The 10 Most Scenic Fall Road Trips in the U.S for Unforgettable Autumn Views You Can’t Miss

I wasn’t sure I wanted another road trip.

Then a friend texted: “Want to drive upstate this weekend?” I said yes.

Two days later, I was sipping bad diner coffee while a windshield full of color rolled by. I ate the best apple pie of my life at a place with no Yelp page.

I took a wrong turn and found a quiet lake with no one on it. These ten drives are full of those easy, stupidly good moments.

Little towns. Big views. Pie stops and perfect detours.

No heavy planning. Just pack a sweater and go.

If you need to fall back in love with America, start here.

These U.S. Road Trips Are Unforgettable in the Fall

You will see towering mountains and serene coastlines. You will drive through historic towns and vast wilderness.

The colors are simply breathtaking. Fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and glowing golds paint the scenery.

This is your chance to create lasting memories. Pack your bags and get ready to explore.

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway: An Appalachian Masterpiece

• Route: Shenandoah NP, VA, to Great Smoky Mountains NP, NC
• Mileage: 469 miles
• Drive Time: 10-15 hours
• Peak Foliage: Mid-to-late October

I absolutely love this classic journey. It is called “America’s Favorite Drive” for a very good reason.

You will wind your way through the ancient Appalachian Mountains. The parkway offers some of the best fall foliage in the country.

The colors here change with elevation. The highest peaks, above 5,000 feet, show color first in early October. The show then gradually descends into the valleys.

This creates a long and beautiful foliage season. It often feels like you are floating above the clouds.

Must-See Stops: The Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304.4) is an engineering marvel. Mabry Mill (MP 176) offers history and delicious pancakes. Visit Mount Mitchell (MP 355.4) for incredible 360-degree views.2

My Tip: Weekends are extremely busy. Plan your visit for a weekday for a more serene experience. The restaurant at the Pisgah Inn (MP 407.6) is very popular. Grab a pager first, then go enjoy the views while you wait.

2. Kancamagus Highway: New England’s Fiery Heart

• Route: Lincoln to Conway, NH
• Mileage: 34.5 miles
• Drive Time: 1-3 hours
• Peak Foliage: First two weeks of October

The “Kanc,” as locals call it, is pure New England charm. This incredible route cuts through the White Mountain National Forest.

It is one of the most famous autumn scenic drives in the world. You will drive under a vibrant canopy of red, orange, and yellow leaves.

The air here feels incredibly crisp and clean. I will never forget the smell of the sun warming the changing leaves. This short drive packs a huge visual punch.

Must-See Stops: Sabbaday Falls is a beautiful spot with a short, accessible trail. The Albany Covered Bridge offers a timeless and charming photo opportunity.

My Tip: Peak foliage weekends bring intense traffic. For great color with fewer crowds, visit just after the absolute peak week. The traffic is much more manageable then.

3. Skyline Drive: Virginia’s Scenic Mountain Crest

• Route: Front Royal to Rockfish Gap, VA
• Mileage: 105 miles
• Drive Time: 3 hours
• Peak Foliage: Mid-to-late October

Skyline Drive runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park. It is the stunning northern cousin to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The road is famous for its 75 scenic overlooks. Each one provides a breathtaking view of the Shenandoah Valley.

In autumn, the valley is painted with a kaleidoscope of colors. The drive is perfect for those who want easy access to amazing views.

You can enjoy some of the best fall foliage without a long hike. The road hugs the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Must-See Stops: The Stony Man Trail is a short hike with huge rewards. Thornton Hollow Overlook gives you wide, beautiful views of the landscape.

My (Friend’s) Tip: The northern park entrances get very crowded. To avoid long waits, enter from the south at Rockfish Gap (I-64). You can then drive north against the main flow of traffic.

4. M-22 Scenic Drive: Michigan’s Coastal Color Tour

• Route: Manistee to Traverse City, MI
• Mileage: 116 miles
• Drive Time: 3 hours
• Peak Foliage: Mid-October

On this drive, you will see vibrant forests right next to the deep blue of Lake Michigan.

The contrast is absolutely stunning. M-22 was even voted America’s Best Scenic Autumn Drive.

The route winds through charming small towns. It passes rolling vineyards and beautiful orchards.

This journey feels like a quintessential American road trip. It showcases a different side of autumn beauty. This is one of my favorite midwestern fall road trips.

Must-See Stops: You must visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within the park is spectacular. Also, explore the historic Fishtown district in Leland.

My Tip: Be sure to stop at the local farm stands along the route. They offer fresh apple cider and delicious maple treats.

5. The Million Dollar Highway: Colorado’s Golden Aspens

• Route: Silverton to Ouray, CO (on US-550)
• Mileage: 25 miles
• Drive Time: 45-60 minutes
• Peak Foliage: Late September

Prepare yourself for a true high-altitude adventure. This drive is part of the larger San Juan Skyway.

Vast groves of aspen trees turn a brilliant, electric gold. They stand out against the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains.

The road itself is part of the experience. It clings to sheer cliffs, often without guardrails. It is both thrilling and breathtakingly beautiful.

