19 of The Best Fall Road Trips for Scenic Views

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Autumn is easily the most beautiful time of year – the leaves are changing colors, the weather is perfect for you and your family to enjoy, and there are plenty of breathtaking views to go around. Let’s explore some destinations of the best fall road trips.

The Best Fall Road Trips Destinations for Scenic Views

As the leaves change and fall, it’s time to get out of town for a few days. Whether you’re looking for someplace new to explore or just want to take a trip down memory lane, we’ve got you covered! Here are our top nineteen Best Fall Road Trip Destinations in the United States:

Door County Coastal Byway, Wisconsin

I simply have to start with this one as I covered it in my Wisconsin Chapter of the best-selling book Midwest Road Trip Adventures! With over 300 miles of incredibly beautiful shoreline to explore, the fall color is just a feather in their cap.

The colors of fall transform this area into a carpet of primordial shades. From vibrant reds and oranges to golden yellows and lush green leaves- it’s impossible not to be captivated by their beauty!

Try our Door County Cherry Coffee – just click on the image to see how you can get this flavor of our Gourmet, ethically sourced, coffee that is produced and packaged in Wisconsin

Bryce Canyon, Utah

From winter snow-capped mountains to summer parched deserts, the Bryce Canyon offers stunning views year-round. Located just outside of Zion National Park it’s one place you don’t want to miss!

However, when autumn approaches and the leaves change colors, it’s an entirely different experience. With reds, oranges, and yellows, the views are breathtaking. Best of all, Bryce Canyon offers free tours year-round.

Black Hills, South Dakota Leaves

Located in southwestern South Dakota, the Black Hills’ beauty is unmatched f you are looking for the best fall road trips. . One of the many sites you won’t want to miss is Mt. Rushmore, The 60ft high sculpture represents the faces of four of the United States presidents.

Stop at every turn and enjoy the views from this national park. While there’s much more than just one monument for you to explore, make sure to take advantage of its scenic drives as well!

Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Foliage

This amazing route runs from North Carolina to Virginia and includes some of the most beautiful views in the eastern US. Imagine driving through the mountains on a road that stretches 469 miles long. You can take your time exploring this beautiful part of America, and there are plenty of scenic views to keep you captivated for hours.

Grand Canyon National Park Fall Colors

The Grand Canyon is one of the most well-known destinations in the United States, and with good reason! Sitting on the border between Arizona and Nevada, this natural wonder offers incredible vistas of red rock formations, deep canyons, and the Colorado River.

One of the most scenic destinations in America, tourists can’t afford to miss out on this amazing sight! The 277-mile long Canyon is breathtaking from every angle. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails or just want an inspiring view while taking tours through its vastness – it’s worth your time and effort when visiting Arizona as it is simply a sight everyone should see at least once!

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Ohio is not necessarily a common vacation destination for most people, but if you’re looking for a true adventure, then Hocking Hills State Park should definitely be on your list.

Hocking Hills offers something new and unique for every visitor. From waterfalls to caves, this state park has it all! As you explore Hocking Kills State Park keep an eye on the trees as they turn colors throughout autumn – just wait until your eyes get full of awe from seeing such gorgeous scenery in Ohio’s great outdoors!

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Spanning over 300 miles of underground trails, Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest cave system in the world.

While you’re exploring these amazing caverns, be sure to take some time for yourself and explore the hiking trails. You’ll find that autumn is a great season when it comes to views!

The leaves change colors throughout the park and even into early winter, so you’ll see a multitude of colors that span across the entire labyrinth of trails as you go.

Field of Flowers North Farm — Click on the picture to check it out

Mount Washington Auto Road, New Hampshire

Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Mount Washington is home to the highest peak in the northeastern United States.

Mount Washington is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature. The road up there never closes, but you should visit during autumn when colors will be at their finest.

Once at the top, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of New Hampshire and the surrounding areas. These views are especially stunning at sunset and sunrise so time your visit well.

North Cascades National Park, Washington Fall Colors

If you’re looking for a drive that’s full of adventure and gorgeous scenery, then check out North Cascades National Park.

The park offers a variety of hikes, from short and family-friendly to extreme treks that take you above the tree line. With over four hundred miles worth of trails, there is something for everyone in your group.

