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Best Places to See Fall Foliage as a Solo Traveler · Roam Alone

• 0:02
  SPEAKER_00: Fall foliage season has a problem that most travel content ignores.
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: Pink color windows are short.
• 0:10
  SPEAKER_00: They are completely weather dependent and impossible to plan around other people's calendars, which makes it one of the best trips to take completely on your own terms.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: I'm Teresa Stevens, and this is Roam Alone.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: In this episode, I'm covering five fall foliage destinations.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: We'll walk through some of the things that actually matter for a solo trip.
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: When to go, and exactly how tight that window really is.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: Where to eat solo without it being weird, and what the driving and safety picture looks like on those rural routes.
• 0:52
  SPEAKER_00: So let's get into it.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: We're gonna start off with probably the most popular, the most well-known, the most amazing place to peep those leaves, and that's the Adirondack's in New York.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: Six million acres of lakes and mountains, the top-ranked U.S.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: fall foliage destination for 2026.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: That's according to Priceline's hotel search data.
• 1:18
  SPEAKER_00: You can base yourself in one of two places that will be perfect for a solo trip: Lake Placid or Saranac Lake.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: They're both walkable.
• 1:28
  SPEAKER_00: They're both used to solo travelers thanks to the tourism infrastructure.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_00: Peak color runs late September through mid-October.
• 1:38
  SPEAKER_00: So one comment on fall color changes and elevation.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_00: It always starts at higher elevation.
• 1:46
  SPEAKER_00: So if you are seeing peak colors anywhere across the US, mid-September, those higher elevations will see it first.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: And you can almost not always say almost because there's always a caveat.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: Almost always you will see lower elevations changing colors two to four weeks after higher elevation.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_00: So we're in the Adirondacks, mid-September.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_00: You're going to start seeing those early hints of color begin to show in the highest elevations and the northern peaks.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_00: Couple weeks later, we're talking late September.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: That's when those noticeable color spreads are going to happen across the central areas and high peak summits reach their prime during this time.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: Getting into early and mid-October, the lower valleys, the lakeshore, southern areas will now hit peak brilliance, those intense reds, oranges, yellows that reflect across the lake.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_00: You've got at least another six weeks from the date of this episode to get out there and see those peak fall colors.
• 2:51
  SPEAKER_00: For Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, October 12th, that weekend prior is probably historically the most reliable time to see widespread color across the central and lower regions of the Adirondacks.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_00: Though higher summits, of course, may be already slightly past their peak.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_00: That was going to happen around mid-September, but you'll still see those brilliant colors.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: A couple of planning tips: peak color.
• 3:19
  SPEAKER_00: Whether it's mid-late September, mid-early October, any single town or specific spot, those peak colors are only going to last about five to seven days, and then they're going to start to drop off.
• 3:33
  SPEAKER_00: That's why planning a solo trip to see fall foliage is ideal because, as you know, if you're planning a trip with a couple of friends or with family members, everybody's got to coordinate their schedules, right?
• 3:50
  SPEAKER_00: Your work schedule, your personal family schedule.
• 3:53
  SPEAKER_00: It's hard to get in general three to four people to coordinate their schedules.
• 3:58
  SPEAKER_00: But if you're looking for like a last-minute trip, that's almost impossible to do.
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_00: That's again why a solo trip is perfect for viewing fall foliage.
• 4:09
  SPEAKER_00: Again, getting back to the Adirondacks, conditions do change every year based on weather and based on rainfall.
• 4:16
  SPEAKER_00: You can monitor real-time progress using two sites.
• 4:20
  SPEAKER_00: I Love New York Fall Foliage Report, and the New York is NY.
• 4:24
  SPEAKER_00: So I Love NY Fall Foliage Report, or you can get regional guides from the site Visit Adirondacks.
• 4:32
  SPEAKER_00: I'm going to have both of those links in the show notes that you can go to afterwards and click into that if you're headed to New York.
• 4:39
  SPEAKER_00: The Adirondack region features excellent dining spots, which are perfect for solo travelers, especially around Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.
• 4:49
  SPEAKER_00: Bar seating provides the perfect welcoming low pressure atmosphere.
• 4:55
  SPEAKER_00: Sitting at the bar, of course, is typically first come, first served, making these spots ideal for a spontaneous meal.
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_00: You don't need a table reservation.
