Dog's Life
Fur Friendly Five: Best Autumn Scenery
Falling into a new season with your dog
The sound of rustling leaves as the brisk wind blows is enough to urge any adventurous friends outdoors to explore all that autumn offers. Dream of watching the aspens change colors in Colorado with your dog by your side or brushing the orange leaves away as you walk along the beach in Maine with your best pal? Then these five autumn destinations may be just what you both had in mind. After all, you can both have a great time together no matter what season it is, and these places offer fantastic scenes of fall and plenty of fun.
Aspen, Colorado
Best time to go: Mid-September
Although Aspen got its start as a silver mining town, every year around mid September, this city shines with gold from the glistening aspen leaves. The leaves only stay gold for about a week, so you would be wise to plan ahead. You will have plenty of opportunities to snap some great photos of your best pal with beautiful scenery all around. Another great way to see all the fall foliage is for the two of you to hop in a car and ride through town or take a dog-friendly private tour through the mountains with Blazing Adventures.
Aspen: www.aspenchamber.org 970-925-1940
Blazing Adventures: www.blazingadventures.com 970-923-4544
Canyons in Arizona
Best time to go: Early November
The colors of fall are well represented in the canyon formations of Arizona. Grand red and orange rocks make up most of this landscape, making the bright colors of the fall foliage stand out even more. For a unique trip with your dog, head to Oak Creek Canyon—the Grand Canyon’s cousin, so-to-speak—where you can explore the canyon’s exciting terrain with your best friend. You can look up at the scenery with your best friend while walking the main road that runs through the bottom of the canyon—a different perspective than the downward view at the Grand Canyon.
www.oakcreekcanyon.net 928-203-2900
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina
Best time to go: Mid-late October
Watching the leaves fall while the fog rises is one experience you and your dog won’t want to miss this season. A walk with your dog along the Gatlinburg River Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the morning will guide you both around several historical home sites and chimneys built by former Smoky Mountain settlers, and as the fog rolls out, you will have great views of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Don’t forget to pack a snack! There are picnic areas throughout the park that are great for sitting back and enjoying the season with your dog.
www.nps.gov/grsm 865-436-1200
Maine Coastline
Best time to go: Early October
With almost 3,500 miles of coastline to roam, you and your dog won’t have to look far for some great scenery. Maine’s coastline is mostly lined with trees, so a boat tour along the shore is a great way for you and your sea-faring friend to get some fresh, fall air while cruising on board the Lively Lady Too tour boat (boats depart daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. from September to October). You will both get to see some beautiful scenery while you sail through the coastal waters. You may even spot some sea life along your journey! For land-loving duos, head to Old Orchard Beach Dog Park for similar views without the boat.
Lively Lady Too Boat Tour: www.livelyladytoo.com 207-236-6672
Old Orchard Beach Dog Park: www.oobmaine.com 207-934-0860
Ozark Mountains in Arkansas
Best time to go: Late October, early November
Not many destinations will have you and your traveling pal as fully entrenched in the fall season as the Ozark Mountains. With numerous trails to guide you both through a forest of red and gold leaves to pristine streams and rivers, you will be surrounded by the warm colors of fall while walking in cool temperatures. For a small-town experience you and your best buddy are sure to enjoy, head to the quaint little Victorian town of Eureka Springs for a scenic stroll through the picturesque streets.
Ozark Mountains: www.ozarkmountainregion.com 870-404-2741
