What better way is there to dazzle in the delights of the Land of the Free than with the windows rolled down, your favorite playlist playing, and, perhaps, even a friend or two by your side?
When you go on a road trip, you’re free to come and go as you please, with very few train and plane timetables to stick to. Pull over when something catches your eye. Speed up when you have a destination in mind.
The world is your oyster when you’re behind the wheel, and we’re here to help you map out the best road trips to take this fall, whether you want to nestle in the Northeast or circle around the Ring of Fire in the great Northwest.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a leaf peepers delight. It’s also a popular road for motorcycle enthusiasts throughout this time of year.
Some of the views are simply incomparable. From high up in the clouds, the changing leaves will spread out for you in blankets of jewel-toned reds, oranges, and yellows.
While you’re in the area, you can also spend some time in Gatlinburg to savor some of their restaurants and whiskey distilleries before moving on to Knoxville, another beautiful city with plenty of opportunities to take in nature’s beauty.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
If we travel further northeast to Virginia, we can hop on Skyline Drive and make our way to Shenandoah National Park. Just like the Smokies, the Appalachian Mountains are on standby for instant inspiration.
This is actually a wonderful place to camp out for the weekend if you have the time. With over 500 miles of trail, you can hike to Hawksbill Summit or explore Whiteoak Canyon. You may even make the (distant) acquaintance of some local deer or black bear.
If you drive to the northernmost part of the park, you can spend the night at Mathews Arm Campground, located on the west side of Skyline Drive at milepost 22.1. It’s open through October, so you still have plenty of time to let this area steal your heart while you savor a few starry nights.
The Pacific Coast Highway, Oregon
Over on the West Coast, the Pacific Coast Highway is also waiting to dazzle you with the delights of the season. While the highway starts in San Diego, California, and goes all the way up to Olympia, Washington, you can take aim at the northern parts of the highway, where you’re more likely to see some leaves change.
If you dip inland off the highway and head to Portland (about 80 miles away), you’ll be treated to a host of leaf-peeping opportunities. Some of the most peaceful places include Lone Fir Cemetery (Portland’s oldest cemetery), Hoyt Arboretum, and Portland Japanese Garden (where the Japanese maples will set your heart afire).
Ocean Drive, Rhode Island
You might not think of an ocean drive when seeking out fall adventure. But, given its situation in the Northeast, you’ll be afforded plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities, as well as ocean shorelines that are far less crowded and, therefore, far more enjoyable.
Take the famous Ocean Drive, a 10-mile journey that weaves past historic mansions from the Gilded Age that are still clinging to the cliffs. Keep an eye out for Castle Hill Lighthouse, as well. Then, since Newport is a mere 11 square miles, you can easily dip inland to enjoy the season’s joys.
Plenty of fall festivals are on tap, such as Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival. There are also plenty of local orchards and vineyards with inviting atmospheres that will reward you with a hearty harvest to take back home.
World’s End, Massachusetts
Sticking with the Northeast, let’s head further north to Boston. After spending some time in this historic city, you can head south to a fascinating coastal gem called World’s End. It’s a 250-acre park on a peninsula in Hingham with winding trails ensconced by beautiful trees.
You can walk right up to the water and breathe in the views of Hingham Harbor. If you look close enough, you’ll also see the Boston skyline. After a restful retreat in the park, you can return to Boston for some delicious clam chowder and perhaps a pint or two. Here are the best spots for clam chowder in Boston.
White Mountain Scenic Highway, New Hampshire
Like Rhode Island and Massachusetts, New Hampshire is also eager to welcome you with open arms. The White Mountain Scenic Highway, also known as the Kancamagus Highway, will kindly escort you into the White Mountain National Forest, where you’ll see a colorful explosion of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
The highway itself is only 34 miles, so it doesn’t require a full day’s dedication. But, while you’re in the area, you might also explore the majesty of Loon Mountain or hop on board the Granite State Scenic Railway, where your conductor will graciously glide you along the picturesque Pemigewasset River.
Route 26, Maine
Heading further north again, let’s take aim at Maine. When you venture down Route 26, you’ll be greeted by the White Mountain region. Once you’re there, plug Grafton Notch State Park into Google Maps so you can take a hearty hike to its waterfalls.
With plenty of B&Bs along the way, you can stay the night along Route 26 if camping isn’t your fortté. Wolf Cove Inn is particularly delightful, located right off Route 26 on Jordan Shore Drive. Beneath a shroud of trees, you’ll enjoy the peaceful and relaxing sounds of the lakeside loons as they lull you to sleep.
Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive, Michigan
The Great Lakes are stunners all year long. But, when you drive along Lake Superior, trimmed in golden hues of fall fancy, your heart will swell with the splendor of nature.
The best way to approach the Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive is to start on Mackinac Island, brimming with charm all on its own. It’s a remote island which you’ll have to take a ferry to (because it’s mainly motorless). But you’ll be glad you began with this slight detour as the city dazzles you with its old-world delights.
Pro Tip: Watch Somewhere In Time with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour before you go. If you do, you’ll quickly see why you must spend a night at The Grand Hotel.
After spending a night or two there, you can resume your scenic drive all along Lake Superior, stopping to relax along the shorelines, enjoy the local cuisine, and take a tour through Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
With a name like that, how could we not? While you may not associate New Mexico with the same sort of fall flavors as the Northeast, autumn is a wonderful time to visit the region because the oppressive summer heat is letting up.
What you will see along this scenic drive is an array of mountain views, mystic mesas, vivacious valleys, and national forestland. One of the best places to stay for a night or two along your travels is Taos, a beautiful city festooned in ancient Pueblo architecture, ensuring you’ll have the most memorable road trip.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Let’s end our travels back on the West Coast – a surprising destination for leaf peepers, which is, perhaps, part of its charm. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway will lead you to the Ring of Fire, a circle of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean – some of which are still active today.
Spanning across Northern California and Southern Oregon, you can take in the sights of Crater Lake National Park, Mount Shasta, and Medicine Lake. If you soak up the wonders of Crater Lake National Park, be sure to seek out the showstopping Vidae Falls.
Happy Trails to You
With the windows rolled down, your favorite playlist on repeat, and perhaps a fine furry friend sticking his nose out the window, we hope you enjoy the most enchanting road trip, whichever coast you head for.
Be sure to pull up our destination guides before you go. We’ll help you make the most out of all the cities and towns you’re about to venture through. Here’s hoping we meet you along the Pacific Coast Highway someday!