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Are you looking for the ultimate fall getaway in the United States?
This is why Montana’s Yellowstone Country is the most stunning fall destination in the US right now.
Yellowstone Country refers to a region in southern Montana and takes its name from nearby Yellowstone National Park. Most of the national park is actually in Wyoming, but parts of it also extend into neighboring Montana and Idaho.
Many visitors to Yellowstone National Park end up flying into a Montana airport, such as Bozeman or West Yellowstone, and then driving to the park.
However, there’s so much more to do in Montana’s Yellowstone Country than just visiting the national park (although that’s definitely a must!)
Here are the top reasons why Yellowstone Country is the perfect fall getaway:
Beautiful autumn foliage
Fall leaves are an essential ingredient for the perfect fall trip.
Fortunately, you can see plenty of colorful fall foliage in Yellowstone Country. Montana is much less developed than many other states, with the third lowest population density in the country.
This means there is still plenty of wilderness in the state, and as you drive through Yellowstone Country you’ll see vibrant hues of changing leaves on the trees.
Yellowstone is also one of the best national parks for fall foliage in the United States, and during the fall you can see brilliant shades of crimson, burnt orange, and gold.
Experience the beauty of the big sky
Big Sky, Montana is one of the top destinations in Yellowstone Country. It’s most popular as a ski and winter sports destination, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it on a fall trip.
Big Sky is becoming a year-round destination, and in the fall you can still enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and fly fishing. It’s an absolutely beautiful place, nestled in the Rocky Mountains and the perfect destination to stay for a few days.
If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, you can also enjoy the city’s great selection of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and breweries.
The city is about an hour’s drive from Yellowstone National Park and an hour’s drive from Bozeman.
Explore the quirky city of Bozeman
Many people think Montana is all about nature, and while that is certainly one of the biggest draws, there are also some great small towns that you shouldn’t miss.
Yellowstone Country is home to Bozeman, one of the fastest growing cities in Montana.
Bozeman has an airport with flights from many destinations in the US, making it a common arrival point for visitors traveling to Yellowstone or elsewhere in Montana.
However, it is definitely worth spending a full day in Bozeman. This small city is packed with art and culture, museums, independent bookstores, coffee shops and breweries, and more. There is always a lot happening and the fast-growing and changing character of the city is palpable.
Off-season in Yellowstone National Park
Of course, no visit to Yellowstone Country is complete without a visit to the national park of the same name. Yellowstone National Park has fascinated visitors since 1872, when it became the first national park in the United States.
Two of the best months of the year to visit Yellowstone are September and October. Early fall is the start of the off-season in Yellowstone, and yet it is still a fantastic time to visit.
This is because you can enjoy mild weather (it can be very hot in the summer and freezing in the winter) and experience much less crowds than during the summer months.
September and October are still great months to spot wildlife in Yellowstone, including roaming buffalo, elk, bears and more.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
