The Best Budget-Friendly Fall Escape in Each State

There's no need to be sad that summer is over because the fall fun has only just begun. Each state is home to a place where you can fall head over heels for autumn without spending too much money. Read on to see what the best budget-friendly fall escape is in your state.

A wonderland of waterfalls and colorful flora, DeSoto State Park atop Lookout Mountain is a dream come true in the fall. Fort Payne is a first-rate base from which to explore the length and breadth of the park and is home to several budget-friendly hotels and restaurants.

Dark nights descend on Fairbanks once again in fall and that means the return of Northern Lights season. Combine this with the colorful foliage at nearby Denali National Park and the fact that the summer crowds have thinned, and you have a hat trick of reasons to head north.

Sure, Sedona is home to plenty of posh spas and resorts, but there are more budget-friendly places to stay here than you might expect. Save some cash by staying in one and then travel to nearby Oak Creek Canyon to take in one of Arizona's most impressive flashes of autumn color.

This forest is home to some of the best autumn accents in Arkansas and a range of budget-friendly accommodation on its fringes. There's no better way to soak in the natural beauty than by taking a jaw-dropping excursion on the Talimena Scenic Drive, which meanders from Mena, Arkansas over the border into Oklahoma.

Sacramento still feels like a bit of a secret, and it features lower prices than lower down in the state. And as an added autumn bonus, it sits close to Gold Country and historic Highway 49-one of the state's most spectacular fall drives.

Not only can you use Fort Collins as a great base from which to explore Rocky Mountain National Park at peak foliage season, but the town's host of craft breweries are also bound to concocting autumn-tinged beers this time of year. Throw in the chance to take in a Colorado State Rams football game and you have a great fall getaway.

The state capital tends to get overshadowed by both countryside and coastal Connecticut destinations, but Hartford has a lot going for it. From historical sights to foodie delights, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the high level of quality and the numerous free attractions.

Take in autumn color on the Alapocas Woods Trail before resting up in one of Wilmington's many budget-friendly hotels. Then, continue the (free) leaf-peeping by touring the dreamy Brandywine Valley.

Pensacola and its sugary sands might not get as much press as some of its other neighbors on the Panhandle, but that just serves to keep the prices down at sea level. The historic town is full of surprises and since all the summer crowds have disappeared, fall is arguably the best time of the year to be on the beach here.

Tucked away in the northwest nook of the state, Cloudland Canyon is a splendid place to find yourself in the fall. Stay in one of the cottages or yurts inside the park to best explore the range of trails that take you past canyons, caves, creeks and waterfalls-all sporting their best shades of fall color.

Oahu is the place to go for budget-friendly accommodations in Hawaii and since it's officially shoulder season come September, you'll be able to tan your shoulders with few crowds. Waimea makes for a wonderful base for exploring this side of the island.

Both Sandpoint and its neighbor Ponderay offer the chance to experience this alluring section of Idaho at its autumn best. Take to the Selkirk Loop to see the best colors the Cabinet Mountains have to offer before settling in on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille for a delicious meal.

Even if it didn't sit on the outskirts of the stunning Starved Rock State Park, this lovely Land of Lincoln town would be a great place to visit. Throw in the waterfalls and fall hues of the park though and you have a terrific fall getaway.

Stay in this forest or nearby French Lick to see some of the most handsome fall colors in the Hoosier State. Your budget will stretch, as the scenery is free and the entire region is home to scores of rental-by-owner properties that won't break the bank.

Blessed with an enviable position on the Mississippi River, Dubuque is down-to-earth, affordable and is a fine place to be in fall. Take a trip on the historic Fenelon Place Elevator (lovingly described by locals as "the world's shortest, steepest scenic rail journey") to admire the town in all its autumn glory.

The Kansas capital is always a tremendous under-the-radar destination, but during autumn, a delicious red carpet is rolled out for visitors. Enjoy the best of everyone's favorite fall fruit at the Cider Days Festival and the Apple Festival and you might just leave falling for Topeka.

