The best thing to do in every state this fall

Football is a big deal in Alabama. With fall marking the start of football season, it's time to put on your favorite jersey and head to the nearest tailgate.

Visitors can quite literally view six million acres of fall foliage at this national park in Alaska, which has tons of birch and aspen trees bursting with yellow every fall. 

Fall is arguably Arizona's best season, because it's no longer unbearably hot. Taco lovers also get the chance to eat an abundance of their favorite food at the Phoenix Taco Festival (October 14-15), where more than 50 teams enter a taco-making challenge, while others get to devour their creations. The best part: each taco is only $2, so come with an empty stomach.

Located 30 minutes from Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain is an iconic landmark in central Arkansas that features more than 40 miles of hiking trails. Once you make it to the top, it is one of the best places in the state to view fall foliage.

What better place to celebrate fall than in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay, California? The annual festival has an abundance of pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired crafts, pumpkin carving, a parade, and more! Don't forget the main event — a giant pumpkin weigh-off with some pumpkins coming in at over 1,000 pounds.

Colorado's aspen are famous for their fiery colors. See some of the best transformations at September Splendor in the Rockies (weekends through September) by heading to Crested Butte, which is home to some of the state's largest aspen. Weekends here see self-guided tours, farmers' markets, art walks, and a harvest festival.

Nothing screams fall like apple picking. Pick your own apples at the charming Bishop's Orchard, which also features a winery with wine tastings.

This park was voted the best place to view fall foliage in Wilmington. With 100-acres of trails to explore, bring your walking shoes or pack a picnic and take in the stunning fall hues.

Going to Disney World in the fall means you get to miss out on the summer crowds and beat the heat. There are also a lot of cool Halloween festivals including Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, where kids of all ages can dress up and head to the Magic Kingdom after dark.

On October 21st, the Little Five Points Halloween Festival is the centerpiece of an all-day Halloween festival in Atlanta that's filled with parades, costumes, food and drinks, and live music by local artists. 

Aloha Festivals (September 9-30) is a free celebration of Hawaiian culture that includes Hawaiian music, dance, food, and history. Don't miss the 71st Annual Floral Parade, and the 65th Annual Waikiki HooLaulea, which is billed as "Waikiki's largest block party." 

Known as the "Ribbon of Jewels," the Boise River Greenbelt is the area's most popular trail and connects several local Idahoan landmarks, as well as eight parks that honor civic leaders. Boise is known as the City of Trees, and the Greenbelt is the perfect place to enjoy the city's natural beauty — especially when it's filled with 46-miles of fall color. 

The Morton Arboretum was founded in 1922, hoping to become a "great outdoor museum" of trees. What better place to see the fall foliage than that? The 1,700-acre arboretum is home to more than 222,000 live plants, as well as a children’s garden, a maze, nine miles of roads for biking, and 16 miles of hiking trails.

Holiday World's Happy Halloween Weekends include 12 acres of corn mazes and hayrides, Halloween themed shows, and a costume party. Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, the theme and water park is divided into four sections — Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, each featuring rides and attractions that will get you into the spirit of each holiday.

This stunning park is dubbed "one of the most outstanding parks in the Midwest." With 164 acres of trails to explore, the lookout point at the top offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, the Lock and Dam No. 11, and a tri-state view of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

The Kansas State Fair (September 8-18) is a fall staple, and one of the biggest events in Kansas, attracting approximately 350,000 people annually. There's music, livestock, rides, and, of course, tons of deep-fried snacks, as well as locally beloved moink balls (meatballs wrapped in bacon).

A narrow pass through the Cumberland Mountains, the Cumberland Gap was used by Native Americans and pioneers. With 70 miles of hiking trails and tours available of remaining structures from the 20th century Hensley Settlement, the park allows visitors tons of space to roam and explore. 

The small town of Shreveport, Louisiana, truly comes alive in the fall by hosting one of the biggest art festivals in the US, the Red River Revel (September 30-October 7.) The festival features over 100 artists, four performance stages, 24 food booths, a children’s arts education area, and three arts education programs.

