Autumn is such a gorgeous time of year. The weather hasn’t quite turned cold, the ice and snow hasn’t kicked in yet, and the leaves are turning the most gorgeous colors. It’s the perfect time of year for a road trip! Getting away with the family to take in the stunning scenery is absolutely on the must-do list for fall. If you’re looking for some wonderful places for the best scenic drives for fall, here are some of our favorite places to go!

Scenic Drives for Fall Along the East Coast

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a wonderful place to enjoy the fall foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the mountains, plus the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway crosses its path. Elk Mountain Scenic Highway is another popular choice for enjoying mountain views and changing leaves. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop into the city of Asheville. There is so much small-town flavor with local artisans, craft beer, amazing local restaurants, and fun community activities like a drum circle in Pritchard Park happening weekly through October.

Golden Road, Maine

The Golden Road in Maine is a New England favorite for the best scenic drives for fall. The 20 mile stretch of this private road that is still an active logging channel, so be sure to be courteous to the logging trucks you’ll meet along the way. You’ll enjoy some of the best fall foliage, plus are close to stunning views of the Ripogenous Gorge, as well as Mount Katahdin from the one lane Abol Bridge nearby.

Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia

If you enjoy weather that is slightly warmer, you can still find the beauty of the changing seasons in Georgia’s range of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Though the season here starts a couple of weeks later, the colors are still beautiful and rich. The Georgia Mountain Parkway is one of the local favorites. In the area, you can take advantage of scenic train trips, rafting rides, zip line tours, and so much more.

Scenic Drives for Fall West of the Appalachians

Hocking Hills, OH

If hills and country are more your speed than mountainous drives, The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway might be just the fall scenic drive that you are looking for. Situated along the Hocking Hills State Park, visitors to this area will take in forest views and country atmosphere, plus can tour caves, see waterfalls, and enjoy amazing hiking trails if they would like a little outdoor adventure.

West Elk Loop, Colorado

The West Elk Loop Scenic Byway offers a stunning drive through the West Elk Mountains. From here, not only can you enjoy the colors of the season, but you can visit the nearby Black Canyon, which is the narrowest, deepest canyon in the country. Stop in at quaint mining towns like Redstone, Carbondale, and Marble for unique shopping and food, plus a bit of history about the area.

Glade Top Trail, Missouri

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Glade Top Trail offers 23 miles of the best fall foliage views that the midwest has to offer. Between the amazing ridgetops and then the rolling countryside below, it really is a feast for the senses. Try to visit the area in mid-October and enjoy the Flaming Fall Review – a festival of fall flavor and beauty – put on by the local chamber of commerce.

Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming

Beartooth Highway, which meanders through Montana and Wyoming, is one of the greatest fall scenic drives in the Northwest. Listed as an All-American Road, this scenic highway has it all. From stunning fall foliage, gorgeous views of the mountains, and then a direct path, straight into Yellowstone National Park. From scenery to wildlife, there isn’t much you won’t see or experience.

What are some of your favorite scenic drives for fall?