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Fall Family Vacation Ideas
Where to Enjoy the Colors of Fall from Coast to Coast
By Donna Smith and Shelly Hemig
Changing leaves add new color to many parts of Arizona each fall, but nowhere do the branches blaze quite as brilliantly as they do along the Verde River. The Verde Railroad Fall Colors Tour is a chance for families to view the harmonious blending of scarlet and amber, crimson and gold. The Verde Canyon comes to life with ripening berries and fruits, and the turning of the leaves on the cottonwoods, sycamore, elder, mulberry and oak trees.
The leaves aren't the only things to lure families. While nature lovers enjoy the natural wonder, nostalgia buffs will marvel at the historical treasures. A highlight of the wilderness journey is the historic 680-foot man-made tunnel, which links the upper and lower Verde Canyon. Other delights include Sinagua Indian ruins, a monocline fault and a covered bridge. The turnaround point of Perkinsville was featured in the classic 1963 Western, How the West Was Won.
To accommodate higher demand, additional trains run during autumn. While knowing when the leaves are at their peak is impossible, the general rule is that passengers can have a brilliant viewing from early October through the beginning of the holiday season.
To experience a four-hour tour of autumn aboard Arizona's longest-running nature show call 1-800-293-7245 for reservations, or go to www.verdecanyonrr.com.
Texas may not come to mind when thinking of places toview fall foliage, but autumn can definitely be found in the Lone Star State at Lost Maples State Natural Area in Bandera County. Leaves of ruby red, radiant orange 
and gleaming gold from the big tooth maples decorate the 2,200 acres. Nature lovers can also view clear streams, deep canyons and a plethora of wildlife: white-tailed deer, armadillo, bobcats and the endangered green kingfisher. But don't just come, view and leave! Families can camp, backpack, picnic, fish, swim and hike on more than 10 miles of trails, including the 1,400-foot-long Maple Trail.