather – especially if, like us, you’re in one of those areas where it feels like the heat will never break.

Fall temps mean fall leaves, and the frenzy over where to peek at those leaves is always fun. Here are some options around the country where the drive takes you through some of the best and most colorful views. And, as always, visit the Go Camping America site to check out the great options for campgrounds and RV parks along the way.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

From late September through mid-October, the area along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which starts 13 miles east of Portland, Ore., on Interstate 84, is a smorgasbord of color, with maple trees, ash and cottonwoods all vying for best in show. The waterfalls en route  – check out Multnomah or Wahkeena falls – are dramatic against the brilliant foliage, and there are other attractions, as well, including the Bonneville Dam, which has a fascinating salmon fish hatchery.

The waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge are gorgeous.

Aspen, Colorado

The unique gold and burgundy of fall aspens in Aspen turn this into a rewarding drive from mid-September to mid-October. The famous Maroon Bells – the two peaks in the Elk Mountains that are among the most photographed peaks in the world – offer a scenic counterpoint to the dramatic display, and Independence Pass, on Colorado 82 between Twin Lakes and Aspen, is a virtual explosion of color the whole way. And because this is technically the “mud season” in the town, there are usually good deals to be had on dining and shopping.

Various spots in Vermont

The sheer variety of trees in the state –oak, hickory, birch, dogwood and, of course, maple – makes it a terrific choice for a trek through any part of it, although those in the know tend to point toward Glover, Manchester, New Haven, Burlington and Bennington, and anything, really, around Lake Champlain. The colors range from russet to the many shades of wine, and serious leaf-peepers tend to wax nostalgic about their favorites and where to find them.

The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

With more than 100 types of trees, the Poconos are PA’s best bet for a visual vacation this time of year, starting the second week of September and going through late October. The area stretches for more than 2,000 miles and three zones, and so different sections change at different times, which means that you can spend several weeks and still not see it all. Miles of hiking trails offer a great way to get out and see the leaves up close, so don’t forget the camera!

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

The Porcupines and Ottawa National Forest are famous for their colors, with deep reds and vibrant yellows being the most talked-about hues from the abundant maples and oaks. As the season progresses, frost sets in, which gives the landscape a unique look, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for moose in this neck of the woods. Also consider the scenic tour of Keweenaw Peninsula, from Twin Lakes to Copper Harbor, which includes a stop at the lovely Lake Roland, rimmed by trees that turn a magnificent rust and burgundy.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Road trip! Water, antiques and history in the New Haven, Conn., area

Old time charm meets newfangled recreation when you take a road trip near New Haven along the Long Island Sound in lower Connecticut.

Many folks think of Yale University when they think of New Haven, and rightly so – it takes up the western edge of town and is a fun tour (free, visit the site for more info). But there’s a lot more to this architecture-laden place that started as a colony in 1638: churches, art galleries, libraries and museums are tidily interspersed around well-manicured squares.

If it’s a nice day for a picnic, Lighthouse Point Park is suitable for swimming, and has a cool old carousel. Stony Creek is just southeast of Branford and a destination for those looking to take a cruise around TheThimbles, tiny islands with their own weird and unique histories. Just east of this is Hammonasset Beach State Park, two miles of soft, clean sand with amenities such as restrooms, showers and picnic areas.

Start driving east along Interstate 95 into the Lower Connecticut River Valley for a series of picturesque towns with plenty of antiques shopping and views out over the Sound. Towns such as Westbrook, Old Saybrook  and Old Lyme are charming, and the latter is famous as the onetime mecca for the American Impressionists such as Childe Hassam and William Chadwick. They met at the home of Florence Griswold, which is now a museum worth visiting. Old Saybrook is home to the impressive collection at Old Saybrook Antiques Center.

Also in this area: the popular Gillette Castle State Park, lined by mountains and possessing an actual, medieval-looking castle, with the Connecticut River running alongside. It takes you away from the Sound, but there are other interesting towns to explore along the way, as well, including Essex, Chester and East Haddam, all following along Highway 9 and Highway 82.

A couple of terrific places to eat along the way: Bill's Seafood Restaurant in Westbrook (548 Boston Post Road, 860-399-7224) fries the living daylights out of anything, but especially clams and calamari. Great place for kids, right on the water. Also the Griswold Inn in Essex (36 Main St., 860-767-1776), which was built in 1776 and takes its Colonial-ness very seriously, as well as (weirdly) its tapas, served in the wine bar (the regular food is just so-so). And, finally, check out the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme (100 Lyme St., 860-434-1667) for a romantic, upscale meal with strolling musicians on Fridays and Saturdays.

For a good night's sleep en route, some top campgrounds include Totoket Valley RV Park in North Branford; Riverdale Farm Campsites in Clinton; Little City Campground in Higganum; Wolf's Den Campground in East Haddam; Salem Farms Campground in Salem; and Aces High RV Park in East Lyme.

For more options, including several near Gillette Castle State Park, visit Go Camping America's Park Finder.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.