The Best Autumn Road Trips in North America

Road Trips

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Explore the best autumn road trips in North America, featuring stunning fall foliage, scenic drives, and unique adventures. Discover routes through the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pacific Coast Highway, and more for unforgettable experiences.

As the air turns crisp and the landscape is painted in hues of gold, red, and orange, autumn presents the perfect opportunity for a road trip. The changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and harvest season create an ideal backdrop for adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or planning your first journey, autumn is the time to hit the road and explore some of the most breathtaking routes in North America. Here are the best road trips for fall, each offering a unique blend of scenic views, adventure, and cultural experiences.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Distance: 469 miles
Highlights: Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, vibrant fall foliage, charming mountain towns

The Blue Ridge Parkway is often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” and for good reason. Stretching from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, this route offers some of the most stunning autumn scenery in the country. The road winds through the Appalachian Mountains, providing endless opportunities to witness the changing leaves in all their glory.

Must-See Stops:

Shenandoah National Park: Start your journey in Shenandoah, where you can hike portions of the Appalachian Trail or take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive.
Mabry Mill: A historic gristmill, Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed spots on the Parkway. Visit in late October for peak foliage.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: End your trip in the Smokies, where you can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and catch a glimpse of elk in Cataloochee Valley.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October for peak foliage in Virginia; mid-October to early November in North Carolina.

Motorcycle riders enjoy a colorful Fall day on The Blue Ridge Parkway.

2. The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Distance: 34.5 miles
Highlights: White Mountain National Forest, waterfalls, covered bridges, panoramic vistas

The Kancamagus Highway, or “The Kanc,” is a short but spectacular drive through the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This route is famous for its brilliant fall foliage, which blankets the surrounding hillsides in vibrant colors. Despite its relatively short distance, the Kancamagus Highway offers numerous stops for hiking, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Must-See Stops:

Sabbaday Falls: A short hike leads to this picturesque waterfall, surrounded by colorful foliage in the fall.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area: This spot offers stunning views of the Swift River and surrounding mountains, particularly during peak leaf season.
Albany Covered Bridge: A classic New England covered bridge, perfect for a quick photo stop.

Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October for peak foliage.

Autumn landscape: winding road, vibrant foliage, serene lake, majestic mountains on Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire

3. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Distance: 655 miles
Highlights: Big Sur, Redwoods, coastal cliffs, ocean views, charming seaside towns

While the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a stunning drive year-round, autumn brings a unique charm to this iconic route. Stretching from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in the north, the PCH offers a diverse range of landscapes, from sandy beaches to towering redwoods. Fall is an ideal time to explore this route, as the summer crowds have diminished, and the weather remains pleasant.

Must-See Stops:

Big Sur: Arguably the most scenic stretch of the PCH, Big Sur offers dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and the famous Bixby Creek Bridge.
Monterey: Explore the historic Cannery Row and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best in the world.
Redwood National and State Parks: End your trip among the ancient giants of the redwood forests, where you can hike among some of the tallest trees on Earth.

Best Time to Visit: September to November for mild weather and fewer tourists.

Highway 1 running along Pacific coast in California.

4. Great River Road, Mississippi River

Distance: 3,000 miles (divided into segments)
Highlights: Mississippi River views, historic towns, cultural sites, diverse landscapes

The Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River, offering a journey through the heart of America. While the entire route spans 10 states and over 3,000 miles, you can choose shorter segments to explore during the fall. This road trip offers a mix of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and history, making it a perfect choice for those looking to delve into the essence of the American Midwest and South.

Must-See Stops:

Wisconsin’s Driftless Area: Explore the rolling hills and valleys of this unique region, known for its wineries and small towns.
St. Louis, Missouri: Visit the Gateway Arch and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of this historic city.
Natchez, Mississippi: Discover the antebellum homes and rich history of this charming Southern town.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early November for a mix of fall foliage and cultural festivals.

Bike path along the Great River road beneath the bluffs in illinois.

5. The Adirondack Mountains, New York

Distance: Various routes through the park
Highlights: Lake Placid, High Peaks, charming villages, outdoor activities, vibrant fall colors

The Adirondack Mountains offer some of the best fall foliage in the Northeast, with a variety of scenic drives crisscrossing the region. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely drive or an outdoor adventure, the Adirondacks have something for everyone. The region is dotted with charming towns, pristine lakes, and rugged peaks, making it an ideal destination for an autumn road trip.

Must-See Stops:

Lake Placid: Home to two Winter Olympics, Lake Placid offers a mix of history, outdoor activities, and stunning scenery.
Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway: Drive to the summit of Whiteface Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Adirondack Loj Road: This scenic drive offers access to trailheads leading to some of the Adirondacks’ most popular hikes, including Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October for peak foliage.

