15 American Road Trips To Put On Your Fall Driving Bucket List
Fall means pumpkin spice lattes, late-morning sunrises with a chill in the air—oh, and spectacular color palettes that you simply must see. It's time to hit the road and experience America in the fall, whether you're exploring locally or hitting the highway for another state, there's never a better time to see the natural beauty of the United States than in the fall.
Here are some of the best American road trips for those who want to embrace the best of the season.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Immortalized by John Denver, the Blue Ridge Mountains cross eight states from Pennsylvania to Georgia. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America's most spectacular fall drives through the Appalachians. At 469 miles, it's a multi-day trip through one of the most beautiful areas of the country at any time of year, but even more spectacular in the fall.
Drive Through the Catskill Mountains in New York
You might not think of New York as having some of the best fall scenery in the U.S., but it does! Looking to get out of the hustle-and-bustle of New York City? Look no further than the Catskill Mountains. The mountains are bounded by the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and offer amazing views and hiking trails of various difficulties is sure to both challenge and inspire you.
If you plan to visit in October, take the car up Hunter Mountain for Octoberfest.
Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock
The Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
You'd be mistaken (though forgiven) for thinking that Arkansas was a colorless place in the fall. It mightn't be among your first choice, but it's something of a hidden gem! The rugged mountainous terrain of the Ozark National Forest provides spectacular hiking opportunities, especially when the dense fall foliage reveals hidden gems like caves and waterfalls.
Marco Becerra, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
New Hampshire's Route 123
New Hampshire's motto of: "Live Free or Die" might be a bit extreme, but so, too, is it's beautiful highway of Route 123. Traversing through many small towns along the way, this 34-mile route should only take you about an hour, but you should stop and spend at least a few hours exploring the towns along the way and admiring the tranquil scenery of Route 123.
Virginia's Skyline Drive
Virginia's stunning Skyline Drive is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails and gorgeous vistas of the valleys below. Located in the Shenandoah National Park, this 105-mile route has a posted speed limit of 35mph, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without needing to rush.
The Skyline Drive is a relaxing way to see one of the most beautiful parts of Virginia, or get out of the car and take in a refreshing hike.
More NH: The White Mountain Scenic Highway
Staying in New Hampshire for a moment, the White Mountain Scenic Highway is simply a must! October is perhaps the best time to see the gorgeous colors of the White Mountain Scenic Highway and even if you're headed elsewhere, the 34-mile journey along the highway is the perfect visual for your thoroughfare.
Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive
Drive the 24 miles of the Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive this fall, hugging the shore of Lake Michigan. The Upper Peninsula Scenic meanders through stunning forestry and gorgeous coastline views as rocky outcrops dot the shores. If you're looking for a pitstop for a bite to eat or just a break from the road, the Great Lakes Memorial Marina is the perfect spot.
Experience Michigan this fall with the Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive.
The Pacific Coast Highway
From East to West, the United States has some of the finest fall scenery in the world. The Pacific Coast Highway that begins in San Diego, California and hugs the coastline all the way up to Olympia, Washington, is one of the best offerings for those on the West Coast.
At 1,675 miles, it's not a short journey (if you decide to do the full trek) and should take you about a week. There are multiple shorter trips you can make to major cities along the coast, but if you have a week out West, the Pacific Coast Highway is most spectacular in early to mid-September.
Get Away From It All in Kentucky
Kentucky might not immediately spring to mind when you think of fall colors in the United States, but its short Route 90 road trip is the best showcase of the state's fall color offerings! Following the course of the Cumberland River, Route 90 offers stunning fall colors and riverside views on both sides, with picturesque bridges running over the various tributaries.
At only 58 miles long, Route 90 is more of a day-trip than a hardcore vacation, but a perfect little roadie nonetheless.
For The Nor'Easters: Maine's Route 26
Whether you're crossing the Canadian border to explore the U.S. for the first time, or are driving through Maine on your way to New Hampshire's White Mountains, Route 26 is a short 96-mile journey that's sure to leave you in awe of the East. If you're in a hurry (we're not sure why you would be), but you can still do it in just a couple of hours.
Although we hope that you'll stop and experience the Maine Wildlife Park—simply spectacular in the fall. Or, if golf is your thing, the Poland Spring Resort and Golf Course is open for a luxurious stay and round of fall golfing.
Waterfall Lovers Rejoice at the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon!
Another notch in the belt of the west coast's fall foliage is the stunning Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Whether you're looking for a leisurely hike or a much more strenuous one, taking the day (or weekend) to do one of the many hikes at the Gorge is a fall experience not to be missed.
You can hike up Hamilton Mountain or take part (briefly) in the Pacific Crest Trail with a 5-mile out and back to Dry Creek Falls—a 75-foot waterfall deceptively called a "creek".
Spend a Day at Charming Kennebunkport, Maine
"Charming" is the word I'd use to describe Kennebunkport, Maine. This picturesque town is the perfect place to relax on a cool fall day. In many ways, Kennebunkport hasn't changed in many a year, as with most small towns, it maintains it's charm by moving slowly. If you enjoy the slow life, then Kennebunkport, with it's trams and small docks with pleasure boat rides, is the perfect way to spend a fall day.
Enjoy an ice cream and take a relaxing stroll around Kennebunkport this fall.
Take a Trip to Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween
The site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials between February 1692 and May 1693, Salem, Mass. really goes all-out for Halloween. Whether you're a fan of the "spooky season," or more of a history buff, Salem is the place to be. Unless, of course, you're a witch, then I would probably avoid it.
Spectacular vibrant colors are a characteristic of the New England coastline. Even if you're not particularly interested in Salem, Mass. for it's historical appeal, the beauty of the area can't be overlooked.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park should have a place on any American's bucket list, particularly the sight of spectacular Old Faithful in October, minus the throngs of tourists in the summer. Additionally, August and September are rutting seasons for bison, and elk respectively, if you like watching nature unfold before your very eyes.
If not, the Brown Trout fishing season in Yellowstone draws anglers from all over the world.
Colorado—The Entire State
If you look up "Fall in the United States", you may well find a picture of Colorado—nearly anywhere in Colorado for that matter. The entire state is absolutely stunning in the fall, whether you're looking for a weekend away in the mountains, or just a day trip out to somewhere new, picturesque fall scenery is around every corner.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see place in Colorado in the Fall. Immortalized, again, by John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High", you'll want to see it for yourself.
America In The Fall
Whether you're aiming for a hiking paradise to do a big trip on foot or are simply looking to take to the open road for a few days, the United States is a special place for road trips in the fall, with a landscape as diverse as one could wish for, don't miss it this fall!