• 5:04
  SPEAKER_00: And if you listen to this show at all, we're always talking about dining alone.
• 5:09
  SPEAKER_00: Some people love it, some people don't mind it, some people cringe at the thought of eating dinner alone.
• 5:17
  SPEAKER_00: And I think a lot of people don't take those solo trips because of the dining portion of the trip.
• 5:25
  SPEAKER_00: They don't want to sit at a bar alone.
• 5:26
  SPEAKER_00: And let me tell you, from someone who does it myself, I vacation, I travel alone, I sit at dinner alone, even in my own hometown.
• 5:36
  SPEAKER_00: And let me tell you one thing: nobody cares.
• 5:38
  SPEAKER_00: Nobody's looking at you, nobody's feeling sorry for you, nobody's pointing you out to others at their table.
• 5:44
  SPEAKER_00: Everybody's focused on themselves when it really comes down to it.
• 5:48
  SPEAKER_00: But I can understand how uncomfortable it is.
• 5:51
  SPEAKER_00: But trust me, there are certain places where you can dine alone and nobody's going to give it a second thought.
• 5:58
  SPEAKER_00: And if you don't want to sit at a table in a restaurant, head to the bar.
• 6:02
  SPEAKER_00: It's always the most fun, the best place you meet the best people at any restaurant.
• 6:10
  SPEAKER_00: So let's talk about a couple of restaurants in the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake area.
• 6:15
  SPEAKER_00: In Lake Placid, there's a restaurant called Smoke Signals.
• 6:19
  SPEAKER_00: The advantage here for Solo Traveler is it features a lively, spacious, brick-lined bar area.
• 6:26
  SPEAKER_00: It's gorgeous.
• 6:27
  SPEAKER_00: It is explicitly praised by solo travelers for its welcoming environment.
• 6:33
  SPEAKER_00: Think Lakefront Views, premium smoked brisket ribs, great selection of craft beers.
• 6:40
  SPEAKER_00: Makes you want to go already, doesn't it?
• 6:42
  SPEAKER_00: Mm-hmm.
• 6:43
  SPEAKER_00: Another restaurant in Lake Placid is Dancing Bears, and it's situated inside the High Peaks Resort.
• 6:49
  SPEAKER_00: The bar has a highly interactive vibe, friendly bartenders helping solo visitors plan their local adventures.
• 6:57
  SPEAKER_00: And this is another tip, not just for fall foliage, solo travel, but anytime you're traveling alone and you want to learn more about a new city, a new area, ask the bartenders.
• 7:11
  SPEAKER_00: They know everything.
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_00: And they are almost always, I mean, come on, we're working for tips here.
• 7:16
  SPEAKER_00: They're almost always willing to give you their inside scoop on the best places to travel, to visit, to eat.
• 7:24
  SPEAKER_00: So take advantage of those bartenders.
• 7:26
  SPEAKER_00: And again, I am not getting paid.
• 7:28
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not getting any kickbacks from any of my recommendations.
• 7:31
  SPEAKER_00: This is fully researched, and my own recommendations, take them as you will.
• 7:36
  SPEAKER_00: A highlight of Dancing Bears again, it is classic American pub, comfort food has a modern twist to it.
• 7:42
  SPEAKER_00: You get mixed cocktails, local drafts.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_00: It's highly, highly recommended.
• 7:48
  SPEAKER_00: And Saranac Lake, the Red Fox restaurant.
• 7:51
  SPEAKER_00: Out-of-town solo diners frequently note that the attentive bar staff is always taking exceptional care of single patrons.
• 8:00
  SPEAKER_00: This is a little bit more upscale, classic premium dishes like duck, ville marsala, perfectly broiled salmon.
• 8:09
  SPEAKER_00: Does that sound amazing or what?
• 8:11
  SPEAKER_00: Again, that's the Red Fox restaurant in Saranac Lake.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_00: All right, moving on to another area.
• 8:17
  SPEAKER_00: It is Stowe and the Green Mountain Byway in Vermont.
• 8:21
  SPEAKER_00: This is the classic.
• 8:23
  SPEAKER_00: Think small farm towns, covered bridges, Mount Mansfield in the background.
• 8:29
  SPEAKER_00: It is a good pick if this is your very first solo foliage trip.
