The Blue Ridge Parkway
A meandering journey through the Appalachian Highlands, famous for its sweeping overlooks and incredible diversity of deciduous trees shifting from gold to deep crimson.
Read GuideChasing the Autumn Canopy
Leave the interstate behind. We map out the most vibrant, twisty, and dramatic fall foliage road trips across colorful forests and steep mountain passes.
Explore the Routes
Top Foliage Drives
Kancamagus Highway
New England’s premier foliage route. Route 112 cuts through the White Mountain National Forest, offering uninterrupted views of brilliant maples, birches, and oaks.
Read Guide
Million Dollar Highway
Not for the faint of heart. This segment of the San Juan Skyway features sheer drop-offs and glowing stands of golden aspens against rugged, snow-dusted peaks.
Read Guide
Keweenaw Peninsula
Drive the rugged northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where dense tunnels of autumn leaves dramatically meet the vast, cold shores of Lake Superior.
Read Guide
Columbia River Gorge
Experience the Pacific Northwest's take on autumn. The historic highway winds past towering waterfalls and cliffs draped in the warm hues of bigleaf maples.
Read GuideRoad Trip Essentials
Timing is Everything
Foliage peaks vary yearly based on temperature and rainfall. Higher elevations always turn first. Use historical data, but be prepared for flexibility.
Vehicle Prep
Mountain roads test brakes and transmissions. Ensure your pads are thick, fluids are topped off, and tires have deep tread for unpredictable autumn weather.
Beat the Crowds
Start driving by sunrise. The most famous byways experience heavy traffic on weekends by 10 AM. Early light also makes for the best landscape photography.