Fall is quickly approaching and while we all want summer to last forever, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the beauty that comes along with the changing seasons. The photographers at Nations Photo Lab listed the 11 best U.S. destinations to photograph this fall—the standard 10 just didn't get it done this time.
1. Door County, Wisconsin
Known for its amazing state parks and nature reserves, Door County is a must-see peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Although the entire county is full of amazing places to photograph, Cave Point is a fall favorite. The stronger the wind is blowing from the east, the better the shots of the waves crashing into the cliffs will be.
2. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Spreading over 1.2 million acres, the Ozark National Forest is full of spectacular and awe-inspiring scenery. Plan your trip for October, when the fall foliage is at its peak, and find yourself lost in the beautiful fall hues. Home to mountains, springs, rivers, and breathtaking parks, there is so much to see.
3. Catskill Mountains, New York
There is no shortage of incredible views in the Catskill Mountains. For a perfect fall landscape photo, venture to the northern peaks to capture the mountains’ beauty from a higher elevation. Once you’ve got the perfect shot, head over the Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest. This festival spans over four weekends and offers live entertainment, great food, and authentic German food and drinks.
4. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Want to visit one of the most picturesque parks in America? Look no further than the Grand Teton National Park! From alpine lakes, to stunning mountain ranges, to exotic wildlife, you will certainly not run out of striking content to photograph. Mormon Row and the Moulton Barns are the most photographed destinations in the park but the Grand Tetons’ celestial peaks are also not to be missed.
5. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
With over 50 waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge, which serves as the border between Washington and Oregon, is an escape from real life and a glimpse into photography heaven. The fall months are the perfect times to visit, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon (when the lighting is best).
6. Eastern Shore, Maryland
Surrounding the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula is Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore. Whether you visit the quaint historic harbor of St. Michaels or roam through Assateague Island with the wild horses, we’re sure that you will find yourself lost in pure wonder here. Tip: A visit to the Eastern Shore would not be complete without picking some Maryland crabs, so make sure you leave time for that.
7. Taos, New Mexico
The southwestern landscape of New Mexico is a must-see in the fall, specifically in the art colony of Taos, where the views are plenty. First, stop at the Taos Plaza in the historic district for awesome concerts, shopping, and art galleries, then head over to the nation's fifth largest bridge, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, to shoot some beautiful scenery. Another spot you’ll want to photograph is the Church of San Francisco. For optimal lighting, shoot this beautiful landmark from the front in the morning and from the back in the late afternoon.
8. Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
Derived from the Cherokee word for “tumbling waters,” Amicalola Falls State Park is home to Georgia's tallest waterfall. This 729-foot beauty can be seen from many different trails along the park, but for the best shots, hike the Amicalola Falls Loop. This route is sure to provide you with perfect views of the falls from all angles.
9. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod, Massachusetts is known to draw large crowds to their beautiful beaches all summer long, but after Labor Day, many of the tourists vacate the seashore town. With the crowds gone, the traffic flow lightens and makes for a perfect time to visit this charming coastline. Cranberry Bog Tours, Fall for the Arts Festival, and pumpkin picking are among our favorite things to do here in the fall.
10. Aspen, Colorado
The strikingly gorgeous city of Aspen, Colorado has so much more to offer than skiing. Plan a stop at the Maroon Bells to see one of the most photographed landscapes in Colorado. Make sure to head there in the fall this year before the crowds arrive and enjoy the beauty to be found.
11. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
This year's bonus. Along the Wisconsin River is a beautiful, glacier-formed gorge known as the Wisconsin Dells. This area was first made famous by H. H. Bennett, as he began photographing the uniquely exposed sandstone of the gorge in the late 1800s. If you're a photography history lover, head to the H.H. Bennett Studio to learn more about how he made the land famous and to check out the first ever stop-action photo. For a quick shot, head over to the Cambrian Overlook, but if you really want to see the Dells at their finest, try the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area.
Related Articles
Photography Meets Adventure With New Grand Velas Riviera Maya Packages
Swiss Village Bans Tourists From Taking Pictures - Prompting Group to Cancel Photography Trip
How Instagram Can Help You Sell Travel
'Instagrammability': Most Important Factor for Millennials on Choosing Holiday Destination