• 8:34
  SPEAKER_00: It is a well-traveled route.
• 8:36
  SPEAKER_00: Towns are very close together.
• 8:39
  SPEAKER_00: Solo dining completely normalized in a place that is saturated with tourists in October.
• 8:45
  SPEAKER_00: So the peak time to watch fall colors in Stowe and the Green Mountain Byway in northern Vermont typically spans the last week of September through the first two weeks of October.
• 8:57
  SPEAKER_00: And of course, these are always, I say, I'm going to say it throughout this whole episode.
• 9:01
  SPEAKER_00: This is typical.
• 9:03
  SPEAKER_00: Typical means it can change.
• 9:05
  SPEAKER_00: It can be a few weeks earlier, it can be a few weeks later.
• 9:08
  SPEAKER_00: Always check.
• 9:10
  SPEAKER_00: Do your little research as well before you head there, just to make sure you're headed in the peak time to peep leaves.
• 9:19
  SPEAKER_00: Say that three times.
• 9:20
  SPEAKER_00: All right.
• 9:21
  SPEAKER_00: So the timeline and elevation for Stowe in Vermont.
• 9:26
  SPEAKER_00: Late September, higher elevations, of course, the Northern Mountain Passes will reach their vibrant peak the last two weeks of September.
• 9:35
  SPEAKER_00: Heading into early October, the lower elevations, Stowe Village, those scenic stretches of the Green Mountain Byway, Route 100, that is when they will hit that colorful crescendo.
• 9:48
  SPEAKER_00: It's absolutely gorgeous.
• 9:51
  SPEAKER_00: If you've never been up to Vermont, it will take your breath away.
• 9:55
  SPEAKER_00: So some scenic routes for visiting Stowe and the Green Mountain Byway.
• 10:01
  SPEAKER_00: Drive along the Green Mountain Byway, that's Route 100 through Waterbury and Stowe.
• 10:05
  SPEAKER_00: Route 108 will take you through Smuggler's Notch.
• 10:09
  SPEAKER_00: You'll get those panoramic views of red, orange, gold, maples that will take your breath away.
• 10:16
  SPEAKER_00: If you do want to avoid crowds, of course, everybody wants to go on a weekend, depending on your lifestyle, what all you have going on, you may not be able to get away during the week.
• 10:28
  SPEAKER_00: If possible, if you can add on a weekday, either a Monday, maybe a Thursday, those will inevitably have fewer crowds than you will over a weekend.
• 10:40
  SPEAKER_00: But I know we're not always able to do that.
• 10:43
  SPEAKER_00: Peak foliage weekends in and around Stowe Vermont, the heavy traffic to Route 100 and 108 will happen over those weekends.
• 10:52
  SPEAKER_00: Plan those weekday drives or even go out super early in the morning for a quieter experience.
• 11:00
  SPEAKER_00: For a solo traveler exploring Stowe in the Green Mountain.
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_00: By way, the best lodging options are those that prioritize safety, a walkable central location, built-in dining so you don't have to go anywhere.
• 11:13
  SPEAKER_00: And of course, opportunities to connect with locals or other travelers.
• 11:17
  SPEAKER_00: So here are a few, just again, recommendations, no kickbacks here.
• 11:21
  SPEAKER_00: It's just my research has told me these are some pretty cool places to stay.
• 11:27
  SPEAKER_00: If you don't want to drive to dinner alone at night, stay right in Stowe Village.
• 11:32
  SPEAKER_00: One of the highlights is the Green Mountain Inn.
• 11:35
  SPEAKER_00: It's a three-star hotel.
• 11:36
  SPEAKER_00: The rating is a 4.6 out of 5.
• 11:38
  SPEAKER_00: The price will vary, but be prepared.
• 11:42
  SPEAKER_00: This is Vermont.
• 11:43
  SPEAKER_00: It's going to be September and October.
• 11:46
  SPEAKER_00: It's not going to be cheap.
• 11:47
  SPEAKER_00: It's going to be several hundred dollars and it's going to be worth it.
• 11:51
  SPEAKER_00: It is an 1833 inn, hugely historical, absolutely gorgeous, located right on Main Street, makes it entirely walkable to downtown shops, coffee joints, bars.
