Published Sep 30, 2025
There’s something magical about autumn.
Crisp air, golden sunlight, and the slow turning of green into red, orange, and gold. For travelers, it’s a season made for slowing down, stepping outside, and soaking in nature’s beauty. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or looking for the perfect walking trail, fall is the ideal time to discover new places and reconnect with the outdoors.
At Mayfield Hotels, we love helping our guests find inspiration in the season. Here’s our guide to making the most of autumn’s leaf-peeping trend and enjoying the best of fall travel.
- Leaf-peeping destinations worth the journey
Some places simply shine in autumn. Tree-lined trails, rolling hills, and parklands become nature’s stage for the season’s colors. Think local forests, country lanes, and charming towns that are even more beautiful under a canopy of fiery leaves. Look for regional parks, national forests, and scenic byways near you – they’re perfect for a crisp autumn stroll.
- Walking trails that bring autumn to life
Walking is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enjoy autumn. Whether it’s a gentle woodland path or a rugged hilltop hike, fall is the time to lace up your boots and wander. Take your time – pause for a coffee in a small-town cafe, pack a picnic to enjoy under the trees, or bring a camera to capture the fall foliage landscapes.
- Embrace seasonal traditions along the way
Leaf-peeping is just the beginning. Autumn is also harvest season, which means farm shops, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and cozy markets brimming with seasonal treats. Combine your walks with local stops for cider, baked goods, or handcrafted gifts to make the day even more memorable.
- Why autumn travel feels different
Summer is about energy and adventure, but autumn is about slowing down. It’s the season of sweaters, hot drinks, and quality time with friends and family. Leaf-peeping trips don’t just show you nature at its best – they invite you to pause, reflect, and savor the moment.
- Stay close to the beauty
The best way to truly enjoy autumn is to stay near it. Choose hotels close to walking trails, nature reserves, or countryside views so that the season is right on your doorstep. At Mayfield Hotels, we’re proud to connect guests with places of natural beauty, where a morning walk or evening stroll can be the highlight of your stay.
For autumn walkers and hikers, Jasper Ridge Inn in Ishpeming makes an ideal base – just minutes from the vibrant trails of the Upper Peninsula, with easy access to Al Quaal Recreation Area, Marquette Mountain, and miles of colorful woodland paths.
Autumn doesn’t last long, that’s what makes it so special. The colors change quickly, and before long, the leaves fall. So this season, book a stay at one of our hotels, make time to wander, watch, and breathe it all in.
Because fall is more than a season – it’s a chance to see the world in a new light.
