Scenic Road Trip Routes for Fall Foliage in the U.S.

There's something utterly captivating about autumn in America—those fleeting weeks when entire mountainsides transform into nature's own masterpiece. Our infographic above showcases five breathtaking routes that'll make you want to drop everything and chase those leaves! 🍂

The Routes Worth Driving

I've always been curious about which roads truly deliver on the fall foliage hype, so I dug into this. The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire keeps popping up in every travel forum I've researched—and for good reason, apparently. This 34-mile stretch through the White Mountains offers that classic New England experience with sugar maples blazing red and those charming covered bridges that feel straight out of a postcard.

Then there's the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway. Honestly, 469 miles is ambitious. But according to the National Park Service, the elevation changes mean you can catch peak color somewhere along the route from mid-to-late October, which feels like nature giving you a second chance if you miss it the first time.

Not Your Typical Fall Scene

What surprised me most? The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in New Mexico, where golden aspens shimmer against high desert terrain and adobe architecture—proving that autumn isn't just a northeastern phenomenon. Michigan's M-22 route also caught my attention, offering something different with its 116-mile journey hugging Lake Michigan's shoreline and that famous "Tunnel of Trees" section.

The Columbia River Highway in Oregon rounds out the collection with its Pacific Northwest vibe—think cascading waterfalls, mossy forests, and golden bigleaf maples creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

Making It Happen

Here's the crucial part: timing really is everything. Peak foliage shifts dramatically based on region and elevation, so checking local foliage prediction maps before you book is pivotal (trust me on this one). Popular routes get slammed during peak season, so secure your lodging early. Pack layers too—mountain weather is notoriously fickle.

Ready to witness this seasonal spectacle? The leaves won't wait forever.

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Sources:

• National Park Service - Blue Ridge Parkway
• Visit New Hampshire - Fall Foliage
• Travel Oregon - Columbia River Gorge