• 12:05
  SPEAKER_00: It does feature a year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
• 12:09
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 12:10
  SPEAKER_00: Plus, the on-site whip bar and grill is a perfect welcoming spot to grab a bite, grab a drink at the bar without needing any kind of formal table or reservation.
• 12:21
  SPEAKER_00: Another place to consider is the Stowe Village Inn.
• 12:25
  SPEAKER_00: Prices range around$250 a night, 4.9 stars out of five.
• 12:33
  SPEAKER_00: This property overlooks the classic town of Stowe.
• 12:36
  SPEAKER_00: Can you imagine?
• 12:37
  SPEAKER_00: You're looking out, you get up in the morning, you're having your coffee, you're looking at the fall foliage, you're looking out over the town.
• 12:44
  SPEAKER_00: Absolutely perfect.
• 12:46
  SPEAKER_00: And as far as solo travel and thinking about walkability, it's just a short walk from Main Street's dining, the juiceries they have there.
• 12:55
  SPEAKER_00: They do have an on-site tap room and a restaurant.
• 12:58
  SPEAKER_00: So you've got that lively, friendly atmosphere, and it's right where you're staying.
• 13:04
  SPEAKER_00: If you want to chat with fellow travelers or locals, you don't have to go anywhere.
• 13:08
  SPEAKER_00: Stay at the inn, have a drink, have some food, and then hit the bed.
• 13:12
  SPEAKER_00: If you're looking for something social but a little bit more private, there is a place called AWOL Stow, A-W-O-L, AWOL Stow.
• 13:24
  SPEAKER_00: Rates range about$3.17 a night, four and a half star rating.
• 13:28
  SPEAKER_00: It is a gorgeous, minimalistic design that's tucked just off Mountain Road.
• 13:33
  SPEAKER_00: The comments that I've found about this hotel guests always note it has a small town friendly vibe among the staff and other travelers.
• 13:40
  SPEAKER_00: You gotta love that.
• 13:42
  SPEAKER_00: It serves a healthy, complimentary breakfast and a communal lounge.
• 13:46
  SPEAKER_00: It features shared hot tubs and a sauna, and it does sit right across from the Free Mountain Shuttle bus stop, which is huge.
• 13:54
  SPEAKER_00: Now, if you want to go even further and you're looking for that authentic New England stay, nothing's better than a BB, and very few Bs exist anymore outside New England.
• 14:07
  SPEAKER_00: This is perfect if you're looking for real local interaction.
• 14:11
  SPEAKER_00: You want to talk with the owner, you want some conversation over breakfast in the morning, local hiking tips.
• 14:19
  SPEAKER_00: This is where you're gonna find it.
• 14:20
  SPEAKER_00: The Brass Lantern Inn is one that comes highly recommended.
• 14:25
  SPEAKER_00: The rates range just under 309, 4.9 rating.
• 14:30
  SPEAKER_00: It's well known for its hospitality.
• 14:32
  SPEAKER_00: The Owner Dawn, widely praised by guests for being incredibly welcoming, helpful with trip planning.
• 14:39
  SPEAKER_00: It has a communal porch, so you can have this relaxing space with the mountain views.
• 14:44
  SPEAKER_00: You can talk with other locals.
• 14:46
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe you can meet somebody who will give you a little insight into what they have seen so far, what they're planning next.
• 14:54
  SPEAKER_00: What a great community feeling.
• 14:56
  SPEAKER_00: All right, we're moving on to the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia.
• 15:02
  SPEAKER_00: This is if you're looking for a long road trip option.
• 15:06
  SPEAKER_00: You don't want to go to just one small town or one byway.
• 15:11
  SPEAKER_00: You want to really take a long road trip to see as much fall foliage as possible.
• 15:17
  SPEAKER_00: Asheville, North Carolina will anchor the southern end with one of the best solo dining food scenes in the southeast.
• 15:25
  SPEAKER_00: Bar seating, small plates, no reservations needed.
• 15:29
  SPEAKER_00: Asheville remains one of my absolute favorite cities in the US.
• 15:35
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, top five.
• 15:36
  SPEAKER_00: Love this area so much.
• 15:38
  SPEAKER_00: It's absolutely gorgeous.
• 15:40
  SPEAKER_00: The restaurant scene is amazing, and the hiking is top-notch.
• 15:45
  SPEAKER_00: So, and the good thing is, if you are procrastinating on whether you're going to take this trip or not, or where you want to go, and you're a very last-minute person, this is for you because Peak Color runs later in North Carolina and Virginia, mid to late October.
