When temperatures grow cooler and the leaves begin to fall on the East Coast, sometimes the best place to be is in a yurt in the middle of nature. The summer crowds fade as kids go back to school, leaving you and your family in peace to enjoy vibrant autumn colors and a wealth of outdoor activities.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite places to take a fall yurt vacation in Eastern states from Maine to New York. Our picks for great East Coast yurt vacation destinations will keep your cozy and rested after active autumn days.

Maine

If you want a taste of the ocean breeze and prime fall foliage, Maine may be your ideal stop for a yurt vacation rental. Autumn may be one of the best times to visit, with a wealth of activities like canoeing, fly fishing and even whale watching. As the state sees its first snow in mid-October and November, a yurt can be a warm and comfortable alternative to tent camping.

Explore the Western Maine backwoods on Frost Mountain Yurts’ 60 acres, just minutes from Mount Washington Valley. For those near Portland, kick back at Maine Forest Yurts and watch beavers and other wildlife ready themselves for winter during a paddle around Runaround Pond. Kayaking and fishing enthusiasts will love Chewonki Campground in Wiscasset.

Maryland

In Maryland, all you need to do to find stunning colors is call their fall foliage hotline 1-800-LEAVES1. This is not a joke. The Old Line State makes enjoying autumn easy, whether you’re visiting one of its 70 historic landmarks with sparser crowds or taking a scenic walk in the woods. A fall yurt vacation there puts you in the middle of peak Maryland crab season.

Surrounded by more than 700 acres of state forest, Savage River Lodge yurts provide a luxurious “glamping” experience, complete with an award-winning restaurant for a taste of that famous seafood. Unwind on a private deck and bath with an extra-large shower. A gas-log fireplace and heated floors keep you toasty during cold nights.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts autumns buzz with activity. From mid-September to early November, farmers in the southeast continue the centuries-long tradition of harvesting cranberries. Go farther west to Lenox, and world-class musicians wow audiences during the off-season of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

October Mountain State Forest yurts are fewer than 20 miles away from the celebrated Tanglewood venue. Take your pick to spend your fall yurt vacation relishing music or trekking the largest state forest in Massachusetts, offering 16,500 acres to explore. The yurts offer a simple and comfortable bookend to your day. They feature bunk beds and access to water and electricity.

Nestled in the woods between Boston and Cape Cod, Normandy Farms Campground provides beautiful yurt rentals, with access to their resort. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat, or want to plan activities such as yoga classes, hikes, or bike tours, you’ll be well taken care of and able to enjoy all the benefits of yurt life in Foxboro.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is legendary for its rollicking fall festivals and abundant leafy trees and shrubs. Home to more than 2,100 native plants, the commonwealth’s oranges, yellows, reds and purples stick around longer than many places in the world.

Take in the vibrant forest at the “Secluded Off-Grid Yurt & Hot Tub in the Woods” vacation rental near Mehoopany. The newfound visibility after the trees lose their leaves makes fall a prime time for bird-watching. Look for red-tailed hawks, pileated woodpeckers and more at the nearby Wyalusing Rocks. Settle in afterward for a soak in the hot tub and a peaceful night in a back-to-the basics yurt. We also recommend trying the yurts at the gorgeous Codorus State Park, Chapman State Park and Yellow Creek State Park.

New York

New York’s Adirondack Mountains offer one of the longest shows of fall foliage in the United States. Visitors can take in the majesty in various ways including hiking, biking and riding a gondola. But the beauty of the woods in the state extends far beyond the range.

Located in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country, Yale Manor is a unique B&B that includes deluxe yurt rentals. Just minutes from Geneva, NY, Yale Manor is privately tucked away on ten acres, in a park-like setting. Whether lounging in your Yurt after a long day of wine tasting, enjoying birdwatching on the property, laying in a hammock, or sitting by an evening fireside listening to the waves lapping on the shore, you are sure to leave rejuvenated in body, mind, and spirit.

Andelyn Farm near East Hartford is another must see location. Located in picturesque Upstate New York, Andelyn Farm seamlessly combines the height of luxury glamping and camping with the inherent peacefulness of nature. Sprawling over 100 acres, the property boasts upscale Yurts, peaceful campsite and our Wedding and Event Center.

Vermont

The great naturalist John Burroughs once noted, “In October, a maple tree before your window lights up your room like a great lamp. Even on cloudy days, its presence helps to dispel the gloom.” In Vermont, the state with the most maple trees, this is especially true.

The Yurt at Mt Snow is a hidden treasure if you are looking to unwind in privacy with a great view. Gaze through the ceiling dome of the yurt at the tree tops, stars and moon, wake up to an expansive sunrise over the Green Mountains. Enjoy cocktails on the deck with treetop and mountain views. Breathtaking at any time of the year, for different reasons! Private but conveniently located, the property is just a short drive to Mt Snow (9 min) and Wilmington (15 min).

If you’re closer to Killington, Vermont, stop in for a gourmet meal in the yurt at Killington Resort and enjoy the atmosphere and culture. This unique experience is once in a lifetime, and shouldn’t be missed!  

Wanting to find your perfect yurt vacation rental on the East Coast, but not sure where to start? Pacific Yurts has a handy search feature to find your next overnight adventure.