The Most Stunning Road Trips to Take This Fall

Roll the windows down and take it all in.

Few other countries vie with the United States when it come to divers scene . From tropic jungles androcky coastlinestored rock canyonsand prodigious peaks , we ’ve really acquire it all . And what better meter to have all of this glory than during downslope , when most of the country hasleaves paint vivacious huesand air scrunch up up .

No matter what part of the land you find yourself , there ’s likely a scenic driveway nearby that will take your breath away . Get behind the steering wheel , roll the windows down , and cruise throughdeep river gullet , along peaceful fjord , and upheavenly mountaintops . Here are 11 of the most scenic fall route misstep route in the United States .

Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

The chief road in and out ofYellowstone National Parkruns along a visible horizon of mountain vistas that take care , as the name might involve , like a beartooth . When you get to the Wyoming side , you ’re up over 10,000 foot , which is why it ’s only overt during warmer month . Even then , you may catch snow - crest mountains all along the direction , effectively America ’s answer to the Icefields Parkway in Canada .

The road offers some jolly plain drop and intense elevation , and drive it is n’t always for the faint of heart , especially in inclement weather , but that makes fall down the perfect time to jaw . Though when you enamor the sights from Tibbs Butte in Wyoming and can take in the grandeur of the American West , the white - knuckle joint driving seems worth it .

Columbia River Gorge Highway/I-84, Oregon and Washington

Your car will feel almost as if it ’s blow along the Columbia , as this interstate highway parallel the river meandering through its namesake oesophagus . You ’ll glide through granite canyons that cascade down into the deep blue water , rolling up and down soft hill as the opinion get more expansive .

wine maker dot the landscape beside the highway , as rows of meticulously planted vinery add a little hint of Napa to the already stunning scenery . popping intoThe Gorge White House and WineryorHood River Vineyardsto face around and take a break from the road . Or for a more active choice , walk the trek to Multnomah Falls , one of the most photographed waterfall in the Pacific Northwest .

Haines Highway, Alaska

Alaska has nature that ’s on a different ordered series from the rest of America , where peck seem taller , glaciers more imposing , and wildlife more wild . You ’ll experience it all along the Haines Highway , where you ’ll feel minuscule driving into the heart of the gamey pot in the land . It ’s also home to the prominent denseness of bald eagle in the world , which you’re able to spend some quality prison term with when you pull off atValley of the Eagles .

You might also spot black bears , George Fox , and catamount along the way , and a side trip toMillion Dollar Fallsis always good for getting the blood flowing back to the leg . Just remember much of this road stretch into Canada , so bring in your passport .

Million Dollar Highway, Utah

Quite simply , there ’s no better red - careen - consider drive in America than Utah ’s Highway 12 , which looks like a movie set made all of newspaper mache . balance promise these John Rock are all real , as constructing something as dramatic as theGrand Staircase - Escalante National Monumentwould be reasonably out of the question . ( Though the towering hoodoo inDixie National Forestare suspiciously reminiscent of cartoons . )

The southern Utah Marscape continues through two home parks — Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef — as Highway 12 cross gawp canyons and spectacular cliffs . straits up , acrophobics may desire to hide in the back during the drive over Hell ’s Backbone , a narrow bridge near the Box - Death Hollow Wilderness country with a terrifyingly sheer drop - off .

Needles Highway, South Dakota

South Dakota is home to themost underrated scene in America , at least harmonize to those who ’ve never been prosperous enough to visit . But one jaw - drop driving along the Needles Highway will have you see the state in a whole newfangled light . The tripper begins inCuster State Park , where buffalo roam and even sometimes cause traffic jams along the main road .

The route winds through the Black Hills among woodland of aspen and spruce tree , where rum granite towers stick up from the landscape beyond . You ’ll pass viewpoints out over straggle mountain valleys , then wedge through the narrow rock opening for which the highway is named . Do n’t finger big taking pictures of your automobile barely clearing the granite wall ; the 14 - sea mile highway is n’t mean to be traveled quickly . Finish by relaxing with an outdoor lunch at Sylvan Lake , as you say to no one in particular , “ I had no idea South Dakota was so beautiful . ”

North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota

Those not from the Midwest might not fully understand the staggering mantrap that lie down along the Great Lakes . The easiest , and often most dramatic , mode to appreciate it is along Minnesota ’s 154 - mile Highway 61 . Start out by visiting theLake Superior Maritime Museumin Duluth to get a historical context of use of the country you ’re about to explore , then sic out push back up and down mound , through thick forest , and along open water . You ’ll tilt past bluffs along Lake Superior , where young views pop up literally around every corner .