• 16:05
  SPEAKER_00: It's a really good option if your schedule does not line up with New England's window.
• 16:10
  SPEAKER_00: So in Asheville proper, peak fall color typically arrives during the third to fourth week of October, while the surrounding high elevation peaks, of course, turn much earlier.
• 16:22
  SPEAKER_00: But anytime throughout the month of October, Asheville is going to be a perfect place to visit.
• 16:29
  SPEAKER_00: Because that area features massive changes in elevation, the fall foliage season doesn't happen all at once.
• 16:36
  SPEAKER_00: Instead, of course, color moves downward from the highest ridges to the lower valleys over about a five to six week window.
• 16:44
  SPEAKER_00: Late September to early October, we're looking at over 6,000 feet.
• 16:50
  SPEAKER_00: High elevation spots like Mount Mitchell, the graveyard fields, they'll start showing those bright reds and golds right around the third to fourth week of September, maybe that first week in October.
• 17:04
  SPEAKER_00: Between 4 and 5,000 feet, a little lower elevation.
• 17:08
  SPEAKER_00: The peak timeline is early to mid-October.
• 17:12
  SPEAKER_00: Color will spread along the higher stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Craggy Gardens.
• 17:17
  SPEAKER_00: Now, mid to late October, this is specifically Asheville and the valleys, the Biltmore state, that whole area, the lower slopes, that's when they'll hit their vibrant peak.
• 17:28
  SPEAKER_00: That's mid to late October.
• 17:30
  SPEAKER_00: Can you imagine visiting the Biltmore, mid-October, with those bright fall colors all around?
• 17:37
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, oh yeah.
• 17:39
  SPEAKER_00: It's as good as you can imagine.
• 17:41
  SPEAKER_00: Trust me.
• 17:42
  SPEAKER_00: And then the lower foothills.
• 17:44
  SPEAKER_00: This is going to be the later part of the fall season, late October, early November.
• 17:50
  SPEAKER_00: The lower valleys, areas like Lake Lure, that's where you're going to get that final colorful wrap-up.
• 17:57
  SPEAKER_00: I've got another site for you to track the exact progress week by week.
• 18:02
  SPEAKER_00: It's called the Explore Asheville Fall Color Report.
• 18:06
  SPEAKER_00: And you can get real-time updates on the peak times for the peaks.
• 18:12
  SPEAKER_00: And I'll have that linked on the show notes as well.
• 18:15
  SPEAKER_00: So what do you do when you're not peeping leaves for the weekend?
• 18:18
  SPEAKER_00: You need a little break, you need some shopping, maybe some dining, maybe hit a bar.
• 18:24
  SPEAKER_00: Three places in Asheville in particular that are incredibly pedestrian friendly, packed with hundreds of independent boutiques, art galleries, farm to table restaurants, perfect for a solo traveler.
• 18:39
  SPEAKER_00: Depends on the vibe that you're looking for, but three main places stand out.
• 18:43
  SPEAKER_00: Downtown Asheville, which I've been several times, and it's so much fun.
• 18:48
  SPEAKER_00: It's energetic, it's historic, very centralized.
• 18:52
  SPEAKER_00: You can walk up and down it and spend literally the entire day, and you will never get bored, and you'll definitely never go hungry.
• 19:01
  SPEAKER_00: The key corridors is Lexington Avenue that's got those quirky vintage shops and boutiques.
• 19:07
  SPEAKER_00: Biltmore Avenue has more of the top-tier restaurants.
• 19:11
  SPEAKER_00: And then there's the historic Grove Arcade.
• 19:14
  SPEAKER_00: That's an indoor architectural gym.
• 19:17
  SPEAKER_00: It has local shops and cafes.
• 19:20
  SPEAKER_00: There's, I don't know if you've ever been, there's a restaurant that I love so much called the Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar.
• 19:27
  SPEAKER_00: It's so, so, so, so good.
• 19:29
  SPEAKER_00: Highly recommended if you like that Southern comfort food.
• 19:33
  SPEAKER_00: Another area to explore historic Biltmore Village.
• 19:37
  SPEAKER_00: This is the quaint old world urban village.
• 19:40
  SPEAKER_00: It's located right outside the gates of the Biltmore estate.
