“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”- Delia Owens Where the Crawdads Sing
Autumn has arrived in Idaho and with that comes crisp air, fall leaves, and pumpkin-flavored everything. But, there’s much more to do in Idaho than leaf peep and drink pumpkin spice lattes. From apple picking and pumpkin patches to fall cooking classes, there is something for everyone this fall season!
How do you like to spend your fall? Falling for family time, falling for flavor, falling for adventure, or falling for the finer things.
- Falling for Family
Treat yourself and love ones to a foliage-filled road trip, picnic in the park, volunteering at the local foodbank, or picking apples at a local orchard. Idaho Candy Company has been producing candies, like the Idaho Spud Bar, at their factory on 8th Street in Downtown Boise for close to a century. U-Pick Red Barn in Idaho Falls is more than just a pumpkin patch with activities like pumpkin cannons, a jumping pillow and hayrides. Voted one of America’s Top 10 Corn Mazes, Lowe Family Farmstead in Kuna features a different corn maze design carved into 18 acres of corn each year. - Falling for Flavor
We are all familiar with the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but what other fall flavors are worth exploring? For most of us, fall is more than just brisk mornings spent walking through Idaho’s golden-leaved forests, wrapped in a wool scarf. You’re all about celebrating fall with your taste buds, which is why you’re falling for flavor! From seasonal delights at local restaurants, cooking classes and hard ciders, craft beer, whiskey (and everything in between), Idaho is for foodies. Cedars Floating Restaurant in Coeur d’Alene serves fresh fish, seafood, aged steaks, prime rib and more. Ice wine is created when grapes are allowed to freeze on the vine and then pressed while still frozen. Try this sugary sweet wine at Koenig Vineyards in Caldwell. Named “Top Pie Shop in the USA” by Yelp, Birdie’s Pie Shop in Post Falls offers a variety of sweet and savory pies. - Falling for Adventure
Grab your favorite hiking boots and don’t forget to pack a flannel, you’re getting ready to embark on a fabulous fall adventure. Whether you’re hitting the trails on foot or by bike, dropping a line in one of Idaho’s crystal-clear lakes or camping under the stars, you’re falling for adventure. Trails lined with changing leaves and twisting rivers make Idaho an outdoor adventure destination. Experience picturesque views and hike under canopies of yellow, maneuver a mountain bike on scenic trails surrounded by shades of amber and burgundy, or try your hand at fly-fishing. This season, experience the magic of fall in Idaho. Unlike most pine trees, the Western Larch’s needles turn bright yellow and can be seen at Sheep Lake, accessed from Seven Devils Trailhead at the Seven Devils Campground. The North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River is a choice spot for fly-fishing for native cutthroat trout. Fishhook Creek Trail is an aspen-lined (hello, fall hues!) 4.5-mile trail located near Stanley and boasts a beautiful view of the Sawtooth Mountains. - Falling for the Finer Things
Early sunsets, snuggly sweaters and lots of self-care are what fall is all about for someone who enjoys the finer things in life. From weekends spent winery hopping to warm afternoons spent doing yoga in the park, you’re falling for the finer things. Whether you’re stargazing under Idaho’s dazzling dark autumn skies, sipping a glass of Syrah along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail or indulging in a luxury stay, Idaho is the ultimate destination to unwind, recharge and enjoy the beauty of the fall season. The first and only International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States is in Central Idaho. From Marilyn Monroe to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Clint Eastwood, some of Hollywood’s most famous have visited Sun Valley. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail is the heart of southwest Idaho’s wine country with 20 vineyards and wineries to visit.