Fall is the perfect season for a road trip, with cooler temperatures, quieter destinations, and nature putting on its most stunning display. This season is also ideal for road trips because it offers a break from the hectic pace of summer travel.
Many of the roads on this list are designed for leisurely exploration, offering scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and hidden gems along the way. You’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the season’s beauty, so go ahead and pull over to snap photos of the landscape or enjoy a cozy stop in a small town.
So grab a sweater, pack some snacks, and get ready to discover the best fall road trips the U.S. has to offer!
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway, often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” spans 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains. As you drive, you’ll pass through quaint mountain towns and have plenty of opportunities to stop for hiking, picnics, or photography.
Popular spots like Mabry Mill and the Peaks of Otter are must-sees, offering both history and breathtaking beauty.
Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)
Stretching for just over 34 miles through the White Mountains, the Kancamagus Highway is short but packed with breathtaking autumn scenery. One of the highlights of the Kancamagus Highway is the breathtaking view from the top of the highway at the 2,855-foot Kancamagus Pass.
For the best experience, plan your trip in early to mid-October when the leaves are at their peak.
Columbia River Gorge (Oregon)
The Columbia River Gorge offers one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring drives in the Pacific Northwest. This drive is also famous for its waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls, which stands at 620 feet.
Make time for a hike along one of the many trails that wind through the forest—autumn is the perfect time to explore with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
Spanning over 3,000 miles and following the mighty Mississippi River, the Great River Road takes travelers through ten states, from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. As you follow the river, you’ll pass through charming river towns, scenic overlooks, and historic sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin, you’ll be treated to some of the best fall foliage in the country, with scenic views around every bend.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Located in Glacier National Park, this 50-mile route takes you through some of the park’s most dramatic landscapes, including towering mountains, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes.
Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a grizzly bear preparing for winter. Be sure to stop at Logan Pass, the highest point on the road, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
Winding through the rugged San Juan Mountains, the Million Dollar Highway is one of Colorado’s most dramatic and breathtaking drives. This 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 connects the towns of Ouray and Silverton and offers jaw-dropping views.
The Million Dollar Highway is not for the faint of heart, as its steep drop-offs and hairpin turns require careful navigation, but the reward is well worth the effort.
Olympic Peninsula Loop (Washington)
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a 300-mile journey through one of the most diverse and beautiful regions of the Pacific Northwest. The drive takes you through temperate rainforests, along rugged coastlines, and past snow-capped mountains, all of which are even more breathtaking in the fall.
Don’t miss stops at Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, and Lake Crescent for serene, mirror-like reflections of the surrounding forest.
Route 100 (Vermont)
Route 100 is Vermont’s quintessential fall road trip, offering some of the best autumn scenery in New England. The route is lined with picturesque farms, covered bridges, and country stores, making it the perfect journey for those looking to experience Vermont’s rustic charm.
Autumn in Vermont is a time for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and harvest festivals, all of which can be found on your road trip.
Lake Superior Circle Tour (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario)
The Lake Superior Circle Tour is a 1,300-mile journey around the largest of the Great Lakes, offering spectacular views of rugged coastlines, dense forests, and crystal-clear waters.
The tour takes you through both the U.S. and Canada, with highlights including Minnesota’s North Shore, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Ontario’s remote wilderness areas.
Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee to Mississippi)
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile route that follows a historic Native American trail, the parkway winds through dense forests, rolling hills, and open meadows. As you drive, you’ll pass by numerous historic sites, including ancient burial mounds, Civil War battlefields, and restored pioneer homesteads.
With no billboards or commercial traffic allowed on the parkway, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty of this unique road trip.
Highway 1 (Big Sur, California)
This drive sandwiches you between the ocean crashing below you and the mountains on your other side, creating a dramatic and unforgettable experience. Fall is the perfect time to explore Big Sur, as the weather is cooler, and the summer crowds have thinned out.
Be sure to stop at iconic landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls, where you can take in the stunning views and snap some incredible photos.
Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (Arkansas)
The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway offers a picturesque drive through the heart of the Ozark Mountains. The byway takes you through some of Arkansas’s most scenic landscapes, with breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and rivers.
This drive is perfect for nature lovers, with numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors.
