We have our annual rituals for the fall holiday, including autumn holidays, soccer games, sweater unpacking, pumpkin spice tsunamis.
And there’s probably the best of them all: a scenic autumn drive.
When setting up the perfect fall drive, timing is everything.
If you want to increase your chances of seeing leaves in a variety of colorful shades, check out this US leaf predictor map. Remember that Peak Leaf viewing time may also mean Peak Traffic Time. Depending on that, plan especially over the weekend.
As to where to go, there are six routes for 2025 scattered throughout the US. And whether the leaves are disappointing or dazzling, we included a lot of things to look at when you pull the car.
The 80-mile (130-kilometer) drive officially designated Prime Ozark Mountain’s terrain as a scenic byway in 2023. This is already a source of pride for Shawmee State.
The Byway is “where we find some of our most beautiful natural landscapes – clear, spring-covered rivers, rocky masses, rich forests.” “Along the way, we run through Elephantrox State Park, one of the state’s most spectacular state parks.” There, visitors can find huge rocks from over a billion years ago.
Check with the Missouri Department of Conservation for color reports that usually begin later in September.
Due to the heavy-duty land, most major highways skipped that area. It is a peaceful bonus for those looking for a leisurely trip in a somewhat isolated area.
Along the route or nearby:
•The Old Village Mercantile in Caledonia features over 600 varieties of old-fashioned candies for sale in buildings dating back to 1909.
•Mark Twain National Forest offers everything from hiking and horse riding to kayaking and camping.
• Pilot Knob State Historical Site Battle is for Civil War history lovers.
For more information about the Ozark Lancienic Byway, click here.
The small state of Vermont is a big deal when it comes to scenic fall drives, both in New England and beyond. And one way to photograph a visual east feast is located at Lake Champlain byway, 184 miles (297 km).
“It offers beautiful views of the sixth largest lake in America, Lake Champlain, Vermont’s Green Mountain and New York’s Adirondack Mountains,” said Dan Albrecht, a chair at the Lake Champlain Byway Council, in an email.
At the right time, you can get a glimpse into the vibrant colours of the state’s maple and beaches that reflect the clear waters of the lake. To that end, Albrecht proposed to visit the autumn leaf tracker in Vermont and use New England 511 to check roads and driving conditions.
Along the route or nearby:
•Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, offers a hip atmosphere, a quaint place to eat from farm to table and a night out.
•The university towns of Middlebury and Vergenne, the first cities of the state, are the definition of the charm of the small town of New England.
•The Echolehee Centre at Lake Champlain in Burlington is a science and nature lover, especially school-age center.
• Grand Isle State Park, located on the same name island of Lake Champlain, is a popular campsite. Further south is Button Bay State Park, named after a button-like formation along the coastline.
For more information about Lake Champlain Byway, click here.
If you can reach this painful, luxurious 70-mile (113km) byway in southwestern South Dakota, you’re looking for real treats and some driving thrills.
“A masterpiece of arts and engineering, this byway includes spiral bridges, hairpin curves, granite tunnels and awe-inspiring views,” said Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations Director for Travel South Dakota.
“The Iron Mountain Road section will guide you around an impressive wooden ‘pigtail’ bridge. Several tunnels carved into granite mountains not only provide a passageway for transportation, but also artistically frame the four faces of Mount Rushmore in the distance. ”
Be careful of goats, deer and chipmunks when riding.
Along the route or nearby:
•September and October are less busy than summer months at Colossal Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
•Custer State Park has almost 1,400 bison. There are plenty of bikes and hiking in this black hill wonder. And don’t miss the charming Lake Sylvan in the park.
•The Black Elk Wilderness is popular with climbers, hikers and horse riding riders.
•Crazy Horse Memorial is a private mountain monument depicting the crazy horse of the Lakota Leader. The monument is still under construction.
Learn more about Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway here.
Laurel Highland Scenic Byway, Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says the state has “longer and more diverse autumn foliage seasons than any other state in the country.” It leaves many options in a large state. Where should I start?
“The Laurel Highlands region ranks as one of the nation’s best destinations for fall foliage each year, and this 68-mile drive shows why,” says Eric Knopsnyder, director of public relations for Go Laurel Highlands.
“There’s a diverse collection of deciduous trees lined with mountain ridges and plunging river valleys, a small American favorite, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1935 home fallen water),” he said.
