As the summer heat fades and the crisp, cool air of fall settles in, there’s no better time to hit the open road and experience the beauty of the fall season. The vibrant colors of peak fall foliage, the scenic byways, and the mild weather make fall the perfect time for a road trip.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just looking for a weekend getaway, these fall road trips offer stunning landscapes, national parks, and outdoor adventures that are sure to create unforgettable memories. And what better way to explore these scenic routes than by renting an RV from Cruise America? Here are some perfect fall road trip destinations you don't want to miss.
Best Fall Road Trips in the USA
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
Known as "America’s Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway is a stunning stretch of road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. This 469-mile scenic drive connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. In the fall, the parkway is ablaze with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, offering some of the most spectacular views of autumn foliage in the country.
Highlights along the way include the Linn Cove Viaduct, a marvel of engineering that wraps around Grandfather Mountain, and the Peaks of Otter, which offer some of the best hiking and picnicking spots. There are also numerous overlooks and pull-offs where you can stop to take in the breathtaking views. An RV fall color road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway allows you to take your time and fully immerse yourself in the brilliant fall colors.
2. The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are a must-visit destination for any fall road trip. As the most visited national park in the United States, the Smokies are renowned for their stunning fall foliage, with the leaves typically reaching their peak colors in mid-October. The park offers a variety of scenic drives, hiking trails, and overlooks that showcase the vibrant fall colors from early October to early November.
One of the best ways to experience the Smokies in the fall is by driving along the Newfound Gap Road, which takes you from the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina. The 33-mile route climbs to an elevation of 5,046 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Another must-see is Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, where you can take in panoramic views that stretch for miles. This is especially beautiful in peak foliage time.
3. Door County, Wisconsin
If you're looking for a fall road trip in the Midwest, Door County, Wisconsin, is a hidden gem. Located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is known for its charming small towns, scenic waterfronts, and beautiful fall foliage. The area is home to several state parks, including Peninsula State Park, where you can hike, bike, or simply relax and enjoy the views.
Fall is also a great time to explore Door County’s many orchards and wineries. The county is famous for its apples and cherries, and many orchards offer pick-your-own options. Don’t miss the chance to try a traditional Door County fish boil, a local culinary tradition that dates back to the region’s Scandinavian settlers.
4. Vermont’s Green Mountains
Vermont is synonymous with fall, and for good reason. The Green Mountains come alive with color in the autumn months, making it one of the best places in the country for leaf-peeping. The Green Mountain Byway, which runs between Waterbury and Stowe, is a particularly scenic route that takes you through charming small towns, past covered bridges, and along tree-lined roads that burst with color.
Stowe, Vermont, is a quintessential New England town that offers a variety of fall activities, including hiking, apple picking, and exploring local farmers' markets. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Stowe Mountain Resort’s gondola, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rolling hills. Another must-see is Smugglers’ Notch, a narrow pass through the Green Mountains that offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Vermont.
5. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, located just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., is another fantastic east coast destination for a fall road trip. The park’s Skyline Drive is a 105-mile scenic route that runs the length of the park, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. In the fall, the park’s forests are a sea of red, orange, and yellow, making it one of the best places in the region to experience autumn.
There are over 75 overlooks along Skyline Drive, where you can stop and take in the views, and the park offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. For those looking for a bit of adventure, the park’s Big Meadows area is a great spot for wildlife viewing, and you might even catch a glimpse of a black bear or a white-tailed deer.
6. The Adirondacks, New York
Head north to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York for some of the most incredible fall colors in the Northeast. The region is home to over six million acres of protected land, making it the largest park in the contiguous United States. In the fall, the mountains are ablaze with color, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
One of the best ways to experience the Adirondacks in the fall is by driving along the Adirondack Scenic Byway, which takes you through charming small towns, past crystal-clear lakes, and along winding mountain roads. Lake Placid, a former Winter Olympics host town, is a great base for exploring the region and offers a variety of fall activities, including visiting the Olympic sites, hiking to the summit of Whiteface Mountain, and enjoying the local shops and restaurants.
7. The Pacific Coast Highway, California
While California may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fall leaves, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a unique fall road trip experience. The iconic highway runs along the California coast, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky cliffs, and coastal forests. In the fall, the coastal fog lifts, and the weather is cooler, making it an ideal time to explore this famous route.
Highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway include Big Sur, where you can hike through redwood forests and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline, and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Further north, the road takes you through the rugged beauty of the Lost Coast, where you can explore secluded beaches and enjoy the tranquility of this remote area.
8. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in southern Utah is another fantastic destination for a fall road trip. The park’s red rock formations are stunning year-round, but they take on a special beauty in the fall when the cottonwood trees along the Virgin River turn brilliant yellows. The park’s cooler fall temperatures also make it an ideal time for hiking, and there are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from scenic walks to challenging climbs.
One of the best ways to experience Zion in the fall is by driving along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which takes you through the park’s scenic canyons and past some of its most famous landmarks, including the Great Arch and the Checkerboard Mesa. For a more adventurous experience, consider hiking the Narrows, a slot canyon hike that takes you through the Virgin River.
Experience Fall Road Trips with Cruise America
Fall is a magical time of year, and there’s no better way to experience its beauty than by taking a road trip to one of these stunning destinations. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant fall foliage of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the dramatic landscapes of Zion National Park, or the charming small towns of Vermont, these road trips are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
To make your fall road trip even more special, consider getting an RV rental from Cruise America. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and enjoy all the comforts of home on the road, an RV is the perfect way to explore these fall destinations.
So, experience the best that fall has to offer with Cruise America!
