The Coloring Leaves Ready to Fall: Mid-Central States to New England

Fall is a joyous time of year. The weather is cooling down from the hot summer but you still enjoy being outside. The scenery from your RV's panoramic windows is that of beautiful fall foliage and autumn leaves. For many people across the country, fall is their favorite season. Football season is in the air and tailgate parties are everywhere. Here we explore the attractions for RVers in the mid-central states and New England. There are several states that fall into the mid-central states including Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and West Virginia. The New England states consist of Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Jersey.

Missouri has a varied landscape and many features to RVers. The Ozark Plateau is amongst the most favorite areas of RVers and vacationers. Southern Missouri is home to the Ozark Mountains and the St. Francois Mountains. One of the most famous cities amongst RVers and tourists is Branson, Missouri. Branson has been referred to as the "Family Friendly Las Vegas". There are numerous shows and attractions in Branson. Many families make Branson a yearly vacation. Many entertainers have permanent homes in Branson including gospel singers and classic country stars such as The Gatlin Brothers. There are also several unique museums such as a Ripley's Believe It or Not. Other family friendly adventures include Silver Dollar City, Marvel Cave, Celebration City, Dixie Stamped, White Water Branson, Showboat Branson Belle, The Shepherd of the Hills, Ride the Ducks, Branson's American Star and Splash Country. Famous artists in Branson include Mickey Gilley, Roy Clark, Wayne Newton, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens, Boxcar Willie, Charlie Pride, Tony Orlando and The Osmonds. There are numerous RV parks and campgrounds located around Branson and the Lake of the Ozarks. Missouri has also seen an increase in vineyards and wineries. There are several wineries located off the highways in Missouri that offer tours and tasting.

Arkansas is known for their miles and miles of pine trees. Northwest Arkansas is great for RVing and includes part of the Ozark Plateau. The Boston Mountains and the Ouachita Mountains are amongst the popular camping areas in Arkansas. The Mount Ida area in the Ouachita Mountains are popular for their quartz crystal deposits and they have even found diamonds in these areas. The Ouachita Mountains include the Ouachita National Forest and Hot Springs National Park. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a 223-mile long hiking trail through the mountains and runs to the Talimena State Park in Oklahoma. There is also a scenic drive called the Talimena Drive that runs from Oklahoma to Arkansas. This area is a premier trail for RVers who like to hike, backpackers and mountain bikers. Hot Springs, Arkansas is well-known for the Hot Springs National Park and the hot baths that are located there. A National Historic Landmark District in Hot Springs includes their "Bathhouse Row" where people can enjoy the spa experience of the bathhouse. Tours are available of some of these bathhouses. Hot Springs also has several lakes that are great for Watersports and swimming.

Kentucky is a horse lover's paradise. Kentucky is known for their excellent Thoroughbreds, horseracing, and bourbon whiskey and bluegrass music. College basketball is also dear to the hearts of native Kentuckians. The Cumberland Gap is the main passageway through the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky. Cumberland State Park is also famous for their unique "moonbows" that appear at night in the mist of the falls. Lake Cumberland is an artificial lake in south-central Kentucky. The lake has become a major source of tourism for Kentucky. The Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve is a 2,693-acre state preserve. The preserve is located in Letcher County. It is home to one of the largest concentrations of rare and endangered species as well as a 60-foot waterfall. The preserve also features seven miles of foot trails and bridges. This is a great attraction for RVers in the fall when the preserve sees the coming of autumn leaves. Lexington is considered the "Horse Capital of the World" and is home to the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Racecourse and has been selected to be the site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Most of the racing takes place in the spring, but the fall is a great time to visit the Kentucky Horse Park.

Tennessee is enticing tourists this year through their slogan Fall into Tennessee. There are several parks that are excellent for your fall RV trip such as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Shiloh National Cemetery and Shiloh National Military Park. If you have the opportunity to visit the Shiloh area, it will be well worth it. Shiloh was the home of the "Battle of Shiloh" and is a very historical sight to see.

Ohio is home to the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. This area has been described as one of the world's birding hotspots. The refuge is 5,793 acres on the shore of Lake Erie and is located near Toledo. Here the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways intersect. Fall and winter birds in the refuge include tundra swans, Canada geese, and bald eagles. There are also around 20,000 mallards and black ducks in the fall months.

West Virginia has a large timber and coal mining background. West Virginia is also popular amongst people who love the outdoors such as RVers. There are various outdoor activities in West Virginia including water skiing, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing, hunting and fishing. These are all great activities to compliment your RV stay in West Virginia. The highest point in the state is Spruce Knob. Spruce Knob is a part of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. There are six wilderness areas to be found in the forest. Scenic areas include the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Bluestone National Scenic River, Gauley River National Recreation Area and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Pennsylvania is a great place to take a family with kids. Pennsylvania was home to the nation's first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo. They also have several other zoos including Claws n Paws, Erie Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo, and ZOOAMERICA. They are also home to the National Aviary. There are also several amusement parks including the Hersheypark and Sesame Place. The Pennsylvania Dutch region is more rural and will fit the lifestyle of the RVer. The area includes both the Amish and the Mennonites around the cities of Lancaster, York and Harrisburg.

New York is more than big cities and RVers will find many sights to see. New York is home to the Adirondack State Park, the Hudson River, Lake Tear of the Clouds and Lakes George and Chaplain. Niagara Falls is also a popular tourist spot in northern New York.

Massachusetts has several bays that are great for RVing. Massachusetts also has several national parks including the Appalachian Historical Trail, Cape Cod National Seashore, Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers. Cape Cod is home to beautiful beaches and lighthouses. This area experiences a huge tourist explosion every summer.

Vermont is a beautiful state to visit in the autumn season. The sugar maples begin to change for the fall and the hills explode with orange, red and gold leaves. Vermont attracts outdoorsmen of all kinds including trout fishing, fishing, ice fishing and an excellent hiking trail named The Long Trail. Vermont also attracts its fair share of skiers in the winter months.

New Hampshire is known for its huge snow skiing season, but the fall foliage also brings its share of visitors. New Hampshire is also the second most forested state in the country making it great for RVing in the woods and getting away from society for a while. Hampton Beach is a popular summer spot for many New Englanders.

Maine is a popular state during the summer months and even some native inhabitants move for the winter months. Maine is ninety-percent forest so RVers are bound to find some hideaways for great camping. Maine attracts most of its tourists during the summer months. Maine is very popular amongst lighthouse lovers who travel there during the summer.

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US. Newport is known for its many historic mansions. These mansions include The Breakers, Marble House and Belcourt Castle. Newport is also home to Touro Synagogue, which is the oldest synagogue in the United States. Narraganset Bay is a popular lowland area in Rhode Island and Block Island is known for its great beaches.

Connecticut is home to Bear Mountain where the highest peak in Connecticut sits amongst many trees and hills. A stone marker along the Appalachian Trail marks the peak. The unique fact about this peak is that it is not the highest point in Connecticut, but is only the highest peak. The peak is one of the only peaks that is not also the highest point in a state.

New Jersey is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This is one of the only spots you will find in New Jersey that is not heavily populated or polluted. The Delaware Water Gap is a preserve of 70,000 acres. A one-day tour of the park will include waterfalls, rural scenery and Millbrook Village. Visitors will enjoy various activities including horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, RVing, camping, bicycling and skiing. They also allow hunting and fishing in appropriate seasons with licenses.

Each and every one of the states will have something to offer on your RVing vacation. There are many more sites that what we have been able to include. Many will be historical and memorable family moments in your RV.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you are a business owner get listed at Best Travel Site, part of Localwin Network.