Bringing the best fall road trips

Acknowledging the beauty of autumn along the way

As spring fades and the gorgeous fall colors continue, there’s never been a better time to hit the trail and explore nature’s dramatic changes Whether you’re a lucky person for leaf care or just looking for a seasonal adventure, autumn excursions to see the beauty of changing leaves , scenic activities and the perfect opportunity to blend in with the outdoors.

What makes autumn travel so appealing?

It’s not just the vibrant autumn foliage that makes fall road trips so appealing – as the temperatures mellow and the crowds begin to dissipate, travelers can enjoy their trip with a more relaxed, scrutiny-free approach no rush from picking apples in exotic orchards to discovering history and culture charming small towns It promises a unique and memorable experience.

Find out the 10 best places to travel in the fall

To help you plan your next big trip, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 destinations that offer the best fall travel experience. With breathtaking scenery, must-see destinations and fun activities, these places are sure to spark the wanderlust and leave unforgettable memories Wait while we sleep at our favorite travel destinations in the autumn and all that is there.

Getting ready for your fall road trip

Having the best trips in the fall requires careful consideration and preparation for an adventure. Whether you’re an experienced road user or new to this exciting holiday, there are some basic considerations that can make your trip easier, safer and more unforgettable .

Essential road trips and safety precautions

Safety is paramount when embarking on any adventure. Here are the essentials you may need to consider packing for your trip:

• Detailed road map and GPS system
• First aid and essential medications
• Snacks and a bottle of water
• Essential tires, jacks, and major maintenance tools
• Emergency contact numbers and roadside assistance information
• Warm clothing and rain gear
• Flashlights and other batteries
• Unexpected sheets and bedding

Remember to always respect the speed limit, adapt your driving to the weather, and take regular breaks to rest and recuperate.

Local COVID-19 guidelines and travel restrictions

In the midst of an ongoing pandemic, it is important to stay up to date with local COVID-19 guidelines and travel restrictions. Check local health department websites and respected travel advisories for information. Wash your hands regularly, stay away from others and always wear a mask in public.

With these preparations in place, you are all set on your adventure to experience the best of autumn road trips. Get ready to take in stunning autumn colors and a unique day-like travel experience.

Top 10 Autumn Road Trips

In the fall, you can embark on excellent road trips and see the minerals scattered across the landscape. Full of scenic beauty, cultural richness and leisure activities, these destinations are sure to provide an unforgettable travel experience

1: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches across two states, is known as “America’s favorite drive.” This scenic trail showcases the majestic Appalachian Mountains decked out in vibrant fall colors.

Best places to see the fall foliage: Explore the Linn Cove Viaduct or soak in the scenic views from Waterrock Knob.

Recommended hike: Head north on the Parkway from Asheville, North Carolina, to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

Must-visits: Don’t miss the Pisgah National Forest, Folk Arts Center and Mabari Mill.

Where to Stay and Eat: Consider enjoying a B&B south of Asheville’s charm and sampling local cuisine at fine dining restaurants along the way

2: Acadia National Park, Maine

Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is an autumn paradise where ocean and mountains blend, decked out in a riot of color

Best places to see fall foliage: Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Lake offer unique waterfall views with autumn reflections in the still waters

Recommended access: From Bar Harbor, enter the Park Loop and explore the park’s attractions.

Must-see attractions: Highlights include Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and the picturesque Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

Where to stay and eat: Bar Harbor offers lodging and seafood restaurants reminiscent of classic New England.

3: Columbia River Highway, Oregon

Winding along the Columbia River, this scenic highway in Oregon is full of scenery, towering waterfalls and autumn-colored forests

Best places to see fall foliage: The Vista House and Pendleton Round-Up in Crown Point have the best viewing spots.

Recommended hiking trails: Start in Portland and follow the historic Columbia River Highway to Hood River.

Must-visits: Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam and Beacon Rock are just a few must-visits.

Where to Stay and Eat: Hood River’s accommodations appeal to everyone, and the town is known for its innovative dining scene.

4: Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Known as the “Conk,” the highway covers 34.5 miles of northern New Hampshire through the heart of the White Mountains National Forest.

Best places to see fall foliage: Sugar Hill Overlook and C.L. The Graham Wangan Grounds Overlook offers breathtaking views of bright autumn colours.

Recommended hiking routes: Start in Lincoln and head east on NH-112 to Conway.

Must-visits: Savage River, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge should be on every visitor’s list.

Where to Stay and Eat: Lincoln and Conway have lodging and restaurants serving gourmet New England cuisine.

5: Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico

Contrary to popular belief, New Mexico, known as the “Land of Fairies,” has bright autumn foliage scattered across the mountains, highlighted by the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Best places to see fall foliage: Eagle Nest Lake provides a stunning contrast of the bright aspens against the clear blue lake.