Portland's annual Harvest on the Harbor (October 16-22) is one Maine's best festivals for foodies. The festivities take place every fall to celebrate local food and drink, and feature award-winning chefs, presentations, and live entertainment. There's even an entire day dedicated to Maine lobster, and to crowning the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year.

Fall is the most delightful time of the year to explore the charming streets of Annapolis' historic district. A designated National Historic Landmark District, visitors can visit national landmarks such as the Maryland State House, St. Anne’s Church, and William Paca House. 

Explore Salem's mystical history by visiting the Salem Witch Museum, or, if you're brave, participating in a ghost tour of the many allegedly haunted spots around the city. Halloween is celebrated throughout October, although the holiday is particularly festive in Salem thanks to its ties to witchcraft and the famous Salem Witch Trials.

The mayor of Munich once officially sanctioned the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest celebration. As the only event outside of Munich to receive such an honor, it's one of the most authentic Oktoberfests in the US. It takes place between September 14-17, and allows visitors to enjoy German music, food, and, of course, prost with authentic Hofbräuhaus München beer.

Now in its 21st year, the Sever’s Fall Festival (weekends from September 8 - October 27) is home to the second oldest corn maze in the United States, and the oldest in the Midwest. The festival features live music, pig races, hay rides, a petting zoo, a maze, and a corn pit.

This scenic drive is one of the best in the state for seeing the fall foliage. Running from Natchez, Mississippi, to to Nashville, Tennessee, it features plenty of rest stops and hikes along the way, like the Natchez Trace Parkway Rest Stop, which is rated the number 1 hike in Mississippi according to Foursquare. 

The Missouri Botanical Garden, nicknamed Shaw's Garden for founder and philanthropist Henry Shaw, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the US, and a National Historic Landmark. With 79 acres of greenery, it is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of St. Louis to enjoy the mild fall weather and stunning fall foliage.

Glacier National Park is beautiful at any time of the year, although a drive along Going-to-the-sun road might convince you that fall is the best time to visit the park.

Vala's Pumpkin Patch is the epitome of fall. From hay rides to corn mazes, there's no shortage of fun at this Nebraska farm. Plus, this fall destination is known for its amazing pies, kettle corn, and other treats.

Since 2012, the city of Sparks, Nevada, has held the annual Pumpkin Palooza festival to celebrate the fall season and, of course, pumpkins.

At the festival, held this year on October 22, attendees can enjoy a parade, a pumpkin pie eating contest, live music, and other pumpkin-themed activities. There's even a Pumpkin Derby in which contestants race pumpkins outfitted with wheels and decorations. 

This scenic road, also known as "the Kanc," is the perfect way to enjoy views of the White Mountains and New Hampshire's fall foliage. 

Mount Tammany, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains, is popular among hikers in New Jersey, especially in the fall. By hiking the roughly 3.5-mile trail, you'll get unbeatable views of the Delaware Water Gap and the surrounding mountains.

Every October, people flock to Albuquerque to witness hundreds of hot air balloons fill up the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The annual event has been a staple in New Mexico for almost 50 years. 

The New York Film Festival (September 28 to October 15), founded in 1963, is one of New York's most anticipated events, allowing visitors to enjoy films screenings, panels, and other events celebrating the year in film. This year's 55th edition will feature the world premiere of Richard Linklater’s "Last Flag Flying," and Woody Allen’s "Coney Island."

The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival (October 7), now in its 40th year, is a quintessential small town fall festival. As the name suggests, the festival celebrates all things apples, and features the appropriately named "Apple Jam," a music festival with local performers.

Every fall, the University of North Dakota and the community of Grand Forks celebrate both football season and the state's potato industry with the Potato Bowl. The festival includes parades and other festivities, capped off by a University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks football game.

This fall festival is dedicated entirely to all things pumpkins, including a contest for the biggest pumpkin. Last year's winner weighed a whopping 1,553.5 lbs.

