The magic of autumn/fall season lies in the spectacle of its colors. A spectacle that can be admired in almost every country in the world, except those with tropical or glacial climates. The forests and gardens that turn yellow, red, and brown during the first cold weather, when the leaves slowly die, inspire soul-stirring emotions and wonderful photographs. There are tourist itineraries organized on purpose so to admire the autumn leaves in the regions where the phenomenon is most beautiful. In Europe, this event is called “feuillage” (in Italy, with a slight corruption of the French term: “foliage”). In the United States and Canada, however, it is called “Indian Summer.”
Indian Summer: story of the name
Why is the period of red leaves called “Indian Summer”? The term dates back to the mid-18th century, when the first European settlers in the United States noticed that during certain autumn weeks, when the cold gave way to a few days of beautiful warm sunshine, Native Americans increased their hunting expeditions. Given the widespread superstition of the time, many believed that it was the “Indians” themselves who created that brief period of summer with their witchcraft powers. The fact is, it is precisely the alternating of cold and heat typical of the October-November period that creates the beautiful colors of the trees.
So, if you can, book a flight to the East Coast of North America. Whether to the USA or Canada, the experience will be unforgettable anyway.
Indian Summer in the United States
New England, the region of the very first British colonies in the northeastern United States, is the absolute legend of “Indian Summer” days. The climate of this region of about 10 states guarantees a variety of autumn colors unlike any other in the world. And this scenery, combined with the beauty of the colonial architecture and the typical bodies of water of the area, becomes the setting for spectacular photographs and videos.
Massachusetts and Vermont, neighbouring states united by hilly landscapes rich in forests, are the favourite destinations for tourists “hunting” for colors and leaves. Traveling along Route 100 in Vermont, strolling the trails of Green Mountain National Park, or enjoying the avenues and parks of Boston (Boston Airport – BOS) or the trails of the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts, allows you to enjoy views of rare beauty and feel like you’re inside an oil painting!
Beyond New England, however, the beauty of autumn leaves explodes in the Smoky Mountains, between Tennessee and North Carolina. Landing at Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) puts you right in the center of this region, and from there you can reach numerous destinations by following itineraries organized for the occasion. If you want to discover the golden colors of Ohio’s cities, in the so called Ohio Valley region—bordering Pennsylvania—you should fly to Cleveland Airport (CLE).
A great classic: Indian Summer at Central Park
A great classic of “Indian Summer” is New York’s Central Park. Poems, songs, and literary works have been written about the beauty of the trails of this magnificent park located in the very core of the American metropolis. Many films set their most evocative scenes here during this time of year. Located just a 40-minute taxi ride from New York’s Kennedy Airport (JFK), Central Park is a true world-famous natural monument, and during fall season some of its paths are filled with magic. If you have the chance, don’t miss the experience of walking (barefoot?) through the park under a shower of red leaves!
Red Leaves season in Canada
The queen of red leaves in Canada is the province of Nova Scotia, overlooking the dark, cold waters of the North Atlantic ocean. The region is crossed by the spectacular Cabot Trail, a scenic road which runs for 300 km and plunges into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Places such as Fishing Cove, Corney Brooke, and Ingonish Beach can be easily reached from Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ). Don’t miss the experience of hiking along the Margaree River up to Wards Rock natural pools.
Moving a little further west, in the large French province of Quebec, ideal locations for the autumn colors of Indian Summer are the avenues and gardens of Petit-Champlain, in the urban area of the capital, Ville de Québec. But you can also walk the pristine trails of Jacques Cartier National Park. To reach these and other destinations, rely on private transportation, easily available at Quebec Airport (YQB).
