As a travel blogger, I’ve always believed that the best way to experience a country is not just through its cities or landmarks, but through the roads that connect them. Roads are storytellers: they reveal landscapes, cultures, and the quiet beauty that often hides between destinations. And when it comes to autumn in the United States, there is no better way to witness the fiery transformation of nature than by hitting the open road.
Fall in America is a painter’s dream. The forests turn into a kaleidoscope of crimson, amber, and gold, while the crisp air carries the scent of pine and fallen leaves. Driving through these landscapes feels like stepping into a living postcard. Below, I’ll take you through seven of the most breathtaking highways and byways where autumn unveils its most spectacular show.
1. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Locals simply call it “The Kanc,” and for good reason—it’s legendary. Stretching 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest, this highway is a corridor of color in late September and early October. The road winds past covered bridges, rushing rivers, and mountain overlooks that seem designed for leaf‑peeping.
As I drove along The Kanc last October, I found myself pulling over every few miles just to breathe in the view. The Swift River sparkled under the canopy of orange maples, and the crisp mountain air made me want to linger forever. If you’re looking for a short but unforgettable drive, this is the one.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469‑mile masterpiece. In autumn, the rolling Appalachian Mountains are blanketed in fiery hues that stretch as far as the eye can see.
One of my favorite stops is Mabry Mill, where the historic watermill looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. Further south, the Linn Cove Viaduct curves gracefully around Grandfather Mountain, offering panoramic views that are especially magical when the valleys below are painted in gold. Driving the Parkway in fall feels like traveling through a living, breathing painting.
3. Route 100, Vermont
Vermont is practically synonymous with fall foliage, and Route 100 is its crown jewel. This north‑south road runs almost the entire length of the state, passing through charming villages, rolling farmland, and ski towns preparing for winter.
I remember stopping in Stowe, where church steeples rise above a sea of red and yellow leaves. The local cider mills and maple syrup stands add a sweet touch to the journey. Route 100 isn’t just a road—it’s an immersion into New England’s autumn culture, where every bend feels like a postcard waiting to be mailed.
4. Great River Road, Along the Mississippi
For a different kind of fall experience, the Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for over 2,000 miles, though you don’t need to drive it all to enjoy its beauty. In states like Wisconsin and Minnesota, the bluffs overlooking the river explode with color in October.
I once drove a stretch near Red Wing, Minnesota, where the golden leaves reflected off the wide, calm waters of the Mississippi. Small river towns host harvest festivals, and the combination of cultural charm and natural beauty makes this route unforgettable.
5. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, Oregon
On the opposite side of the country, Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge offers a dramatic autumn landscape. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and forests of bigleaf maples create a unique blend of rugged and colorful scenery.
Multnomah Falls, framed by golden leaves, is a sight that stays with you long after the trip ends. Driving this highway in fall feels like entering a natural cathedral, where every turn reveals another masterpiece of light, water, and color.
6. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Running 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is a fall classic. The road meanders along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering more than 70 overlooks where you can gaze across valleys filled with autumn brilliance.
I recommend starting early in the morning, when mist lingers in the hollows and the rising sun sets the leaves aglow. Wildlife sightings—like deer grazing near the roadside—add to the sense that you’re part of something timeless and wild.
7. Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road, Montana
Though Glacier National Park is often associated with summer, its short fall season is breathtaking. Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road, carved into the mountainsides, offers sweeping views of alpine valleys and forests turning shades of gold.
When I visited in late September, the larches were glowing yellow against the backdrop of snow‑dusted peaks. The crisp mountain air and the sense of solitude made it one of the most moving drives of my life.
These are the roads that stole my heart last fall. But I know there are countless hidden gems out there. Have you ever driven a road that made you stop just to take in the view? Drop me a message—I’d love to add it to my next itinerary.