The home of the Western Kentucky Univesity has a lot in store for those that visit between September-November. The fun is always bubbling below ground at Lost River Cave and nearby Mammoth Cave National Park, while on the surface, you will find a vibrant display of color painted on the trees and the cars at the National Corvette Museum.

Louisiana is never going to be confused with New England when it comes to fall color, but the further north you go in the state, the more flashes of foliage you will see. Shreveport sits in the far northwest of the state and is home to a plethora of budget-friendly events each autumn, most famously the Lousiana State Fair.

While everyone else is leaf-peeping and paying a premium for romantic inland bed & breakfasts, make for this vibrant coastal town to save a few bucks while having a blast in the process. Experiencing scenic lighthouse walks and the fascinating Portland Freedom Trail, both of which won't cost you a penny.

Even though the long shadows of fall may be creeping their way across the beach, it always feels like summer in Ocean City. Sure, you may need a sweater to play mini-golf or ride the amusements, but you'll have a blast and the offseason hotel prices are sure to make you smile.

The season that brings us Thanksgiving is without a doubt the best time to follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrims and visit Plymouth. Oh, and you're bound to be pleasantly surprised by the prices of the hotels-especially during the week.

It might not be cherry season anymore, but that doesn't mean fall isn't a sweet time to visit Traverse City. You'll find some of the country's loveliest leaf displays in the region and discounts on hotels when compared to the peak of summer.

Not only is Red Wing surrounded by vast swaths of vibrant scenery each fall, but the town is also home to one of Minnesota's most haunted buildings-The Saint James Hotel. After all, what is fall without a fright or two?

When it comes to the rites of autumn, tailgating is right up there with leaf-peeping. Well, you won't find a better place to pregame than Ole Miss in and the nearby Holly Springs National Forest, you'll find a place awash in late-season color.

After Labor Day, the Lake gets a whole lot quieter. This is the time to find good deals on rentals by the shore and appreciate some fine Missouri foliage.

This Montana town serves as the perfect base to explore the autumn splendor of Glacier National Park. High on your to-do list should be to take a drive on the park's Going-to-the-Sun Road-arguably America's most scenic drive-which typically remains fully open until the middle of fall.

You are sure to spot some burnt orange and bright yellow leaves from the observation decks at the state capitol, which is always free to visit. And since Lincoln is one of America's best college towns, you will find plenty of values in the food & drink in the Haymarket District and the venues that cater to college students.

The pool parties may be petering out, but Las Vegas still sizzles during September, October and November. the best part? There's always deals to be found on the Strip or downtown, especially during the week.

While the leaf-lovers are going gaga over the interior of the Granite State, head straight for the Seacoast to see your "fall dollar" stretch further. Half of all annual tourists visit Portsmouth in the summer, so you'll have more of this coastal town's historic sights and restaurants to yourself.

No one is ever going to confuse LBI with a low-budget destination, but you are much more likely to score deals in cute Beach Haven in autumn. Yes, the majority of the temporary summer residents have departed, meaning you'll have more of the beach to yourself and fewer people in the background of your Barnegat Lighthouse selfie.

For nine days in October, the skies above Albuquerque come alive with colorful balloons gliding through the air. Even if you miss the world-famous Balloon Fiesta, this city is at its best during autumn, when the days are crisp and clear and the prices-as always-are budget-friendly.

Where else can you take a stroll over the Hudson River while admiring the flashes of fall color that line its banks? Nowhere. Yes, a trip to Poughkeepsie will keep the budget grounded but the spirits high.

This idyllic town is the hub of Transylvania County, a section of the state blanketed in beautiful forests and overrun with romantic waterfalls. Use budget-friendly Brevard as a base to explore both Dupont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest-both at their apex in autumn.

