Discover 6 breathtaking autumn journeys this year, providing an abundance of leaf-peeping opportunities.
Getting the timing right for an exquisite autumn drive is crucial.
Consider this US fall foliage predictor map for locating the optimal period to witness the leaves in their vibrant array of hues. However, be prepared for peak leaf-viewing time potentially overlapping with peak traffic hours, particularly during weekends.
Below are six suggested routes scatter across the United States for 2024 to inspire your drive. Even if the autumn colors fail to impress or truly amaze, there are plenty of alternative attractions to discover.
Ozark Run Scenic Byway, Missouri
Designated an official scenic byway in 2023, this 80-mile (130-kilometer) drive through the stunning Ozark Mountain terrain showcases the state’s natural beauty. Katie Blake, public relations specialist with Visit Missouri, shared these insights:
"This byway is home to some of our most beautiful natural landscapes including clear spring-fed rivers, rocky bluffs, and dense forests. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming small towns and marvel at Elephant Rocks State Park where you can find giant boulders over a billion years old."
Rainfall this summer presented promising color potential. For more updates, consult the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The rugged landscape mixed with fewer major highways present a tranquil escape for a leisurely trip in a lightly populated area.
Points of interest near the route:
- The Old Village Mercantile in Caledonia boasts classic candies in a building dating back to 1909.
- The Mark Twain National Forest offers a range of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and camping.
- Bonne Terre Mine – formerly an underground mine transformed into a pontoon tour destination for people, and a scuba diving site for certified divers.
- The Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site captivates Civil War enthusiasts.
Explore more about the Ozark Run Scenic Byway here.
Lake Champlain Byway, Vermont
Vermont’s small size doesn't diminish its New England charm or its reputation for spectacular fall drives. Covering 184 miles (297 kilometers), the Lake Champlain Byway provides breathtaking views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondack Mountains.
Dan Albrecht, Lake Champlain Byway Council chair, shared his thoughts:
"The byway offers views of the vividly colored maple and beech trees reflecting in the lake’s crystalline waters if timed correctly. Attendees should navigate the Vermont’s fall foliage tracker and New England 511 to monitor road and weather conditions."
Additional landmarks and attractions:
- Burlington, Vermont's largest city, offers an urban flair, savory farm-to-table restaurants, and inviting bed and breakfasts.
- The college towns of Middlebury and Vergennes encapsulate the essence of quaint small-town New England.
- The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain delights science enthusiasts and nature admirers.
- Grand Isle State Park on Grand Isle harbors a popular campsite, and Button Bay State Park offers boat-launching facilities, beach, and campsites.
Discover more about the Lake Champlain Byway here.
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, South Dakota
South Dakota’s 70-mile (113-kilometer) architectural marvel will leave you in awe with its impressive bridges, hairpin curves, and granite tunnels. Katlyn Svendsen, Global public relations director for Travel South Dakota, shared her enthusiasm:
"The Iron Mountain Road section boasts enchanting wooden ‘pigtail’ bridges and tunnels that frame the faces of Mount Rushmore in the distance. An ideal time to visit is fall 2024, as you’ll be greeted by an array of hues against the forested backdrop."
Wildlife enthusiasts can glimpse mountain goats, deer, and chipmunks during their drive.
Places to explore near the route:
- Custer State Park, home to nearly 1,400 bison, offers extensive biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- The Black Elk Wilderness appeals to mountaineers, hikers, and horseback riders.
- The Crazy Horse Memorial invites visitors to explore the private mountain monument designed to honor the Lakota leader Crazy Horse.
To learn more about the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway visit this page.
Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway, Pennsylvania
With Pennsylvania boasting one of the lengthiest and diverse fall foliage seasons, the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway serves as an excellent starting point in discovering this fall wonderland. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recommends the following itinerary:
- Falls Creek, whose scenic drive offers elegant homes and charming shops.
- Ohiopyle State Park, home to whitewater rapids and spectacular overlooks.
- Mt. Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania providing panoramic vistas.
