Best Road Trips to Take This Fall

When autumn arrives in the United States, the landscapes transform into a painter’s masterpiece — fiery reds, bright oranges, and golden yellows blanket mountain roads and forested valleys. For travelers craving adventure, crisp air, and the beauty of fall foliage, this is the perfect time to hit the open road.

In this detailed guide, Rahaal the Explorer brings you the best road trips to take this fall — complete with breathtaking road trip routes across the USA, travel tips, must-visit attractions, and insider recommendations to make your journey unforgettable.

Why Take a Fall Road Trip in the USA?

There’s something magical about a fall road trip. The weather is cooler, the summer crowds are gone, and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Driving through national parks, mountain passes, or coastal highways in autumn gives you a sense of freedom and connection with nature that few other travel experiences can match.

From the New England countryside to the Pacific Coast Highway, America offers some of the world’s most diverse and picturesque driving routes. Whether you’re chasing leaf colors, exploring small towns, or enjoying pumpkin-spiced everything, these road trips promise a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

Overview:

Route Length: ~469 miles

Start/End Points: Shenandoah National Park, VA → Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early November

The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and for good reason. This scenic highway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering panoramic views, lush forests, and countless overlooks.

Highlights:

• Mabry Mill: One of the most photographed spots on the Parkway.
• Linville Gorge: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
• Craggy Gardens: A popular stop for vibrant fall colors.
• Asheville, NC: A charming mountain town filled with art, breweries, and local food.

Travel Tip:

Keep your speed slow — the parkway’s beauty is best enjoyed leisurely, and wildlife crossings are common.

2. New England Fall Foliage Route (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine)

Overview:

• Route Length: ~400 miles (flexible)
• Start/End Points: Burlington, VT → Bar Harbor, ME
• Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October

For those seeking classic fall foliage, New England is the ultimate destination. The small towns, covered bridges, and maple forests look like they’re straight out of a postcard.

Highlights:

• Stowe, Vermont: Famous for mountain views and charming inns.
• Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire: A 34-mile drive known for brilliant autumn colors.
• White Mountains: Offers endless hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
• Acadia National Park, Maine: Combines ocean views with fiery forest hues.

Travel Tip:

Book lodging early — New England is extremely popular during fall, and accommodations fill up fast.

3. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Overview:

• Route Length: ~655 miles
• Start/End Points: San Francisco → San Diego
• Best Time to Visit: September to November

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of the most iconic road trip routes in the USA, offering dramatic ocean cliffs, coastal towns, and famous landmarks. While it’s stunning year-round, fall offers fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures.

Highlights:

• Big Sur: Drive along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Monterey & Carmel: Stop for sea otter spotting and coastal dining.
• Santa Barbara: The “American Riviera” with beaches and wine country nearby.
• Malibu & Santa Monica: Classic California vibes to wrap up your trip.

Travel Tip:

Drive north to south so you’re always on the ocean side for the best views.

4. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

Overview:

• Route Length: ~3,000 miles
• Start/End Points: Lake Itasca, MN → New Orleans, LA
• Best Time to Visit: September to early November

Following the path of the Mississippi River, this epic route offers cultural depth and ever-changing scenery — from northern forests to southern bayous.

Highlights:

• Minneapolis, MN: Explore riverside parks and modern art museums.
• St. Louis, MO: Visit the famous Gateway Arch.
• Memphis, TN: Home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland and rich blues heritage.
• New Orleans, LA: A vibrant finale filled with jazz, food, and history.

Travel Tip:

If you can’t drive the entire route, focus on one section — like Minnesota to Missouri for fall foliage or Tennessee to Louisiana for culture and cuisine.

5. Colorado’s San Juan Skyway

Overview:

• Route Length: ~236 miles
• Start/End Points: Durango → Silverton → Ouray → Telluride → Durango (loop)
• Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October

The San Juan Skyway in southwestern Colorado is a hidden gem for mountain lovers. The scenic loop passes through old mining towns, alpine forests, and golden aspen groves.

