Autumn is the ultimate season for a road trip. As the summer crowds fade, nature puts on a spectacular show of deep reds, bright oranges, and brilliant yellows. While iconic routes like New England’s Kancamagus Highway or Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway draw thousands of bumper-to-bumper leaf-peepers, many equally breathtaking drives remain blissfully quiet. Escaping the crowds allows for a more intimate connection with the changing seasons. Exploring these underrated scenic autumn drives offers open roads, crisp air, and stunning fall foliage without the traffic.
The M-22 Coastal Loop, MichiganMichigan’s Leelanau Peninsula features a stunning stretch of highway known as M-22. This 116-mile route hugs the shoreline of Lake Michigan, offering a unique contrast between bright blue waters and fiery autumn leaves. The drive begins just north of Traverse City and winds through rolling orchards, historic fishing villages, and dense hardwood forests. In October, the maple, beech, and oak trees explode into vibrant shades of crimson and gold. A highlight of this drive is passing through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here, massive sand dunes meet the autumn forest, creating a dramatic landscape that looks like a living painting. Small towns along the way offer local apple cider, fresh baked goods, and quiet harbors perfect for an afternoon rest stop.
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New MexicoMost travelers do not associate New Mexico with vibrant fall colors, which makes the Enchanted Circle an incredible hidden gem. This 83-mile loop encircles Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in the state. Starting and ending in Taos, the drive takes travelers through a diverse high-desert and alpine landscape. Instead of traditional eastern maples, the star of the show here is the trembling aspen. In late September and early October, the mountain slopes transform into shimmering waves of brilliant gold and yellow. The contrast of golden aspens against dark green pine forests and deep blue Southwestern skies is breathtaking. The route also passes through historic mining towns like Elizabethtown and the resort community of Red River, providing plenty of mountain culture alongside the scenery.
Route 100 through the Mad River Valley, VermontWhile Vermont is famous for fall tourism, Route 100 through the Mad River Valley offers a more relaxed experience than the heavily promoted southern corridors. This central section of the state provides quintessential New England charm without the massive tour buses. The road twists through narrow river valleys, past historic red barns, and under covered bridges. The surrounding Green Mountains are blanketed in a dense mix of sugar maples and birch trees, creating a dense canopy of orange and red overhead. Stopping at local farm stands for fresh maple syrup or sharp cheddar cheese enhances the classic autumn experience. The pace of life here slows down significantly, allowing drivers to appreciate the crisp mountain air and the gentle rustle of falling leaves.
The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, South DakotaTucked into the southwest corner of South Dakota, the Black Hills offer a surprisingly dramatic autumn backdrop. The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway is a masterfully engineered 70-mile loop that navigates rugged granite formations, narrow tunnels, and sweeping pine forests. During the fall, the yellow birch, aspen, and ash trees create brilliant streaks of gold against the dark green ponderosa pines and gray granite rocks. The drive includes the famous Iron Mountain Road, which features wooden pigtail bridges and tunnels framed perfectly around views of Mount Rushmore. Autumn is also an ideal time for wildlife viewing along this route, as the lower temperatures bring bison, elk, and pronghorn out into the open meadows.
The High Peaks Scenic Byway, New YorkWhile millions flock to the Catskills, the northern Adirondacks hold a quieter, grander autumn spectacle. The High Peaks Scenic Byway, following Route 73, stretches for 30 miles through some of the most dramatic terrain in New York State. This route cuts through mountain passes, runs alongside rushing rivers, and borders pristine alpine lakes. In early October, the wilderness area becomes a sea of deep scarlet, rust, and bright yellow. The reflection of the colorful mountains on the still waters of Mirror Lake or the Cascade Lakes creates double the visual impact. The drive ends near Lake Placid, offering a perfect base for hiking or enjoying a warm drink by a fireplace after a day on the road.
Planning an autumn road trip around these lesser-known routes ensures a peaceful journey filled with discovery. Choosing the road less traveled rewards drivers with unobstructed views, unhurried stops, and a deeper appreciation for the seasonal transition. These hidden byways prove that the best autumn colors are often found exactly where the crowds are not.
Leave a Reply