These Small Towns in Nevada Come Alive in Fall
From casinos and UFO sightings to stunning desert landscapes, Nevada is certainly an intriguing travel destination. But there’s more to the Silver State than just the bright lights of Las Vegas, especially when fall rolls around. Nevada is home to several beautiful small towns where wildlife and fall foliage is bountiful. Whether you’re looking for spooky fall festivals or want to admire the changing colors of the season from a wilderness trail, Nevada offers something for everyone.
Incline Village
Roughly 500 miles from Mountain Springs, travellers will find the equally beautiful town of Incline Village, Nevada. Another ideal destination for outdoor lovers, this picturesque mountain town offers beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and tons of tree-lined trails to explore. In the fall, fans of Halloween will want to pay a visit to Sand Harbor State Park where park staff host various events such as spooky movie nights and haunted hay rides. Additionally, the park offers a handful of hiking trails where hikers can admire fall foliage including The Sand Point Nature Trail and The Sand Harbor to Memorial Point Trail. Those who prefer cycling to hiking should check out Vista Trail Bikes–a local company that offers bike rentals and self-guided tours that wind past stunning shorelines, over bridges, and past plenty of trees.
Austin
Those looking for something spooky to do this fall should plan to visit Austin, Nevada. The historic small town is known for its wide-open outdoor spaces and its proximity to several ghost towns, including Belmonte and Berlin, Nevada. Of course, the old mining town also offers plenty of natural beauty within its own borders where those willing to explore will find spectacular fall views and unique natural attractions. Spend an afternoon admiring ancient petroglyphs at Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area, then take a warm sunset dip at Spencer Hot Springs. Those looking to find fall foliage should venture to the nearby Austin Summit where the leaves start changing colour around mid-October.
Virginia City
Travel back in time to the Wild West with a visit to Virginia City, Nevada. The former mining town is lined with wooden boardwalks, old saloons, and historic cemetetaries perfect for anyone who enjoys a good scare. During the month of October the town celebrates “Hauntober” where visitors can enjoy a wide range of spooky events from parades and costume contests to cemetery tours and pumpkin patches, just to name a few. Other Hauntober events include a Railroad Murder Mystery Train and a haunted house at the stunning Mackay Mansion. Even outside of October, there are plenty of haunted and paranormal experiences for visitors to enjoy here.
Verdi
Anyone who prefers leaf peeping to haunted houses will have a wonderful time in Verdi, Nevada. With Verdi’s proximity to scenic parks, nature trails, and bodies of water, this former mill town is an ideal spot to relax and admire the changing colors of fall. Head over to Crystal Peak Park where visitors can wander along the Interpretive Loop Trail while admiring views of surrounding mountains, trees, and the Truckee River. Or pay a visit to Von Schmidt Monument Historic Park, which sits right on the boarder of Nevada and California—while this park may be tiny, it’s packed with history and is a charming spot for a fall picnic. Verdi is also roughly 10 miles from Reno, Nevada, making it an easy day trip for those who want to explore both areas.
Alamo
Located only 90 miles from Las Vegas, the small farming town of Alamo, Nevada offers a perfect mix of nature and Alien attractions. Here, visitors can enjoy fall foliage and wildlife at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from 0.2 miles to 72 miles in length. Additionally visitors can enjoy ranger-led programs, camping, and wildlife watching. For an interesting but laid back activity, head to the Mt. Irish Archeological Site where you will find unique rock art that depicts the Native American peoples who once called this area home. The site also offers interpretive trails and picnic areas. Alamo is also known as the home of Area 51 and visitors will find plenty of Alien-themed things to do in town–making this the perfect day trip for spooky season.
From the shores of Lake Tahoe, to Area 51, Nevada’s small towns each have something unique to offer curious travellers. Between hiking trails lined with red and yellow leaves and historic towns with month-long haunted festivals, it’s safe to say these charming Nevada towns come alive during the fall. With such a variety of natural beauty and unique activities on offer, Nevada offers something fun to do for everyone from hiking enthusiasts to Halloween lovers alike.
