posted on June 23, 2026
From the blazing maples of New England to the golden aspens of the Rockies, the US has no shortage of spectacular fall foliage. If you’re looking for the best scenic drives to see the leaves this fall, buckle up!
Behind the wheel of your own car, you can zip from state to state to chase peak fall color. Keep in mind that colors turn at different times depending on altitude, and renting a car is a great way to follow the seasons from high mountain passes to river valleys and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- When to go: A regional fall foliage timing guide
- The best fall foliage scenic drives in the US
- Tips for planning a fall foliage road trip
- Frequently asked questions about scenic fall drives
When to go: Fall foliage timing by region
Want to see foliage colors at their peak? Timing is everything when planning your fall foliage drive. The best moments to see each spot depend on region, elevation, and even how the season pans out each year. Below are some timings to keep in mind when planning your fall road trip.
| Region | Peak foliage window |
|---|---|
| Northern New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine) | Mid-September to early October |
| Southern New England (Massachusetts, Connecticut) | Early to mid-October |
| Adirondacks and upstate New York | Late September to mid-October |
| Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia) | Mid–late October |
| Great Smoky Mountains | Mid–late October |
| Rocky Mountains | Late September to mid-October |
| Pacific Northwest | Late September to mid-October |
| Upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan) | Early–mid October |
The best fall foliage scenic drives in the US
From 469-mile National Parkways to short but spectacular 13-mile canyon loops, these drives represent the best of America during fall. Discover the best foliage drives to add to your itinerary, organized from East to West coast.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
This is the undisputed champion of fall foliage drives in the Eastern US. Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile National Parkway connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina (two of the most visited parks in the country).
Often called “America’s favorite drive,” the parkway follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains with over 200 scenic overlooks (offering sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains) and a 45mph speed limit designed to encourage slow, contemplative driving.
If you’re sticking to higher elevations, mid-October is a great time to visit, while the lower elevations are best visited later in the month. From aerial views of vibrant canopies to the historic forests of Mabry Mill and the valley views of Peaks of Otter, there are plenty of spots to keep you busy.
- Best section for first-timers: Head to the southern end of the parkway (such as Linn Cove Viaduct or Waterrock Knob) for peak fall foliage viewing.
- Peak foliage: Mid–late October (varies by elevation)
- Drive time end to end: Approximately 10–12 hours without stops (best done over 3-4 days)
Tip from the author: The Blue Ridge Parkway has no gas stations along its length. Top off your tank before entering and plan fuel stops in the towns that intersect the road. Cell service is also limited in many sections, so download offline maps before you go.
2. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Sticking around in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park offers 105 scenic miles of high-elevation driving. Along this route, you’ll be treated to over 70 overlooks plus one of the best concentrations of fall color on the East Coast.
Unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll pay an entrance fee to access Skyline Drive (but if you have an America The Beautiful annual pass, you’ll be granted access for no additional fee).
If you’re based in Washington DC, this is one of the most rewarding fall day trips, located within 75 miles of the capital.
- Peak foliage: Mid–late October
- Drive time end to end: ~3 hours without stops
- Entrance fee: Per vehicle fee applies; America the Beautiful pass accepted
- Don’t miss: Top overlooks including Stony Man, Hogback and Thorofare Mountain
Tip from the author: Skyline Drive can get very congested on peak October weekends, so arrive at the Thornton Gap or Front Royal entrance before 9am, or visit on a weekday. The overlooks at sunrise on a clear morning are worth the early alarm.
3. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Ready for panoramic views, sweeping elevation changes, and a chance to hike your way to waterfalls? Kancamagus Highway is the best single-road fall foliage drive in New England. This 34-mile stretch of NH Route 112 passes through White Mountain National Forest, offering stunning views of sugar maples, birches, and beeches in full fall color.
Hikers: make your way to hiking trails including Sabbaday Falls, the Champney Falls Trail, or take a stroll along the Albany Covered Bridge (a classic 1850s wooden bridge that’s the perfect spot to capture the leaves in full color).
Leaf peepers: get in early as foliage at higher elevations begins to bloom in late September. But visiting in early to mid-October guarantees views of bright orange and golden yellow leaves.
- Peak foliage: Late September to early October
- Drive time: ~1 hour without stops
- Don’t miss: The Pemigewasset Overlook, offering the highest scenic pull-off at 2,855 feet (giving you sweeping views across 45,000 acres of mountain ranges).
Tip from the author: The Kancamagus is one road everyone seems to know, which means it can be packed on a sunny October Saturday. Weekdays are significantly quieter, and the light through the trees in the early morning is extraordinary.
4. Route 100, Vermont
Nothing captures New England’s fall aesthetic quite like Route 100. As Vermont’s spine road, this 216-mile route runs north-south through the center of the state, connecting a string of small towns and historic, charming villages.
Along the drive, it’s worth stopping in at a few towns like Stowe, Weston, Ludlow, and Wilmington. Expect a blend of historical sites, antique shops, and even boutique taprooms.
Whether you tackle Route 100 as a standalone journey or build it into a longer New England loop, this scenic driving route is a must during fall.
- Peak foliage: Mid-September to early October
- Drive time end to end: ~5–6 hours without stops
- Don’t miss: A quick detour to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury for a sweet treat (book ahead to experience a Waterbury Factory Tour!) or take the side road to Moss Glen Falls near Granville (it’s a short but stunning detour).