Plan your trip by referring to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website for more information and ideas.
"The Laurel Highlands region consistently ranks among the nation's finest destinations for autumn leaf-peeping, and this 68-mile-long journey illustrates why," stated Eric Knopsnyder, public relations director for GO Laurel Highlands, in an email.
"It boasts an array of deciduous trees lining mountain ridges and plunging river valleys, some of America's beloved small towns, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site [Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935]," he added.
Typically, the second week of October is when fall foliage reaches its peak, reported Visit Pennsylvania to CNN Travel, but "shifts in altitude and weather patterns imply that any trip between mid-September and the end of October will yield a picturesque journey."
Along the journey or in its vicinity:
• The charming town of Ligonier is renowned for its festive holiday atmosphere yet is enjoyable year-round.• Pletcher’s Farm Market offers the opportunity to pose with the "Great Pumpkin" – this year's weighs 1,951 pounds (885 kilograms) – and the possibility to select a pumpkin in almost any size or hue.• Baughman Rock Overlook is a popular viewpoint for leaf-peepers.• If you tire of driving, take a hike on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
Discover more about the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway here.
Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, California
While California's stunning Pacific coastline is captivating, for the autumn season, let's venture inland and northeastward.
"A journey across California's Eastern Sierra showcases the diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders that make California the world's premiere road trip destination," explained Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, in an email.
"As travelers meander south along Highway 395, they are greeted with unforgettable sights such as alpine lakes bathed in fall colors and awe-inspiring geological formations," Beteta stated.
The byway spans approximately 240 miles (385 kilometers) from Topaz to Little Lake, according to calculations by Visit California, and encourages making a detour east to Death Valley National Park for additional exploration. "From autumn to spring, Death Valley invites visitors to hike through brilliant canyons and observe iconic landmarks like Badwater Basin – at 282 feet below sea level, it's the lowest point in North America."
Explore California's fall color forecasts on this map, updated each Friday.
Along the route or in its vicinity:
• Bodie State Historic Park offers a glimpse into a genuine California gold-mining ghost town.• Hot Creek Geologic Site is home to dozens of naturally occurring hot springs boiling within the rocky walls of a river.• At an elevation of 14,497 feet (4,419 meters), Mount Whitney is considered one of the most scenic locations in the Eastern Sierras.• Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to the oldest trees on Earth, bristlecone pines. Some of these living trees are more than 4,000 years old.
Discover more about the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (US Highway 395) here.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
This winding beauty traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains of both states, starting in Virginia and winding its way southwest into North Carolina, with a total length of 469 miles (755 kilometers).
The parkway is free and accessible 24 hours a day, unless certain parts are temporarily closed due to weather, landslides, construction, or other issues. The journey is commercial-free – no billboards or businesses obstruct the view.
There's no need to complete the whole route if you wish for a shorter excursion; simply pick and explore a portion that suits you.
Along the route and nearby:
• In Virginia, the automotive and travel club AAA suggests a stop at Mabry Mill at milepost 176, where Ed Mabry and his wife, Lizzy, ground corn and cut lumber for three decades. Additionally, visit the Blue Ridge Music Center at milepost 213.• In North Carolina, explore the heritage of the Cherokee at Oconaluftee Indian Village at milepost 469.1.• In North Carolina, climb the tallest peak east of the Mississippi at Mount Mitchell State Park, or explore Biltmore Estate, whose elegance is amplified during the autumn season.• Malaprop’s Bookstore is a must-see for bookworms staying in Asheville.
Explore more about the Blue Ridge Parkway here.
After exploring the vibrant fall colors along the Ozark Run Scenic Byway, you might want to take a break at the Old Village Mercantile in Caledonia, a historic building dating back to 1909 that offers classic candies. (contains: ['travel', 'explore'])
If you've enjoyed the stunning views on the Lake Champlain Byway and are looking for additional activities, consider visiting the college towns of Middlebury and Vergennes to experience the essence of quaint small-town New England. (contains: ['travel', 'visit'])
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