Visiting Pennsylvania, the second week of October is generally the peak of autumn leaves, but “changes in elevation and weather patterns mean that travel from mid-September to the end of October is scenic.”
Along the route or nearby:
•Lignonia’s small town is known for its Christmas atmosphere, but it’s a great visit all year round.
•Pletcher’s Farm Market offers photography with the opportunity to choose “great pumpkins” and pumpkins in almost any size and color.
•Bauhman Rock Overlook is a popular vantage point for peeking out the leaves.
• Are you tired of driving? Move your legs on the Laurel Highlands hiking trails.
For more information about the Laurel Highland Scenic Byway, click here.
Who wants to leave the charming Santa Fe? One of the things that could seduce you from the state’s capital is the high road to the Taos Scenic Byway, a 76-mile route north to the famous ski town.
Nicole Barker, media relations manager for the New Mexico Tourism Board, says it takes about an hour and 45 minutes to drive without stopping. However, she proposed people’s plans in at least half a day to fully enjoy the route. And what do you see?
“The route meanders through the bad lands of the desert, covering white geological layers and golden-covered cottonwoods, lined up at Lionanbe before passing through the village, with Golden Aspen Groves and deep dark evergreens from the Carson National Forest covering the thieves of Sangrede Cristo Peak,” Barker said.
Along the route or nearby:
•Santuario de Chimayo is a Catholic church of the 1800s, a national historic landmark. According to Barker, autumn is the best time to buy chimayo red chili. It is grown only in the town of Chimayo.
• Folk Art Gallery Eight million gods are located in Torchas, and the 18th century Hispanic settlement became an enclave of artists.
•Truchas Overlook “is also worth seeing the views of Quemado Valley and Tolchas Peak,” Barker said.
• “High Road Art Trail makes it easy for visitors to find studios and galleries,” Barker said. The High Road Artissans Studio Tour will be held from September 20th to 21st and 27th to 28th.
For more information about the high road to the Taos Scenic Byway, click here.
Appalachia’s Highland Scenic Byway, Alabama
If you think that Appalachian beauty has left in northern Georgia, this scenic road in the northeastern part of this deep south nation will be happy to prove you wrong.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the process of exploring our efforts,” said Joe Terry, digital marketing strategist for the Alabama Tourism division. “Autumn colors become more common in the north of the trail. The views are beautiful along the trail.”
Drivers will find lush vegetation, interesting geological layers and quaint communities along the route.
Along the route or nearby:
•Ciaha State Park, located on the southern tip of the Byway, is known for its beautiful panoramic views, with its highest point in Alabama, Terry said.
• DeSoto State Park, located at the northern tip of the Byway, features a waterfall that includes hiking, camping and bird watching among its activities.
•Mondon is an arts and craft community, about 10 minutes from DeSoto State Park. Wildflower Café “is a delicious and magical place to eat,” Terry said.
• Little River Canyon National Reserve includes “one of the deepest and most vast canyon and canyon systems in the eastern United States,” according to the US National Park Service.
For more information about Appalachia’s Highland Scenic Byway, click here.
The Great Lakes create amazing views. And Michigan has three coastlines: Michigan, Huron and Superior. Travel Michigan’s vice president of travel, David Lorenz, helped narrow down his options and sang praise for the M-119, hidden northwest of the Michigan Lower Peninsula.
Lorenz told CNN Travel that it is affectionately known as the “tunnel of trees.” The road begins just outside the town of Harbor Springs and extends 21 miles (33.8 km) north. Embracing the shores of Lake Michigan, Lorenz said, “it will ensure that some of the state’s most amazing fall leaves will delight travelers.”
Follow this map to turn your drive into a scenic loop of about 50 miles, or an hour and 15 minute drive.
Along the route or nearby:
• Michigan’s trip said Thornswift Nature Reserve in Harbor Springs is the perfect stop for taking photos of fall leaves.
•Good Hart General Store has the charm of the early 1900s.
•Are you afraid of height? The Boyne Mountain Resort Pedestrian Sky Bridge Michigan is 1,200 feet long (366 meters) and 118 feet high. It is about 26 miles south of Harbor Springs.
• Enjoy the 46th Apple Fest in Charlebois, about 40 minutes southwest of Harbor Springs. The festival will be held from October 10th to 12th this year.
For more information about the M-119, please click here.
