Recently updated on August 19th, 2025 at 01:52 am
With cooler temperatures and spectacular landscapes illuminated in red and gold foliage, the fall season is always one of the best times to enjoy the scenic road trips in the USA. Thousands of Americans will gas up their cars and seek out the most gorgeous displays of autumn’s fiery arrival across the country. From the extraordinary autumn colours of Colorado and California to the scenic fall drives through New Mexico and New Hampshire, here are some of the best road trips in USA this fall.
GET INSPIRED BY: Autumn Colours
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire, USA
New Hampshire puts on an incredible show in fall and the 36-mile Kancamagus Highway is one of the best ways to see the state. Known as “The Kanc”, this American Scenic Byway takes you through the stunning White Mountain National Forest. Here, the birch, maples and alder trees become illuminated in red, gold and orange foliage in the fall. When you travel with Trafalgar, we’ll take you on a stunning journey along The Kanc before also taking a special drive down the historical Auto Road with a stage driver. You’ll hear stories and legends and get an insight into the natural wonder of Mount Washington.
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Colorado’s scenic highways, USA
Colorado has so many of the best road trips in USA that we could never choose just one! We’ll take you driving along the Trail Ridge Road, a national scenic byway in the Rocky Mountain National Park, and the highest continuous paved highway in the US. You’ll cruise to the top of the Rockies across the Continental Divide and see the tallest peaks in Colorado. We’ll also drive the Peak to Peak Highway, the oldest scenic byway in Colorado with views of the Continental Divide. Next, we’ll take on the sheer red rock canyons of Rim Rock Drive to spot bighorn sheep and eagles amidst the vast plateau and grand monoliths of the Colorado National Monument.
We’ll switch up the scenery again with the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and a stop in Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America”. From there, we’ll cruise the “Million Dollar Highway,” a designated All-American Byway and one of the most scenic road trips in the US with views over Coal Bank Summit, Red Mountain Pass and Molas Pass. With 25 scenic byways that are even more spectacular in autumn, Colorado is the perfect place for a fall roadtrip.
GET INSPIRED BY: Welcome to Colorado
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, Arizona, USA
Oak Creek Canyon may be the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon, but it’s just as beautiful… And you can take it all in with Trafalgar on the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive. Located south of Flagstaff, this scenic drive takes you down a stunning series of switchbacks with rocky red cliffs, thick forests and crystal waters along the way. Marvel at the beautiful scenery from your vehicle, or make some stops along the way at viewpoints, swimming holes, trails and picnic areas. Don’t forget to stop at Midgely Bridge where you’ll find some truly breathtaking views.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of the Canyonlands
17-Mile Drive, California, USA
We’ll take you on a real California adventure down 17-Mile Drive, one of the most scenic road trips in the US. Stretching along the Monterey Peninsula on a private strip off Highway 1, the drive takes you between the coastal towns of Carmel and Pacific Grove. You’ll marvel at the sun-kissed Pacific Coastline as you pass by the beaches, cliffs, golf courses and mansions and the Del Monte forests of the exclusive Pebble Beach golf community. Keep your eyes peeled for harbour seals and spot the famous Spyglass Hill and Cypress Point golf courses. And don’t miss the iconic Lone Cypress! At the end of the day, be sure to slow down to take in the glorious sunset over the Pacific.
The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, New Mexico, USA
The High Road to Taos is an incredible drive for both nature lovers and history buffs. When you travel with Trafalgar, we’ll start in Taos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only living Native American community. You’ll meet a local Taos Pueblo member and explore the historical landmarks, before heading out on the High Road. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you pass by the authentic architecture of Old Spain. And you won’t want to blink as you marvel at the desert landscapes, soaring mountains and forested badlands. Your road trip will end in Santa Fe, where you’ll have time to explore the unique and artistic city influenced by Native American, Spanish and Old West cultures.
GET INSPIRED BY: Colourful trails of the Southwest
New England’s scenic roads, USA
If you want to see the best fall scenery, you can’t miss New England. The state is famed for its extraordinary landscapes and you can see it all on the scenic fall drives. We’ll take you along the Mohawk Trail, the first designated scenic drive in New England and an early colonial and Native American trade route. We’ll also cruise along the Freedom Trail dotted with history from the American Revolution. You’ll even stop by Lexington and Concord where “the shot heard around the world” was fired. We’ll also visit Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum showcasing life in rural New England in the early 19th century. And don’t miss the Marine Coast Drive, where the forests and mountains light up in red and gold before melting into the rugged cliffs and beaches along the coast.
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Backroads of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA
Looking to escape the cities this fall? Join us on a journey with a Local Specialist through the rural backroads of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County. Our scenic drive will take you deep into the Amish community who live much the same way as their ancestors did 200 years ago. You’ll even spend the night in the heart of Amish country in one of our historic Stays with Stories and enjoy a delicious dinner and whoopie pies for dessert. Then take off the next morning for a scenic road trip across Pennsylvania’s rural landscapes to New York State.
Planning for an iconic 2022 trip? Request the latest Trafalgar brochure and start dreaming
GET INSPIRED BY: East Coast USA and Canada
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, South Daktoa, USA
The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway is more than just a pleasure cruise. Stretching nearly 70 miles, this route includes drives on Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, and Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway. You’ll pass through Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and even Mount Rushmore National Monument, all while taking in the gorgeous South Dakota scenery that’s exceptionally underrated (and a literal road less traveled).
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Old Mission Peninusla, Michigan, USA
Michigan is one of the best road trip spots in USA, though most leaf peepers forget about this Midwest gem. Head north across this flat state and find fiery fall leaves flanking you throughout autumn. The Old Mission Peninsula route is short and sweet: less than an hour long, it brings you into Grand Traverse Bay where you can stop at orchards and wineries for your perfect pick-me-up of pumpkin spiced treats.
GET INSPIRED BY: Scenic Great Lakes with Mackinac Island
Bald Hills Road, California, USA
As far as scenic road trips in the US go, California has no shortage. Redwood National Park alone has eight notable scenic drives ranging from the less than two-mile Cal-Barrel Road to the Bald Hills Road, the longest at 17-miles. This primarily unpaved roadway is not for your RV; climbing a 15% grade, you might spot elk and black bears as you pass by the Tall Trees Grove and Lady Bird Johnson Grove hiking trails.
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Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, Virginia, USA
There’s no doubt that the Appalachian Mountains are one of the best road trip destinations in USA, but before you drive across the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, consider getting a less crowded view on Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive. Located in Virginia, this route cuts through 100 miles of the national park. The drive takes approximately three hours, and though it closes during inclement weather, it’s typically open 24/7.
GET INSPIRED BY: Historic Highlights
Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, Idaho, USA
Even those in the know don’t realize that Idaho is a goldmine for the best road trip places in USA. You’ve got plenty to choose from, though we suggest sticking around Meridian where multiple routes run through state parks. Payette River Scenic Byway is perfect for leaf peeping because it crosses into the Boise and Payette National Forests. It also connects to Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to stop, hike, and fish.
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What do you think are the best road trips in USA? Let us know in the comments below…