10 great states for fall foliage

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10 great states for fall foliage

Alternative autumn: New England’s nice, but don’t stop there

By Rob Lovitt
Travel writer
Special to MSNBC.com
Updated: 6:18 p.m. ET Sept. 18, 2006

The leaf-peepers are coming, the leaf-peepers are coming! And, for better or worse, most are heading for New England, where the brilliant colors draw considerable crowds and the vivid vistas too often include neon No Vacancy signs.

Fortunately, New England doesn’t have a monopoly on fall foliage, and leaves are turning -- or getting ready to -- in dozens of states across the Southeast, Midwest, and Rocky Mountains. The 10 below go one better, combining splendid scenery with wonderfully unique ways to enjoy the show. Some options are off the beaten path; others are just plain offbeat.

EAST
About the time the leaves begin falling in northern New England, those in the Mid-Atlantic states are hitting their prime. From the Poconos to the Smokies, you can catch the show via back road, balloon ride, or BASE jump -- or with a good bottle of wine.

Pennsylvania (www.fallinpa.com/): Blazing red, yellow, and purple, the local foliage is eye-catching from any angle, but from high up in a hot-air balloon, it’s breathtaking. Seasonal highlights include daily flights over the Amish Country and Brandywine Valley and the Timber and Tether Festival at the Shawnee Mt. Ski Area, October 13–15.

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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14896374/