Some military families travel home or plan a fun fall vacation to hear leaves crunching beneath their feet or to take in the beautiful hues of changing trees. Others are already stationed in ideal fall locations.
Wherever the military has placed you, come along and take a tour across the country to see fall foliage near these military installations, and then see what else they have to offer.
1. Fort Drum, New York
You don't have to go far to enjoy this glorious season if you're stationed in upstate New York at the behemoth Army post, Fort Drum. While you don’t even need to leave the post to soak up the fall foliage, some of the best ways to experience fall here include LeRay Mansion, with its abundance of sugar maples, Remington Park, with fall colors framing the water, and the Commando Trail, immersing you in the vibrant colors.
What’s Unique About Fort Drum
Fort Drum is home to the Army's 10th Mountain Division. The Mountaineers are often called upon for frequent deployments. The mission at Fort Drum includes command of active-component units to support tenant units, as well as active and reserve units in training.
Just 30 miles from the Canadian border, 30 miles East of Lake Ontario, and slightly west of the Adirondack Mountains and numerous state forests, Fort Drum provides support to all the service branches, 11 states, and portions of Canada.
Things to Do Near Fort Drum
Fort Drum has more to offer than beautiful scenery. Check out Uncle Sam Boat Tours, Boldt Castle, Black River Drive-in movies, splash pads, wineries, farmers’ markets, and Adirondack River Outfitters for some white-water rafting. Hunting is another sport you can take part in. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides a list of regulations and licensing information.
Fort Drum Housing and Lodging: Where to Stay
If you’re visiting to take in the fall sights, you will find major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott in Waterfront. There are smaller inns and campgrounds available if you’re looking for a place on the water. And if you’re hoping to take advantage of military travel deals, Fort Drum has a few options to satisfy. The Candlewood Suites is located on post, and Remington Park offers both RV and tent camping sites.
Relocating families choose between living on post and living off base, most often in Waterfront or Carthage. See homes for sale or rent near Fort Drum:
2. Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
While it may not be the first installation that comes to mind for beautiful fall foliage, Luke AFB in Arizona is a short drive from the high desert, which shines during the season.
What’s Unique About Luke AFB
Located west of Phoenix, Luke Air Force Base is home to the 56th Fighter Wing, the largest fighter wing in the world, and the Air Force’s primary active-duty fighter pilot training wing. As part of AETC (Air Education and Training Command), the 56th graduates hundreds of pilots and air control professionals annually.
Things to Do Near Luke AFB
Beyond local hiking trails at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, this area has local draws like the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park. The zoo is the perfect place to engage younger family members and burn energy with rides like the log flume and animal encounters with capybaras, sea lions, sloths, and more. The Westgate Entertainment District is the place to grab a bite to eat.
Plus, it’s a short two-hour drive from popular Sedona, Arizona, also known as Red Rock Country, a top destination for incredible hiking, golfing, and resort life. If you want to see the beautiful fall hues consume Red Rock Country, the peak color season runs from mid-October to early November.
Luke AFB Housing and Lodging: Where to Stay
Many families live in Goodyear and Buckeye while stationed at Luke AFB. But when it comes to taking in the fall colors, residents and visitors alike head north to the high desert. The Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area north of Sedona provides a fantastic reprieve, offering a variety of lodging options, including cabins, camping, yurts, or a room in the lodge. Events like Movie Under the Stars helps create a sense of community.
Tour houses for sale or rent near Luke AFB on MilitaryByOwner:
3. USCG Station Portland, Oregon
Known as one of the "best fall foliage drives" in the state, it’s no surprise that USCG Station Portland is stunning this time of year.
Photo from jose1983 from Getty Images via Canva.com
What's Unique About USCG Station Portland
Coast Guard Station Portland is one of the few Coast Guard units with a focus solely on rivers. The unit conducts search and rescue missions, enforces boat safety, and serves as law enforcement on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. The station is located north of Portland, on Swan Island.
Things to Do Near USCG Station Portland
Some of Portland’s must-see places include the Oregon Zoo, Portland Farmers Market, and the Portland Japanese Garden.
Beyond local tourism, the city has an abundance of outdoor activities. Silver Falls State Park, Forest Park, and many hiking and running trails are located nearby. The landscape is beautiful year-round, but if you're looking to enjoy the colors of autumn, it's best to plan your time outside in October.
USCG Station Portland Housing and Lodging: Where to Stay
There's no military lodging or housing at this base, but most families choose to live in the Portland suburbs or just across the state line into Washington.
Beyond major hotel chains and local inns within Portland city limits, many residents like to venture a couple of hours to the east to Camp Rilea. This coastal military campground offers RV and tent camping with a convenient shoppette on post, and a commissary nearby in Astoria.
When the summer heat finally recedes, fall is the perfect excuse to get out and explore, whether that’s taking a scenic drive near your installation or planning a weekend somewhere new. Utilizing military lodging and checking MWR travel sites and military discounts are the best ways for military families to save money on a fall getaway.
