The Coolest Places To Ride A Hot Air Balloon This Fall

There's nothing more spectacular than soaring through the sky while standing inside a basket of a hot air balloon. The breeze is refreshing and the scenery is incredible. If you're smart enough to go during the fall, you're in for a treat because the fall foliage is remarkable.

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

Spot a variety of wildlife, admire jaw-dropping mountains, view beautiful waterfalls, and appreciate the stunning landscapes.

Here are the best places to go on a hot air balloon ride this fall.

International Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event on the planet. It is usually held the first week in October. Guests travel from all over the world to watch and take flight in the sky.  View hundreds of colorful hot air balloons soaring above, watch a laser light show, fireworks and AIBF chainsaw carving demonstrations. It's truly an incredible experience. This isn't the only time you can ride; Rainbow Ryders offers scenic hot air balloon rides daily. Choose to experience a sunrise hot air balloon ride, a sunset balloon flight or your own private balloon ride.

View some of the most beautiful alpine scenery in the country from the basket of a hot air balloon. Adventures Out West is the largest balloon company in Colorado. They will have you soaring through the air with one of the most famous American Mountains by your side – Pikes Peak. It rises above 14,000 feet on the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains.

Soar over the beautiful vineyards of northern California's wine country – Napa Valley. Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. will provide you with spectacular panoramic views of fall foliage as they carry you between gorgeous mountains and treetops. A review on TripAdvisor said: "We were in Napa with 2 other couples and the experience exceeded ALL expectations. It was beautiful and so peaceful. Best way to see Napa Valley."

Also known by many as "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park offers some of the most incredible fall foliage in the world. Imagine soaring through the regions of Niagara Falls and Finger Lakes, and viewing stunning waterfalls and impressive gorges that reach up to 600 feet. You can do this with Balloons Over Letchworth, the only company that launches from within the park.

Lake Champlain offers vibrant displays of fall foliage. Board a hot air balloon with Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides and drift above the foothills of the Green Mountains, admire the beautiful Lake Champlain and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Adirondacks. Wildlife spotting is also common – White Tailed deer, Grey Hawks and wild turkeys surround you.

Located just outside of Phoenix, Cave Creek is a town in the Maricopa County of Arizona. Head to the Sonoran desert launch site and embark on your journey with Arizona Balloon Safaris. Listen and view the sights and sounds of the desert. Spot wildlife, exotic desert plant life and beautiful fall foliage scenery.

Lake Geneva is truly remarkable, especially in the fall. Glide above the picturesque crimson lake with the Lake Geneva Balloon Company. They offer sunrise and sunset flights year-round. A couple who got engaged on board said, "the ride was breathtaking, and even though we were a little nervous at first, you set us right at ease [and] made it one of the most unique and awesome experiences of our lives!"

For over two decades Lake Tahoe Balloons has been successfully operating flights around Lake Tahoe. Board the Tahoe Flyer shortly after sunrise, when balloon conditions are at the best and the natural beauty of this alpine setting is exposed. The stunning panoramic views of Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake will take your breath away.

Instead of flying over vineyards and farmland, Black Hills Balloons will take you over some of the world's most spectacular rugged terrain. You will be drifting above mountains, valleys, lakes and prairies. View the beautiful Custer Valley and famous Custer State Park. A review on TripAdvisor said: "I am so glad I did this. It was worth every penny. The experience is beyond words. It was beautiful, breathtaking and unbelievable."

Asheville is one of the best destinations for fall weekend getaways. The colorful leaves and incredible mountains attract visitors to Asheville, especially during this time of the year. Join Asheville Hot Air Balloons for a once in a lifetime experience to soar above one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world, the Pisgah National Forest, at an altitude ranging between 500 to 2,000 feet.

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's natural wonders. It's full of so much to do and so many sites to explore. But during autumn, visitors flock there for hot air balloon flights. The Grand Canyon Tour Company will usually take you up to about 400 feet in the sky. You will enjoy 360-degree views of incredible sites, wildlife and desert life. If your pilot decides to rise higher, you will have the opportunity to view spectacular views of the valley.

View incredible fall foliage while drifting through the sky with Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides. Their flights offer the highest altitude ballooning experience in North America – all flights launching 9,000 feet above sea level. Go on their famous sunrise flight and listen to classical music while taking in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Just 30 minutes from Portland you can go ballooning with the Pacific Northwest's largest and oldest hot air balloon company – Vista Balloon Adventures. They offer a 3-hour hands-on adventure – 1 hour hot air balloon flight and a gourmet brunch. Visitors will enjoy floating over the Willamette River and the wine making hills of the Willamette Valley.

When we think of Las Vegas we usually think about casinos and parties. But the truth is that there are tons of adrenaline inducing activities to participate in as well. View Las Vegas in a way you have never seen it before with Vegas Balloon Rides. Capture views of the stunning Red Rock Mountains, look down over the famous Las Vegas Strip, and drift over the countryside where you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife.

Soar through the sky and view Lancaster's spectacular fall foliage with The United States Hot Air Balloon Team. For about 1 hour you will observe majestic views of Lancaster County farmland while flying over Strasburg, Intercourse and Bird in Hand. A review on TripAdvisor said: "Incredible trip over the beautiful Lancaster during harvest. Lovely colors across the farm fields as the crops were beginning to turn. Friendly staff! My boyfriend and I loved it."