Silver Lake Bog preserve - Autumn view of Silver Lake from the bluffs - Adirondack Mountains new York

Autumn view of Silver Lake from the bluffs in the Adirondack Mountains, New York.

6. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico

Distance: 84 miles
Highlights: Taos, Red River, Wheeler Peak, alpine lakes, vibrant autumn colors

New Mexico may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fall foliage, but the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway offers a stunning display of autumn colors. This loop drive takes you through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where you’ll find a mix of aspens, cottonwoods, and pines, all set against a backdrop of rugged peaks and desert landscapes.

Must-See Stops:

Taos: Start your journey in this historic town, known for its art galleries, adobe architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
Eagle Nest Lake: A serene spot for fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the fall colors reflected in the water.
Wheeler Peak: For the adventurous, a hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October for peak foliage.

7. The Door County Coastal Byway, Wisconsin

Distance: 66 miles
Highlights: Scenic shoreline, lighthouses, orchards, charming villages

Door County, often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” is a narrow peninsula that extends into Lake Michigan. The Door County Coastal Byway offers a picturesque drive along the shoreline, with opportunities to explore charming villages, historic lighthouses, and apple orchards. Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit, as the leaves change color and the apple harvest is in full swing.

Must-See Stops:

Peninsula State Park: One of Wisconsin’s most popular parks, Peninsula State Park offers hiking, biking, and stunning views of Green Bay.
Ephraim: A quaint village with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, Ephraim is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
Washington Island: Take a ferry to this island at the tip of the peninsula, where you can explore secluded beaches and scenic overlooks.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October for peak foliage and apple picking.

8. The Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada

Distance: 144 miles
Highlights: Canadian Rockies, glaciers, turquoise lakes, wildlife

For those looking to venture beyond the U.S. borders, the Icefields Parkway in Alberta offers one of the most awe-inspiring drives in North America. This route takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and turquoise lakes providing a dramatic backdrop. Autumn is an ideal time to visit, as the crowds thin out and the landscape is dusted with the first snow of the season.

Must-See Stops:

Lake Louise: One of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is especially stunning in the fall.
Columbia Icefield: Take a guided tour onto the Athabasca Glacier or explore the Glacier Skywalk for unparalleled views.
Peyto Lake: This glacier-fed lake is known for its vibrant blue color, which contrasts beautifully with the surrounding autumn foliage.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October for fall colors and early snowfall.

Dusk view of Mount Edith Cavell from Jasper National Park’s picturesque Icefields Parkway in Canada.

9. The Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee

Distance: 444 miles
Highlights: Historical sites, rolling hills, scenic overlooks, wildlife

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic route that stretches from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This road trip offers a journey through time, with numerous historical sites, including Native American mounds, Civil War battlefields, and antebellum mansions. In the fall, the parkway is transformed by the changing leaves, making it a picturesque drive with plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Must-See Stops:

Emerald Mound: One of the largest Native American mounds in the United States, dating back to 1250 AD.
Cypress Swamp: Take a short walk through this unique wetland area, where you might spot alligators and other wildlife.
Loveless Cafe: End your journey with a stop at this iconic Nashville eatery, known for its Southern comfort food and biscuits.

Best Time to Visit: Late October to early November for peak foliage.

Bridge over the The Natchez Trace Parkway in autumn.

10. The Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

Distance: 25 miles
Highlights: San Juan Mountains, alpine passes, mining towns, vibrant fall colors

The Million Dollar Highway, a section of U.S. Route 550 between Ouray and Silverton, is one of the most breathtaking drives in Colorado. This route takes you through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, with dramatic cliffs, hairpin turns, and stunning vistas at every corner. In the fall, the mountainsides are ablaze with the golden hues of aspen trees, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your road trip.

Must-See Stops:

Ouray: Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a charming mountain town with hot springs and scenic hikes.
Red Mountain Pass: This high mountain pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, especially vibrant in the fall.
Silverton: A historic mining town, Silverton is a great place to explore the region’s rich history and enjoy some local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October for peak foliage.

Million Dollar Highway near Ouray, Colorado

Conclusion: Embrace the Magic of Autumn on the Road

Autumn is a season of transformation, and there’s no better way to experience it than by hitting the road and exploring some of the most scenic routes in North America. Whether you’re drawn to the fiery colors of the Northeast, the rugged beauty of the Rockies, or the coastal charm of the Pacific, these road trips offer something for every traveler. Pack your bags, grab a map, and set out on an unforgettable journey through the heart of fall. The road awaits, and with it, the promise of adventure, discovery, and the simple joy of the open road.

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