Before we move into the hectic holiday season, now is a good time to take advantage of autumn in America. Clear cool days and nights of the fall season lead to the radiant spectacle of crimson, gold and orange leaves throughout most of the United States.

Here’s a few colorful and affordable destinations from Hotwire.com’s leading travel expert Clem Bason.

Clem recommends the following three fall foliage destinations from Hotwire that will make travelers “ooh and ah”, not just for the eye-popping colors but also the amazing value of the hotel rooms starting under $75 per room per night:

Philadelphia: $59 / 3-star hotel in Philadelphia, Pa.

The hemlock, pine and maple trees in the Philadelphia countryside and Lehigh Valley boast an abundance of fall colors. Hikers can find 12 covered bridges in Buck’s County, explore history in the lush woods of Montgomery County’s Valley Forge National Historical Park, or take in one of the free tastings at a local winery. In Philadelphia, amble along the Schuylkill River banks or hit the wilderness trails at Fairmount Park.

Lake of the Ozarks: $63 / 4-star hotel in St. Louis, Mo. & $74 / 4-star hotel in Kansas City, Mo.

Nestled between St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks offers travelers a wide array of lakeside activities on its unique aquatic trails, where you can survey the State Park’s amazing collection of thong trees, dogwoods and oak-hickory forests.

Southern Utah: $72 / 3-star hotel in Cedar City, Utah

City, Utah is home to one of the most spectacular fall foliage settings in the United States. The rock layers at the Cedar Breaks National Monument at the west side of the Markagunt Plateau showcase brightly colored rock strata. Hikers can delight at Ramparts Overlook, Spectra Point and the Alpine Ponds Trail.

 

For more information and reservations, visit www.hotwire.com.

 


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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".