Recommended hiking routes: Start in Taos and go around Wheeler Peak through Questa, Red River and Eagle Nest.

Things to do: Visit Taos Pueblo, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the Sipapu Bridge.

Where to Stay and Eat: Taos offers a wide variety of Southwestern-style accommodations and local restaurants serving New Mexican specialties.

6: Door County Beach Trail, Wisconsin

The 66-mile loop features the scenic Wisconsin peninsula known for back roads dotted with bright reds, oranges and purples in the fall

Best places to see fall foliage: Peninsula State Park and Eagle Bluff Lighthouse offer spectacular fall views.

Recommended Route Trails: Start in Sturgeon Bay and follow Highways 57 and 42 to complete the loop.

Must-visits: The Door County Maritime Museum, Cave Point County Park, and Fish Creek deserve mention.

Where to stay and eat: Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor offer a mix of charming B&Bs, lakeside cottages and gourmet restaurants.

7: Road to the Sun, Montana

Located in Montana’s Glacier National Park, this magnificent highway is the crown jewel in America’s national park system, with hills and mountains decorated in autumn colors

Best places to see fall foliage: Lake McDonald and Logan Pass offer beautiful fall views.

Recommended travel routes: Head west from St. Louis. Mary’s to West Glacier.

Must-visits: Don’t miss the Cedar Trail, Highline Trail and Hidden Lake.

Where to stay and eat: West Glacier Village offers lodging and dining options, including rustic hotels and quaint restaurants

8: Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

The oldest scenic route in Massachusetts, the Mohawk Trail winds through the Berkshire Mountains, leaves blazing in the fall.

Best places to see the fall foliage: Hoosac Mountain and the Deerfield River offer unparalleled views of fall colors.

Recommended routes: Start in Greenfield and follow Route 2 west to North Adams.

Must visits: Flower Bridge, Glacial River Crater and MASS MoCA can’t be missed.

Where to Stay and Eat: North Adams and Greenfield offer a mix of luxury B&Bs, boutique hotels and restaurants featuring classic New England culinary ingredients

9: Skyline Drive, Virginia

Being the length of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, the 105-mile Skyline Drive is bathed in fall vibrancy, making it one of the most popular fall hikes on the East Coast

Best places to see fall foliage: 75 viewpoints along the way offer spectacular views beyond autumn color.

Recommended routes: Start in Front Royal and head south to Afton, staying on Skyline Drive all the time.

Must-visits: Don’t miss Luray Caverns, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, and Big Meadows.

Where to Stay and Eat: Lodges in Shenandoah National Parks offer fine dining and restaurants renowned for regional cuisine

10: Hocking Hills Scenic Highway, Ohio

Located in southeast Ohio, this varied trail offers stunning fall foliage, bold rock formations and mysterious caves.

Best places to see autumn foliage: Ash Cave, Old Mans Cave and Conkles Hollow offer stunning autumn displays.

Recommended hiking trails: Start in Logan and follow the signposted Hocking Hills Scenic Byway.

Things to do: Hocking Hills State Park, Zaleski State Forest and the Hocking Hills Canopy Tour are a must.

Where to stay and eat: Logan is a great location, with a variety of lodging and restaurants.

Visiting these stunning places in autumn shines a new light on the splendor of nature, making travel so healthy and beautiful.

Autumn Road Trip Activities

seasonal ceremonies and festivals

Autumn is packed with harvest festivals, pumpkin patches and haunted houses that make for a memorable experience on your fall road trip.

Outdoor activities

• Colorful walks in the woods
• Scenic bicycling
• Picking apples in local orchards
• Wine tasting in the vineyards
• Horseback riding on scenic trails

Travel tips for an unforgettable fall travel experience

Best time to get wherever you are going

Look for times of peak foliage in each area to ensure you see the vibrant colors at their best.

Driving above the falling leaves

Enjoy a relaxing drive by taking the time to fully appreciate the changing leaves and immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.

Save money with discounts and deals

• Look for off-season accommodations and attractions.
• Look for free parks, festivals and events.
• Book accommodations and activities in advance to get the best prices.

Advice on sustainable eco-friendly transportation

• Choose reusable water bottles, cups and containers.
• Use environmentally friendly products, such as sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Support local sustainability-related businesses and attractions.

conclusion

Autumn treks offer an unforgettable journey in a display of nature’s best colors. By finding top spots, participating in seasonal activities and using eco-friendly travel tips, you can create a truly memorable experience. Embrace the magic of the season by planning your autumn adventure and exploring the beauty of this time of year.