17 Adventurous Destinations For Fall – And What To Do When You're There

Regardless to whether you choose to take a weekend getaway or embark on a weeklong adventure in another country, fall is the best season to travel.

Outdoor adventures are at their prime – the scenery is beautiful, the leaves are changing colors, and the weather is just right. Go hiking in Zion National Park, watch one of the coolest hot air balloon festivals in Albuquerque, observe the northern lights in Iceland, take a scenic road trip on Route 100 in Vermont, and go sea kayaking with killer whales in British Colombia.

*Related: The 10 Best Fall Weekend Trips on the East Coast

Travel solo for a chance to make new friends, get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself; or tour a new destination with your family for the opportunity to bond, spend quality time together, create new memories, and experience new things.

Travel to Albuquerque to experience the largest ballooning event on the planet – the International Balloon Fiesta. It is usually held the first week in October. Guests travel from all over the world to Albuquerque to watch and take flight in the sky. Also participate in the Day of the Tread; it's a fun and picturesque Halloween-themed bike ride. While you are there don't forget to hike La Luz trail in the Sandia Mountains.

There is no better way to see this beautiful region than on bike. Ride on a variety of biking trails – mountain or road – and view natures splendor at its best. Also enjoy embarking on a scenic road trip on Route 100, take in the beauty of Vermont's pristine lakes, valleys, mountains and untouched forests.

Explore Death Valley and all that is has to offer on a cycling tour with Bicycle Adventures. Explore sand dunes, valleys, mountains and canyons. Then if you're up for it go for a hike on the 2.2 mile loop Ubehebe Crater. View incredible panoramas of the crater and spectacular views of fall foliage.

There are tons of reasons why Iceland should be on your travel radar, but probably the most exciting – the northern lights. Visit Akureyri, a small city in Iceland, for stunning views or venture out and take a northern lights tour to observe the beautiful display on a dark winter night. Also make sure to visit the Blue Lagoon, view the glaciers at Jokulsarlon, explore their black sand beaches, and if you're up for it, take a hike up Fjadvargljutur.

Go sea kayaking with killer whales in British Columbia. Reconnect with nature as you paddle around Vancouver Island. Explore tons of islands, view spectacular mountain scenery, and enjoy wildlife viewing.

If you're up for adventure, look no further than Zion National Park. Hike Angel Falls, explore the Narrows, climb the Weeping Rock Trailhead to view incredible panoramas of the park, go wildlife watching, and take a 5-mile scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road – view the crimson canyons and gain access to a variety of trails and viewpoints. Also view beautiful waterfalls, springs, gardens and sandstone cliffs.

From November 6^th to November 14^th you will have the opportunity to attend the Taunggyi Balloon Festival. Watch hot air balloon competitions and fireworks. While you are there make sure to visit Bagan's ancient kingdom, Ngwesaung Beach and the Indein Village.

During the fall season, the Cayman Islands tend to have cheaper deals. Experience snorkeling like you may have never before. Visit Stingray City – touch, feed and swim with stingrays. Also make sure you attend the famous Pirates Week Cayman Islands' National Festival in November; celebrate the pirate legends and cultural heritage of the Caribbean nation. Some of the festivities include a parade, food festival, landing pageant and underwater treasure hunt.

Fogo Island is the largest offshore island in Newfoundland. Stay at the Fogo Island Inn for tons of hiking, walking and backpacking opportunities. Enjoy nights by the bonfire, relax in their rooftop sauna and stargaze in their rooftop hot tubs. While you are there make sure you attend the Fogo Island Partridgeberry Harvest Festival, it's a celebration of local food and crafts.

Celebrated at the end of October is the Diwali Festival of Lights, one of the most important festivals in India. It's a five day celebration that includes fireworks, delicious food, colored sand and special candles and lamps.

Fall is here, which means football is back and sports fanatics know that the best way to get pumped up before a game is by participating in an exciting tailgating gathering. Get to the game early, beat the traffic, pop open a few beers, grill up some burgers, and enjoy the festivities that come before the game.

If you're looking to attend exciting festivals and explore history, San Antonio should be your fall destination. Enjoy free festivals – the Fall Family Festival Oct. 15, the 12^th Annual Hoot and Harvest Festival Oct. 28, and the Luminaria Nov. 9, to name a few. Then learn about culture, history and more about the Spanish and Native American heritages at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Start from Front Royal and drive all of the 105 miles on the Skyline Drive, north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. View tons of wildlife, and enjoy views of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley's fall foliage. This adventure destination is also great for hiking, biking and leaf peeping.

Enjoy beautiful views of fall foliage while hiking Rainbow Falls and Andrews Bald. Take a guided horseback ride from Cades Cove or Sugarlands. View stunning waterfalls, go fly fishing, trail running, cycling and take a scenic drive along the 71-mile Foothills Parkway.

The Galapagos Islands encompass some of the most pristine beauty in the world. There are tons of reasons why you should make it your next adventure destination – incredible wildlife, gorgeous beaches, lava tunnels and scuba diving. But especially during the fall, visitors love the Galapagos Islands for their hiking trails. Trails are located all throughout the island. You can find them along their gorgeous beaches and in forests. One of the best hikes includes Puerto Ayora in Tortuga Bay. It's an easy hike that shouldn't take more than one hour to complete.

Big Sur is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the gorgeous rugged California coastline. You will have the opportunity to camp among redwoods, relax in hot springs and taste some of the country's finest wine. When you're ready for some adventure, embark on one of their famous hiking trails – Pfeiffer Falls, McWay Waterfall Trail, Mill Creek Trail and Salmon Creek Trail, just to name a few.

If you are looking for a quiet getaway, look no further than Norway, one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Watch the northern lights appear in the sky, explore the mountains and embrace nature on a hiking or biking trail. Go boating, horseback riding and fishing. But don't leave without visiting Fjord Norway; go glacier walking, kayaking, skiing, dogsledding and ice climbing.