• Letchworth State Park, New York

New York's Greater Niagara area has some seriously beautiful spots outside of the Falls—most notably Letchworth State Park, aka “the Grand Canyon of the East." Whether you experience the park from a hot air balloon or the 66 miles of surrounding hiking trails, do try to plan your visit during prime leaf-peeping season.

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Hugging the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is known for its unique sandstone cliffs that stretch for 15 miles. The rocks have been eroded into sea caves, blowholes, and arches over the years, while deposits of mineral-rich rocks give the cliffs a colorful, striped appearance.

• Rock House, Hocking Hills, Ohio