Now that autumn is officially here, it’s time to plan the annual leaf-peeping pilgrimage. But this year, why not try something a little different?

Viewing fall foliage can—and should—involve more than driving from point to point with the rest of the crowds. Try experiencing the foliage in unexpected regions and from different vantage points—by land, water and air.

BY LAND

Picture Perfect in Telluride

The fleeting beauty of fall doesn’t have to be so short-lived if you can capture it on camera. Try a photography tour with Telluride Outside, where a professional provides hands-on lessons on how to get the perfect shot of Colorado’s brilliant gold aspens. The vehicles’ seats are raised and customized in a horseshoe pattern so each participant gets a clear view along the way. Guides lead groups to photo-worthy spots like Black Mesa, Last Dollar Road, Alta, Ophir, and Dunton.

For more information, visit the Rocky Mountain Fall Color Report page here.

Fruitful Foliage in Bedford, Virginia

What says autumn more than sipping cider or wine under the leaves? Every weekend between October 2 and November 14, Peaks of Otter Winery in Bedford, Virginia hosts an open house for leaf peepers. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this winery is known for its fruit wines rather than the traditional type—made with ingredients like blackberries, peaches and elderberries, as well as fresh cider made from local apples. The more daring should be sure to try something called a “Chili Dawg” wine, made from a blend of apple wine and chili peppers.

Visit this page for Virginia’s weekly fall foliage report (expected to resume this month) and fall hotlines.

By Train in Wisconsin and Minnesota

Get out of the driver’s seat and experience leaf viewing from the comfort of a train car. In early October, Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway offers 20-mile fall leaf-viewing trips in the St. Croix River Valley of Wisconsin and Minnesota. In addition to brilliant reds and golds, be on the lookout for turkeys, deer and even bald eagles as you cross over the Cedar Bend Draw Bridge, ride through William O’Brien State Park.

For Wisconsin’s fall color report, go here.

Hiking Frozen Head Mountain

Frozen Head State Park & Natural Area covers more than 21,000 acres in Eastern Tennessee, including the 3,300-foot Frozen Head Mountain. If you’re climbing the South Old Mac or North Old Mac trails, be sure to hike the extra half mile up from where the two trails meet to reach the observation tower for panoramic views of the Cumberland Mountains.

BY WATER

North Carolina’s Fly Fishing Trail

Take a stop on one of the 11 creeks and four rivers on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail in Jackson County, considered the first trail of its kind in the country. If you’re not an experienced angler, consider a guided tour along any number of waterways along the trail. For example, Endless River Adventures offers guided float fishing and wade fishing excursion along the Upper Nantahala and Tuckasegee rivers.

For North Carolina’s weekly fall foliage reports, visit this page.

Cruising the Ozarks

Trout fishers are likely familiar with the waters of Lake Taneycomo, but for those looking for an even more laid-back experience, hop onboard the Lake Queen paddleboat. This 1.5-hour guided tour offers glimpses of local wildlife as well as towering oaks, bright red blackgum trees, and red-gold sugar maples.

Click here for a Missouri foliage report.

Paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail unites Québec, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York with a network of waterways. The handy Trip Planner Map helps travelers coordinate experiences along the 740-mile trail with resources to lodging, dining and professional outfitters. Sample itineraries and travel deals are also available online—for example, Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire is offering a two-night stay at at a bed and breakfast plus a guided one-day paddle of the Connecticut River.

BY AIR

Zip over Hocking Hills, Ohio

You’d never guess that 100 years ago most of the land in Ohio’s Hocking Hills was deforested for mining. Today, you can see the lush reforestation for yourself while suspended 70 feet above the ground. Hocking Hills Canopy Tours offers access to more than 10 ziplines and five adventure sky bridges that offer prime foliage viewing, along with glimpses of the areas dramatic caves and rock cliffs.

Skydive Over Mt. Washington, New Hampshire

This one needs little explanation. Book an experience with New England Skydive and jump from 14,000 feet to see the foliage approach at a dizzying rate … if you dare.

Check out a color-coded map of New England’s fall changes here.

Up in the Air in Grand Traverse, Michigan

Jump into a hot-air balloon and experience 250 miles of canopy views from 2,000-3,000 feet in the air. Fall color tours of Northern Michigan are available through mid-October with Grand Traverse Balloons.

Click here for an up-to-date foliage report of the upper Midwest.

Sky High in the Great Smoky Mountains

Now a UN-designated International Biosphere Reserve, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 17,000 documented species of plant and animals, including more than 100 species of trees. Now, try viewing all of this from 1,800 feet high on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. The experience is fully accessible and wheelchairs are available at the top of the mountain. For more fall foliage information, visit the U.S. Forest Service page.

Related links on PeterGreenberg.com:

• Family-Friendly Outdoor Travel: Autumn in Bryce & Zion National Park
• 10 Affordable Fall Getaways in the USA & Abroad (2009)
• Unusual Fall Foliage Tours
• Fall Foliage Tours: Leaf-Peeping for All

By Jessica Kate Soberman for PeterGreenberg.com