Northern Arizona is a wonderful place to spend time year-round, but there’s really no better time to experience it than fall. Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant colors that you simply can’t enjoy further south. Fall also presents the perfect opportunity to experience everything Northern Arizona has to offer, from sightseeing hikes to art festivals and train rides. Whether you’re already a resident or just a visitor, here are five ways to enjoy fall in Northern Arizona.

FallFest in the Park

Prescott’s Historic Courthouse Square plays host to a number of arts and crafts shows throughout the year. FallFest, the last of the season, is a great time to visit Downtown Prescott. This year’s FallFest, which takes place on October 6th and 7th, will feature over 100 vendors with booths exhibiting a variety of artwork. Because admission is free, you can come and go as you please to eat, drink, and shop your way through Downtown Prescott.

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Tour the Countryside by Train

Verde Canyon Railroad, best known among Arizona residents for their annual Christmas Train to the North Pole, is a great way to see the sights in the Verde Canyon without lacing up your hiking boots. You’ll depart from Clarkdale and, during the fall, Verde Canyon Railroad hosts Ales on Rails, which features a selection of local autumnal craft beers. Trains depart each day at 1 p.m. but you can enjoy craft beers at the train depot beginning at 11:00 a.m. During the four-hour trip you’ll follow the Verde River north to the ghost town of Perkinsville and back, passing through the Sycamore Wilderness, an area accessible only by rail.

Experience the Vibrant Colors of Sedona

Sedona is well known for its signature Red Rocks, which are a sight to behold any time of year. We recommend visiting between late September and mid to late October when you can also take in the vibrant color change of the landscape around you. You can enjoy any number of the wonderful hiking trails of Sedona, but one of our favorites is Fay Canyon, a trail that meanders alongside red rock cliff walls and large oak and junipers without much change in elevation. If you’re visiting later in the month of October, the Uptown Sedona Fall Arts and Crafts show takes place Saturday, October 27th and features unique arts and crafts like jewelry, fine art, clothing, and home décor.

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Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Mortimer Farms, located just east of Prescott Valley on Highway 69, is an annual tradition for many here in Northern Arizona. Their annual Pumpkin Fest takes place Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 28th through October 28th. During the festivities you can enjoy food and drinks while you pick your own pumpkins. The event also offers an assortment of games, attractions, farm activities as well as live entertainment. The centerpiece of the festival is the 15-acre corn maze which is cut into a new theme every year and offers several difficulty levels.

Pumpkin Chunkin and Scarecrow Building

Cottonwood’s Fall Festival at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds is a small-town tradition like no other. You can build your own trebuchet to hurl pumpkins if you’re looking for a unique challenge. Or, if décor is more your speed, they’ll also be hosting a scarecrow judging competition. The event, which takes place Saturday, October 27th, features a bevy of more passive activities as well. From an arts and crafts fair, to wagon rides, tractor pulls, and a family fun rodeo, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.

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Whether you’re sightseeing in Sedona or Chunkin Pumpkins in Cottonwood, fall is a wonderful time of year to experience everything that Northern Arizona has to offer. If you happen to be visiting, stop by one of Dorn Homes’ communities and see what life can look like for you! For more information about our communities throughout Arizona, reach out to an Online Home Advisor today.