Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a scenic road trip. Crisp air, vibrant colors, and breathtaking landscapes make these routes a must for any autumn lover. Whether you want to explore forests, mountain ranges, or coastal views, these scenic fall road trips offer the best of the season’s beauty.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches over 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, offering some of the most iconic fall foliage in the country. Starting in North Carolina and running into Virginia, this drive is filled with scenic overlooks, rolling hills, and lush forests. You can stop at landmarks like Grandfather Mountain or the Peaks of Otter. The views are especially striking during October when the leaves are at their peak.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Located in the White Mountains, the Kancamagus Highway is a 34-mile route that showcases New England’s famous fall colors. The road is lined with vibrant trees, and you’ll pass through scenic spots like Sabbaday Falls and the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. Stop by the Lower Falls for a peaceful view or take a hike at Lincoln Woods to immerse yourself in the vibrant landscape.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, offering 105 miles of stunning fall scenery. The road winds along the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests. You’ll find plenty of scenic overlooks where you can pull over to enjoy the sights. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and black bears as you take in the vibrant fall colors.
Great River Road, Mississippi River
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for over 3,000 miles, but the section between Minnesota and Illinois is especially beautiful in the fall. Lush forests and golden fields line the route, and you can stop at scenic spots like Lake Pepin or Wabasha. You’ll also pass through charming river towns, each with its own unique autumn attractions.
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
New Mexico may not be the first place that comes to mind for fall foliage, but the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway offers a unique autumn experience. The 84-mile loop circles around Wheeler Peak, the state’s highest point, and takes you through alpine forests and past mountain lakes. Stop in Taos to explore local art galleries or hike the trails near the Red River for a closer look at the colorful aspen trees.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. This 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 takes you from Silverton to Ouray, with towering peaks and deep valleys framing your drive. In the fall, the mountainsides are covered in vibrant yellow and orange leaves from the aspen trees. The road has sharp curves and steep drops, so it’s best for experienced drivers.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is stunning year-round, but fall brings a whole new level of beauty. As you drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, you’ll see waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls surrounded by fiery red and orange leaves. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, or you can simply enjoy the view from the many scenic overlooks along the route.
Route 100, Vermont
Vermont’s Route 100 is often considered one of the best fall drives in New England. Stretching for about 200 miles, this scenic byway takes you through charming small towns, rolling hills, and dense forests bursting with color. Be sure to stop in towns like Stowe or Waitsfield for apple cider donuts and fall festivals. The views of the Green Mountains, especially near Smugglers’ Notch, are unforgettable in the autumn.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park offers dramatic views of Montana’s rugged landscape. The road climbs over the Continental Divide, giving you sweeping vistas of mountains, forests, and lakes. In the fall, the landscape is bathed in golden hues as the leaves change, making it the perfect time to visit. Logan Pass is a great spot to stop and take in the view.
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, New York
The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway runs alongside the Delaware River, offering 70 miles of stunning fall foliage through the Catskill Mountains. The route is filled with vibrant reds and oranges, with highlights like the Hawks Nest overlook providing panoramic river views. Charming towns like Narrowsburg and Barryville offer cozy stops for local food and fall festivals, making this road trip a perfect autumn escape.
Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
The Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts is one of the oldest scenic byways in the United States. The 63-mile route winds through the Berkshire Mountains, offering views of covered bridges, mountain streams, and dense forests. During the fall, the foliage is at its peak, with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Be sure to stop at the Hairpin Turn overlook for a panoramic view of the valley below.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia offers 185 miles of breathtaking fall scenery, combining coastal cliffs and vibrant forests. Winding through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the trail showcases stunning views of fiery autumn colors against the Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include the Skyline Trail and French Mountain lookouts, along with charming coastal towns for a perfect autumn road trip
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive in Virginia winds through Shenandoah National Park, offering 105 miles of breathtaking fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive features more than 70 scenic overlooks, where you can admire the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn. Popular stops include Stony Man and Big Meadows, which provide stunning panoramic views. It’s an iconic fall road trip for experiencing the beauty of Virginia’s mountains.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, offering a peaceful fall drive through the Deep South. The route is lined with golden and red leaves, and there are plenty of historic landmarks to explore along the way. Stop at the Natchez Trace Overlook for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside or visit the Mount Locust Historic Inn for a glimpse into the area’s history.
Route 6, Pennsylvania
Route 6 in Pennsylvania offers a scenic fall drive through the state’s northern countryside, showcasing vibrant autumn colors. The route spans over 400 miles, but the stretch through the Pocono Mountains and Endless Mountains is particularly stunning. Highlights include stops at the scenic overlooks in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and charming small towns like Wellsboro.
Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma & Arkansas
The Talimena Scenic Drive spans 54 miles through the Ouachita Mountains in Oklahoma and Arkansas. The route is known for its breathtaking fall foliage, with deep reds and oranges covering the hillsides. Stop at Queen Wilhelmina State Park for a picnic or hike one of the nearby trails. The winding road and colorful scenery make this one of the most underrated fall drives in the country.
Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive offers one of the most breathtaking fall experiences in the Midwest. As you journey along the shoreline of Lake Superior, you’ll be treated to a vibrant mix of red, orange, and yellow foliage. Must-see stops include the dramatic cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the stunning waterfalls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee & North Carolina
The Cherohala Skyway connects Tennessee and North Carolina, offering 43 miles of stunning fall scenery through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. The road winds through high mountain peaks, offering panoramic views of the forests below. In the fall, the trees burst into color, making this a peaceful and scenic drive. Bald River Falls is a must-see stop along the route.
White Mountain Scenic Highway, New Hampshire
The White Mountain Scenic Highway in New Hampshire is a must for fall foliage enthusiasts. This route takes you through the heart of the White Mountains, offering stunning views of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows blanketing the landscape. Highlights include the Mount Washington Auto Road and Franconia Notch, where the mountain scenery is at its most breathtaking
Highway 12, Utah
Highway 12 in Utah is known for its stunning red rock formations, but in the fall, the golden aspen trees add a new layer of beauty to the landscape. The route takes you through Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, offering dramatic views of cliffs, canyons, and forests. Stop at the overlook at Boulder Mountain for a sweeping view of the landscape below.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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