If you’re someone who loves the cool fall weather and vibrant leaves, why not go on a road trip during the fall season? As you travel across the country, you can soak up all of the beauty that this season has to offer. Before you begin this journey, you should decide where you want to stop. We’ve selected a few of the best places to enjoy fall while you’re on the road!
1. The Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia
Most of us assume that the fall season will hit the Northeast or the Midwest regions most heavily. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, located in Georgia, you can see the gorgeous foliage that you love without worrying about the cold weather. There are many small stops to make as you drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brasstown Bald gives visitors an amazing view. It’s the highest point in Georgia with an elevation of 4,784 feet. If Oktoberfest intrigues you, Helen is a good spot to enjoy that festival!
2. The White Mountains in New Hampshire
According to frequent visitors, the views are best from the middle of September until mid-October. If you’re passing through New Hampshire around that time, you should visit the White Mountains. The main drive is about 125 miles long, but you can veer off to find additional paths if you’d like to. Franconia Notch State Park is in the area. This state park features a beautiful pond and a mountain pass. It’s definitely worth a stop and will give you a chance to enjoy the changing foliage.
3. The Olympic Peninsula in Washington
Maybe you want to take a trip out to the western side of the country. The Northwest is home to a variety of beautiful sights. Late August is the best time of year to visit if you want to see the fall foliage. The Olympic Peninsula is a route you can take to view all types of nature and wildlife. The route begins in Seattle, Washington. Along this 350-mile trip, you will get to see trees, elk, as well as the Olympic National Park, which is a nice place to stop for a hike if you’re up to it!
4. Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan
Most people choose to start this trip in Traverse City. Along the way, you can stop and visit the fishing towns or enjoy the sand dunes, while seeing lighthouses, islands, and villages as you drive through the northeastern side of Michigan. If you drive along Grand Traverse Bay, you can see the pretty reds and oranges. You will also be able to spot some of the pine and spruce trees that still have their greens. It’s a unique change from the seas of red leaves that you might be used to seeing!
5. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in New Mexico
If you want to travel along this scenic byway, you will start and end in Taos, New Mexico. Many travelers are unaware of the autumn views that the Southwest has to offer. The entire route is approximately 84 miles long, so it’s a shorter one. The aspen trees and the cottonwoods are the most popular ones in the area. It’s best to make this trip in October or November.
From Michigan to Georgia, there are plenty of places to take in the fall scenery in the United States. Some of the best views can be found unintentionally too, so be sure to take a look around wherever you may be. Before you leave, doing some research will help you see if a city nearby is hosting a fall festival of other seasonal event. You might find other attractions to see as you’re driving through too!
Though these spots are all amazing to visit in autumn, they are worth visiting all year round as well. There is always something new to explore in this beautiful country we call home!