Along your journey from Duluth to the Canadian border , you ’ll lapse the Split Rock Lighthouse , a 1909 structure set atop a dramatic cliff , with a story that ’s as as theatrical . You ’ll also go by through the Swedish - theme town of Lutsen , and past eight state parks — nearly all of which have hikes to waterfalls , should you desire to take a break from your railway car . If you want a little upper consistency physical exercise , root for off at theBoundary Waters Canoe Area , one of America ’s most popular spots for human - powered water sports .

Overseas Highway, Florida

Henry Flagler ’s vision of a railway link up the Florida mainland to the rogue island of Key West was one of the nifty technology dream of the 20th hundred . And though that railway was pass over out by the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 , the route lives on as a magical overwater road head trip through the turquoise bays of the Florida Keys .

Beginning in the mouth of the Everglades just to the south of Miami , the road cross 42 bridge over 113 miles , each one bring you further from the stresses of life and into the place - back ethos of the Keys . Along the route , you ’ll pass landmark and get a chance to sun in paradise atBahia Honda State Park . The bright profane urine and every bit alluring sky make the entire journeying palpate like a tropic holiday , well concluded by take in the sundown from Key West ’s Mallory Square .

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Thequintessential California road tripruns along Highway 1 , where doss wave , golden hatful , and the rolling pitcher’s mound of wine-coloured country seem to stretch on forever . The journey begin on the Dominicus - soaked beach of Santa Monica , run up through Malibu and Ventura and into rows of vineyards in Santa Barbara . barricade and stretch your legs by touring the grandeur ofHearst Castle , then see an elephant seal rookery right on the beach .

The itinerary continues up the sea-coast to Big Sur , where you ’ll find one of the most sensational nature reserves in America atJulia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , then relax and delight the sundown with a bite to eat atNepenthejust off the highway . From there , it ’s on to the Monterey Peninsula where the iconic 17 - mile drive caps the slip with the most striking sea scene of the drive . Continue on into San Francisco , and if you still ca n’t get enough of California ’s coastal beauty , the shores of Bodega Bay and Mendocino are less than two hours away .

Park Loop Road, Maine

It ’s wanton to shower our most northeastern state in the country with compliments . Its moody and rocky coastline , stunning swath of granite , verdant expanse of fir and spruce trees , challenge hiking and pedal trail that end in rewarding views — all of which can be find in the Acadia National Park . And the serious direction to coast through the park ? A movement along the Park Loop Road .

The two - lane grommet spreads across 27 miles of the national green showing passengers a wealth of natural lulu . Stop along the way for a hike up the Beehive or Precipice trails , a swimming or stroll at Sand Beach , and a picture of dramatic sea spray at the carved out recess Thunder Hole . If you ’re looking for the route less - travel , opt for a cruise down the nearby Sargeant ’s campaign in Northeast Harbor which traces along the gorgeous Somes Sound fiord .

Road to Hana, Hawaii

For tropic scene , no drive in America — and perhaps the world — tops the Road to Hana . The 64 - mile journey is packed with waterfalls , scene of the Pacific , and even an eery moonscape toward the end . You ’ll find Pa’iloa ’s disastrous Baroness Dudevant beach inWai’anapanapa State Park , a cove so coveted they sell parking places in advance . There ’s also theGarden of Eden arboretum , a trip late into tropical plants that engross you in the aroma of the island .

The most important thing to remember about driving Maui ’s celebrated Road to Hana is that it ’s meant to be taken on island prison term . That stand for you may well find yourself behind a slow - move car whose occupants are taking in all the tropic sweetheart , so rather than getting raring , look at it as an chance to link in the ciao spirit .

Skyline Drive, Virginia

You may discover yourselfmusically inspiredas you travel atop the Blue Ridge Mountains on Skyline Drive , well experienced in fall when the normally blue - imbue mountains turn splendid shades of orange , red , and gold .

Begin inShenandoah National Parkat the Front Royal entryway station , and sail at the strictly enforced 45 miles per hour stopping at as many of the 70 - plus overlooks as you care to photograph . If you need to keep the scenic adventure going , you could also pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway at Rockfish Gap and continue another 469 miles through Appalachia toGreat Smoky Mountains National Park .

Park Loop Road in Maine