From the Flight Deck: FlightAware Blog

Three Remarkable US Destinations in Autumn

Written by FlightAware | October 6, 2025 10:59:02 PM Z

From the rocky coastline of Maine to the sandy shores of southern California, the vast landscape of the United States features a myriad of spectacular destinations. During the autumn months, warm colors that fill the forests surrounding breathtaking settings are particularly vibrant. In the aviation world, it is recognized that fall sights are best viewed from the sky. This post will highlight three remarkable autumn destinations. Each destination is located in a unique region of the country and offers an abundance of conveniences and pastimes upon arrival.

Location One
Denver, Colorado

Stretching for thousands of miles from New Mexico to British Columbia, the Rocky Mountains are known for their striking wilderness and diverse wildlife. Located near the southern tip of this mountain range, sitting at five thousand two hundred eighty feet above sea level, is the city of Denver, Colorado. The Mile-High City is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and offers a profusion of outdoor activities, sporting events, and other forms of entertainment. A pride in the city’s achievements and mountain culture runs deep among its residents, creating a laid-back atmosphere that makes every visit feel easygoing and welcoming.

Due to the vast array of views the Denver area stretch of Rocky Mountains offers, if possible, visiting Denver is a beautiful opportunity. In the fall, Colorado is a great place to experience the brisk yet refreshing weather and enjoy events such as Oktoberfest or the Denver Film Festival.

Location Two
Traverse City, Michigan

Northern Michigan is renowned for its vibrant fall color, especially in contrast with the beautiful, clear waters of Lake Michigan, Superior and Huron. This environment is unique due to the fluctuation in weather patterns throughout the year. In the summer months, the tip of the “mitten” is best known for its warm beaches and astounding sand dunes. Fast forward to the winter, and the once-haven for tourists becomes an arctic tundra lasting until late spring. In between these two points, there lives a fall season whose views are truly spectacular. One of the best destinations during this time of the year is Traverse City. Nestled along the shores of the Grand Traverse Bay, an inlet of the fourth largest lake in the world, Lake Michigan. This city is a Midwest staple known best for its natural beauty, including parks, forests, cherry orchards and famous wineries.

When visiting Traverse City, the culture of Northern Michigan is on full display and the opportunities to lose oneself in the stunning environment are abundant. Whether indulging in a relaxing afternoon at a winery on the Old Mission Peninsula or exploring local trails for an intense but rewarding hike, Traverse City is the perfect place to begin your fall adventure.

Location Three
Burlington, Vermont

Writing a blog post about the breathtaking views of fall and not mentioning an East Coast treasure would be an oversight. The most historic and autumn-oriented region in the United States, the Northeast, is home to many forest-filled and exciting cities. One of the most iconic towns, Burlington, Vermont, is the largest city in the state and is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Home to the University of Vermont, Burlington harbors a youthful and progressive year-round vibe. This exciting atmosphere includes a possible NCAA tournament appearance for the successful basketball program of UVM each March. Go Catamounts!

There are many sightseeing activities that the city has to offer. One recommended adventure includes taking a walk at the Burlington Waterfront Park, located on the shore of Lake Champlain. For those seeking a more intrepid option, the local state parks of Leddy or Mount Philo present an expansive view of the lake.

  

Using the FlightAware App to Pick the Best Seat

A good view during an inbound flight is vital to the enjoyment of fall atmospheres. The FlightAware app can help achieve that. Start by searching for your flight using the airline and flight number. Once the flight details are on display, it is possible to view the planned or typical flight path on the map. This provides a good idea of which side of the plane is likely to offer the most scenic views, whether it's mountain ranges, coastlines, or city skylines. One example applicable to this article applies to Denver. If flying northbound along the Rockies, the left side often offers stunning mountain vistas. With that knowledge, return to your airline’s app or website and choose a seat on the side that promises the best views. Preflight planning goes a long way in making the journey more memorable.

By taking advantage of the unique attractions each destination offers, travelers can experience the best of both worlds—conducting business with ease and enjoying the stunning natural beauty on display across the United States throughout autumn.