Where leaves fall beautifully

Look beyond the usual pathways for fall foliage. You'll find beautiful scenery and family fun in these places:

1. Empire State beauty

See New York state's splendid foliage from the Esperanza Rose, a 65-foot wooden boat. It offers leaf-peepers dinner and lunch cruises on the waters of Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region.

Or consider viewing the colors while traveling through century-old canal locks and passing through historic towns aboard vintage watercraft. Take part in the nonprofit, educational Sam Patch and Mary Jemison cruises out of Rochester, and your family will learn about the historic Erie Canal and adjoining Genesee River.

Information:

www.esperanzaboat.com, 315-595-6618;

www.samandmary.org., 585-662-5748.

2. New Brunswick, Canada

The province offers foliage and abundant family fun. The Miramichi River region, home to elusive Atlantic salmon, is popular with fishing enthusiasts. In Doaktown, stop by the Atlantic Salmon Museum and the historic Doak House to see how settlers lived.

Information:

www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca,

1-800-561-0123;

www.doaktown.com,

506-365-1105.

3. Southern Utah

Pile into the car for a road trip that includes brilliant color in some of our most photogenic national parks. Travel along State Highway 143, recently designated a Scenic Byway.

Also known as the Patchwork Parkway, the route runs from Parowan through Brian Head to Panguitch, and commemorates a time when pioneer travelers used handmade quilts as protection from the winter cold. The region includes Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, lava fields, and petroglyph sites. Scenic overlooks showcase stands of aspen trees.

Information: 1-800-354-4849;

www.scenicsouthernutah.com.

4. Rocky Mountains, Colo.

Glimpse golden aspen leaves by taking advantage of a bike package that includes rooms in Breckenridge, rental bikes, and a free shuttle ride to the top of a mountain pass so you and the family can enjoy a downhill cruise and colorful scenery. Change saddle strategies to appreciate the beauty of a Rocky Mountain autumn on horseback. Beaver Creek-based one- and two-hour trail rides or a three-hour picnic ride will provide your family time to wander through splendid aspen stands.

Information:

www.breckenridge.com, 1-888-906-6303;

www.vailhorses.com,

970-845-7770.