The 10 Best Autumn Road Trip Destinations

There is no more peaceful time for a road trip than in autumn. All over the country, autumn is a celebration of the transitional time between summer and winter. It’s about harvest, beauty, and preparation, in anticipation of the long cold days ahead.

To fully embrace autumn, one must hit the open road and visit festivals, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches. It’s all about engaging in nature and enjoying time with friends and loved ones.

Before setting out, in the spirit of preparation, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip.

This includes not only taking it to your mechanic for a tune-up but also reviewing your insurance coverage policy and looking for car insurance quotes online to find the best coverage at the most affordable price point for you, so you can be dollar-wise and road-ready for your adventure.

1. Rhode Island. Yes, the state might be the smallest in the country but it is jam-packed with activities like riding pedal-powered vehicles along historic railroad tracks, touring historic mansions, stopping along the state’s Brewery Trail, ghost tours, corn mazes, hayrides, and more. A popular route to take is RI-114, it spans 45 miles with enough fall-oriented activities to make many lasting memories.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway. Wind your way the 470 miles between North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.
3. Southern Pacific Coast, California. From Solvang to Malibu, adventure seekers will have their thirst quenched visiting wineries, shops, and restaurants, all dotted along with an ocean view setting. For true fall foliage scenery, travel east of Los Angeles toward the Riverside area, down toward San Diego.
4. Covered Bridges in Connecticut. Nestled in the northwest corner of Connecticut, there is a well-known loop of covered bridges spanning from North Canaan, Winsted, Torrington, New Preston, and Kent. Time has stood still here, and the houses, streets, and even railway depot appear just as they did in the 19th century.
5. Finger Lakes, New York. Carved out by glaciers 10,000 years ago, when the glaciers retreated, the Finger Lakes were born. There are 11 Finger Lakes in all, and each boasts its own unique scenery, bursting with colors, grapes, wineries, and festivals in the fall. There are gorges, waterfalls, boat excursions, fishing, hiking, and chair lift rides for full immersion in the autumnal beauty.
6. The Olympic Peninsula, Oregon. The American northwest may be one of the most diverse terrains in the entire country. With over 600 miles of trails, 49 peaks that stand over 6,500 feet, rain forests, lakes, rivers, and dozens of waterfalls and glaciers, this area is a gem that must not be overlooked. Farmer’s and artisan’s markets, races, Twilight tours, Victorian towns, and lavender fields are just some of the places you can visit during your trip.
7. The Gulf Coast, Florida. While Florida might never be able to provide the autumnal chill that northern states can provide, this stretch of land offers other rare beauties such as beaches of white sand, coastal dune lakes, and a variety of restaurants that offer the freshest seafood in the south. By taking the trip in the fall, you’ll bypass much of the heat, humidity, and of course, the crowds.
8. Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway, Massachusetts. This 35 mile stretch of road winding between the Berkshires is the perfect fall foliage drive. To the east is Tekoa Mountain and to the west, Laurel Lake. You’ll find historic rural landscapes, miles of hiking and skiing trails, and Appalachian Trailheads.
9. Wisconsin. The state has a tremendous number of state parks and towns that are ripe for the picking come fall. Some of the best locations include Peninsula State Park, Holy Hill, Blue Mound State Park, Kettle Moraine, Holy Hill, and Wildcat Mountain State Park.
10. Vermont. Loaded with small towns, drive up Route 7A between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Mountains to get a good taste of yesteryear with quaint general stores, old-fashioned towns, hay bales, and glorious mountains as far as the eye can see.

Before you settle in for the winter, grab the family and loved ones to take one of the many scenic routes America has to offer.

Indulge in fall festivities like apple picking, chair lifts, wineries, and even candlelit ghost tours, but first, be sure your vehicle is properly maintained, and your insurance coverage is ample enough for your peace of mind.