The US has always been lauded for its beautiful landscapes, from soaring mountains to dramatic canyons, and when fall comes around, it turns the scenery up to 11. Striking fall colors sweep the landscape, from valleys and gorges to mountains and rivers, turning everyday scenery into a mesmerizing display of color. And in the US, there’s nowhere better to take it all in than from the road. With routes ranging from short jaunts to days-long journeys, roads in the US span the most beautiful towns, forests, and parks to give you your fill of fall scenery. So hop in your car, get your camera ready, and hit the pavement to take in these epic fall road trips firsthand.
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Table of Contents
- What Is the Prettiest State to Visit in the Fall?
- 12 Best Fall Road Trips
- Green Mountains, Vermont
- Finger Lakes Region, New York
- Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
- Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
- Pacific Coast, California
- Northern Pacific Coast, Oregon
- Ozarks, Missouri
- Connecticut River Byway, Vermont
- The Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
- Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, Ohio
- Route 395, California
What Is the Prettiest State to Visit in the Fall?
Tons of states stand out for their fall foliage, from the East Coast to the West, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find prettier fall colors than those in the Northeast region of the country. Love mountains, the coast, and colors? Head to Maine. Dreaming of rolling hills covered in autumnal leaves, breathtaking hikes, and dazzling lakes? Set your sights on New York state. Prefer majestic mountains, long stretches of road, and beauty all around? Vermont is calling. You can’t go wrong with any of these states and their unique beauty to enjoy in the very best of the fall season.
12 Best Fall Road Trips
Calling all fall foliage enthusiasts, autumn lovers, and leaf peepers. We’ve rounded up the 12 best fall road trips in the US that will lead you down winding roads, past glittering lakes, around striking mountains, and so much more. Start your engines and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Green Mountains, Vermont
When it comes to fall foliage, New England has it in spades. Fall foliage lovers flock to Vermont as the Green Mountains burst with vivid fall colors. The Green Mountain Scenic Byway travels through six charming towns, starting in Waterbury and ending in Stowe. The byway will take you past rolling hills, old churches, small towns, and of course, stunning foliage, making it the perfect fall road trip. Stop in Stowe to explore the town’s rural charms and hike to see the tallest point in Vermont, the magnificent Mount Mansfield.
Finger Lakes Region, New York
Upstate New York in September and October is an irresistible sight, and the Finger Lakes region is particularly enchanting. Comprised of 11 trailing lakes carved from glaciers millions of years ago, it’s a spot that begs exploration. Luckily, there are several convenient routes spanning miles and winding past all of the vibrant canopies, reflective lakes, and picturesque villages. Route 38 South will take you on a 16-mile drive to Owasco Lake, where you’ll doubtless see bikers, kayakers, and more out enjoying the crisp air and scenic fall views. Head to the pretty town of Skaneateles and take a sunset cruise along the lake to watch the sun blaze across the crimson leaves.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Kancamagus is often touted as one of the most beautiful scenic fall drives in the world. Quite the bold statement, but with 34.5 miles of sprawling natural beauty, it’s easy to see why once you get behind the wheel. Photo-worthy stops and breathtaking views of multi-colored mountains await. Hancock Overlook offers views of the hairpin-turn road surrounded by auburn and bright crimson trees, while Sugar Hills Scenic Vista is a must-see in the early morning light as a golden glow covers the land.
If you’re up for it, trek the easy hike to Sabbaday Falls through a tranquil forest to see the serene falls highlighted by autumn colors. Plan a stop at Rocky Gorge. Yes, you’ll have to contend with crowds, but it’s popular for a reason, with a beautiful landscape of vivid trees, jutting boulders, and cascading waters. This is one spot you should plan to leave your car parked for a while as you sit back and admire the stunning beauty.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic roads in the US, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The road is almost 470 miles in total, with nearly 200 of those miles spanning scenic views and seemingly endless fall beauty in Virginia. At milepost 6, stop for a short, two-mile there-and-back hike to Humpback Rocks, which overlooks the rolling hills swathed in autumnal colors. Head to Roanoke Valley for ancient ridges, lush valleys, and small towns. But the gem of this fall road trip is definitely driving through Shenandoah Park itself and the 105-mile Skyline Drive to see astounding vistas, epic mountain views, and an explosion of autumn leaves.
Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Litchfield Hills is the kind of beautiful that doesn’t require a slow build. You could just dive right into the rolling hills of deep greens, bronzey golds, and fiery reds. But where’s the fun in that? Instead of heading directly for the hills, strap in for a start in Greenwich and a drive along the coast that will unveil a kaleidoscope of colors.
The drive to Litchfield encompasses small towns, vibrant plains, and tranquil lakes. You’ll want to keep your camera finger ready, as you’ll doubtless be pulling over to snap some picks of the striking foliage throughout your drive. But don’t let the road, with its scenic views, lull you into missing out on everything else Litchfield has to offer. Explore the town, try the seasonal food, go antiquing, spot picturesque bridges, and visit charming rural farms. Litchfield is an understated beauty that is not to be missed.
