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From thousands of feet up, the trees might look small, but the colors are just as impressive - maybe even more so. Imagine wafting high above the forests, with 4 to 15 of your favorite people, in a basket held aloft by a colorful hot-air balloon. Sail silently wherever the wind takes you, the only sounds you hear are the "oohs" and "aahs" of the passengers and the reassuring torch keeping the balloon inflated.
Balloon rides can last about three to four hours. With nothing blocking your view, you won't find a better way to experience the splendor or a Vermont autumn. The best part is that you don't need to wear out a pair of hiking boots to get up there.
If, however, you'd feel more comfortable in a cockpit than in a basket, check out a glider ride or local aerial tour. Your pilot will show you a view of Vermont once reserved for birds alone. Aerial tours are also a great option if you don't have a ton of time to spare. Rides can be as short as 10 minutes. But memories of the view will last a lifetime.
Of course, this is Vermont, home to aerialist snowboarders, skiers, and bold adventure seekers. If that describes you, perhaps you'd prefer to experience fall by... well, by falling!
With only four to six hours of training - and plenty of nerves to go through with it - you can learn to skydive over one of America's most treasured landscapes.
Or the Vermont Hang Gliding Association can recommend terrific sites to leap into the wild blue yonder. From Burke Mountain to West Rutland, you can get the details on launching sites, landing zones, requirements, restrictions and hazards at www.vhga.org.
This year, experience Vermont at a higher level!
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