Lately, the mornings have been getting cooler and the sun has been dipping below then horizon a bit earlier each day which can only mean one thing: Autumn is in the air!

While spring is often celebrated for being the season of new color, I am of the belief that fall puts on an even better show. Maybe it’s because fall color doesn’t come with that spray of pollen that us hay fever sufferers dread, or perhaps it’s all that fun that accompanies the season in the form of apple picking, hayrides, and jubilant jumps into a pile of multicolored leaves.

There are many great spots around the country to head out as a family and enjoy the colors of the season. Here are a few of our favorites from coast to coast.

June Lake, CA: Many may think the East Coast offers the only truly great spots to leaf and peep but the West Coast does have some stunning places to enjoy the season. One of the most scenic is June Lake, in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes. A loop around the lake offers views of the blue lake framed by golden aspens and willows. Color is typically in its peak during early to mid-October.

Estes Park, CO: Numerous hiking trails will lead you to aspen groves reflected on Rocky Mountain lakes in the woodlands surrounding Estes Park. This mountain town is located in between Roosevelt National and Rocky Mountain National Park and is home to a high concentration of elk which are seen roaming town on a daily basis.

If you are staying at the Homeward Suites – Boulder, Estes Park is only a short 30 mile drive away.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: There is a reason why the roadways through this park are often congested on autumn weekends- the leafing here is second to none. The deciduous forests that dominate the landscape are aflame with color and the easy access from urban areas of the East Coast draw heavy crowds. My suggestion is to plan for a midweek visit. The crowding will be significantly less and your experience will be much more peaceful. Be sure to make time to park the car and enjoy one of the many trails inside the park including the Sugarland Mountain Trail, which ranks high with leafers and peepers.

New Hampshire Lakes Region: It’s no secret that New England is a top spot to enjoy the colors of fall and New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a great place to embrace the color and have some family fun. There are several ropes courses in the area, offering families an active way to spend some time with the trees. Boat tours of area lakes such as Squam Lake are another memorable way to revel in the colors of the season.

Homewood Suites, Dover which is about 35 miles from the New Hampshire Lakes Region is a family-friendly place to stay while exploring New Hampshire.