Talimena National Scenic Byway, Arkansas & Oklahoma
For a late-season burst of color, this 54-mile byway delivers one of the most impressive displays in the South. Running along the crest of the Ouachita Mountains, the road connects Mena, Arkansas, to Talihina, Oklahoma, offering nearly continuous panoramic
views. Unlike the golden aspens of the West, this region is dominated by the deep reds and burnt oranges of oak, hickory, and sweetgum trees. Because the drive traces the ridgeline, you're constantly treated to sweeping vistas across the valleys below. With peak colors often arriving from late October into early November, it's a perfect option when foliage has already faded in more northern states.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
New Mexico might evoke images of deserts and red rock, but it hosts one of the most magical fall drives in the country. The 84-mile Enchanted Circle loops around Wheeler Peak, the state's highest point, connecting the towns of Taos, Red River, and Angel Fire. In late September and early October, vast groves of aspen trees turn entire mountainsides a brilliant, shimmering gold. The sight of these golden canopies against New Mexico’s famously crisp, blue skies is truly breathtaking. The drive combines this natural spectacle with the rich culture of Taos, known for its historic adobe architecture and vibrant art scene.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas
Texas is rarely part of the fall foliage conversation, which is what makes Lost Maples so surprising. Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, this park protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. For a few weeks, typically in late October or mid-November, these trees put on a stunning display of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows that seem utterly out of place in the rugged limestone canyons. While the park has over 10 miles of hiking trails to get you up close to the color, the drive through the surrounding Hill Country to get there is part of the experience. Due to its popularity, check the park’s foliage reports and consider a weekday visit to avoid the biggest crowds.
The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon & Washington
While famous for its staggering waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge puts on an equally spectacular, if less heralded, autumn show. This 80-mile river canyon separating Oregon and Washington is a tapestry of color from late September through October. The drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway is particularly stunning, where golden cottonwoods and bigleaf maples contrast sharply with dark basalt cliffs and evergreen firs. Viewpoints like Vista House and Rowena Crest offer sweeping panoramas of the gorge ablaze in fall color. The combination of world-class waterfalls like Multnomah Falls framed by autumn leaves makes this a uniquely dramatic destination.
The Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan is no secret for fall color, but its wild and remote Upper Peninsula (U.P.) often gets overlooked in the rush to New England. That’s a mistake. The U.P. offers a more rugged and vast wilderness experience, with endless forests bordering three Great Lakes. A drive along the Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor reveals a sea of color stretching to the shores of Lake Superior. One of the best viewpoints is Brockway Mountain Drive, the highest paved road between the Rockies and the Alleghenies, which provides a stunning 360-degree view of the landscape. The color here peaks early, typically in late September and early October, so plan accordingly.