Pacific Coast, California
The Pacific Coast Highway stretches on for an impressive 1,675 miles from San Diego, California, to Olympia, Washington. The highway runs along the coast for much of the route, so stunning ocean vistas are a given. If starting in San Diego, be sure to stop in Julian, California, for apple picking at the many farms and orchards in this charming town. But don’t miss the most popular route of the PCH, heading from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Plan for stops along the way, like one in the romantic city of Santa Barbara, where you can hike the Santa Ynez Mountains to see the gorgeous fall foliage sweep the land or sail above it on an epic zipline. Don’t plan to spend all your time here, though, as further along the way, you’ll find vineyards, farms, and pumpkin spice awaiting you in the fun town of San Luis Obispo. And don’t miss out on the beautiful Hearst Castle, nestled atop a hill, with its opulent rooms and panoramic views.
Northern Pacific Coast, Oregon
The Northern Pacific Coast isn’t your typical fall road trip. Like a fine wine with dessert, it pairs stunning ocean vistas with copper-colored hillsides to create a mesmerizing blend of earth and sea. And, of course, sand. Head to John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead for impressive sand dunes spanning 40 miles with views of the sparkling sea.
Stop at Coos Bay for misty cliffs and the Shores Acres State Park, where the botanical garden almost always has something in bloom. Continue on to Florence, Oregon, to unveil beautiful beaches, sand boarding fun, and autumnal forests ripe for hiking and leaf-peeping. Neskowin Beach is a massive sea rock swathed with trees and looks striking during sunrise and sunset. And, regardless of the season, no trip to Oregon is complete without a stop at the gorgeous Cannon Beach.
Ozarks, Missouri
The Ozarks are a must-see throughout the year, but autumn brings something special to the region. Swathed in stunning foliage, the Lake of the Ozarks comes alive during the fall with its coat of orange and red hues. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a series of hikes that trek through striking scenery, from rivers to waterfalls, all encompassed by brightly-hued trees.
Of course, one of its biggest draws is why it’s on this list of epic fall road trips. The Ozark Scenic Byway runs for 78 miles and whisks travelers on a journey through the Ozark Mountains. The normally breathtaking views are taken to even higher heights in the fall, when the undulating roads carve out an enchanting journey through a towering sea of deep bronzes, sunny golds, and scarlet reds not to be missed.
Connecticut River Byway, Vermont
The Connecticut River Byway is a 500-mile route stretching from Green Mountains, Vermont to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, though the majority of the route sits within beautiful Vermont. And as this charming state is known for its charming towns, it’s no surprise this drive features a smattering of towns to explore and state parks to delve right into.
Vermont’s scenic landscape encompasses rivers, waterfalls, and sloping hills, all buffeted by tree-laden mountains full of gorgeous color. The Green Mountain National Forest and Appalachian Trail are about 20 minutes from the byway, each promising its own magnificent scenery. Perhaps you’ll even pass Moose Alley on your drive—a scenic valley that boasts a population of more moose than it does people.
The Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
A picture is worth a thousand words and perhaps those pictures add up along the Million Dollar Highway. Purportedly named the Million Dollar Highway because it’s said to have cost a million dollars a mile to make, this scenic route will astound and delight and have you snapping pictures all along the 25-mile stretch. Heading from Ouray to Silverton, the Million Dollar Highway drives through the San Juan Mountains. The foliage and mountain views are an incredible sight, so beautiful that they’ve been compared to Switzerland. Ouray itself is a quaint town full of restaurants and breweries and is home to the beautiful Box Cañon Falls Park, while Silverton is full of small-town charm that will entice you to stay a while even as the road calls.
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, Ohio
This 27-mile scenic drive connects the seven Hocking Hills State Park sights, which include rolling hills, stunning caves, and glittering waterfalls. Come fall, the park’s forests of birch and hemlock trees turn to vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. While the drive is short, half of the fun comes at all of the picturesque stops along the way.
Rockbridge State Nature Preserve features waterfalls, rock formations, and the largest natural bridge in Ohio, spanning over 100 feet. Further along the way, Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve boasts a steep rocky gorge with a plunging waterfall surrounded by autumn hemlock trees and striking rock formations. Hike Cantwell Cliffs, admire the sights of Rock House, and soak in the tranquil beauty of Old Man’s Cave. And with cozy stays right in the heart of the hills, you can immerse yourself in the beauty from your car to your bed.
Route 395, California
If fall foliage is your goal then Route 395 in California is arguably one of the best autumn drives in the West. The Eastern Sierra is home to deciduous trees that span the roadsides, and they turn truly magnificent in the autumn. Mammoth Lakes and its mountain canyons and alpine lakes are lined with yellow and orange aspen trees. Be sure to stop at the beautiful Mono Lake on your route, where the trees around the waterfront turn a stunning canary yellow. Don’t miss out on the breathtaking Yosemite National Park, which becomes a golden paradise in the fall. And the tranquil waters of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by scenic fall foliage, look like a scene straight out of a movie.