• 19:43
  SPEAKER_00: It has beautiful tree-lined brick sidewalks, those late 1800s Tudor Revival architecture.
• 19:50
  SPEAKER_00: It's gorgeous.
• 19:52
  SPEAKER_00: You've got high-end national brands combined with local boutiques, estate gift shops, local breweries, upscale cafes.
• 20:00
  SPEAKER_00: It has everything for you.
• 20:02
  SPEAKER_00: And then the last one would be West Asheville.
• 20:05
  SPEAKER_00: This is around Haywood Road.
• 20:07
  SPEAKER_00: It's more of the artsy, the hip, very local vibe.
• 20:11
  SPEAKER_00: It's about a two and a half mile walkable stretch along Haywood Road.
• 20:15
  SPEAKER_00: You'll get those thrift stores, those vintage shops, record shops, dive bars, neighborhood coffee houses, very casual dining in that area.
• 20:26
  SPEAKER_00: All right, we're moving west for our fourth place to visit for peak fall foliage, and that is Aspen, Colorado.
• 20:34
  SPEAKER_00: We're talking alpine gold instead of New England red.
• 20:38
  SPEAKER_00: The Aspen Groves turn earlier.
• 20:40
  SPEAKER_00: So we're talking mid to late September.
• 20:43
  SPEAKER_00: The window here is notably shorter than the others on the list.
• 20:48
  SPEAKER_00: So Aspen's tourism infrastructure makes it one of the more comfortable solo bases.
• 20:54
  SPEAKER_00: It's upscale, it's well staffed, high solo traveler volume, but it also comes with a price.
• 21:01
  SPEAKER_00: So you think Aspen, eh, it's gonna be pricier.
• 21:04
  SPEAKER_00: If the dollar is not a problem, this is the place for you.
• 21:08
  SPEAKER_00: I have another link for you because leaf peeping season is already arriving.
• 21:13
  SPEAKER_00: The Old Farmers Almanac released its 2026 fall foliage map.
• 21:18
  SPEAKER_00: It's an interactive tool.
• 21:31
  SPEAKER_00: And finally, past peak, so you can maximize your leaf peeping all season long.
• 21:37
  SPEAKER_00: That 2026 fall foliage map is another thing that I'm going to be linked into the show notes.
• 21:43
  SPEAKER_00: So you can click on that.
• 21:45
  SPEAKER_00: And this is in addition to Colorado, it's all across the US.
• 21:48
  SPEAKER_00: You can see where your peak fall foliage is going to be for every state.
• 21:55
  SPEAKER_00: According to the map, this year's most colorful leaf shows should begin in late.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_00: September across the northern states and higher elevations, then hit much of the rest of the country through October before reaching parts of the south in early November.
• 22:10
  SPEAKER_00: And I do want to mention something about Colorado because one of my other jobs is I do newscasts, radio newscasts for several stations in the state.
• 22:20
  SPEAKER_00: And one thing that is mentioned all the time, uh, pretty much all year long, has been this ongoing drought in Colorado.
• 22:29
  SPEAKER_00: And it is affecting autumn foliage.
• 22:32
  SPEAKER_00: It's emerging about seven to ten days earlier than usual, and colors are a little less vibrant this season.
• 22:41
  SPEAKER_00: Believe me, it will still knock your socks off.
• 22:43
  SPEAKER_00: But because of ongoing drought conditions, it's going to be a little earlier and a little shorter.
• 22:49
  SPEAKER_00: Taking those scenic mountain drives across the state still remains one of the best ways to enjoy the early fall display.
• 22:57
  SPEAKER_00: There are a couple of routes in addition to Aspen.
• 23:00
  SPEAKER_00: There is a 55-mile peak-to-peak scenic byway that's near Denver.
• 23:06
  SPEAKER_00: There's also a 23-mile Guanella Pass trek.
• 23:09
  SPEAKER_00: If you go further west, drivers can explore longer, picturesque routes like the 205-mile West Elk Loop or the unpaved Last Dollar Road near Telluride.
• 23:21
  SPEAKER_00: This is a state where you can drive for hours and hours.
• 23:25
  SPEAKER_00: Stay in your car.
• 23:27
  SPEAKER_00: Be comfortable in your car with the windows down and the radio playing and just see these gorgeous, intense colors for hours.