5. Adirondack Mountains, New York (Route 73 and the Olympic Byway)
When it comes to sweeping fall foliage views, it doesn’t get more dramatic than the Adirondack Mountains. This epic canopy sprawls across 6 million acres, a vast wilderness of peaks, lakes, and hardwood forest that turns vivid red, orange, and yellow from late September to mid-October.
The most scenic driving routes include Route 73 (which takes you through the High Peaks region) and the Olympic Byway (connecting Lake Placid to Whiteface Mountain).
Grab your camera and head to Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake for an iconic spot to capture the fall foliage reflecting in all its glory.
- Peak foliage: Late September – mid-October
- Don’t miss: A gondola ride at Whiteface Mountain during peak foliage puts you above the treeline and looking down over a carpet of color. It’s easily one of the most memorable fall color perspectives available on the East Coast.
6. Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway, Pennsylvania
While New England gets most of the fall foliage attention, this 110-mile byway in southwestern Pennsylvania deserves some attention, too. Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway takes you from forest ridges to valley floors, with foliage peaking in mid-October.
Don’t miss Ohiopyle State Park (for waterfalls, the river gorge, and some of the best fall color in the state), Fallingwater (for Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous house, built over a waterfall and best visited before the winter closure), the town of Ligonier, and Baughman Rock Overlook.
- Peak foliage: Mid–late October
- Drive time: ~2.5–3 hours for the full byway
- Don’t miss: A hike to Baughman Rock Overlook offers panoramic valley views, best experienced during the peak of fall.
7. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway offers a 25-mile stretch of incredible fall foliage in Colorado. The route takes you from Ouray to Silverton through the San Juan Mountains, with hairpin turns, sheer cliff edges, and aspen groves turning gold against a backdrop of 13,000-foot peaks.
In Colorado, fall color is dominated by aspen trees. Don’t miss key stops at towns like Ouray (widely considered the “Switzerland of America”) and Silverton. Before you hit the road, keep in mind that this narrow mountain road is best experienced slowly. If you want to capture the foliage, use one of the many pull-offs to let others pass.
- Peak foliage: Late September to early October
- Drive time: ~1 hour without stops
- Don’t miss: Molas Pass and Red Mountain Pass both offer dramatic vistas of the stunning fall foliage below.
Tip from the author: The Million Dollar Highway is narrow, with no guardrails in several sections, so take it slowly and don’t hurry. Pull into designated turnouts for photos rather than stopping on the road.
8. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
As America’s first scenic highway, the Historic Columbia River Highway stretching around 75-miles through dramatic basalt cliffs, over 90 waterfalls, and incredible fall colors. Expect an incredible combination of alder, maple, and ash trees, offering one of the most visually striking drives in the country.
- Peak foliage: Early to mid-October
- Drive time: ~1.5–2 hours without stops
- Don’t miss: Pulling over at Multnomah Falls, Crown Point, and Latourell Falls; these popular stops capture the best of the Columbia River Gorge’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Tips for planning a fall foliage road trip
Before you hit the road, brush up on these tips to maximize your time and enjoy the best scenic driving experience.
- Go on a weekday: Peak fall weekends on popular routes like Skyline Drive, the Kancamagus Highway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway can be extremely congested. Visiting Tuesday through Thursday makes a significant difference and helps you beat the crowds.
- Book accommodations early: Fall foliage season is one of the most popular travel periods in the US, meaning hotels and vacation rentals in popular areas book out months in advance. Don’t leave this until last minute.
- Top off your tank before scenic roads: Several of the best drives (including Blue Ridge Parkway and Kancamagus Highway) have no gas stations along the route. Fill up in the nearest town before you start.
- Rent a car with a sunroof or large windows: Fall foliage is a visual experience, and the more natural light in the cabin, the better. Browse Turo for a wide range of vehicles suited to a scenic road trip.
- Pack for unpredictable weather: Fall weather in the mountains can turn quickly. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for trail stops.
Frequently asked questions about fall foliage scenic drives
When is the best time to see fall foliage in the US?
Peak fall foliage timing varies significantly by region and elevation:
- Trees in Northern New England typically peak in mid-September through early October
- The Mid-Atlantic and Smoky Mountains follow in mid-to-late October
- Colorado’s aspens peak in late September
Check a real-time foliage tracker for your specific region before finalizing travel dates, as colors and timing can vary widely from year-to-year.
What is the most scenic fall foliage drive in the US?
The Blue Ridge Parkway is consistently cited as the most spectacular fall foliage drive, offering 469 miles of mountain ridgeline with uninterrupted fall color and over 200 overlooks. The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire offers the most concentrated single-road experience in New England, while Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway is the most dramatic option outside the East Coast.
What US states have the best fall color?
Vermont is the most famous US state for fall color, known for its sugar maples and quintessential New England scenery. New Hampshire, Maine, and New York’s Adirondacks are equally spectacular but less crowded. Beyond the Northeast, Colorado’s aspen groves and the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina offer outstanding color.
Hit the road this fall with Turo
The best fall foliage drives are a reminder that America’s landscapes are most rewarding when explored slowly, at your own pace, with nowhere you have to be by a specific time. Whether it’s the first red maples of New Hampshire in late September or Colorado’s golden aspens catching the morning light, the season is short, and well worth chasing.
Browse Turo for a wide range of vehicles across the US, with flexible pick-up options to match your fall road trip itinerary.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America, Europe and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