P Bar Farms' annual corn maze opens to visitors on September 16, although those looking for a more festive fall experience can visit the farm's haunted corn maze after dark. Every year, the farm uses a new design for the maze, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder's logo, an outline of the shape of Oklahoma, or a picture of the Route 66 road sign.

If you're a fan of the 1998 Disney movie "Halloweentown," Saint Helens, Oregon, needs to be on your bucket list. The town where the Halloween classic was filmed hosts an annual festival in October, celebrating the spooky holiday throughout the month.

Kimberly J. Brown, who starred as Marnie Cromwell, has even made an appearance at the festival in recent years. 

Central Pennsylvania is known for its farmlands and rolling hills — Rickett's Glen is a perfect example of the beautiful scenery the area has to offer.

Hikers can explore seemingly never-ending waterfalls on a visit to the state park. The fall foliage is an added bonus. 

If you're hoping to gain some inspiration for your own pumpkin carving, look no further than the Roger Williams Zoo's Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. Every year, over 5,000 beautifully carved pumpkins are put on display at the zoo in October and November.

It's fitting that one of Clemson University's official colors is orange, because fall is the time to enjoy school spirit, football, and the outdoors in South Carolina. 

Football is also big at the University of South Carolina, so no matter where you go in the state, you won't be far from a game and epic tailgate. 

Custer State Park is one of the nation's largest national parks at 71,000 acres, and home to the Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival from September 28 to 30.

The festival features hundreds of local vendors selling arts, crafts, and local food, but the highlight is the buffalo roundup, in which cowboys and cowgirls herd 1,300 buffalo. According to the state park's website, you'll "feel the thunder" of the buffalo as they pass.

Over 5,000 chrysanthemums are planted every year for the Cheekwood Harvest, a six-week-long festival celebrating fall. The festival features a pumpkin house and patch for children, a beer garden for adults, and a "Halloween Pooch Parade" for pups and their owners.

From deep fried chicken noodle soup on a stick to pinot noir popcorn, you'll be able to find a unique treat to your liking at the State Fair of Texas (September 29 to October 22), which is held every fall.

If you can't make it to Germany for an Oktoberfest celebration, check out Snowbird's version, which has been voted one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the US. With over 60,000 visitors, it is one of the largest festivals in Utah. This year, it takes place every Saturday and Sunday from August 12 through October 15, including Labor Day.

Vermont is the holy grail of autumn colors in the east as it is almost 80% forest. In fact, local newspapers even track the foliage. This 220-mile route dissects almost the entire state, meandering across sloping mountains, dipping valleys, green pastures, farmlands and forests, all ablaze in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Partake in cider tastings and apple picking in rural villages and old-fashioned general stores, and nosh on local fare like Ben and Jerry's, Cabot Cheese and Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Cox Farms features a fall festival (daily in September) full of games, rides, food, and kid-friendly activities, though their "Fields of Fear" events, which include activities like nighttime hayrides, are perfect for an older thrill-seeking crowd.

Just a couple hours from Seattle, Mount Rainier is one of the most beautiful mountains in the country. Because temperatures stay pleasant well into October, the area is ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities well beyond the summertime.

The C-K Autumnfest (October 27-28) celebrates the season in the two communities of Ceredo and Kenova. Every year, as part of the fall festival, over 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins are used to decorate a house in Kenova, creating a stunning glow after dark. 

Apples are crucial to many classic fall treats — apple pie, apple cider, and caramel apples, to name a few. At the 56th annual Bayfield Apple Fest in Bayfield, Wisconsin, you can find all of these treats, as well as a parade, live music, and games. 

Yellowstone National Park offers a different experience for every season. Fall is a great time to explore the changing colors of the park's beautiful natural scenery on a beautiful hike. 

Strolling through Washington, DC's Georgetown neighborhood is a great fall activity by itself. However, taking a ghost tour of the historic area is an even better way to celebrate the season.