Is Fall your favorite season? We totally get it. The gorgeous colors, the enticing aroma of wood fires in the air, the crunch of leaves under foot, the bracing chill in the air. Nothing quite compares to the sensory pleasures of autumn. Even if it isn’t yet sweater weather where you live, you can still find a spectacular autumn display without flying to Vermont. We’ve harvested a basketful of awe-inspiring Fall walks and drives close to everywhere Taylor Morrison builds new homes. So get out your walking shoes and enjoy the show!
Autumn Near Your New Home in Arizona
Leaf-peeping in Arizona? You bet! The Grand Canyon State may not be as flashy as New England, but hike or bike along the White Mountain Trail System and you’ll see the subtle seasonal changes all around you. This is also about the only place on the planet to fish for White Mountain Apache trout. If you’re looking for something more dramatic? Try the Flagstaff Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon (between Flagstaff and Sedona) or the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (call 923-638-7888). Just an hour’s drive east of Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park with acres of fall foliage (520-689-2811).
The Colors of Fall Close of Bay Area New Homes
San Francisco Botanical Garden, 55-acre within Golden Gate Park, at Ninth Ave. and Lincoln Way, is filled with fall color, from bright golden gingkoes to deep red-purple dogwoods. In the South Bay at 22500 Cristo Rey Drive, Cupertino, Rancho San Antonio Preserve offers many hikes through a visual feast of maples, oaks and flowering persimmon trees this time of year. Head over to the East Bay to Tilden Regional Park in the hills above Berkeley to view colorful cottonwood and dogwood displays at 250a Grizzly Peak Blvd in Orinda.
Fall is Showing Off in Southern California
If you live in a one of our new southern California homes, you’re not far from falling leaves and changing colors. Really! The LA County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007) has dazzling gardens and landscapes, programs and events including Oktoberfest. For that special autumn experience complete with the possibility of early snow you can’t beat Big Bear Lake. Less than three hours’ drive from most SoCal coastal and inland communities, Big Bear is in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. In addition to the lake, a popular attraction is the Woodland Trail, 1.5 mostly flat miles that takes about an hour to hike. Afterward, head to one of the nearby ski resort lodges and sip hot cider by a fire. Sounds like autumn to us!
Celebrate Autumn Near Our New Colorado Homes
In case you didn’t know, fall color displays in Denver are among the longest lasting of any city in the US, starting from mid-September through mid-November. Just pick your elevation and you’ll find five different climate zones within a couple hours of the Mile High City. About 90 minutes from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park boast groves of high aspen showing off their golden fall glory. The scenic Peak to Peak Byway from Black Hawk to Estes Park offers a dazzling display. Throughout October, several spots around Evergreen, CO are ideal for autumn color, especially along the hiking trails near Maxwell Falls or the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway (Evergreen to Hwy 74). Or take the 40-mile paved and tree-lined Cherry Creek Bike Trail from downtown Denver to Cherry Creek State park. You won’t be disappointed.
Texas is Fall Country
Folks who live in any of our many new Houston communities will tell you that you’re going to need to do some driving if you’re looking for a “traditional” sort of autumn display. However, you can always opt to visit the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center at 4501 Woodway Drive. If you’re willing to travel a bit, you’ll be rewarded with the real deal. Try Martin Dies Jr. State Park at 634 Park Road 48 South, Jasper, TX, at the fork of the Angelina and Neches rivers. You can kayak , boat or paddle and savor the changing leaves reflected on the water. Near our new Dallas communities, Winnsboro Autumn Trail (903-342-1958) is just a couple hours by car. It’s of the most popular places in the Lone Star State for fall colors all through October and November. Another favorite is the Scenic Fall Foliage Driving Trail (201 W. Corsicana St. in Athens, TX), a 55-mile self-guided tour of back roads. Taylor Morrison Austin homeowners head for Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Hill Country to watch leaves change. Located at 37221 F.M. 187 near Vanderpool, TX, Lost Maples’ trees turn a brilliant red. View them along over 10 miles of trails.
Midwest Autumn Displays Near our Chicago New Homes
The American Midwest is a close rival to New England when it comes to fabulous fall displays of color. One of the best places to enjoy it is the Illinois River Road, running through north-central Illinois from Ottawa through Peoria to Havana. A highlight are the rock formations in Starved Rock State Park where a hollowed-out sandstone dome frames the autumn woodlands. Autumn leaves also line the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area (754 First Street LaSalle, IL 61301). Take a ride on a replica 19th century packet boat towed by mules for an authentic and colorful experience.
Fall Foliage in Florida
The Sunshine State might not automatically come to mind when you think about scenic autumn drives or walks. But we’re here to tell you that the experience can be had if you’re up for a drive. From our new homes in Tampa, Naples/Fort Myers, Sarasota or Orlando head to Tallahassee and travel along the I-10 corridor. Seasoned Floridians often recommend Torreya State Park, about an hour from the capital city, on the southernmost edge of the Appalachians (2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol FL). Another worthwhile trek is Three Rivers State Park. At the point where Florida meets the southwest corner of Georgia and three rivers converge you can hike through hills of pine and mixed hardwood trees putting on their fall apparel. There’s plenty of wildlife spotting to enjoy, as well. Find it at 7908 Three Rivers Park Rd., Sneads FL.
It’s Fall Y’all in Georgia
If you live in one of our new Atlanta-area communities and have Georgia autumn on your mind, you have an array of magnificent choices for leaf-watchers. A top favorite with locals is F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, boasting 9,049 acres, two lakes and hardwood forests ablaze with autumn hues. Take the 6.7-mile Wolf Den Loop for the best views of the forested valley. The drive along GA Hwy 190 is especially pretty for those who don’t want to hike. A less well-known but equally rewarding spot is Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs. Here you’ll find many wooded trails to wander.
The Carolinas
Whether you call Charlotte or Raleigh home, when you live in North or South Carolina, you’ll always have a front row seat for a spectacular autumn. Uwharrie National Forest (789 NC Hwy 24/27 East, Troy, NC) cover 50,000 acres wooded with oak and hickory and other deciduous trees. The 7.2-mile Robbins Branch/Birkhead Mountains/Hannahs Creek loop provides breathtaking ridgeling views. South Mountain State Park (3001 S. Mountain Park Ave., Connelly Springs NC) offers over 40 miles of hiking, riding and mountain bike trails that will take you through forests and along mountain streams.
Fall in Love with a New Home
Let us help you find the perfect place for experiencing all the seasons of your life. Discover the Taylor Morrison difference. Then start your search for a beautiful new home in your favorite neck of the autumn woods.
