Scenic Drives Perfect for Fall Colors

Autumn’s arrival transforms landscapes into living masterpieces. Every hill, valley, and roadside seems to glow with amber, crimson, and gold. To truly savor this seasonal spectacle, there’s nothing better than a leisurely cruise along fall color drives. These routes are carefully curated by Mother Nature herself to showcase foliage at its most spectacular. From misty mountain roads to quaint country lanes, here are nine drives that define autumnal beauty.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina

Stretching nearly 470 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway harmonizes gently rolling terrain with fiery hues. In early October, sugar maples ignite the hillsides in ruby red. A few weeks later, oaks and hickories bathe the valleys in honeyed gold. Overlooks like Mabry Mill and Craggy Gardens offer panoramic views that feel endless. At dawn, wisps of fog curl through the forest, carpeted in multi-hued leaves. By dusk, the ridges glow under a soft, golden light. This is the essence of fall color drives—an immersive autumn symphony that demands a slow, meandering pace.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Known affectionately as “The Kanc,” this 34-mile stretch in the White Mountains unfurls like a living canvas. Covered bridges, cascading rivers, and snug pullouts frame the dazzling foliage. At Swift River, pebbled banks offer perfect spots to reflect the riot of colors above. Side trails lead to Sabbaday Falls, where tumbling water plunges into leaf-strewn pools. The highway’s moderate elevation changes mean you experience multiple bloom times within a single day’s journey. Spring’s tender greens give way to mid-October’s blazing reds and golds, making the Kancamagus Highway a premier choice among fall color drives lovers.

Skyline Drive, Virginia

Flowing for 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is a tapestry of deciduous grandeur. At milepost 51, just past Swift Run Gap, you’ll find the Lewis Falls Viewpoint, where cascading waters crash against a backdrop of amber woods. In late September, sassafras trees shimmer like stained-glass windows. By mid-October, dense groves of maple and birch flame across the ridgelines. Hikers on the Appalachian Trail often pause to admire the vista, camera in hand. With 75 scenic overlooks, Skyline Drive is an autumnal dream tailored for fall color drives aficionados who crave both accessibility and awe-inspiring views.

Route 100, Vermont

If quaint country charm is your autumn elixir, Vermont’s Route 100 is a must. This north–south artery threads through rural villages where red barns punctuate the vibrant hillsides. Magic occurs in Woodstock, where classic New England architecture meets blazing sugar maple canopies. Further south, the Mad River Valley reveals hooded roadways cloaked in crimson vine maple. Don’t miss the Grafton Loop, a hidden detour where stone walls and wooded farms evoke an old-world postcard. With roadside cider mills offering fresh doughnuts, Route 100 embodies the cozy spirit of fall color drives in pure, sugary form.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains stir the heart with their lingering mist and staggering biodiversity. Newfound Gap Road (US 441) climbs from 3,000 to over 5,000 feet, passing through multiple foliage zones. Early October brings blazing dogwoods and poplars. As the month progresses, oak-hickory woodlands blaze in mahogany and copper. Turnouts like Newfound Gap Overlook offer staggering valley views. Hike to Andrews Bald or Charlies Bunion for an even more immersive experience. Few fall color drives rival the Smokies’ combination of elevation, accessibility, and richly hued panoramas.

Route 6, Pennsylvania

For a less-crowded alternative, Pennsylvania’s Route 6 offers over 400 miles of autumnal bliss. As you cross the Allegheny National Forest, aspens and birches shimmer like 'golden sherbet.' Further east, the Endless Mountains region bursts into rich maroons and deep oranges. Historic towns such as Wellsboro greet travelers with quaint shops and friendly diners. Tioga State Forest’s overlooks provide glimpses of rolling hills cloaked in fall’s finery. Route 6 may be off the beaten path, but its serene vistas make it a standout in the realm of fall color drives.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon & Washington

Although the Pacific Northwest is often associated with evergreens, the Columbia River Gorge surprises with its autumn palette. Vine maples lining the Historic Columbia River Highway blaze in electric orange. Further inland, dogwoods offer splashes of red against basalt cliffs. Waterfalls like Multnomah and Horsetail are framed by leaf-strewn banks. Vista House at Crown Point provides a sweeping overview of this natural wonder. This corridor combines rugged canyon walls with temperate rainforest charm—making it one of the most distinctive fall color drives in the United States.

Adirondack Northway, New York

Interstate 87, known locally as the Adirondack Northway, stretches from Albany to the Canadian border, slicing through prime foliage territory. By early October, lakes like Lake George mirror the fiery display overhead. Exit at Adirondack Loj Road to find hidden trailheads leading to serene ponds. In mid-October, Route 9N between North Creek and Blue Mountain Lake churns with color, framed by high peaks. Isle Royale Drive along the western shore of Lake George is a local secret, offering sunset reflections on crimson shores. The Northway captures autumn’s vibrancy on a grand scale, earning its place among the most revered fall color drives.

Columbia River Highway’s Rowena Crest Loop, Oregon

A branch of the Historic Columbia River Highway, the Rowena Crest Loop offers lofty vantage points with minimal effort. As you ascend, sweeping bends present panoramic views of vine maple-draped hillsides and the river’s shimmering surface. By late September, elderberry and hawthorn berries add burgundy accents. Vibrant grasses sway in golden waves. A short walk from the parking area leads to epic overlooks that feel untouched. The loop’s compact nature makes it ideal for those seeking a bite-sized but unforgettable fall color drives experience.

From East Coast ridges to Pacific cliffs, these fall color drives embody autumn’s fleeting splendor. Each road offers its own unique interplay of light, leaf, and landscape. So tune in to your favorite road-trip playlist, pack a cozy blanket, and set off to experience fall in its most radiant form. Safe travels and happy leaf peeping!