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Landmarks: Leaf-Peepers' Delight
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Seasonal scenery that sparkles
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BY KAREN NAGY
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Autumn colors paint the shoreline at Lake of the Ozarks, MO; Montana's Flathead Lake.
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Come fall, there’s nothing more magical than the sight of brilliantly colored foliage reflected in a lake. From New England to California, we’ve found six of the loveliest lakes to enjoy autumn ablaze.
LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, NH
The area around New Hampshire’s largest lake puts on a vibrant display of autumn color. Follow the shoreline aboard the Fall Foliage Season Train with Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad (hoborr.com; $16), seeing some of the best leaves in New England from the window of a historic caboose.
FLATHEAD LAKE, MT
In Montana, wild huckleberry season accompanies the fall colors. Pay a visit to Flathead National Forest for prime berry-picking. The bushes are found all along the park roads, and the ripe fruit lasts into October. Or simply bypass the picking and stop at the Flathead Lake Winery in Columbia Falls for a sip of their huckleberry wine. flatheadlakewinery.com
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO
By late October, the 1,150 miles of shoreline here have turned red and amber. Boaters can explore the waterways on a nine-mile “aquatic trail” from the eastern Public Beach No. 1 to Grand Glaize Beach, with designated stops at a limestone cave, a century-old logging chute and more. Pick up a free guide at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park office in Kaiser. mostateparks.com
RANGELEY LAKE, ME
The 36-mile Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway winds through the mountains of western Maine and offers prime lakeside leaf-peeping along Route 4. Book a table for dinner (lobster, local game and seasonal produce) at 100-year old Loon Lodge (207-864-5666; dinner for two, $82 without drinks, tax or tip).
LAKE GEORGE, NY
One of the best places to savor the Adirondacks’ autumnal fireworks show is along the shores of Lake George. For a bird’s-eye view, look no further than Prospect Mountain. From its summit at 2,021 feet, you can see all the way to Vermont. Pack a picnic, hop in the car and hike the moderate, marked trail to the top. visitlakegeorge.com
LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV
In fall, golden aspens are mirrored in this mountain lake’s sapphire-colored water. For superb vistas, follow Highway 28 along the lake’s east side, and stop for an walk through the trees along the shore of tiny Spooner Lake. If you want more fall color (and some exercise), head uphill through North Canyon to Marlette Lake, a five-mile trek. fs.usda.gov/ltbmu
STAY
RCI-affiliated resorts near lakes include:
VILLAGE OF WINNIPESAUKEE
A half-mile from the 200-mile shoreline
of Lake Winnipesaukee. 243 Endicott
St. N., Weirs Beach, NH
Member Review:
“Within 90 minutes of many of the state
parks, waterfalls and Mt. Washington.”
LAKEWOOD RESORT
Situated in a cove on Lake of the
Ozarks, this resort is a haven for
water-sport enthusiasts. 1029
Lakewood Circle, Osage Beach, MO
Member Review:
“Really enjoyed the boat trip around
the lake provided by the resort.”
THE PINES AT TREETOP
CONDOMINIUMS
A marina, two golf courses, tennis courts,
restaurants and a nightclub are nearby.
20 Treetop Dr., Four Seasons, MO
Member Review:
“Thought about boating one day, but the
golf courses kept calling our names!”
VINTAGE LANDING CONDOMINIUMS
The units have screened porches overlooking
the lake and Jacuzzis in the master bedrooms.
179 Vintage Ct., Lake Ozark, MO
Member Review:
“We happened to hit it right at peak
fall color. Absolutely breathtaking.”
For more information, including more
member reviews, visit RCI.com or call
Weeks: 800-338-7777
Points: 877-968-7476
Club Members, please call your specific
Club or RCI telephone number.
NON-RCI-AFFILIATED RESORTS:
MOUNTAIN LAKE LODGE
Thirty suites on a hillside above Flathead
Lake. 14735 Sylvan Dr., Bigfork, MT;
877-823-4923; mountainlakelodge.com;
doubles from $219 per night
NIBOBAN CABINS
Rustic two-bedroom cabins just 100
feet from Rangeley Lake. 787 S. Shore
Dr., Rangeley, ME; 207-864-2549;
niboban.com; doubles from $160 per
night, two-night minimum
BOATHOUSE B&B
A renovated 1917 summerhouse
on the Lake George waterfront.
44 Sagamore Rd., Bolton Landing, NY;
518-644-2554; boathousebb.com;
doubles from $175 per night
SORENSEN'S RESORT
Cottages and cabins nestled among
165 acres of aspen groves south of
Lake Tahoe. 14255 Hwy. 88, Hope
Valley, CA; 800-423-9949;
sorensensresort.com; doubles from
$115 per night
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.
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Published: Fall 2010 Issue
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Photos: Visit Missouri; iStockphoto
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