Top 10 Scenic Drives to Enjoy This Autumn
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.