There’s no better time to take a road trip than the fall. The air is crisp and moody, seasonal snacks make the ride more enjoyable, and you’ll likely find peak fall colors along your route. There’s something especially nostalgic about spending a few hours on the road listening to Noah Kahan while fall leaves flash by outside your window.
Whether the travel destinations you crave involve stays in cozy mountain cabins or charming New England bed and breakfasts, scenic road trips are the way to get there this autumn. To help you decide on the best places to visit this fall by car, we rounded up 10 road trip ideas, from a quaint Vermont getaway to a cozy California vacation.
A Magical Mountain Getaway
Denver, CO to Vail, CO
No list of road trip ideas is complete without a mountain town. As a Coloradan, I’m biased, but there are few better places to see fall colors than the Rockies. Just a two-hour drive from Denver, Vail is a beloved mountain town offering a plethora of activities, from active adventures to delicious dining. But thanks to winding roads lined with vibrantly colored aspen trees, getting there is half the fun.
Upon arrival in the lively yet charming Vail Village, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques to wander. If you’re craving some relaxation after the drive, many hotels have beautiful spas—like The Hythe, which is my favorite place to stay. After indulging in a massage or facial, relax in the jacuzzi and unwind beside the fireplace in your cozy room. End your night by making s’mores under the stars at one of the hotel fire pits.
READ: 9 Mountain Trip Ideas for When You Want to Unwind and Reset
From Wine Country to the Valley
Sonoma, CA to Carmel, CA
California isn’t necessarily known for its vibrant fall leaves, but it’s still one of the best places to visit in October. Northern California boasts several tree varieties that change seasonally, like Maples, which turn golden yellow, and California Black Oaks, which transform into deep red, orange, and bronze this time of year. Spend a few nights embracing the Sonoma County and Napa regions by enjoying wine tastings, cooking classes, and farmers market runs.
Then, make your way down the California coast to Carmel Valley, which is tucked a bit inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea. The valley offers an escape from tourist crowds and typically sees warmer weather, since it’s slightly removed from the foggy coast. One of my favorite places to stay is Carmel Valley Ranch, which sits on 500 acres and has a working farm. Spend time with the animals on the property, explore the gardens, and enjoy a seasonal cocktail (mulled wine, anyone?) by the fireplace.
A Southern Countryside Stay
Atlanta, GA to Adairsville, GA
When I imagine the ideal fall road trip, the final destination finds me slowing down and unplugging—and that’s exactly what Adairsville, Georgia delivers. If you live in the Atlanta area (or if you’re up for flying there), you can get to Adairsville in just under two hours. Tucked alongside the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Adairsville offers prime views of fall colors. The small historic downtown is packed with antique shops and plenty of walking trails for enjoying the fall foliage.
But best of all, the town is home to Barnsley Resort, a stunning luxury resort nestled on 3,000 acres of land. It’s the type of property you check into and don’t leave until it’s time to head home. Go horseback riding through wooded trails, canoe in the 10-acre lake, or kick back in a claw-foot soaking tub with a book. The cottages give major Nancy Meyers vibes—enough said.
READ: How to Plan a Trip That Feels Like a Nancy Meyers Movie
A Quintessential Vermont Village
Route 100, Vermont
Vermont is one of the best places to visit in October, hands down. I did some digging to discover the best route for first-timers, and the verdict is that Route 100 will give you the most quintessential Vermont fall experience. Make stops along the way in charming towns like Woodstock, Quechee, Waterbury, and Stowe.
You can easily spend a night or two in Stowe or Woodstock (the iconic Woodstock Inn and Resort is known for its picturesque setting). Think of this scenic road trip as an ongoing experience that will take you from one quaint town to another, with vibrant fall colors to soak up along the journey. With local bookstores, charming cheese and syrup shops, and relaxed farm-to-table restaurants, each town is entirely unique.
Lake Views and Tree Tunnels
Traverse City, MI to Cross Village, MI
If you’re looking for the best travel destinations for mid- to late October, the iconic Northwest Lower Peninsula Drive should be on your radar. Hugging the Lake Michigan coastline, the M-22 Scenic Highway is a 116-mile loop that takes you from Manistee to Traverse City. While that’s a beautiful waterfront option, you can also drive from Traverse City to Cross Village, which heads north through scenic bayside towns like Charlevoix before connecting to M-119 in Harbor Springs.
This route will take you through the Tunnel of Trees, a breathtaking 20-mile stretch where maple, oak, beech, and birch trees form a tunnel over a winding cliffside road. I can’t think of a dreamier way to see the fall colors. The journey itself is the main draw of this road trip—be sure to embrace pit stops at historic lighthouses, sand dunes, and charming lakeside towns for coffee or lunch.
