And the best nearby cabins to book.
It’s fall, y’all. And there’s no better way to get in the seasonal spirit than by booking an escape somewhere wondrously leafy. And while travelers flock to popular national parks to see fall foliage, there are tons of state parks that get you out in nature’s glory—on hiking loops, canoe paths, horseback trails, and more—for free or just a small fee, and often with less crowds. Bonus: many are located in spots you may not have even considered for a fall getaway. To make the most of the season and these stunning locales, book a charming rental cabin nearby as your home base (pumpkin spice optional).
Read on to stoke your fall wanderlust with these peaceful vacation rental retreats near top-tier state parks.
Holly Rock Treehouse near Hawks Nest State Park, WV
West Virginia is positively brimming with autumnal beauty. And while America’s newest national park, New River Gorge, has earned the state significant attention of late, there are plenty of other spots to visit to soak in that West Virginian splendor.
One incredible example: Hawks Nest State Park, a gorgeous wilderness deep in whitewater rafting country, roughly 10 miles north of New River Gorge National Park and close to the artsy town of Fayetteville, WV. Gutsy adventurers won’t want to miss the chance to raft the Upper Gauley River during fall, when the rapids flow at their strongest—and most thrilling—speeds.
Make Holly Rock Treehouse your home base: accessed via a suspended rope bridge, this cozy treetop cabin makes for one-of-a-kind stay. With enough room for two guests, it features a wraparound deck (ideal for wildlife-spotting) and an outdoor hot tub.
Bailey’s Harbor Cabin 39 near Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area, WI
Sandwiched on a scenic peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Wisconsin’s Door County is lined with towering oaks and maples ablaze with color during fall. Settle in on the east side of the peninsula at Bailey’s Harbor Cabin 39. This rustic A-frame cabin can sleep eight guests, who can also gather around its wood-burning fireplace or its spacious back patio for outdoor hangs in the fresh Midwest air. Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area’s forest-fringed waterfront is just a stone’s throw away; explore the area with a hike or take in the ambience by paddling along the shoreline.
A historic farmhouse near Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, CA
Harvest season is downright dreamy in Napa Valley, when California’s golden fall hues glow across the vineyards. It’s also the perfect time for a hike in the crisp air among the coastal redwoods and towering Douglas firs at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park in Calistoga.
Discover a stylish retreat in this two-story farmhouse in the nearby quaint wine country town of St. Helena. Built in 1881, the property is newly renovated and has its own small vineyard on site. Settle into a rocking chair on the front porch and watch the Napa Valley Wine Train roll past, or whip up a delicious meal with fresh local produce in the gourmet outdoor kitchen.
Little Red Cabin near Sebago Lake State Park, Maine
The hardest part of visiting Maine in autumn is figuring out which of its stunning spots is best for taking all the beauty. Situated in the foothills of the White Mountains, Sebago Lake State Park is a great place to start, with miles of forested lakefront vistas.
Get a prime waterfront view at Little Red Cabin on the Lake on Bear Pond, located about an hour’s drive from the quaint town of Bridgton. This charming and secluded property sleeps four and has its own dock—set off in one of the house’s complimentary canoes or kayaks to be surrounded by towering trees.
The Bear Affair near Unicoi State Park & Lodge, Helen, GA
You’ll know you’re in Helen, a village in northern Georgia, when you spot the Bavarian-style architecture and other Alpine mountain-town touches—including the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S.
For the coziest of cabin stays, settle in at The Bear Affair, a loft-style wooden abode close to downtown Helen and Unicoi State Park that sleeps four. On the grounds, you’ll find an inviting outdoor porch, a six-person hot tub, and a stone fire pit, and a short drive away, breathtaking hiking trails at Anna Ruby Falls or along the tributaries of the Chattahoochee River.
A mountain cabin near Hungry Mother State Park, VA
Plan a true mountain retreat in Virginia’s Southern Appalachians, where this secluded cabin for two near the town of Marion can be found (but only if you’re looking for it). The rustic cabin sits on 65 acres, with majestic views and the sounds of the rushing river all around, and handcrafted decorative details inside, including a river rock shower, black walnut wood countertops, and copper sinks.
A log house near Ponderosa State Park, Idaho
Just across Payette Lake, you’ll find the picturesque 1,500-acre Ponderosa State Park. Located on a peninsula, it’s packed with spots to hike, birdwatch, bike, and swim—or snowshoe, once the flurries start to fall.
Hummingbird Cabin, Pecos Canyon State Park, NM
New Mexico might not be a place that instantly comes to mind when you think of fall foliage. But leaf peeping at Pecos Canyon State Park, about an hour’s drive east of Santa Fe in north-central New Mexico, is not to be missed.
Birdwatching, horseback riding, and hiking are just a few of the ways to spend your days here, all against a backdrop of golden aspen trees. When it’s time to rest, Hummingbird Cabin on the Pecos is a welcome retreat for up to four guests, complete with a log stove, a roomy front porch, and indoor conveniences like a movie collection and a small library of New Mexico–related reads.
