Fall is the perfect time for a road trip. The weather is cool and crisp, the leaves are changing color, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer. Here are 10 of the best fall road trips in the US.
The 10 Best Fall Road Trips in the US: The Kangamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile scenic drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s known for its spectacular fall foliage, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The highway is also home to several hiking trails, waterfalls, and covered bridges.
Highlights:
- Sabbaday Falls
- Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
- Covered bridges of Conway
Tip: The Kancamagus Highway can get crowded on weekends, so plan your trip for a weekday or early morning.
The 10 Best Fall Road Trips in the US: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that winds through the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. The parkway offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and forests, all ablaze with fall colors. There are also numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and historic sites along the way.
Highlights:
- Mabry Mill
- Mount Mitchell (the highest point east of the Mississippi)
- Linville Falls
Tip: Check the Blue Ridge Parkway website for road closures before you go, as sections may be closed due to weather or maintenance.
The 10 Best Fall Road Trips in the US: The Pacific Coast Highway, California
While not traditionally known for fall foliage, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) in California offers a unique coastal autumn experience. The crowds thin out, the weather is mild, and you can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The drive features dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and charming coastal towns.
Highlights:
- Big Sur
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hearst Castle
Tip: Book accommodations in advance, especially if traveling on weekends. Consider starting in Northern California to drive south with the ocean on your right.
The 10 Best Fall Road Trips in the US: Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin, is a peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan. In the fall, the peninsula’s forests come alive with color, and the charming towns offer a variety of fall festivals and activities. You can also enjoy apple picking, wine tasting, and scenic ferry rides.
Highlights:
- Peninsula State Park
- Cave Point County Park
- Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant (with goats on the roof!)
Tip: Door County is a popular destination, so book accommodations and ferry tickets in advance.
The 10 Best Fall Road Trips in the US: The Catskills, New York
The Catskills region of New York offers beautiful fall scenery with rolling hills, forests, and charming small towns. There are numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for apple picking and farm visits.
Highlights:
- Hunter Mountain Skyride
- Kaaterskill Falls
- Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Tip: The Catskills are easily accessible from New York City, making it a great weekend getaway.
The 10 Best Fall Road Trips in the US: Olympic Peninsula, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is a diverse landscape with rainforests, mountains, and coastline. In the fall, the forests turn golden, and the weather is perfect for hiking and exploring. Enjoy fewer crowds as the summer rush dies down.
Highlights:
- Hurricane Ridge
- Hoh Rainforest
- Lake Quinault
Tip: Be prepared for rain, as the Olympic Peninsula is known for its wet weather. Pack layers and waterproof gear.
The 10 Best Fall Road Trips in the US: Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
The Litchfield Hills in Connecticut offer a classic New England fall experience. The area is known for its rolling hills, covered bridges, and charming villages. You can also enjoy hiking, apple picking, and antiquing.
Highlights:
- Covered Bridge in West Cornwall
- Kent Falls State Park
- Haystack Mountain State Park
Tip: Visit during a local fall festival for an authentic New England experience.
The 10 Best Fall Road Trips in the US: Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama, & Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive that follows the historic Natchez Trace, an ancient path used by Native Americans, explorers, and settlers. In the fall, the forests along the parkway turn vibrant colors, and there are numerous historical sites to explore.
Highlights:
- Emerald Mound
- Windsor Ruins
- Cypress Swamp
Tip: There are no commercial services (gas, food, lodging) directly on the parkway, so plan accordingly. Fill up your gas tank and pack snacks and drinks.
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Skyline Drive is a 105-mile road that runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Offering breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley, especially during peak foliage season. Plenty of hiking trails branch off from the drive.
Highlights:
- Dark Hollow Falls
- Byrd Visitor Center
- Numerous overlooks
Tip: Entrance to Shenandoah National Park requires a fee. Consider purchasing an annual pass if you plan to visit multiple times.
Michigan’s Gold Coast, Michigan
Drive along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, also known as the Gold Coast, to enjoy the vibrant fall colors with the backdrop of the Great Lake. Quaint towns and dunes add to the beauty of the journey.
Highlights:
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Holland
- Traverse City
Tip: Check the local color reports to time your trip for peak foliage.