This Gorgeous Lakeside Town Is One of the Best Fall Destinations in the U.S. — and No, It's Not in New England

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is a hidden gem autumn destination.

When it comes to fall travel, New England tends to steal the spotlight. And really, the region does deserve all the love, as it's home to some of the most spectacular fall foliage on the planet, which slowly spreads down and across Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, down to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut in spectacular fashion throughout September, October, and into early November. However, other places across the U.S. deserve a little bit of that shine too, including Coeur d’Alene, a lakeside town in northwest Idaho that may be the prime place in the region to experience the best of autumn.

The lake, which is surrounded by a small city of about 50,000 residents, stretches on for 25 glittering miles, filling the region with a lovely blue hue set off by the bright green pines, tamarack trees that turn a beautiful shade of yellow, and deciduous trees that are a fiery red and orange. And if you want to get a great view of them, Visit Idaho explains you don't even need to venture far from town. Just make your way to the Tubbs Hill and North Idaho Centennial Trail to go for a leisurely stroll and take in the view.

But that's just the beginning of all the fall splendor in the area. Here's what else you can see and do to make the most of your time in the Gem State.

Get spooked at ScaryWood at Silverwood Theme Park: Now through Halloween, travelers visiting Coeur d’Alene can get a fright at ScaryWood. The Halloween theme park has five haunted attractions for you to explore (if you dare), along with plenty of spooky rides like the "Panic Plunge" that will make you "ponder what you have gotten yourself into before being suddenly released toward the ground."

Take a sip at Whiskey Barrel Weekend: On Oct. 4-5, travelers can join in the revelry at Whiskey Barrel Weekend, held at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The event, now in its sixth year, allows guests to sip and savor custom whiskey blends. And, as the hotel explained, this year's event includes the first-ever Whiskey and Waves Cruise so you can get out on the lake, along with the main Whiskey Tasting Event featuring more than 50 whiskeys to try.

Hop on a Moonlit Monster Cruise: Find one more haunting experience with the 40-minute Moonlit Monster Cruise. On board, guests can enjoy the view of the city from the water, while sipping "creepy cocktails" and light bites. Just "Be prepared to encounter the unknown, revel in the enchantment of the lake, and create unforgettable memories under the moonlight." Don't worry, it can't be all that spooky, as kids under 5 can come onboard for free.

Take a few more hikes: Seriously, this region is spoiled with spectacular outdoor areas well worth visiting, including a few destinations recommended by Visit Idaho like the nearby Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to more than 300 species of wildlife, and Snow Creek Falls, which both make for fantastic foliage hikes too. But if you happen to see any ghosts or goblins on these hikes, please note they are the real deal and back away as quickly as possible.

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