11 Fall Road Trips To Take Around The U.S. This Year
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Fall is like Mother Nature’s annual grand finale before turning in for the winter, what better way to celebrate than by hitting the open road and enjoying all of her beauty? As the leaves turn all shades of gorgeous and the air gets that perfect crispness, it’s time to grab your coziest sweater, roll down the windows, turn on the perfect fall playlist, and soak up the season.
Whether you’re dreaming of winding through vibrant forests, discovering quaint small towns, or taking in those epic mountain views, these 11 fall road trips will satisfy your wanderlust.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most iconic fall road trips in the U.S., basically the Beyoncé of scenic drives—iconic, flawless, and beloved by everyone. It stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains. It’s known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” because the route offers nonstop jaw-dropping views of rolling mountains. And in the fall, the color of the trees are just magical.
Highlights:
Pisgah National Forest for hiking.
Visit Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots on the Parkway.
Spend at least 48 hours in Asheville, NC, for a mix of arts, culture, and cuisine.
Best Time to Go: Mid-October to early November for peak foliage.
2. Vermont’s Route 100
Vermont in the fall? Yes, please! Route 100 is dubbed the best fall road trip in New England, with its scenic byways running north and south through the heart of Vermont. Picture yourself driving through the state’s quaint villages, past historic bridges, all while being surrounded by stunning views of the Green Mountains and colorful trees.
Highlights:
Visit the picturesque village of Stowe to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the season.
Hike to Moss Glen Falls.
Stop by the many roadside farm stands for fresh apples and cider donuts.
Best Time to Go: Late September to mid-October.
3. The Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
The Great River Road is the ultimate road trip adventure, following the Mississippi River for over 2,000 miles, passing through ten states. This road trip offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the bluffs of the Upper Midwest to the bayous of the Deep South, all dressed in fall’s finest colors.
Highlights:
Explore the charming and historic river towns like Galena, IL, and Hannibal, MO (Mark Twain’s hometown)
Enjoy local cuisine - ask for walleye in the midwest and gumbo in the south; you’ll thank us later.
Best Time to Go: Early October to mid-November.
4. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Picture waterfalls, cliffs, and forests that look like they’ve been painted in the richest autumn hues. The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular road trip destination on America’s west coast offering plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Highlights:
Visit Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall.
Hike the trails around Wahkeena Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Stop by the fruit orchards and wineries in Hood River.
Best Time to Go: Late September to late-October.
5. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a hidden gem for fall road trips with vast forests, and stunning lakeshore views. It’s rugged, it’s beautiful, and in the fall, it’s an explosion of colors! The U.P., as it’s often referred to, is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and embrace the wild beauty of autumn.The region’s remote and untamed wilderness makes it perfect for a peaceful autumn escape. Just be sure to time your trip perfectly so that you experience the fall foliage and not its white winter.
Highlights:
Drive along M-28 through the Hiawatha National Forest.
Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for jaw-dropping cliffs and vibrant foliage.
Visit the charming town of Marquette, known for its vibrant arts scene and access to Lake Superior.
Best Time to Go: Late September to mid October.
6. The Ozarks, Arkansas & Missouri
Why It’s a Must: The Ozarks are a diamond in the rough. While they are lesser-known for fall road trips, it’s definitely an area you want to add to your fall road trips list. The mountains and valleys here turn into a kaleidoscope of colors, making it the perfect place for a road trip that’s off the beaten path.
Highlights:
Explore the Buffalo National River for scenic views and outdoor activities.
Drive through the Mark Twain National Forest.
Visit the charming town of Eureka Springs, known for its Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene.
Best Time to Go: Late October to early November.
7. The Adirondacks, New York
Why It’s a Must: The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York offer some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the country. There’s more than 6 million acres of protected land, making it perfect for just about anyone interested in nature - whether you’re hiking, driving, or just relaxing, you’re always surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Highlights:
Drive along Route 73 to Lake Placid.
Hike one of the many trails in the High Peaks region.
Visit the historic Great Camps of the Adirondacks.
Best Time to Go: Late September to early October.
8. The Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is all about history, scenery, and serenity. This 444-mile road follows an ancient path that Native Americans and early settlers once used. In the fall, it becomes a tranquil, tree-lined wonderland perfect for a road trip this fall.
Highlights:
Visit the historic towns of Natchez and Tupelo.
Learn about the Civil War, exploring battlefields and historic sites along the route.
Best Time to Go: Late October to early November.
9. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
No seriously, this is THE ROAD TRIP you didn’t know you needed to take. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is 85 miles of magic. You’ll have the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as your backdrop, drive through golden aspens, and unique desert landscapes. This fall road trip is totally different—and amazing.
Highlights:
Visit the artsy town of Taos.
Explore the historic Taos Pueblo.
Drive through the Carson National Forest for stunning mountain views.
Best Time to Go: Late September to mid-October.
10. Coastal Route 1, Maine
For all my East Coast New England lovers, driving through Maine’s Coastal Route 1 is the road trip of your New England dreams. If you love charming fishing villages, historic lighthouses, and fresh seafood (fresh off the boat type fresh), this one’s for you. With the Atlantic on one side and vibrant foliage on the other, it’s the best of both worlds. Grab this playlist and hit the road.
Highlights:
Visit the historic lighthouses along the coast.
Explore Acadia National Park for a mix of ocean and forest landscapes.
Stop in towns like Camden and Rockland for fresh seafood and local crafts.
Best Time to Go: Late September to mid-October.
11. The Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota are what you see in most of the quintessential “fall road trip” postcards. There’s a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and history…I saved this one for last because really, it’s the superstar of fall road trips. With pine forests and a rich history, this area transforms into a fall paradise that’s perfect for a road trip with a twist.
Highlights:
Visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Drive through Custer State Park for wildlife viewing.
Explore the scenic Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.
Best Time to Go: Late September to mid-October.
These 11 fall road trips offer the perfect combination of stunning landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant foliage. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the mountains, a peaceful drive through the countryside, or a coastal escape, there’s a fall road trip for you. If you want my Fall playlist, grab it here.