Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

3 Adventurous Ways to Watch the Leaves Turn in New England This Fall

By

fall foliage tours Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods
Image used with permission by copyright holder
“Leaf-peeping” might be enough to get your Nana’s blood pressure up, but it’s hardly bold by most travelers’ standards. Mix things up this year with these three alternative and surprisingly adventurous fall foliage tours in New England.

Take to the Sky in Stowe (Vermont)

Take to the Sky in Stowe (Vermont)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Gliders guarantee all the fun of flying in a tiny prop plane without the pesky engine. Stowe Soaring offers scenic aerial tours of northern Vermont in purpose-built gliders that are similar to most small Cessnas. However, their exaggerated wing-length and ultra-light bodies guarantee a smoother flight than almost any other aircraft. The baseline for every ride is calm and quiet — ideal for fall foliage viewing. Pilots can also turn the ride into a heart-stopping experience full of drops, dips, and acrobatic maneuvers. Even first-time riders can take a turn at navigating the craft.

Recommended Videos

Zip Through the Trees at Bretton Woods (New Hampshire)

Zip Through the Trees at Bretton Woods (New Hampshire)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s all well and good to look out at the pretty leaves from the highway or a slowly meandering train, but zipping through the changing foliage is infinitely more interesting. The Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods is one of New England’s longest experiences of its kind, featuring nine ziplines ranging from 120 to 830 feet in length. The three-hour tour also explores 16 tree platforms, two sky bridges, and three repels. Riders hit top speeds of 30 mph and heights of 165 feet among towering stands of beautiful, old-growth hemlock trees. Tours also include a free ride on the Williwaw Racing Zip, which allows zipliners to race side-by-side on an 800-foot line.

“Fall” Into the Foliage with Skydive New England (Maine)

“Fall” Into the Foliage with Skydive New England (Maine)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If ziplining and gliding just aren’t disco enough for you, Skydive New England offers skydiving jumps every fall (Get it?). The Maine-based outfit (about an hour outside of Portland) gives first-timers the opportunity to take the plunge with a tandem instructor who guides you every step of the way. If it’s your virgin flight, it helps to know the company’s been in business for more than 30 years, so the instructors know what they’re doing. Those same teachers can also guide amateurs on their path to become United States Parachute Association-licensed skydivers. The 200-acre private resort is complete with its own airport and aircraft, dizzying array of rental gear, and on-site lodging to boot. It’s possible to schedule a week-long skydiving vacation without ever leaving the property!

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
This Southern city just beat all others for the best Christmas experience — find out why
The Big Peach came out on top.
Atlanta Christkindl Market

With 119 million people expected to hit the road this holiday season, the question on everyone's mind is: where are they heading? WalletHub has just released a study on the best cities for Christmas, ranking the 100 largest U.S. cities based on 28 key factors, including holiday traditions, shopping options, and affordability. The results are in, and the city that took the top spot might surprise you – Atlanta, Georgia. 
Atlanta is feeling the holiday cheer

While Atlanta may not be the first city that comes to mind for a traditional Christmas getaway, this Southern gem is full of holiday spirit. WalletHub reports that the "Big Peach" stands out for its impressive number of bakeries and holiday decoration shops per capita, making it a perfect destination for festive treats and gifts. Additionally, Atlanta offers a high number of affordable restaurants and Christmas tree farms.

Read more
Forget juice cleanses: this retreat mixes mindfulness, mezcal, and margaritas
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this retreat.
FTLO Travel

As we approach 2025, wellness retreats are still one of the hottest trends in travel, but not everyone is ready to commit to a week of detoxes and silent reflection. Enter FTLO Travel’s new Mindfulness and Margaritas Retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico, designed for those who crave the benefits of a wellness retreat without giving up indulgence or adventure.

This five-day trip offers the perfect blend of accessible wellness practices, cultural exploration, local flavors, and just the right amount of fun.
What to expect from the experience

Read more
10 essential tips for first-time flyers (that everyone can benefit from)
Learn what you can do to have a stress-free travel experience
man looking at flight schedule in airport

If you're preparing to take your first flight and want to feel as ready as possible, you've come to the right place. From deciding what to pack to navigating the airport and handling security lines, there's a lot to think about. Flying can be stressful, even for seasoned travelers, and that stress can be magnified if it's your first time. But here’s what I’ve learned: everyone starts somewhere, and flying isn't nearly as intimidating as it may seem once you get the hang of it. Here are some first-time flying tips to help you make it through your first air journey.
10 tips for first-time flyers
1. Give yourself extra time

Airports are busy places with lots of moving parts, and things can feel hectic when you’re not familiar with the process. Arriving early gives you a buffer to handle anything unexpected, like long lines at check-in or finding your way through the terminal.

Read more