The vibrant colors of peak fall foliage, the scenic
byways, and the mild weather make fall the perfect time for a road trip.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just looking
for a weekend getaway, these fall road trips offer stunning landscapes,
national parks, and outdoor adventures that are sure to create unforgettable
memories. And what better way to explore these scenic routes than by renting an
RV from Cruise America? Here are some perfect fall road trip destinations you
don't want to miss.
Best Fall Road Trips in the USA
1. The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North
Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are a must-visit
destination for any fall road trip. As the most visited national park in the
United States, the Smokies are renowned for their stunning fall foliage, with
the leaves typically reaching their peak colors in mid-October. The park offers
a variety of scenic drives, hiking trails, and overlooks that showcase the
vibrant fall colors from early October to early November.
One of the best ways to experience the Smokies in
the fall is by driving along the Newfound Gap Road, which takes you from the
Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to the Oconaluftee
Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina. The 33-mile route climbs to an
elevation of 5,046 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains
and valleys. Another must-see is Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park,
where you can take in panoramic views that stretch for miles. This is especially
beautiful in peak foliage time.
2. Door County, Wisconsin
If you're looking for a fall road trip in the
Midwest, Door County, Wisconsin, is a hidden gem. Located on a peninsula
between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is known for its charming
small towns, scenic waterfronts, and beautiful fall foliage. The area is home
to several state parks, including Peninsula State Park, where you can hike,
bike, or simply relax and enjoy the views.
Fall is also a great time to explore Door County’s
many orchards and wineries. The county is famous for its apples and cherries,
and many orchards offer pick-your-own options. Don’t miss the chance to try a
traditional Door County fish boil, a local culinary tradition that dates back
to the region’s Scandinavian settlers.
3. Vermont’s Green Mountains
Vermont is synonymous with fall, and for good
reason. The Green Mountains come alive with color in the autumn months, making
it one of the best places in the country for leaf-peeping. The Green Mountain
Byway, which runs between Waterbury and Stowe, is a particularly scenic route
that takes you through charming small towns, past covered bridges, and along
tree-lined roads that burst with color.
Stowe, Vermont, is a quintessential New England
town that offers a variety of fall activities, including hiking, apple picking,
and exploring local farmers' markets. For a unique experience, take a ride on
the Stowe Mountain Resort’s gondola, which offers stunning views of the
surrounding mountains and rolling hills. Another must-see is Smugglers’ Notch,
a narrow pass through the Green Mountains that offers some of the most dramatic
scenery in Vermont.
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, located just 75 miles
from Washington, D.C., is another fantastic east coast destination for a fall
road trip. The park’s Skyline Drive is a 105-mile scenic route that runs the
length of the park, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the
Shenandoah Valley. In the fall, the park’s forests are a sea of red, orange,
and yellow, making it one of the best places in the region to experience
autumn.
There are over 75 overlooks along Skyline Drive,
where you can stop and take in the views, and the park offers a variety of
hiking trails for all skill levels. For those looking for a bit of adventure,
the park’s Big Meadows area is a great spot for wildlife viewing, and you might
even catch a glimpse of a black bear or a white-tailed deer.
5. The Adirondacks, New York
Head north to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate
New York for some of the most incredible fall colors in the Northeast. The
region is home to over six million acres of protected land, making it the
largest park in the contiguous United States. In the fall, the mountains are
ablaze with color, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities
like hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
One of the best ways to experience the Adirondacks
in the fall is by driving along the Adirondack Scenic Byway, which takes you
through charming small towns, past crystal-clear lakes, and along winding
mountain roads. Lake Placid, a former Winter Olympics host town, is a great
base for exploring the region and offers a variety of fall activities,
including visiting the Olympic sites, hiking to the summit of Whiteface
Mountain, and enjoying the local shops and restaurants.
6. The Pacific Coast Highway, California
While California may not be the first place that
comes to mind when you think of fall leaves, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a unique fall
road trip experience. The iconic highway runs along the California coast,
offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky cliffs, and coastal
forests. In the fall, the coastal fog lifts, and the weather is cooler, making
it an ideal time to explore this famous route.
Highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway
include Big Sur, where you can hike through redwood
forests and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline, and the charming
town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and
cozy cafes. Further north, the road takes you through the rugged beauty of the
Lost Coast, where you can explore secluded beaches and enjoy the tranquility of
this remote area.
7. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in southern Utah is
another fantastic destination for a fall road trip. The park’s red rock
formations are stunning year-round, but they take on a special beauty in the
fall when the cottonwood trees along the Virgin River turn brilliant yellows. The
park’s cooler fall temperatures also make it an ideal time for hiking, and
there are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from scenic walks to
challenging climbs.
One of the best ways to experience Zion in the fall
is by driving along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which takes you through the
park’s scenic canyons and past some of its most famous landmarks, including the
Great Arch and the Checkerboard Mesa. For a more adventurous experience,
consider hiking the Narrows, a slot canyon hike that takes you through the
Virgin River.
Experience Fall Road Trips with
Cruise America
Fall is a magical time of year, and there’s no
better way to experience its beauty than by taking a road trip to one of these
stunning destinations. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant fall foliage of the
Blue Ridge Parkway, the dramatic landscapes of Zion National Park, or the
charming small towns of Vermont, these road trips are sure to create memories
that will last a lifetime.
To make your fall road trip even more special,
consider getting an RV rental from Cruise America. With the
freedom to travel at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and enjoy all the
comforts of home on the road, an RV is the perfect way to explore these fall
destinations.
So, experience the best that fall has to offer with Cruise America!
Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 11/10/2024