The fall season with changing foliage of colorful trees is the reason why you need to take fall scenic drives. The excitement begins during this time and the leaves turn from bright green to browns, golds, and reds. The best way to experience the spirit of this wonderful season is by hitting the road.
In this article, we have picked the top 10 fall scenic drives that will enable you to experience some of the most gorgeous colors of autumn. You can drive over miles of national scenic byways if you are a color seeker. Start mapping out a driving route if you don’t want to miss the colors of fall!
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Shenandoah National Park
The Skyline Drive is the only public road in this national park that will offer you a dramatic display of colors. The peak viewing time here is from mid-October. Leaves start changing first during the peaks and finish in the lower elevation. The hues vary tremendously depending upon the elevation and on several other factors.
The road stretches for hundreds of miles and it would take you at least three hours to get out and explore this picturesque motorway. The national park has over 500 miles of trails with towering mountains, ancient caves, dense forests, enshrouded waterfalls, and more.
The Kanc, New Hampshire
The White Mountains cover a quarter of the state in New Hampshire. These are believed to be the most rugged in New England. The Kanc is considered to be one of the best drives in the region during fall. This 37-mile drive is popular for its covered bridges and for its mountain adventures.
You can get a bird’s eye view of the colorful foliage by taking a tram from the State Park. You can take a stroll through the gorgeous covered bridges in the state park. This place is considered to be one of the best fall scenic drives routesin the USA. If you are interested to take road trips to New Hampshire, here you will find the best New Hampshire road trips.
Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway
If you want to experience bursts of colors in Massachusetts, then this byway will offer you some of the most breathtaking displays in the state. The peak time is during early October. This is the most ideal time for meandering roads that are lined with deep scarlet, reds, and golds. You will pass lush meadows, quaint farms, and tranquil lakes while driving through this scenic way.
Jacob Ladder Scenic Byway is a 35-mile stretch. It is a must to experience fall here once in your lifetime.
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
If you are looking for some impressive fall signs in Ohio, then this scenic byway is where you need to head. This 26.4-mile byway follows deep into historic hills passing contiguous sites of the state park.
You get to explore the enigmatic caves and ancient remnants along with remarkable autumn foliage. The region is lined with a remarkable rainbow of vivid fall colors during the season. You can head to the best vantage points in a kayak, canoe, hot air balloon, or by zip line.
If you want to know more about this place and other Ohio road trip destinations, check out our carefully-curated sampling.
Olympic Trail, New York
The Adirondacks is the largest wilderness region in the eastern US. This region puts up a spectacular display of awe-inspiring autumn foliage far from the hustle and bustle of city life. This 170-mile trail connects Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario.
You will get to experience some of the best beech, birch, maple, and oak trees while exploring and taking in some brilliant golden yellow, fiery red, brilliant orange hues in the forested landscape. The rainforests offer an outstanding display of autumn colors. It is no wonder why it is considered to be one of the best fall scenic drives route in the USA.
The rainforests in the Olympic National Park have vine maples and big leaf among spruce and hemlock trees. Most of the year, the rainforest wears a lush green coat of moss. However, during the fall you will find coats of yellow, orange and red leaves offering a subtle scene instead of dramatic color shows.
The Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
This highway is a 25-mile stretch of US 550 in southwestern Colorado. This highway is one of the most impressive drives all year long and it is simply breathtaking during autumn. The endless turns and twists follow the edge of sheer cliffs. This region is renowned for its Swiss-like views. Explore the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains along with vivid colors of fall.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is referred by many as America’s Favorite Drive. It covers over 469 miles and starts in Shenandoah National Park and ends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The area houses over 100 different species of trees that turn the entire region enchanting with their rich colors during the fall. Those traveling longer than a day trip can consider availing fall foliage vacation packages to get the best out of their trip. This is one of the most favorite fall scenic drives route in America.
Columbia River Highway
This is the first scenic driveway in the US to earn the status of being a National Historic Landmark. This marvel was considered to be an engineering feat and was constructed during 1913. This route was developed for emphasizing the natural beauty of the region.
Visitors who follow the drive to the top of the 900-feet cliff overlooking the valley below and the river get the most out of their drive. You will encounter fiery hues along with deep gorges, dramatic waterfalls, and brilliantly colored wildflowers.
Each year you can witness something incredible in this region. The rainbow of flowers, pure white snow, and the changing colors during the fall is simply a magical experience to witness. You can stay in luxury cabins to make the entire experience much more special. See RentalTrader.com to search for various options.
If you want to see the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge during fall, then visiting during the peak season would be your best bet. The peak leaf viewing time is usually from late September to mid-October. The peak colors can be viewed for about two weeks.
Hiking in the forest will enable you to get close to the breathtaking fall leaves. Strolling the path blanketed by yellow and red fallen leaves is simply a magical experience. You will be surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage while experiencing the sweeping views of the changing leaves of the Gorge
If you want to experience fall foliage from the waters, then it would be equally breathtaking to see the colors from the river itself. Cruises operate in the region throughout October and will provide you enough time to explore the mountains and distant hills
If you don’t want the drive to be exhausting, then you can consider renting a vacation rental property through rentaltrader.com. We offer some greater option for travelers. If you have a vacation rental property in this region that you want to rent, then you can consider listing it on the portal by using our simple listing process.
Michigan’s Gold Coast
Lake Michigan’s northeastern shores are popular for their charming coves, tiny fishing towns, and towering sand dunes. For experiencing fiery-hued maple leaves, you need to drive along the Grand Traverse Bay. The spruce, fir, and green pine trees stand out against the breathtaking backdrop.
You can stop by the lakeside villages and for views of Manitou Islands and Lake Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Grand Traverse Lighthouse also promise some mesmerizing views of fall foliage during autumn.
Experience the spectacular foliage of the largest lake of Maine, Moosehead for some panoramic views during the fall. You can begin your journey at a white-water rafting hub and you can then venture deep into the North Woods.
Stop at Attean Overlook for witnessing extraordinary views of the Moose River Valley. You can spend nightlife in Greenville SC and then drive to explore the spectacular tree canopies on the unpaved roads.
The transition in the region at the end of summer is simply extraordinary. Autumn displays dazzling hues of orange, yellow, and red. The leaf-peeping season commences in mid-September and extends through October. The change in the landscape from greens to colorful hues is simply awe-inspiring.
There are several scenic loops for those traveling through automobiles. The fall season is the wonderful time of the year to trek along the nature trails and mountain paths.
Wapping Up Fall Scenic Drives Of The US
Witnessing the beauty of fall in the US amidst beautiful landscapes and towering forests is one of the best activities that you can undertake while you build bonds and create memories with those you love. The entire region dramatically transforms to offer a breathtaking experience to the viewers. The country is home to some insanely gorgeous fall foliage, and you should undertake travel adventures and set on a scenic drive for a magical experience. If you own a vacation rental property in any of these fall scenic drive routes, then you can list them conveniently through Rental Trader. The process involves a few simple registration steps.
On the other hand, if you are a traveler looking to book a property in any part of the USA, browse Rental Trader now to choose between many amazing properties.
