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It is that time of the year when all RV owners have the best excuse to head out with their family and friends – fall foliage viewing with crisp air, cooler weather, and simply experiencing the beauty of nature has to offer. This could perhaps be the best season for you to enjoy an amazing road trip in your RV. And if you love being on the road, you would know that no other experience can make you feel so liberated.
With fall now underway, this may be the best time for you to start looking for routes that can offer you some breathtaking and unforgettable views this season. To help you make a choice, here is our list of the best fall road trips in the US to take this year.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
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Running for 469 miles and known as the longest linear park in the US, the Blue Ridge Parkway covering Virginia and North Carolina is an American favorite and an iconic route to enjoy some of the best fall foliage. The leaves start changing hues on the highest peaks first, gradually moving down in elevations, which means that you will be able to observe the changes no matter when you take the route in fall. You can best explore and admire the fall beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway by spending time driving across the route, changing orientation and elevations.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
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When it comes to fall road trips, one route you shouldn’t miss is the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Forming a natural border between the south of Washington and the north of Oregon, this route is 80 miles long and stretches in the Cascade Mountains. The Columbia River Gorge has forever been known as an amazing route for a road trip, and when you visit the area during fall, you are sure to be mesmerized by twisted pines, cottonwoods, and other natural beauties. And don’t forget, you don’t want to miss the dramatic view of the famous Multnomah Falls – the tallest waterfall in Oregon – from the Benson Footbridge. If you have the time, stop at local wineries and farm stands along the way.
Aspen, Colorado
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In Aspen, Colorado, fall is certainly the best and most amazing time of the year to visit. During this season, the hue of aspen leaves turns into a bright yellow, almost golden, and get a spectacular glow when the sun’s rays fall on them. The rocky mountain peaks and the deodars make for a beautiful contrast with those yellowish golden glow of the aspen leaves, making it a sight to behold. In addition to the many scenic driving roads like the Independence Pass, Castle Creek Road, and Maroon Creek Road, the town of Aspen also has a lot of amazing things to offer nature lovers, one of which is the iconic Maroon Bells where you can capture the jaw dropping golden hues on camera.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
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Take an RV trip to the Berkshires, Massachusetts on a lovely autumn afternoon and you will find yourself totally immersed in the gorgeous fall foliage. The Berkshires are well-known for their most magnificent displays during fall, and more often than not holds a firm place in any list of best fall road trips in the US. Now would be the perfect time for you to indulge in the breathtaking views of roads filled with natural reds and golds as you pass across lush pastures and placid lakes that further enhance the beauty. Don’t forget to go through Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway!
Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
Thanks to the state’s enjoyable temperature, the Green Mountain Byway, also known as Route 100 Byway, is certainly a slice of heaven in terms of autumn foliage. The 11-mile route is full of maple and other trees that change hues during this time of the year, welcoming you with wonderful golden shades, a scene you will remember for a long time to come. The Green Mountains, crystal clear lakes, and labyrinthine hills further accentuate the landscape, making your road trip completely worth every minute. In addition to enjoying the nature at its best, you can also indulge in a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and more.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
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Stretching within the Shenandoah National Park, this 105-mile road exhibits the national park’s beauty in fall in all its glory. As you drive through the road, you will come across a lot of autumn drama, with leaves transforming into amazing reds, oranges and yellows (typically all desirable fall colors except green). Skyline Drive has long been known as one of the top 10 scenic drives to experience fall foliage, and it continues to hold its fame. There are several overlooks across the route where you can enjoy the display of changing colors. As you cover the 105-mile distance, you will be able to notice significant variations in the hues, depending on the heights and other noticeable factors.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
Rightly named the Enchanted Circle, this radiant 83-mile loop starts and end in Taos and is considered a one-of-a-kind autumn adventure for nature enthusiasts. If you love going in search of treasures, like the beauty of nature itself, you would be completely satisfied RVing this loop, as it covers various mind-blowing destinations like the Red River, Angel Fire, and Eagle Nest. From dark orange to glittering gold, the aspen leaves will welcome you with their ever so radiant fall hues, inspiring you in every way possible.
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
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The northwest region of the United States is also ideal for a fall road trip in your RV. Commencing in Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula offers some of the best views, not just of the autumn colors, but also that of waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. If you are a wildlife aficionado, you will also enjoy spotting some of the region’s wildlife like otters and elks. If you have sufficient time to spend, walk through the Olympic National Park to spot mushrooms spread all across the trail and witness salmon run at the many nearby rivers.
Michigan’s Gold Coast
Attractive ridges, bigger waves, and perfectly warm days make Michigan the ideal autumn escape for RV travelers. Drive along the small fishing towns enjoying the red, yellow and gold hues oak and maple leaves that form a contrast from the spruce and fir trees, displaying a marvelous scenery for you to look at. In the evening, spend some time to indulge your taste buds in some of the best craft beers and food in the country.
Route 1, Maine
Traveling the coastal Route 1 will certainly be an interesting and one of the best fall road trips in the US you will ever take. With a myriad of natural attractions, including numerous lighthouses, thousands of miles of coastline, and more, this bucket list location doesn’t fail to appeal with its fall foliage either. You get to enjoy the seashore along with the autumn hues; what more can you ask for to make your RV trip perfect? Stop for some gorgeous scenery at the Acadia National Park, and don’t forget to devour some finger-licking seafood.
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