What Are the Prettiest Places to Drive Through in the Fall?

Fall foliage helps make long drives more enjoyable during the months of September, October and November.

There are several “pretty places” to drive through during the Fall, including much of the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. Places in Maine are past peak, but a little lower down, the colorful trees along the New York State Thruway, the Hudson Valley, and the PA Turnpike are a beautiful mix of reds, oranges and yellows.

Perhaps Vermont is the very best state to see Fall foliage, with its abundant Maples and Sumacs showing off their glorious reds and oranges alongside little villages and farm land. A visit to Stowe, VT is a great way to experience the best of Vermont’s foliage.

Nearby, New Hampshire and Massachusetts also have charming little American towns like Nashua (NH) and Lenox (MA) where Main Streets have historic old homes and buildings, surrounded by colorful trees. Some of these classic New England towns look like postcards or paintings come to life during the month of October in particular.

Further south, the Appalachian Mountains are stunning this time of year. Parts of western Maryland and eastern West Virginia are currently ablaze in color, while mountain areas in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee have yet to peak. Asheville, NC and Gatlinburg, TN are known as great towns in the South to visit to see Fall foliage.

If you’re driving through Ohio, the Hocking Hills region is full of a variety of colors from its birch, hemlock, pine, sassafras, oak, beech, black birch, red and sugar maples, yellow poplar, white ash, basswood, and hickory trees.

Out west, recommended towns for Fall foliage include Durango, CO; Taos, NM; and Newberg, OR. Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley are especially great places to see Fall foliage in a beautiful setting.

Depending on where you drive, chances are you’ll be seeing colorful leaves this Fall in various parts of the USA and Canada. Take some time to take in their awesome beauty, which offer you a reminder of how fortunate you are to see America for a living.