• 23:37
  SPEAKER_00: So definitely check out the 2026 Fall Foliage Map from the Old Farmers Almanac that I am linking into show notes to see exactly where you can enjoy these beautiful sights.
• 23:47
  SPEAKER_00: One thing I did want to mention, and I bring it up now because again, I do a lot of newscasts for Colorado.
• 23:53
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm really in tuned to the state and the locals.
• 23:58
  SPEAKER_00: And this is for anywhere you choose to visit for fall foliage.
• 24:04
  SPEAKER_00: Please keep in mind that wherever you're visiting, it's people's homes.
• 24:09
  SPEAKER_00: This is where they live, this is where they work, where they spend time with their family, where they like to walk around outside without a billion tourists overwhelming them.
• 24:20
  SPEAKER_00: Now the tourism dollars are huge.
• 24:23
  SPEAKER_00: So you've got that on your side.
• 24:26
  SPEAKER_00: But all I'm asking is when you park your car to get out and see the sites, please be aware of where you're parking and if you're blocking anybody.
• 24:40
  SPEAKER_00: And if you see the locals, they're the people probably not staring at the leaves like you are.
• 24:46
  SPEAKER_00: Those are the locals.
• 24:47
  SPEAKER_00: Be as kind as possible because they are being descended upon.
• 24:52
  SPEAKER_00: Believe me.
• 24:53
  SPEAKER_00: I mention this now because I did a story about a week ago about Guanella Pass in Colorado.
• 25:01
  SPEAKER_00: It's in Clear Creek County.
• 25:02
  SPEAKER_00: The sheriff's office is starting to penalize illegal roadside parking.
• 25:09
  SPEAKER_00: You will get an$87.50 fine or your car towed if you park illegally.
• 25:18
  SPEAKER_00: And this is only because they need to keep those emergency routes clear.
• 25:21
  SPEAKER_00: You're up in the mountains.
• 25:23
  SPEAKER_00: If there's an emergency, they need to get down or they need to get up right away.
• 25:27
  SPEAKER_00: Officials there are stressing vehicles have to park entirely off the road in designated parking loss or pull-offs.
• 25:35
  SPEAKER_00: And just one, just one single illegally parked car can lead to widespread traffic hazards.
• 25:44
  SPEAKER_00: This is real.
• 25:45
  SPEAKER_00: Just be respectful, that's all I'm saying.
• 25:48
  SPEAKER_00: The last one on our list is my wild card pick.
• 25:51
  SPEAKER_00: This is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
• 25:55
  SPEAKER_00: The one with the most real solo logistics, to think through, waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, long stretches between towns, spotty cell service.
• 26:08
  SPEAKER_00: This is a beautiful trip to take, but a couple of areas of caution to go along with it.
• 26:15
  SPEAKER_00: Whatever car you're driving, whether it's a rental or you're bringing your own, make sure that your car is in good condition.
• 26:23
  SPEAKER_00: Has the oil been changed recently?
• 26:25
  SPEAKER_00: Is there enough gas?
• 26:26
  SPEAKER_00: Have at least a half a tank of gas.
• 26:29
  SPEAKER_00: Is your cell phone fully charged?
• 26:31
  SPEAKER_00: Do you have a charger with you?
• 26:33
  SPEAKER_00: Can you charge inside the car?
• 26:35
  SPEAKER_00: Do you have an external charger you can bring with you?
• 26:38
  SPEAKER_00: Most importantly, and this is wherever you go on your solo fall foliage trip, anytime you're traveling alone.
• 26:46
  SPEAKER_00: Leave your itinerary with someone, someone who knows where you're going to be at all times.
• 26:52
  SPEAKER_00: Turn your find my on your Apple iPhone on.
• 26:55
  SPEAKER_00: Make sure somebody will always know where you are.
• 26:58
  SPEAKER_00: And in addition to that, I say find my, but yes, have that, but also a written itinerary.
• 27:04
  SPEAKER_00: Text it to someone, email it to someone, just in case your cell phone is no longer working.
• 27:09
  SPEAKER_00: Because believe me, when you're up in the mountains, it can get a little spotty.
• 27:13
  SPEAKER_00: So if somebody has your itinerary and you don't show up when you're supposed to, someone will know and they will come looking for you.