Luckily, the park also offers a scenic drive from the town of Sedro-Woolley all the way up to Washington Pass for incredible views at any time of year, but simply amazing during the fall.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Pictures

Let’s face it – Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see spot of the best fall road trips in the United States and is popular for its views alone. This park is a year-round destination that offers plenty of reasons to visit. You’ll find incredible vistas and fun activities here, no matter what time of year it is!

Hiking in the Fall is a must! The leaves change colors and give off an otherworldly atmosphere that will make you feel like your journey has taken on new meaning. You definitely need to visit with your camera.

Sequoia National Park, California

We have talked about Sequoia National Park before in our article on Places to Visit in Northern California. Sequoia National Park is home to some of the largest trees in the world and has plenty of amazing views.

Autumn is the perfect time to explore California’s redwoods. The colors in this area are especially beautiful, and you’ll be able to see a vast array of shades that will take your breath away! If scenic drives aren’t enough for you there are plenty more activities like hiking or fishing near the coast with amazing views too–so go ahead; indulge yourself

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Foliage Report

Shenandoah National Park is a popular fall destination that offers natural beauty and easy access. Located about 3 hours north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it has more than 100 miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

You will seriously be overwhelmed with scenic views and photo ops. While exploring this great national park, keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant colors lining the Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall season!

North Cascades National Park, Washington Fall Colors

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Fall Colors

Located just 30 minutes south of Cleveland, Ohio Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides a great view of the changing fall colors along your drive. There are so many things to do at this park! You can take an enjoyable hike through over 30,000 beautiful wooded areas or hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a ride around.

Either way, you’ll be able to catch some wonderful views, and weather, on the way through.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The Grand Tetons are a natural wonder of the world. This gorgeous national park offers plenty for nature lovers throughout all seasons, from hiking in the wintertime to exploring Yellowstone Lake during summer vacation time.

That being said, I think autumn is definitely the best time of the year to visit. The changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop for the mountains and offer plenty of stunning photo opportunities.

Zion National Park, Utah

Known as one of “The Mighty 5,” Zion National Park is home to some of the most awe-inspiring views in all of North America!

The varied landscape of Zion National Park is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The park has three climate zones and more than 150 miles worth of hiking trails, so you’re sure to find your ideal trail here!

Known for the most epic hikes in the world and a must-see scenic drive, it’s at night when these views really come alive with an incredible display of stars, colorful fall leaves adorning an otherwise pitch-black sky overhead while you take your own sweet time exploring every inch this gorgeous place has to offer!

Time your visit for sunset – just sayin’.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

We love camping and think that another must-visit national park in North America is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Filled with lakes, canyons, waterfalls, and of course – Old Faithful!

Take a walk through the autumn leaves of Yellowstone National Park and enjoy watching wildlife. Take time to soak in all that this great country has to offer, from scenic views to beautiful colors!

You’ll find plenty more reasons why people flock here each year with every step you take – fall is such an amazing time at Yellowstone during which we can see so many different things happen! Nature puts on her most resplendent garments just waiting patiently until she Naked Once Again shall be returning back into hibernation.

The Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Located along the North Carolina and Tennessee border is where you’ll find another one of North America’s most popular national parks: The Smoky Mountains.

There are loads of things to do in this park, with some incredible hiking trails for all levels and scenic drives that I’m sure you’ll love. The best time to come here though is during fall when colors change their hues beautifully changing the landscape into something truly spectacular!

Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts is a must-see for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking to take some time out of the day and relax, or if your idea of fun includes an activity like hiking with friends – there’s plenty going on here!

The beautiful views alone make this place worth seeing but also consider that it offers swimming pools where children can play while adults enjoy spending quality bonding moments together too.

There are plenty of scenic views to be seen all around the park during this time of year. You’ll see plenty of autumn leaves as well as some beautiful beaches that you won’t want to miss.

Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Niagara Falls, New York

Of course, no list of the best fall road trip destinations would be complete without mentioning Niagara Falls! One of the world’s seven natural wonders, this spot provides some great photo ops for taking scenic pictures during your travels.

The fall in itself is a beautiful sight to see. You can get up close and personal with it at Cave of the Winds where they have special tours for just this occasion!

Where are you headed first?

Fall is the perfect time to get out there, explore this beautiful country we are in, and take in some incredible views. Make sure you stop at one of these amazing places so that when winter comes around again next year, all your friends will know where they can find an awesome autumn road trip destination!