There’s a magical window of opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts in the fall months. It’s hard to predict exactly when it’s going to hit, and there’s no name for it, but its existence is undeniable. It’s those few days – maybe close to a week long – where leaves are at their most colorful as summer growth gives way to autumn radiance. When russets and ambers hug scarlets and auburns where there used to be only green. There’s a French term John Locke used in An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, in 1690 called feuille morte. It means “dead leaf”, and feels appropriately poetic, so I say let’s call this magical time “Feuille Week.” Here are four places worth visiting to celebrate the week-long event – if you choose to celebrate.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
If you’re chasing peak fall-ness, in the Berkshires, trees compete to be the most brilliant. The winding roads through the mountains, dotted with quaint New England towns, are magic – whether you’re on Route 7, or taking in views from Mount Greylock (the highest point in Massachusetts).
For a perfect spot to park your RV, consider Bonnie Brae Campground in Pittsfield. This highly-rated campground is nestled in a quiet wooded area, giving you easy access to some of the best hiking trails and scenic drives in the region. It’s the perfect base to explore everything from Berkshire’s cultural gems like the Norman Rockwell Museum to the simple beauty of a forest just simply doing fall forest things.
The Natchez Trace Parkway (Near Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee)
Just outside of Nashville, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic byway that stretches 444 miles through three states. But for an autumn getaway, the stretch near the charming village of Leiper’s Fork is a standout. As you drive this ancient trail, once traveled by Native Americans and now mostly closed off from traffic and reserved for sightseeing, you’ll see the hardwood forests light up. The Trace itself feels like a drive back in time – no billboards, no stoplights, just miles of peaceful road flanked by stunning fall colors and the occasional road bikers (do watch out for them).
Consider starting your trip at the Loveless Cafe, a Nashville tradition for over 70 years, then heading south, swinging by Leiper’s Fork, the tiny town where you might bump into big wigs who call it home, like Justin Timberlake or Tim McGraw. Then set up camp at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace RV Resort, located just outside of Hohenwald. This top-rated spot sits right off the Parkway, with full hookups and spacious sites. It’s a comfortable home base for your backroad adventures, with plenty of its own views to boot.
Arches National Park, Utah
Tree-spotting is not the only way to enjoy the crispness of autumn. For an autumn RV adventure worlds away from the usual fall foliage fare, head to the otherworldly landscapes of Arches National Park. Fall is the perfect time to visit, as the scorching summer temperatures cool, leaving the red rock formations glowing under clear blue skies. The contrast between the fiery orange rocks and the soft golden light of sunset is otherworldly at any time, but in the cool of autumn, it’s most awe-inspiring at every turn, from Delicate Arch to Balanced Rock.
When it’s time to park, think about something different, like Moab RV and Glamping Resort. Just minutes from the park entrance, this highly rated spot offers full RV hookups and stunning views of the surrounding red cliffs. After a day spent exploring the natural beauty of Arches, you can unwind under the stars at your campsite, soaking in the desert’s stillness.
Wine Country, Sonoma, California
Sonoma in the fall is a dream for those who love their wine with notes of harvest season. The vineyards blaze with autumn colors. Beyond the vineyards, Sonoma County offers beautiful coastal views and forested hikes in places like Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. You’ll find Instagram-worthy shots around every corner, from the winding wine country roads to towering redwoods.
Find time for the fantastic Napa Valley Wine Train if you can. And for a great place to park, check out Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park. Located near downtown Santa Rosa, this convenient spot puts you close to Sonoma’s wineries, restaurants, and all the fall festivities. Or if you’re falling coastal, go full beach mode at Bodega Bay RV Park.
Feuille Week Should Be Your New Favorite Excuse to Get Away
It only happens once a year, but if you time it right, this week can deliver in a huge way. In another of his essays, John Locke wrote, “No man’s knowledge here can go beyond his experience.” We trust that whether you pick one of these four landing spots or one of your own, you’ll gain new knowledge of how beauty can inspire.
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