Top 10 Scenic Drives in the U.S. to Experience Stunning Fall Foliage

Introduction :

Did you know that nearly 80% of Americans say viewing fall foliage is one of their favorite seasonal activities? It’s easy to see why.

There’s something magical about a crisp autumn road trip: the warm hues of red, orange, and gold swirling in the breeze, the scent of fresh apple cider, and the quiet hum of tires on a winding country road. For travelers seeking a peaceful, photogenic, and awe-inspiring experience, hitting the road during peak foliage is an unbeatable way to embrace the season.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or mapping out a cross-country adventure, the U.S. offers an abundance of scenic drives that come alive in the fall. From Vermont’s tree-lined byways to the Great Smoky Mountains’ misty peaks, every route on this list offers breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.

In this guide, we’ll highlight 10 of the most scenic drives in the United States for fall foliage—complete with travel tips, ideal visit times, practical advice, and visual inspiration. It’s time to pack your coziest sweater and start planning the ultimate autumn road trip.

In-Depth Outline

1. Why Fall Road Trips Are a Seasonal Must

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• Peak fall foliage lasts only 2–3 weeks—timing matters.
  
• Roads are less crowded than in summer, making for a peaceful journey.
  
• Cooler weather enhances driving comfort and roadside exploration.
  
• Fall festivals, cider mills, and farm stands along the way.
  
• The scenery—endless color gradients and leaf-covered landscapes.
  

Table: Why Fall Is the Ideal Time for Scenic Drives

2. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

• Known as the “Kanc,” this 34-mile stretch is a New England favorite.
  
• Sweeping views of the White Mountains National Forest.
  
• Ideal for hiking trails and waterfall stops.
  
• Peak color usually hits early to mid-October.
  
• No gas stations or businesses—pure nature immersion.
  

Table: Kancamagus Highlights

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

• America’s favorite drive—469 miles of Appalachian beauty.
  
• Elevation changes create a long foliage season (late Sept–early Nov).
  
• Best photo ops at Linn Cove Viaduct, Mabry Mill, and Craggy Gardens.
  
• Local attractions: artisan towns, apple orchards, and national parks.
  

Table: Blue Ridge Parkway Highlights

4. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

• Waterfalls framed by fiery leaves.
  
• Best seen mid-October, especially near Multnomah Falls.
  
• Dramatic cliffs, bridges, and panoramic vistas.
  

5. Skyline Drive, Virginia

• Runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park.
  
• More than 75 scenic overlooks for foliage photos.
  
• Ideal for leaf-peeping from late September to early November.
  

6. Upper Peninsula, Michigan

• Vibrant reds and golds across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
  
• Combine with lighthouse tours and Great Lakes views.
  
• Top stop: Brockway Mountain Drive.
  

7. Route 100, Vermont

• Considered Vermont’s “foliage spine.”
  
• Runs north-south with small towns, covered bridges, and maple farms.
  
• Great for early October leaf-peeping.
  

8. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

• A dramatic, cliff-hugging drive from Ouray to Silverton.
  
• Aspen trees turn golden in late September.
  
• Known for hairpin turns and breathtaking drop-offs.
  

9. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico

• A lesser-known gem for golden aspens and high desert color.
  
• Surrounds the artistic town of Taos.
  
• Great contrast of mountain and mesa landscapes.
  

10. Hudson Valley, New York

• Historic mansions, apple orchards, and mountain views.
  
• Ideal for short weekend drives from NYC.
  
• Best color in mid-October; stop in Cold Spring or Beacon.
  

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2. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

The Kancamagus Highway, or simply “The Kanc,” is one of the most celebrated fall drives in the United States—and for good reason. This 34.5-mile scenic byway winds through the White Mountain National Forest, offering uninterrupted views of vibrant hardwood forests, alpine streams, and dramatic mountain ranges.

Travelers should start in Conway and head west to Lincoln for the best views. The road is designed for scenic enjoyment, with multiple pull-offs and trailheads. Don’t miss Sabbaday Falls, an easy 0.3-mile hike leading to a three-tiered waterfall framed by autumn leaves. Rocky Gorge offers riverside photo opportunities, while Sugar Hill Overlook delivers panoramic vistas worthy of your best camera lens.

What sets the Kanc apart is its complete lack of commercial development—no gas stations, restaurants, or souvenir shops disrupt the serenity. This makes planning ahead essential, but the payoff is a truly immersive fall foliage experience.

Table: Must-See Stops on the Kanc

Peak foliage here usually falls between October 5–15, but weather can shift timing slightly. Be sure to check local leaf reports before heading out.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches nearly 470 miles across two states and offers one of the longest fall foliage seasons due to its varying elevations. As you drive through this iconic Appalachian route, you’ll encounter tunnels carved into mountains, winding roads draped in gold, and vistas that stretch into eternity.

Start near Asheville, NC and work your way north, or pick a shorter stretch if time is limited. Fall colors typically begin to emerge in late September at higher elevations and peak by mid-October to early November in lower sections. Standout stops include:

• Linn Cove Viaduct: This engineering marvel hugs Grandfather Mountain and makes for stunning aerial and roadside photos.
  
• Mabry Mill: One of the most photographed spots on the parkway, complete with a working mill, waterwheel, and foliage reflections in a calm pond.
  
• Craggy Gardens: Offers breathtaking views and is especially colorful thanks to its high-elevation rhododendrons and maples.
  

Table: Highlights of the Blue Ridge Parkway

The drive also passes through charming small towns like Blowing Rock and Little Switzerland, where you can enjoy local craft shops, apple cider doughnuts, and quiet forest lodges.

Conclusion :

Fall is the perfect season to slow down, soak up nature, and experience the beauty of the changing world around you. With crisp air, fiery foliage, and scenic landscapes, a well-timed road trip can transform an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the classic reds of Vermont, the smoky blues of the Appalachians, or the golden aspens of the Rockies, there’s a perfect drive waiting for you. These scenic U.S. routes offer more than just pretty pictures—they create lasting memories through quiet overlooks, charming towns, and the undeniable magic of autumn.