Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Often called the quintessential New England fall drive, the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway (or “The Kanc”) cuts through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Uninterrupted by gas stations or restaurants, this route is pure nature. Expect a brilliant
display of red, orange, and yellow from the dense maple, birch, and alder trees. For the best views, plan your trip for the first two weeks of October, when foliage is typically at its peak. Don't miss the pull-offs for Sabbaday Falls and the Albany Covered Bridge, which offer perfect photo opportunities amidst the riot of color.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
Stretching for 469 miles along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a masterpiece of landscape architecture. Because the parkway spans a wide range of elevations, the foliage season here is long and varied. Color begins to appear at the highest points (above 5,000 feet) in late September and early October, gradually descending to lower elevations through the end of the month. Mid-October is often the sweet spot for the most widespread color, showcasing a diverse palette from the world's most varied hardwood forest. Key stops like Graveyard Fields and Craggy Gardens in North Carolina offer staggering, panoramic views of ridges blanketed in crimson and gold.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
For a truly immersive fall experience, head to Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.). The region consistently ranks as one of the best foliage destinations in the country, thanks to its vast hardwood forests that explode with color. A drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a must; the river's unique, copper-colored water creates a stunning contrast with the fiery reds and oranges of the surrounding trees. Another highlight is the scenic drive around Lake Gogebic, the U.P.'s largest inland lake, where brilliant yellows, deep oranges, and rich reds line the shore. Peak color typically arrives in late September or the first couple of weeks of October.
Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Fall color isn't limited to the East Coast. Utah's Scenic Byway 12 offers a dramatic and entirely different kind of autumn beauty. This 122-mile All-American Road winds through some of the state's most iconic red-rock landscapes, connecting Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The drive's high point is the ascent over Boulder Mountain, which climbs to over 9,000 feet through the Dixie National Forest. Here, vast groves of aspens turn a uniform, shimmering gold, creating a breathtaking contrast against the blue sky and distant red cliffs. The views from the overlooks are immense, stretching for miles.
Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge provides a spectacular backdrop for fall colors in the Pacific Northwest. The Historic Columbia River Highway, the nation's first scenic highway, winds past numerous waterfalls that become even more magical when framed by autumn leaves. Big-leaf maples provide brilliant yellows, while vine maples add pops of fiery red and orange against the evergreen conifers. Late September through mid-October is generally the best time to visit. Be sure to stop at iconic viewpoints like Crown Point Vista House for panoramic views of the Gorge and Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall.
The High Road to Taos, New Mexico
Experience a Southwestern autumn on the High Road to Taos. This scenic byway winds through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Taos, connecting remote mountain villages with deep Spanish colonial roots. The drive takes you through Carson National Forest, where aspens and cottonwoods turn brilliant gold and yellow. The route offers a unique cultural journey, passing by historic adobe churches, local artisan galleries, and stunning valley views. It’s an enchanting alternative to traditional fall foliage trips, showcasing a desert landscape painted with the vibrant colors of autumn.
