10 Scenic U.S. Road Trips for Stunning Fall Foliage
These 10 real-life U.S. road trips deliver unforgettable views of fall foliage, each offering a different slice of America’s autumnal beauty.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Fall is a fleeting masterpiece, and there’s no better way to experience it than by driving through regions where nature paints with fire. From New England’s winding highways to the golden aspens of the Southwest, each road trip offers a unique encounter with the season’s peak splendor. These scenic routes let you slow down, breathe in crisp air, and witness the wild poetry of leaves letting go.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
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This 469-mile stretch winding through the Appalachian Highlands is often called “America’s Favorite Drive” — and come October, it’s easy to see why. The rolling mountains catch fire with reds, oranges, and deep golds framed by scenic overlooks and roadside farms. Stop at Mabry Mill or hike a short trail near Asheville to make the most of this autumn dreamscape.
2. Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)
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Known locally as “The Kanc,” this 34.5-mile route slices through New Hampshire’s White Mountains and delivers fiery bursts of color with every twist and turn. Drive through tunnels of maple, birch, and beech trees glowing in late September through mid-October. Pull over for a picnic at the Swift River or catch golden hour at Sabbaday Falls.
3. Columbia River Gorge (Oregon)
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This river canyon east of Portland is a hidden autumn treasure, where waterfalls plunge beside maple-covered cliffs. As the leaves turn, the contrast between the blazing foliage and misty waterfalls like Multnomah becomes pure magic. A drive down the Historic Columbia River Highway feels like a fairy tale with each hairpin bend.
4. Upper Peninsula (Michigan)
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Michigan’s UP turns into a symphony of amber, scarlet, and copper in fall—especially along Highway 41 or the Lake Superior shoreline. Towering hardwoods blanket the forests, and reflections on the lakes make for postcard moments. Don’t miss Porcupine Mountains Wilderness for the full, rugged beauty of the northwoods.
5. Route 100 (Vermont)
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Running north to south, Route 100 threads through quintessential Vermont towns and farm country. Picture white church steeples, old red barns, and sugar maples lit up like fire — all under crisp blue skies. Late September to mid-October is peak viewing, especially near Stowe and Killington.
6. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (New Mexico)
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Fall in the Southwest isn’t just red rock and desert. This 84-mile loop around Wheeler Peak dazzles with golden aspens that shimmer against alpine lakes and adobe villages. The high elevation brings an unexpected explosion of color to the Taos area — proof that fall foliage doesn’t just belong to New England.
7. Great River Road (Wisconsin section)
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Trace the mighty Mississippi River from Prescott down to Potosi along Wisconsin’s Great River Road. In autumn, the river bluffs are a patchwork of glowing trees and farmland, and small river towns like Alma and Pepin feel like they belong in a Mark Twain story. The scenic overlooks will make you want to pull over every few miles.
8. Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park, Virginia)
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This 105-mile drive follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park, with sweeping views on both sides. Come mid-October, oak and hickory forests burn gold, red, and pumpkin-orange. Wildlife sightings — like deer or even black bears — are just a bonus to the leaf show.
9. Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (Arkansas)
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Winding through the Boston Mountains in northern Arkansas, this byway offers dense forests of hickory and maple that light up in fall. The rugged landscape feels untouched, with waterfalls, caves, and scenic overlooks around every corner. Visit around mid-to-late October for the richest colors and crisp mountain air.
10. Adirondack Mountains (New York)
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The largest protected area in the Lower 48, the Adirondacks burst into life in autumn with their vast range of tree species. Take the Olympic Scenic Byway or Route 73 near Lake Placid for sweeping vistas and mirror-like lakes. The foliage here is as wild as it is colorful — there’s something timeless about watching the leaves change here.