The Best Fall Road Trips to Celebrate America’s Beauty

Autumn is the best time of year for a road trip. You won’t have to blast your air conditioning to stay comfortable or scrape ice off your windshield in the mornings. Plus, you’ll get some of nature’s most scenic views if you choose one of the nation’s most beautiful places to drive. Plan your best fall road trips by reading about the places people visit when they want to feel dazzled by nature.

1. Virginia: Shenandoah National Park

National parks are always a good first choice for a driving vacation. They have peaceful overlooks between destinations so you can stretch while enjoying gorgeous views. If you visit Shenandoah National Park in the fall, you can camp under colorful foliage between afternoons spent hiking the Appalachian Trail or horseback riding. 

2. North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway

Press play on some music to match your vacation and you could experience the Blue Ridge Parkway to its fullest extent. The stunning multi-state route guides locals and visitors through North Carolina’s mountains, revealing every scenic view the western side of the state has to offer.

Visit during late fall to take pictures among the changing leaves, dine at microbreweries and sample authentic barbecue. Don’t forget your preferred weather app, as late fall is part of the state’s hurricane season.

3. Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park

If you’re missing skylines filled with mountain peaks and rolling forests, you might need to drive through Grand Teton National Park this fall. The cool weather and unobstructed views make it an autumn extravaganza all season long. You could kayak along the rivers, stargaze from your RV or visit the bustling towns around the park when you’re not taking in the views from the driver’s seat.

4. Michigan: Traverse City

People drive out to Traverse City because it’s one of the best fall road trips from Chicago. The five-hour drive takes visitors along Lake Michigan, so you’ll have waterfront views on one side and gorgeous foliage on the other. Once you reach Traverse City, pick a few surrounding towns to visit. The entire region turns into a fall foliage painting during autumn.

You’ll spend every moment surrounded by nature’s brightest colors, no matter where you go. If you also check for gas prices around the area before refilling your tank, you could save extra cash to pay for experiences like biking or apple picking.

5. Maine: Acadia National Park

Fall road trips through Acadia National Park are unlike anything else. The dog-friendly park has numerous places to camp, small towns and scenic overlooks between any destination. Visitors can also purchase vehicle passes that last for one week, which might be more budget-friendly than other parks that require day passes.

Park your car and explore the numerous trails with your four-legged best friend whenever you tire of being on the road. You’ll enjoy a seasonal getaway with cool weather and comfort food prepared at family-owned restaurants.

6. Michigan: Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island inspires some of the most adventurous memories. Once you drive along interstate roadways lined with red and orange trees, you’ll reach the ocean-like Lake Huron. Board any local ferry with your suitcase and an energy-boosting protein bar to access the island.

You’ll turn the idea of a road trip inside out because once you board a ferry, you have to leave your car behind. Mackinac Island is a vehicle-free town, lending it a vintage charm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Your autumn getaway could include scenic biking, carriage rides, kayaking and walking before it’s time to drive home.

7. Montana: Glacier National Park

If you’ve ever seen pictures of clear, turquoise lakes with natural rock beds that sparkle between mountain peaks, you likely saw images from Glacier National Park. Load up your car and take an autumn road trip through the region to experience historic lodges, five-star chalets and views that you’ll never forget.

People also visit the park to drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road. The route stretches for over 50 miles and features a free online audio tour. Listen to park experts describe the area’s history, campgrounds and creeks as they fly past your windows. You could have the perfect vacation if you love merging a historical education with your time off when you’re away from home.

8. New York: Finger Lakes

You’ll have one of the best fall northeast road trips by visiting the Finger Lakes this autumn. New York’s upstate getaway has endless things to do along beautiful roadways that display the state’s most incredible sights. If you visit in September or October, you won’t have to worry about the season’s first snowfall interrupting your vacation.

Travel around the scenic area and stop at vineyards, waterfalls, museums and rail bike tours. Don’t worry if you drive an electric vehicle (EV). The region has numerous EV charging stations. All you need to do is bring the right adapter to stop at more than one kind of station.

9. Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park

Say goodbye to Denver and drive northwest to reach Rocky Mountain National Park this fall. The rolling hills provide unmatched autumn views long before you reach the park borders. You could spot bull elk in expansive meadows or go fishing at quiet campgrounds when you get there. Bring your swimsuit for a chilly dip in beautiful lakes or explore the park’s trails on a mountain bike.

The area is perfect for experienced nature enthusiasts or people exploring a national park for the first time. You won’t be too far from Denver, but you’ll still get all the benefits of a remote mountainside getaway. 

10. Wisconsin: Door County

Locals jump in their cars when autumn arrives in Door County. The peninsula’s winding roads guide people through forests and along shorelines that remain covered in fall leaves throughout the season. Pick apples at locally owned orchards or hike to the region’s limestone cliffs for some pictures. There’s no shortage of adventures to experience in Door County, so take your time spotting things to do from the highways.

Plan an Incredible Fall Road Trip This Year

America transforms into a vibrant country during autumn. See the most breathtaking views and make memories this year by planning a fall road trip. You’ll check adventures off your bucket list while enjoying an affordable vacation from the comfort of your car.