The hills are alive with all the colors! At least they are if you live in certain bases and places. But (luckily) we can all travel to peep some fall leaves near these military bases!
Peep Some Fall Leaves Near These Military Bases
From mid-summer to late fall, military families can see gorgeous oranges, reds and golds throughout the US and around the world.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, AK
According to Amy Buschatz, Executive Editor of Military.com, head to Alaska super early for gorgeous fall foliage.
“It’s brilliant but short-lived,” she said. “The neat thing about Alaska is that often the fall foliage is on the ground because the mountains turn different colors, too.”
You can start enjoying beautiful leaves starting in mid-August. Just be sure to make your trip before mid-September, or you’ll miss this super short colorful season!
Naval Sub Base New London, CT
Even though this base is located along the coast in Groton, CT you can head out to the western side of the state for the most beautiful leaves in southern New England.
Trips to Discover recommends the Litchfield Hills for gorgeous hues!
Bangor Air Force Base, ME
Northern New England is known for stunning foliage, with the first leaves turning in late August and the last leaves falling sometime in October or November.
From Bangor, you can head west to the Green and White Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Range. While you’re wandering around in the mountains, pick up some maple syrup and fresh-picked apples, too!
Presidio of Monterey Army Base, CA
Lucky you, living in Monterey! You’ve got a great seaside location and easier access to Napa and Sonoma, which is where the pretty leaves are at.
Not only will you enjoy the vibrant hues, there’s also the opportunity to sip some vino. Napa and Sonoma are famous worldwide for their high quality, diverse wines.
The Pentagon & Virginia Bases
Go west, military families! The Shenandoah Valley is one of the most popular places to peep foliage along winding mountains roads and through rural valleys.
Skyline Drive is the place to be, and it’s reasonably accessible from bases all over Virginia, from the DC-region to Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
While you’re driving, swing into Luray for some super safe spelunking-light experiences wandering through subterranean caves!
Fort Campbell, Clarksville, TN
The Smokies are stunning in fall. The mountains start turning in late-September and continue through November or so.
Clarksville is smack in the middle of the state and along the northern border. Which means that you have access to tons of gorgeous leaves!
So go east, go west and go north to enjoy amazing colors no matter where the road takes you.
Iwakuni, Yakota & Fukuoka Japan
Military spouses living in the land of the rising sun can take in the glories of fall, too! Fall leaves start turning in northern Japan around mid-September, but peak season for the Tokyo and more southern main island locations lasting through December.
Hiroshima is a beautiful spot to check out fall foliage, plus access the floating torii on Miyajima with pretty reds and yellows starting in mid-November.
JR Rail, the national railroad system throughout the main island, has even prepared a helpful guide with anticipated fall color dates for travelers.
Camp Humphreys, South Korea
Starting around mid-September, South Korea will be awash in all the fall colors! From the southern islands to the DMZ, leaf peepers will be able to feast their eyes on incredible foliage all over the nation.
Be sure to check out the Seoul Tower for stunning views of the entire city. Another great option is to wander near the US Yongsan base through the Itaewon and Yongsan districts, full of eclectic eateries and quirky boutiques for shopping.
Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany
No matter where you’re located in Germany (we just picked this particular location out of the many US bases), fall is a great time to be bopping around here.
Enjoy Oktoberfest, which is already well underway, throughout the country with large steins, yummy sausage and pretty leaves. It’s practically a requirement.