As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves begin their colorful transformation, it’s time to hit the road for one of America’s favorite pastimes: leaf-peeping. From the blazing reds of New England maples to the golden aspens of the Rockies, the U.S. offers a spectacular array of fall foliage drives.
So, grab your flannel, pack some apple cider, and let’s explore 20 of the most stunning fall drives across the nation!
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Meander through the misty Appalachians on ‘America’s Favorite Drive.’ This 469-mile scenic route connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a kaleidoscope of fall colors.
Stop at overlooks like Rough Ridge for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains painted in reds, oranges, and gold.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Affectionately known as ‘The Kanc,’ this 34-mile scenic byway cuts through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. As you cruise along, you’ll be treated to a spectacular show of maple, beech, and birch trees in their autumn glory.
Don’t miss a stop at the Albany Covered Bridge for that quintessential New England fall photo.
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Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
Travel on one of America’s oldest scenic roads, dating back to Colonial times. This 63-mile drive takes you through the Berkshires, where sugar maples explode in vibrant reds and oranges.
Pull over at the famous Hairpin Turn for a sweeping view of the autumn-hued Hoosac Valley.
Lake Superior Circle Tour, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario
Embark on an epic 1,300-mile journey around the largest of the Great Lakes. While it’s a long trip, the fall colors reflecting in Lake Superior’s crystal-clear waters make it worth every mile.
Don’t miss the stretch through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the hardwood forests put on a dazzling display.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Experience the Pacific Northwest’s unique take on fall foliage. Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway, where big-leaf maples and cottonwoods add splashes of yellow and orange to the evergreen backdrop.
Stop at Multnomah Falls to see the 611-foot cascade framed by autumn colors.
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Glacier Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Traverse the heart of Glacier National Park on this engineering marvel. While the alpine areas feature mostly evergreens, the lower elevations burst with the golden hues of aspen and larch.
Keep an eye out for wildlife preparing for winter against the backdrop of snow-dusted, autumn-hued mountains.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Cruise along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. This 105-mile road offers 75 scenic overlooks, showcasing the Shenandoah Valley awash in fall colors.
For a unique perspective, hike to Mary’s Rock for a bird’s-eye view of the autumnal landscape.
M-22, Michigan
Circle the Leelanau Peninsula on this 116-mile route along Lake Michigan. You’ll pass through tunnels of color-changing trees, quaint lakeside towns, and scenic vineyards that turn golden in the fall light.
Stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a stunning contrast of autumn colors against the blue waters of Lake Michigan.
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Newfound Gap Road, Tennessee, and North Carolina
Cross the Great Smoky Mountains on this 31-mile scenic drive. As you climb from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, you’ll pass through a diverse forest that puts on a long-lasting fall show.
For a panoramic view of the autumn-clad Smokies, take the side trip up to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park.
Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
Circle Olympic National Park on this 300-mile route for a uniquely Pacific Northwest fall experience. While the evergreen forests dominate, you’ll find pockets of vibrant color, especially in the lower elevations and along the Sol Duc River.
Don’t miss the golden larches at higher elevations, a rare deciduous conifer.
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Maine
Wind through the mountains and lakes of western Maine on this 52-mile loop. The route offers stunning views of the Rangeley Lakes, backdropped by mountains ablaze with fall colors.
Stop at the Height of Land overlook for a breathtaking panorama of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, surrounded by autumn-hued forests.
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San Juan Skyway, Colorado
Experience the Rockies in all their fall glory on this 236-mile loop through southwestern Colorado. The aspens turn a brilliant gold, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged San Juan Mountains.
Don’t miss the stretch known as the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ for truly spectacular views.
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, Ohio
Explore the hidden autumn beauty of southeast Ohio on this 26-mile route. The byway takes you through Hocking Hills State Park, where hemlock-shaded gorges and waterfalls are framed by the reds and golds of maples and oaks.
Stop at Ash Cave, the largest recess cave in Ohio, for a magical fall scene.
Door County Coastal Byway, Wisconsin
Circle the ‘thumb’ of Wisconsin on this 66-mile route along the shores of Lake Michigan. You’ll pass through charming lakeside towns, orchards heavy with ripe apples, and forests dressed in their fall finest.
Stop at Peninsula State Park for panoramic views of the autumn-clad shoreline from Eagle Tower.
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Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
Experience a southwestern take on fall foliage on this 83-mile loop in northern New Mexico. The aspens turn a brilliant gold, contrasting beautifully with the deep greens of pines and the often snow-capped Wheeler Peak.
Stop in the artsy town of Taos for a uniquely New Mexican fall experience.
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, New York
Follow the Delaware River on this 70-mile route through the southern Catskills. You’ll be treated to a stunning display of fall colors reflected on the river’s surface.
Stop at Hawk’s Nest for a dramatic view of the river valley painted in autumn hues.
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota
Discover the Black Hills’ surprising fall beauty on this 70-mile route that includes the iconic Needles Highway. While ponderosa pines dominate, you’ll find brilliant patches of aspen, birch, and oak.
Drive through tunnels carved into the granite and loop around the famous pigtail bridges for unique views of the autumn landscape.
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Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee, and North Carolina
Experience the solitude of the Southern Appalachians on this 43-mile mountain road. Connecting Tellico Plains, TN, to Robbinsville, NC, the Skyway climbs to over 5,400 feet, offering expansive views of mountains cloaked in fall colors.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks.
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, Illinois
Discover the Midwest’s surprising fall beauty along the Illinois River. This 291-mile route takes you through forested bluffs, wetlands, and prairies, all decorated in autumn hues.
Stop at Starved Rock State Park to hike through canyons framed by maples and oaks in their fall glory.
Acadia All-American Road, Maine
Circle Mount Desert Island on this 40-mile loop through Acadia National Park. The park’s diverse landscapes – from rocky coastlines to pristine lakes – are enhanced by the vibrant reds of maples and blueberry bushes.
Don’t miss the view from Cadillac Mountain, where you can see the autumn-clad landscape meet the blue Atlantic.
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Vibrant Hues and Scenic Views Beckon
From the iconic maple-lined roads of New England to the golden aspen groves of the Rockies, these scenic drives showcase the incredible diversity of America’s fall landscapes. Each route offers its unique blend of colors, vistas, and local charm, promising an unforgettable autumn adventure.
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