There’s something about fall foliage happening that begs for a road trip. Maybe it’s the crisp air, maybe it’s the way the leaves catch fire in the sunlight, or maybe it’s the echo of a guitar riff rolling through the hills. This season, we’re trading crowded overlooks for lesser-known routes—places where the foliage is just as stunning, but the vibe is pure freedom. Whether you’re cruising in a restored muscle car or just dreaming of one, these ten easy-to-reach destinations offer the kind of autumn magic that feels like a love letter to the open road.
Top 10 Fall Foliage Destinations in the US You Can’t Miss This Season
1. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas. Tucked into the heart of the Natural State, the Ozarks deliver a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds from late October into early November. Scenic Byway 7 is your go-to route—winding through forested hills with plenty of roadside stops for pie and coffee. It’s quiet, soulful, and wildly underrated.
2. Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas. This 54-mile stretch is pure Americana. Rolling ridgelines, sweeping views, and foliage that rivals New England without the crowds. Start in Talihina, Oklahoma, and let the road carry you east into the Ouachita Mountains. It’s a slow burn of color and nostalgia.
3. Great River Road, Mississippi. Follow the Mississippi River south from Memphis, and you’ll find sleepy towns, cotton fields, and bursts of fall foliage along the levees. It’s a route that feels like a vinyl record—warm, textured, and timeless.
4. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico. Looping through Taos, Questa, and Red River, this high-altitude drive mixes golden aspens with rugged peaks. The foliage pops in late September, and the vibe is pure desert-meets-mountain cool. Bonus: roadside chili stands and vintage motels.
5. Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan. North of Traverse City, this peninsula juts into Lake Michigan like a painter’s brushstroke. Vineyards, lighthouses, and winding roads lined with sugar maples make it a fall foliage dream. It’s easy to reach but feels like a secret.
6. Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania. If waterfalls and fiery leaves are your thing, Ricketts Glen delivers. The Falls Trail is a must-hike, but the drive in—especially via Route 118—is just as stunning. It’s a place that feels like it’s been waiting for you.
7. Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas. Yes, Texas. Tucked in the Hill Country, Lost Maples bursts into color thanks to its rare bigtooth maples. The Sabinal River winds through the park, and the drive in from Bandera or Kerrville is pure fall magic.
8. Mount Magazine, Arkansas. The highest point in the state offers panoramic views and a quiet kind of beauty. The foliage here is rich and layered, and the lodge at the top makes for a perfect overnight. It’s a place to slow down and breathe.
9. Blue Ridge Music Center to Galax, Virginia. Skip the crowded stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway and head for the music. This route blends fall foliage with Appalachian soul—banjos, fiddles, and roadside jams. It’s a drive that sings.
10. Door County, Wisconsin. This peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan is dotted with orchards, barns, and winding roads. The foliage peaks in early October, and the vibe is all flannel and firewood. It’s easy to reach, but hard to leave.
Final Thoughts
Fall foliage isn’t just about the leaves—it’s about the feeling. The freedom of the road, the warmth of a roadside diner, the soundtrack of your favorite old song playing as the trees blur past. These ten destinations offer more than just color—they offer connection. To the season, to the land, and to the part of you that still believes in the magic of a good drive. So roll down the windows, turn up the volume, and let fall take the wheel.