• 27:20
  SPEAKER_00: When you're going to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, daylight driving, know your fuel levels before you head out, know your lodging stops in advance.
• 27:31
  SPEAKER_00: There is a Gas Buddy app and it will have the closest gas stations to you.
• 27:38
  SPEAKER_00: Take a screenshot of the ones closest to you just in case.
• 27:41
  SPEAKER_00: Cover all of the contingencies just to make sure you're the safest you can possibly be.
• 27:47
  SPEAKER_00: Share the route with someone before you ever head out.
• 27:50
  SPEAKER_00: Now, the best time to visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula for fall foliage is late September through mid-October.
• 27:58
  SPEAKER_00: The most vibrant peak colors will typically arrive during those first two weeks of October.
• 28:04
  SPEAKER_00: Couple of areas to see those beautiful fall colors.
• 28:08
  SPEAKER_00: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
• 28:10
  SPEAKER_00: Colorful cliffs above Lake Superior.
• 28:13
  SPEAKER_00: It is absolutely gorgeous.
• 28:15
  SPEAKER_00: Michigan as a state is gorgeous.
• 28:18
  SPEAKER_00: Mid-September to early October, it's even more beautiful.
• 28:23
  SPEAKER_00: The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, another recommendation for those massive panoramic forest views.
• 28:30
  SPEAKER_00: Highly recommend if you've never been to Michigan, do yourself a favor and head there.
• 28:35
  SPEAKER_00: Couple of things to keep in mind, regardless of where you do your leaf peeping.
• 28:40
  SPEAKER_00: Again, this is why I'm including all those links so you can double check that your plans align with the most vibrant time to visit wherever you want to go to see the fall colors.
• 28:52
  SPEAKER_00: Timing is completely unforgiving.
• 28:54
  SPEAKER_00: A warm September can push those peak colors back two weeks.
• 28:58
  SPEAKER_00: An early cold snap, shorten the whole window.
• 29:02
  SPEAKER_00: That's where solo travelers have an advantage here.
• 29:06
  SPEAKER_00: You can move your trip on short notice in a way that's much harder to coordinate with a whole group.
• 29:12
  SPEAKER_00: Solo dining varies by destination.
• 29:15
  SPEAKER_00: Saturated tourist towns like Stowe and Lake Placid, Asheville, they make solo dining, believe me, it's a non-event.
• 29:23
  SPEAKER_00: However, remote wilderness routes like Upper Peninsula, Michigan, backcountry stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, that means fewer restaurants, period.
• 29:34
  SPEAKER_00: So it is worth planning meals around towns rather than assuming you'll find something if you're in either of those areas.
• 29:42
  SPEAKER_00: Rural driving after dark, that is a real risk factor.
• 29:47
  SPEAKER_00: Not the towns themselves.
• 29:48
  SPEAKER_00: Scenic byways lose light early in the fall.
• 29:51
  SPEAKER_00: They have limited shoulder space, often again have no self-service for long stretches.
• 29:58
  SPEAKER_00: And of course, wildlife.
• 29:59
  SPEAKER_00: Wildlife will cross those roads and you will not see it until you're on top of them.
• 30:04
  SPEAKER_00: The advice that matters: drive the scenic sections in daylight.
• 30:08
  SPEAKER_00: Know your fuel stops before you're low.
• 30:12
  SPEAKER_00: Tell someone your route and expect at arrival time.
• 30:16
  SPEAKER_00: And again, one extra mention.
• 30:18
  SPEAKER_00: Be very cognizant of where you're parking.
• 30:21
  SPEAKER_00: Make sure you're all the way off the roadway so that you're not blocking the road in any way.
• 30:26
  SPEAKER_00: Make sure you're not parking in somebody's front yard if they are not selling parking spots.
• 30:32
  SPEAKER_00: If they are not a part of this, they're just trying to live their lives.
• 30:37
  SPEAKER_00: Just be very cognizant of where you're parking your car.
• 30:43
  SPEAKER_00: So that's five places to chase peak colors solo this fall, from the Adirondacks to the Upper Peninsula.
• 30:50
  SPEAKER_00: If you're planning one of these trips, I'd love to hear which one you pick.
• 30:54
  SPEAKER_00: Find me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know.
• 30:57
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, safe travels.
• 30:59
  SPEAKER_00: I'll see you out there.