Western Weekend Wandering
Jackson Hole, WY to Yellowstone
Channel your inner Beth Dutton on a western-inspired fall road trip from Jackson Hole through Yellowstone National Park. With fewer crowds than during the summer, an autumn trip offers space to enjoy the wildlife, sweeping mountain views, and of course, the changing fall leaves.
Fly into Jackson Hole and rent a car to drive to Yellowstone’s south entrance. Lace up some sneakers and head out on a hike to stretch your legs after the drive. On your walk, you’ll find bubbling hot springs, dramatic waterfalls, and Yellowstone Lake. Or, stay in the comfort of your car and head down Grand Loop Road, which provides access to all major sections of the park. After getting your nature fix, head back to Jackson Hole for a totally different scene: shopping, live music, and a bustling nightlife.
An Upstate Escape
New York, NY to Upstate, NY
This is your chance to listen to Taylor Swift’s Red while you “get lost upstate” wearing an old scarf. A fall road trip to Upstate New York offers farm-to-table dining, moody mountain fog, and trees in lively shades of crimson and gold. For an easy road trip, the Hudson Valley is just over an hour north of Manhattan. Here, you’ll find walkable historic towns lined with brick buildings housing adorable shops. Take a stroll on the Walkway Over the Hudson, a popular pedestrian bridge offering a spectacular view of the fall colors reflecting off the river.
Looking for a longer drive? Head to the High Catskills—which is still only about 100 miles outside of New York City—to enjoy hiking or biking in the secluded wilderness. For cozy accommodations after an active day, book a room at the charming Hotel Lilien. With just 22 rooms, this Victorian-manor-turned-boutique-hotel provides an intimate lodging experience that’s a stone’s throw from diners, breweries, and beautiful trails.
A Taste of City Life
Charlotte, NC to Richmond, VA
Driving from Charlotte, North Carolina to Richmond, Virginia offers the best of both worlds: city and country. Just an hour north of Charlotte is the state’s wine region, and during the fall, rows of grapevines turn vibrant shades of gold and amber. They look especially beautiful set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you want to enjoy a wine tasting, spend the night before setting off on the rest of your road trip the next day.
When you cross the border into Virginia, you’ll drive along a stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which boasts mountain vistas and wildlife viewings. For your second stop, visit Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville to pick your own apples, wander through fields of pumpkins, and enjoy fresh apple cider donuts or a slice of cherry pie. After this roadside attraction, you’ll be just over an hour from Richmond, where you can soak up another skyline framed by autumn trees.
The Dramatic Cascade Loop
Seattle, WA
Even if you don’t live in Washington, The Cascade Loop makes it easy to pick up and drop off a rental car in one place, which is convenient and cost-effective. The general route along Highway 2 will take you through the mountains, high desert, wine valleys, and as a breathtaking last leg, the North Cascades National Park. Known as the “American Alps,” this park features dramatic views of turquoise glacial water and neon yellow larches in the fall.
The loop is roughly 440 miles, so it’s best experienced over several days. Here’s the plan: On day one, drive from Seattle to Leavenworth, where you’ll find a Bavarian Village with whimsical autumn vibes. Day two, drive three hours from Leavenworth to Winthrop via Lake Chelan. Plan to stay the night so you can enjoy a waterfront wine tasting before getting a good night’s sleep. For your last stretch, drive roughly four hours through the highest mountain peaks before returning to the hustle and bustle of Seattle.
A Wildlife-Filled Forest Drive
Fayetteville, AR to Russellville, AR
If you live in the south, this two-day trip from Fayetteville to Russellville is a great late-fall getaway. Peak leaf peeping season is late October through early November down here, so there’s still plenty of time to bring this road trip idea to life. Along the way, watch wild elk herds gather in Boxley Valley at sunrise, hike the 3-mile Whitaker Point Trail for jaw-dropping cliffside views, and cruise along the Arkansas Scenic Byway 7 for mountain switchbacks and panoramic canyon overlooks. If you care less about making several lively stops along your road trip and more about enjoying fall colors, this route is for you.
Kara Thompson, Contributing Home Writer
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon. In 2022, she left her full-time job as an editor and started her own writing, editing, and social media firm, Kara Thompson and Co. She has over five years of experience writing lifestyle content for publications including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com, goodhousekeeping.com, and Parents, where she covered all things home, food, health, travel, fashion, and holidays.
