20 Small Towns in America Ideal for Fall Travel

Fall is arguably the best season to travel as there's no shortage of excellent flight deals, crowds are thin, temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change in most parts of the country. If you're looking to capitalize with a pleasant escape this autumn, consider one of these delightful American small towns.

If your idea of a perfect fall day includes sipping warm coffee while you browse diverse shops and art galleries and enjoy scenic riverfront views, Lambertville is the small town for you. The architecture alone will leave you in awe.

Located directly across the Delaware River from Lambertville, New Hope has got everything you're looking for in a charming small town, including phenomenal historic and cultural attractions. Fall visitors can enhance their experience by booking a stay at the luxurious and scenic Inn at Bowman's Hill. Feeling courageous? Autumn travelers will also want to partake in a spooky ghost tour.

Rich history, tremendous hiking and gorgeous views await visitors to Harpers Ferry this fall. History buffs with an interest in the Civil War will love the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park while photographers will hardly be able to wait to reach the scenic overlook at the top of the Maryland Heights Trail. Stunning fall foliage, scary Halloween tours, an array of campgrounds and stellar seasonal craft beer at Harpers Ferry Brewing add to the destination's draw this time of year.

This college town is located in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, which comes to life with spectacular colors during the fall months. Beyond the scenery, kids will love the interactive exhibits on display at the Explore More Discovery Museum while the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum woodland sanctuary on the James Madison University campus is a can't-miss for outdoor enthusiasts.

This Illinois small town attracts nearly a million visitors a year thanks to its epic 19th-century buildings, historical significance and plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities, including kayaking, biking, golfing, hiking and even ballooning. Galena also features a loaded events calendar during the fall including Oktoberfest celebrations, farmers' markets, live music and much more.

Vermont is renowned for its eye-popping autumn colors and Manchester is certainly no exception. The small town tucked away in the Green Mountains is the ideal place to recharge your batteries ahead of the hectic holiday season. Visitors can go apple and pumpkin picking, of course, as well as golfing, hiking and fly fishing. Brave fall visitors can also learn about Manchester's haunted history in places like Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home and Glastenbury Mountain.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is undoubtedly one of the nation's best for leaf-peeping and Gatlinburg gives visitors a front-row seat to the mesmerizing autumn hues. This family-friendly small town also features plenty of worthwhile attractions and activities beyond the national park, including the 120 passenger Aerial Tramway, thrill rides, miniature golf, ghost walks, museums and much more.

This scenic New England destination can be found directly between Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam Lake and therefore offers tons of water-based fun in addition to relaxing parks, trails and beaches. Fall visitors can also attend the annual New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival. This year's event is scheduled for October 18-19.

Perhaps best known for the namesake 1969 music festival that was actually held 60 miles away in Bethel, New York, Woodstock isn't just for hippies but rather for anyone with an interest in art, movies, music and hiking, among other passions. There might not be a better small town for sparking your creativity.

Located about 90 minutes north of Philadelphia and west of New York City, Bethlehem is a destination with rich industrial history (Bethlehem Steel) and one chock-full of one-of-a-kind features, including the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world (Moravian Book Shop opened in 1745) and America's oldest Bach choir.

Visitors to Colorado will find Snowmass Village just west of Aspen. The town of fewer than 3,000 people is beloved by skiers and snowboarders who flock to the region each winter. However, fall visitors are more likely to find a deal on accommodations while still being able to enjoy some pretty autumn foliage.

Salem embraces its spooky past tied to the infamous 1692 witch trials and is an absolute must-visit for fans of the Disney cult classic "Hocus Pocus" as visitors can explore a handful of filming locations like the Ropes Mansion before diving into a slew of Halloween-themed events such as Salem Horror Fest and pet costume parades, among many others.

Elsewhere in New England, the self-proclaimed Jewel of the Maine coast, Camden is a hit with all types, including sailors, foodies and hikers. Gorgeous views of the Penobscot Bay, mouthwatering seafood, photogenic lighthouses and a whole lot more await autumn visitors.

Blowing Rock is located less than two hours northeast of Asheville along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and is not to be missed by those hoping to soak up some fresh air this fall. Whether you're strolling by the restaurants and shops along Main Street, hiking the Glen Burney Trail or exploring Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, this charming village is sure to put your mind at ease.

It's hard not to fall in love with Wellsboro as you walk past its historic brick buildings and authentic gas-lit lanterns. If you find yourself visiting this fall, your timing couldn't be better as the town's historic Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge is celebrating its 150th anniversary. It's the perfect basecamp for exploring all this town has to offer, including one-of-a-kind shops and scenic biking trails.

If your travels take you to California Wine Country this fall, consider a stop in Calistoga. This Napa Valley small town is oft-celebrated for its excellent wineries and natural hot springs, a unique combination that few destinations can lay claim to.

Well-known for its world-class skiing and as host of the annual Sundance Film Festival, Park City is nothing short of amazing during the fall, when visitors will have a laundry list of exciting things to see and do at their disposal, from scenic hikes and drives to hot air balloon rides and whiskey tastings at High West Distillery.

A big hit with winter sports enthusiasts because of its prolific snowfall totals, Houghton is an ideal place for travelers seeking to venture far from the beaten path this autumn. The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum located on the campus of Michigan Technological University and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge that connects Houghton with nearby Hancock, Michigan are among the top attractions for first-time visitors.

America's Coolest Small Town. Next Great Adventure Town. Those are just two of the many honors this Minnesota village has received in recent years. Grand Marais is practically overflowing with natural beauty and is home to the oldest art colony in Minnesota.

Even though Leavenworth's famous Oktoberfest celebration wraps up October 18-19, this Bavarian-style village located in Washington's Cascade Mountains still brings plenty else to the table through the end of fall. Book a stay at one of the town's charming lodges, resorts or inns and be sure to explore the many nearby parks and trails. If you get too cold, you can always head inside to warm up with a pretzel and a beer.