Location: Eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina

Drive distance: 8-10 hours

October temp avg: High 50-70°F,  low 30-40°F

Type of trip: Backcountry overnight hikes, day hikes, car camping

Highlights: Mt. Leconte, Charlies Bunion, Clingman's Dome

Location: Northeastern Virginia

Drive distance: 9-10 hours

October temp avg: High 60-70°F, low 40-50°F

Type of trip: Backcountry overnight hikes, day hikes, car camping

Highlights: Old Rag, Luray Caverns, Stony Man Mountain 

Location: Northern Minnesota

Drive distance: ~13 hours

October temp avg: High 50°F, low 30°F

Type of trip: Day hikes, canoe/kayak camping

Highlights: Kabetagoma Lake, Ellsworth Rock Garden, Junction Bay Falls

Location: Northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan 

Drive distance: ~6 hours

• Headlands is on the way 

October temp Avg: High 54°F, low 38°F

Type of trip: Backcountry overnight hikes, day hikes, car camping

Highlights: Chapel Rock, Lover's Leap, Spray Falls 

Location: Upstate New York 

Drive distance: ~7 hours

October temp avg: High 60°F, low 44°F

Type of trip: Backcountry overnight hikes, day hikes, car camping

Highlights: Watkin's Glen, Carpenter Falls, Sugar Hill Fire Tower, Adirondack High Peaks (more challenging!)