🍂 Towns That Glow in Autumn

In my neck of the woods, we’re entering the final stretch of autumn colours. A few days ago, I managed to sneak in an after-work ride along our local rail trail — a 30 km (~20 mile) stretch that winds from Ottawa into the countryside.

The air was cool, the sky overcast, and the late-day light made every yellow and orange leaf stand out like it was glowing. There’s something about that mix — muted skies and bright foliage — that feels like the true essence of fall riding.

🌄 Join the Community — Let’s Explore Together

Before diving in, I want to share something new I’m really excited about. I’ve started a Facebook group called Trails & Outdoor Adventures North America — a place for riders, hikers, and explorers across the U.S. and Canada to connect, trade ideas, and find inspiration year-round.

I’ll be posting regularly there with behind-the-scenes notes on each article — why I chose the theme, how the GTMTB Assistant built the trips, and what’s next. It’s also your space to:

• Share ride reports and trail photos

• Swap hidden gems and weekend ideas

• Get inspired by where others are exploring

If you enjoy this newsletter, you’ll love the group. It’s our shared trailhead — a community built to help you discover more places, people, and reasons to get outside.

This week, I asked the GTMTB Assistant to build four rail-trail day plans in towns across North America that shine brightest in autumn — each with great atmosphere and good food to match.

— Adam

💡 These are just starting points — run any of them through the Assistant (scroll to the bottom and try it) to build your perfect ride, walk, or weekend getaway!

• Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends

• Send us feedback at: [email protected]

Vermont – Island Line Rail Trail

1️⃣ Burlington, Vermont — Lake Champlain Vibes

Why here in autumn: blazing maples, crisp lake air, and those mountain-backed lake views.

🥐 Morning Coffee & Bite — 8:30 AM

Start your day at The Skinny Pancake on the waterfront — perfect for crepes or a breakfast sammie just steps from the trail. Grab a window seat if you can; the lake light here in fall is unreal.

🚲 Ride — 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Route: Island Line Rail Trail / Burlington Greenway → Colchester Causeway
From Waterfront Park, follow the path north through Leddy Park to Airport Park, then ride out along the Causeway. Turn around at “The Cut” for sweeping views across Lake Champlain.

• Distance / Grade: 22–30 km (14–19 mi) out-and-back

• Surface: Flat, mix of paved + crushed stone

• Difficulty: 🔰 Easy

💡 Local tip: The Local Motion Bike Ferry closes after mid-October, but the ride to the gap is still worth it for the views alone.

Tags: 🌊 Lakeshore views • 🍁 Peak foliage

🍽️ Lunch — 1:00 PM

Treat yourself at Hen of the Wood in Burlington — Vermont-forward dishes with a cozy fall atmosphere. (Reserve ahead if you’d rather make it a dinner stop.)

Pennsylvania – Lehigh Gorge (D&L Trail)

2️⃣ Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania — Lehigh Gorge Trail + Small-Town Charm

Why here in autumn: a river gorge wrapped in fiery reds and golds, smooth rail-trail cruising through classic Pennsylvania scenery.

☕ Morning Start — 9:00 AM

Ease into the day with a stroll through Jim Thorpe’s Historic District — cobblestone streets, vintage shops, and a cozy café or two. Grab coffee, then shuttle or self-stage your bikes for the ride ahead.

🚲 Ride — 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Route: Lehigh Gorge Trail (part of the D&L Trail)
The classic day-ride goes White Haven → Jim Thorpe (or Rockport → Jim Thorpe) on a gentle downhill grade that follows the river through forested cliffs and waterfalls.

• Distance / Grade: 40 km / 25 mi (3–4.5 hrs with stops)

• Surface: Crushed stone rail trail

• Difficulty: 🔰 Easy

💡 Local tip: Outfitters in town offer shuttles and rentals, making this a simple point-to-point ride. Restrooms and picnic areas are available at major trailheads.

Tags: 🏞️ River views • 🍂 Foliage tunnels • 💧 Waterfall overlooks

🥪 Late Lunch — 2:30 PM

Refuel at Stone Row Pub & Eatery — a friendly spot known for hearty sandwiches and local ingredients.

Quebec – Le P’tit Train du Nord

3️⃣ Val-David / Val-Morin, Québec — Le P’tit Train du Nord + Village Cafés

Why here in autumn: classic Laurentian sugar-maple colour, crisp air, and a trail that feels like it was made for slow, scenic cruising.

🥞 Breakfast — 8:00 AM

Start your morning at Au Petit Poucet — a beloved, rustic Québécois spot serving hearty breakfasts in a wood-beamed setting. No reservations, just the steady hum of locals and maple syrup in the air.

🚲 Ride — 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Route: Parc linéaire du P’tit Train du Nord
From Val-David / Val-Morin, ride north toward Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts on a mix of smooth packed stone and paved surface. The path winds past lakes, forests, and charming old train stations along the way.

• Distance / Grade: 30–45 km (19–28 mi)

• Surface: Packed stone + paved

• Difficulty: 🔰 Easy

💡 Local tip: Check the interactive map before heading out — it lists parking, rest stops, and up-to-date trail conditions.

Tags: 🍁 Peak foliage • 🛤️ Historic stations

☕ Mid-Ride or Post-Ride Stop

Pause at Les Saboteurs in Val-David — a café-bistro with a relaxed vibe and a solid espresso. Check hours if you want to return later for their small-plate evening menu.

4️⃣ Kelowna, British Columbia — Okanagan Rail Trail + Lakes, Orchards & Tastings

Why here in autumn: golden cottonwoods, vineyard harvest buzz, and calm lake views that feel painted in gold.

☕ Morning Warm-Up — 9:00 AM

Start easy at Bright Jenny Coffee — a local roaster with a few Kelowna locations and a laid-back vibe perfect for pre-ride fuel.

🚲 Ride — 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Route: Okanagan Rail Trail
Begin near Kelowna’s waterfront and follow the trail north toward Lake Country, choosing how far you’d like to go. The lakeside stretch rolls gently along the shoreline — wide, scenic, and almost perfectly flat.

• Distance / Grade: 30–50 km (19–31 mi) out-and-back

• Surface: Fine gravel + paved

• Difficulty: 🔰 Easy

💡 Local tip: Keep an eye on the interactive map for any short-term closures — they’re updated regularly on the official site.

Tags: 🌊 Lakeshore • 🍇 Vineyards & orchards

🧀 Afternoon Nibble — 2:00 PM

Drop by Sandhill Wines downtown for a tasting flight and small bites — just enough to toast a morning well spent. (If you’re still on the bike, save it for after the ride.)

Whether you’re chasing fall colours, lakeside paths, or cozy cafés after a ride, the GTMTB Assistant makes trip planning effortless — from rail trails to full weekend escapes.

Use it to:
🚲 Find scenic rail trails and easy bike routes with peak foliage views
🏨 Add nearby inns, cabins, or boutique stays for a cozy fall weekend
🍁 Discover local eats — coffee spots, bistros, and harvest-season gems
🚗 Mix in bonus adventures — scenic drives, lookouts, or vineyard stops

📍 Try this prompt:
“scenic rail trail + fall colours + food and stay ideas near [my town/region]”

You’ll get personalized plans that blend colourful trails, great meals, and small-town atmosphere — because the best autumn rides don’t end when the trail does.

👉 Click here to open GTMTB the Assistant. 

(No app or setup—just confirm your email if prompted.)

🧠 New to ChatGPT? Check out our FAQ for tips on getting started.