Highlights:

• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: A historic steam train journey through canyons.
• Million Dollar Highway: Stunning mountain pass between Silverton and Ouray.
• Telluride: A picturesque ski town surrounded by waterfalls and peaks.

Travel Tip:

Weather in the mountains changes quickly — bring layers and check conditions before driving high passes.

6. The Oregon Coast Highway (US Route 101)

Overview:

• Route Length: ~340 miles
• Start/End Points: Astoria → Brookings, Oregon
• Best Time to Visit: September–October

The Oregon Coast Highway is ideal for travelers who love rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and misty coastal forests. Fall brings fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to experience its charm.

Highlights:

• Cannon Beach: Famous for the iconic Haystack Rock.
• Newport: Home to Yaquina Head Lighthouse and marine life.
• Bandon: Dramatic sea views and coastal trails.
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: A stretch of coastline filled with arches and hidden coves.

Travel Tip:

Stop often — there are dozens of viewpoints and beach trails right off the highway.

7. The Smoky Mountains Loop (Tennessee and North Carolina)

Overview:

• Route Length: ~150 miles
• Start/End Points: Gatlinburg, TN → Cherokee, NC → Clingmans Dome → Gatlinburg
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to early November

For those seeking vibrant fall colors and misty mountain views, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park delivers in full force. The park’s diversity of tree species creates a spectacular color palette each autumn.

Highlights:

• Cades Cove: Scenic valley drive with wildlife sightings.
• Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the Smokies with panoramic views.
• Roaring Fork Motor Trail: A one-way drive through forests and waterfalls.
• Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge: Great for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Travel Tip:

Arrive early for sunrise — the smoky fog layers over the mountains are unforgettable.

8. Finger Lakes Region (New York)

Overview:

• Route Length: ~250 miles (loop options available)
• Start/End Points: Ithaca → Seneca Lake → Keuka Lake → Cayuga Lake
• Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October
• The Finger Lakes region of New York is a perfect combination of fall foliage, vineyards, and charming small towns.

Highlights:

• Watkins Glen State Park: Famous for waterfalls and gorge trails.
• Seneca Lake Wine Trail: Home to over 30 wineries with fall harvest festivals.
• Ithaca Falls: A majestic waterfall right in the city center.

Travel Tip:

Plan stops around harvest season events — many vineyards host tastings and live music in October.

Essential Road Trip Tips for Fall Travel

• Check Foliage Forecasts: Websites like SmokyMountains.com provide peak color maps.
• Book Early: Fall is peak travel season for scenic routes.
• Pack Layers: Temperatures vary drastically between day and night.
• Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure tires, fluids, and brakes are road-trip ready.
• Capture Golden Hour: Morning and evening light bring out the best autumn colors.

Best USA Road Trip Routes Summary

FAQs About Fall Road Trips in the USA

Q1: What is the best time for a fall road trip in the USA?
The best time for fall road trips is typically late September through early November, depending on the region. Northern states like Vermont peak earlier, while southern states reach peak color later.

Q2: Which road trip routes in the USA are best for fall foliage?
Top choices include the Blue Ridge Parkway, New England route, and Smoky Mountains Loop, known for their vibrant fall colors and scenic overlooks.

Q3: Are fall road trips expensive?
Not necessarily. If you plan ahead, you can find affordable lodging, local diners, and free park access days in autumn.

Q4: How long should a fall road trip last?
A weekend getaway (2–3 days) is enough for shorter routes, but longer drives like the Pacific Coast Highway or Great River Road can take a week or more.

Q5: What should I pack for a fall road trip?
Pack warm clothing, a camera, snacks, maps, and a reliable GPS. Also, bring layers — mornings and evenings can get chilly.

Conclusion

Fall in the USA is a traveler’s dream — where every turn of the road reveals new colors, textures, and stories. Whether you choose the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Oregon Coast, or the New England countryside, these road trip routes in the USA offer a front-row seat to the beauty of the season.

So, fuel up your car, grab your camera, and set out to explore the country’s most scenic autumn drives — because the best memories are made on the open road.