This is an unforgettable American road trip you will talk about for years.

Must-See Stops: Explore the historic mining towns of Ouray and Silverton. Be sure to stop at the Red Mountain Pass summit for incredible views.

My Tip: For the most dramatic (and nerve-wracking) views, drive south from Ouray. This puts your car on the exposed, cliff-edge lane. For a slightly less intense trip, drive north from Silverton.

Also Read: These 12 American Towns So Scenic, They Rival the Beauty of Any U.S. National Park

6. Historic Columbia River Highway: Oregon’s Waterfall Wonderland

• Route: Troutdale to The Dalles, OR
• Mileage: 70 miles
• Drive Time: 3-5 hours
• Peak Foliage: Late October to early November

This drive is a perfect pairing of fall color and epic water features. It is one of the most beautiful autumn scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. You will see golden maples and red alders framed by mossy basalt cliffs.

The route is famous for its many waterfalls. They plunge down the gorge walls, creating a magical scene. 

The combination of vibrant foliage and powerful cascades is truly unique. It is a photographer’s paradise.

Must-See Stops: Multnomah Falls is an iconic, 620-foot waterfall. The Vista House at Crown Point offers stunning panoramic views of the gorge.

My Tip: Multnomah Falls is extremely popular. To avoid the biggest crowds, visit on a weekday. Arriving very early in the morning also helps.

7. Scenic Byway 12: Utah’s All-American Road

• Route: Panguitch (US-89) to Torrey (SR-24), UT
• Mileage: 122 miles
• Drive Time: 3 hours
• Peak Foliage: Late September to early October

This journey is officially designated an All-American Road. It connects Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

The landscape is surreal and unforgettable. You will drive over the 9,000-foot Boulder Mountain.

Here, groves of golden aspens create a stark contrast. They stand out beautifully against the red rock canyons below.

A highlight is the “Hogback,” a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides.

Must-See Stops: The view from Larb Hollow Overlook is incredible. Take time to hike to the beautiful Lower Calf Creek Falls.

My Tip: The road is open year-round. However, early snow can make the high-elevation sections treacherous. Always check road conditions before you begin your drive.

8. June Lake Loop: California’s Sierra Gem

• Route: Loop off US-395 on CA-158
• Mileage: 16 miles
• Drive Time: 30-40 minutes
• Peak Foliage: First two weeks of October

They call this short drive the “Switzerland of California”. It is a compact but absolutely stunning journey. 

The loop takes you past four pristine alpine lakes. Their shores are lined with brilliant yellow and red aspen trees.

Every view is framed by the rugged peaks of the Eastern Sierra. The area is a paradise for photographers. The clear, crisp mornings often provide the best light. The calm waters create perfect, mirror-like reflections.

Must-See Stops: Stop for photos at the June Lake Overlook. Take a peaceful walk along the shore of Silver Lake.

My Tip: This is a fantastic, uncrowded fall getaway. For the best photos, go early in the morning to capture the golden light and calm water.

9. Natchez Trace Parkway: A Drive Through Southern History

• Route: Nashville, TN, to Natchez, MS
• Mileage: 444 miles
• Drive Time: 10 hours
• Peak Foliage: Late October to November

This drive is the most historically rich on my list. The parkway follows a 10,000-year-old path through the Old Southwest.

It is a peaceful, commercial-free road. The fall colors here are more subtle and gentle. You will see beautiful golds and russets from hickory and oak trees.

The real magic is the feeling of history that surrounds you. This is one of the most relaxing and meditative fall road trips you can take.

Must-See Stops: The Cypress Swamp (MP 122) has a beautiful boardwalk trail. Walk a deeply eroded section of the original trail at the Sunken Trace (MP 41.5).

Insider Tip: The speed limit is a strictly enforced 50 MPH. Embrace the slow pace. This journey is meant to be savored, not rushed.

10. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Colorado’s Front Range Beauty

• Route: Estes Park to I-70, CO
• Mileage: 55 miles
• Drive Time: 80 minutes
• Peak Foliage: Mid-September

This is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, established in 1918. It offers an accessible and beautiful fall experience.

The drive provides matchless views of the Continental Divide. Golden aspen stands shine against the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park.

This is one of the best autumn scenic drives for a day trip. It is less than an hour from major cities like Denver and Boulder. It perfectly combines stunning nature with historic mountain towns.

Must-See Stops: Visit the picturesque Chapel on the Rock in Allenspark. Stop in the quirky and fun mountain town of Nederland.

My Tip: Combine this drive with some wildlife viewing. The fall elk rut happens in nearby Estes Park. You can often hear the eerie, beautiful sound of elk bugling.

Also Read: These 10 Breathtaking US Road Trips Will Still Cost You Less Than $500

Drive Away

America is filled with so much stunning beauty. These incredible drives are proof of that.

From towering mountains to serene coastlines, the views are simply unforgettable.

It is time to plan your next adventure. I hope you pick one of these amazing fall road trips.

Get in your car, roll down the windows, and take in the beauty. I promise you will fall in love with America all over again.