Fargo is surely the "coolest" spot in ND, but Bismarck makes for a dream fall getaway that won't break the bank. Tour Chief Looking's Village to learn about the local Native America culture while also taking in sweeping views of the autumn landscape. Then, take a tour of the Art Deco gem of a state capital building.

World-famous theme park Cedar Point may be closed during the week in autumn, but the beaches in the area are still open every day and are free to visit. Catch a gorgeous sunset and relax on the sands at nearby East Harbor State Park while you wait for the coasters to start rolling again at the weekend.

Not only was this town Oklahoma's original capital-and arguably its most historic destination-it is home to a collection of historic homes that help give it a charm found nowhere else in the state. And why is fall such a fine time to visit? Guthrie is also regarded as the most haunted town in Oklahoma, and visitors are invited to experience the local haunted houses and take part in ghost walks.

You can certainly enjoy yourself in Eugene all year-round, but autumn is when the Ducks are back on the football field and the surrounding hills are alive with color. Experiencing the great Oregon outdoors is always free and the city is home to plenty of budget-friendly hotels.

This national forest is criss-crossed with handsome hiking trails and stunning scenic drives, which all get amplified by the fall foliage on display. In addition, the Kinzua Sky Walk offers a sweeping panorama of the forest for an extremely budget-friendly cost of admission: free.

Yes, the prices may still be bobbing north of "budget", but autumn presents the best opportunity to experience the magic of this island while not paying maximum rate at the hotels and private rentals. Luckily, access to the beach never costs a penny and the sunrises are always priceless.

Enjoy the beauty of fall with a stroll through Falls Park on the Reedy, the city's signature park. This space offers a tranquil oasis right in the center of the city. Then, explore the surrounding hills and hiking trails before enjoying the delectable range of affordable food & drink available in this trending town.

This town on the Plains is rapidly evolving into a budget-friendly traveler's favorite. Check out the impressive works of street art on the walls of Art Alley before being impressed by displays from a whole another era at Dinosaur Park. They are both free attractions.

Gatlinburg sits at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains National Park, but despite its prime location, it remains a haven for low-priced fun. Almost all the attractions in town are geared towards families and the region is filled with budget-friendly cabins and private rentals.

Once the summer heat departs, this far-West Texas town truly shines. Take in the natural beauty of the area at Franklin Mountains State Park before settling in for a delicious meal in town. And with Hispanic Heritage Month taking place during September and October, you won't be short of cultural events to experience, either.

Park City is a dream autumn escape. Not only have the ski crowds yet to descend on the town, but the fall foliage in the area is also among some of the best in Utah.

The small towns of Vermont turn into leaf-peeping central each autumn, but the capital offers the best of both worlds. In Montpelier, you can see some of the state's signature color while having plenty of options as far as meals and lodging are concerned-and options equal savings.

Crisp leaves and clinking wine glasses go together like two peas in a pod, and this romantic town offers a bit of both. Tour the local vineyards-taking in plenty of samples along the way-while admiring the colorful rolling hills before heading into town for budget-friendly bars and restaurants.

While the Columbia River Gorge is typically associated with neighbor Oregon, this state park offers views of the gorge and plenty of budget-friendly cabins and other assorted private accommodation. Hike the namesake rock to take in the best fall foliage on display.

This park is annually home to some of the state's most spectacular autumn scenery, most notably the iconic Grist Mill surrounded by a background of color. Affordable cabins and camping are available in the park, and a host of budget-friendly hotels can be found in surrounding towns.

This scenic section of Wisconsin will never be considered a "cheap" locale, but budget-friendly lodging can be found if you do your research. To maximize your dollar, visit during the week when there are fewer crowds and the leaves look just as smashing as they do on Saturdays.

Yellowstone is popular year-round no doubt, but come September you can enjoy its splendor with slightly fewer tourists. Yes, there's nothing like seeing Old Faithful spray to the heavens against a canvas of autumn shades.