As the season changes and the temperature drops, it’s time to go for an autumn adventure. We have compiled a list of the best road trips in North America for you to enjoy the fall foliage. Get in the car, buckle up, and get ready to see the colors explode right before your eyes. With beautiful highways coast to coast, there is sure to be a perfect getaway just for you.
Green Mountain Byway
The Northeast is a perfect fall destination. With many scenic roads to choose from, nothing beats the breathtaking Green Mountain Byway. Winding roads through the countryside weave through farm meadows, forests, white chapel villages, and so much more. The hillside leaves show off deep reds and oranges as travelers pass through three state parks along the way. Dotting the path are museums, local eateries, shops, and cultural landmarks, making for a perfect day trip.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching over 450 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway showcases the best of the Southern Appalachians. Some of the highlights include two national parks (The Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah), Whitewater Falls, Mount Mitchell, Linville Gorge, and countless other destinations. Keep your eye out for the diverse wildlife and vegetation as the region crawls with abundant natural resources. Due to the elevation differences along the route, the fall colors extend from September through November creating great conditions all throughout the season.
Ozarks: Scenic 7
Arkansas is home to the Ozarks and tunnels of crisp fall foliage. Scenic 7 Byway exits Russellville and winds its way to the quaint town of Jasper. Along the way, enjoy dense fall colors mixed in with pine trees as mountain streams and bold rivers top off the views. The close to four-hour drive is a photographer’s delight. Make sure to stop in at the Cliff House Inn and check out stunning views of the “Grand Canyon of the Ozarks”.
Sunrise Coast
Also known as the Pure Michigan byway, the Sunrise Coast is a dazzling fall drive with color filled tree lines along both sides of the road. Sharing a coastline with Lake Huron, the byway is home to historic lighthouses, classic small towns, waterfalls, beaches, and plenty of lake activities. As your eyes are peeled on the leaves, look for birds as the area is renowned for amazing bird watching.
Icefields Parkway
This Canadian highway puts you on another planet as the mountains become more majestic around every turn. Banff and Jasper National Parks are not always known for being fall destinations, but autumn is a fantastic time to visit due to smaller crowds and jaw-dropping foliage. The Icefields Parkway leaves Banff and heads up towards Jasper. Though the mountain valleys are incredible year-round, the yellow larches lining the road and painting the hills make this drive unbelievable during the fall months.
Don’t miss the elk rutting that happens in the fall as well as bear sightings! Viewpoints are available all along the road to see colored mountains, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and the Colombia Icefield. The Canadian Rockies put on quite a fall show that is certainly worthy of your bucket list.
San Juan Skyway
Colorado is home to various mountain passes and gorgeous drives, yet nothing compares to the San Juan Skyway. As fall rolls around, aspen groves light up and turn the hills into sheets of gold. The million-dollar highway boasts million-dollar views and a day full of mountain awe. Over 230 miles of high mountain action is the best way to enjoy the Colorado colors with plenty of fun stops in famous towns like Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
New Mexico is The Land of Enchantment and we may know one of the reasons why. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loops through the gems of Northern New Mexico. Wheeler Peak stands tall at over 13,000 feet and is the central landmark of this drive. Offering travelers everything from desert mesas to mountain valleys, the unique landscape creates for an unforgettable drive. The aspens give off a bright yellow that needs to be seen to be believed. Don’t overlook New Mexico, this drive is one for the photo albums.
Columbus River Highway
The Columbia River Gorge is home to the first scenic highway in America. This 70-mile stretch is world-famous and rightfully so. The highway passes by dozens of beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. The red and yellow trees create beauty everywhere you look. We can’t get enough of the waterfalls surrounded by fall foliage! Most travelers need at least three to five hours to get a gist of the region. Multnomah Falls is often the fan-favorite as it is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the country. Other must-see stops include Bridal Veil Falls, Bonneville Dam, Lewis and Clark landmarks, and Chanticleer Point.
Acanela Expeditions provides countless options of guided tours around the world. Seeing the beautiful fall colors is easier than you might think. Drive with us on the stunning Icefields Parkway in the fall with our Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise tour. Check out the many options available and come adventure with us!
Post written by Collin Peterson