As the last days of summer start winding down, the excitement for fall begins. Soon the air will be brisk and the leaves will turn from bright and lively greens to deep and russet reds, golds, and browns. There’s no better way to experience the spirit of the season than by dusting off the binoculars andhitting the open road. Here are our top 10 picks for not only the best places to be wowed by Mother Nature, but also things to see and do along your travels.
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Maple and Mountains Tour, Maine
There are very few places in Maine where Mother Nature doesn't put on her best and brightest for fall, but one of the prettiest drives for true leaf-peeping aficionados is the Maples and Mountains tour. The loop begins in Naples, passing through Bridgton, South Paris, Bethel, and Stow, before ending in Fryeburg. Along the way, guests can visit Sebago Lake State Park, ascend Pleasant Mountain, explore Grafton Notch State Park, and partake in many other outdoor activities. Plus, the road passes through the White Mountain National Forest to Evans Notch, which offers spectacular views of the White Mountains.
Not to be missed: The variety of towns along the route, including the historic town of Naples, where visitors can peruse turn-of-the-century architecture; the classic town of Bethel, with its elegant homes and village green; and West Paris, where visitors can view locally mined amethyst, tourmaline, and topaz.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Jason Verschoor)
Maple and Mountains Tour, Maine
There are very few places in Maine where Mother Nature doesn't put on her best and brightest for fall, but one of the prettiest drives for true leaf-peeping aficionados is the Maples and Mountains tour. The loop begins in Naples, passing through Bridgton, South Paris, Bethel, and Stow, before ending in Fryeburg. Along the way, guests can visit Sebago Lake State Park, ascend Pleasant Mountain, explore Grafton Notch State Park, and partake in many other outdoor activities. Plus, the road passes through the White Mountain National Forest to Evans Notch, which offers spectacular views of the White Mountains.
Not to be missed: The variety of towns along the route, including the historic town of Naples, where visitors can peruse turn-of-the-century architecture; the classic town of Bethel, with its elegant homes and village green; and West Paris, where visitors can view locally mined amethyst, tourmaline, and topaz.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Jason Verschoor)
Jacob's Ladder Scenic Byway, Massachusetts
Located in Massachusetts' Berkshires region, the Jacob's Ladder Scenic Byway begins in Lee and weaves its way through Becket, Chester, and Huntington before ending in Russell. The 35-mile stretch of road runs along route 20, and was originally built in 1910 to accommodate the first horseless carriages. Today, the route runs almost parallel to the speedy highway, and visitors are encouraged to meander at a slower pace to enjoy the natural scenery, especially in the fall when the landscape bursts into a riot of red and gold hues.
Not to be missed: The Huntington Country Store, where visitors can shop for country goods, holiday merchandise, and spices. Be sure to try one of their wrapples, pastries filled with apples and cinnamon, the perfect treat for a fall day.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Denis Jr. Tangney)
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
It's not possible to write about the best drives in the country and not include the Blue Ridge Parkway, or what some refer to as "America's Favorite Drive." Following the Appalachian mountain chain, the drive covers 469 miles and starts in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. During the fall, the area's 100 different species of trees set the mountains ablaze in autumn's rich colors.
Not to be missed: The Mabry Mill, where guests can see craft demonstrations including apple-butter making on Sundays in October. For those traveling longer than a day trip, fall foliage vacation packages are available.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: iStockphoto/John Upchurch)
Columbia River Highway, Oregon
As the first scenic drive in the U.S. to earn National Historic Landmark status, the Columbia River Highway was considered an engineering feat when it was built in 1913. The route was designed to emphasize the natural beauty of the area by winding its way to the top of 900-feet cliffs overlooking the river and valley below. Visitors who follow this drive will encounter the fiery hues of fall alongside brilliantly colored wildflowers, dramatic waterfalls, and deep gorges.
Not to be missed: Hiking the 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls, located along the route about 35 minutes outside of Portland.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Paul Strawn)
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota
The 68-mile Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway weaves its way through the Black Hills of South Dakota, where it passes granite pinnacles through tunnels and goes over spiral "pig-tail" bridges. Most visitors come to witness the sheer magnitude of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, but the Byway doesn't stop there. Just a few miles down the road is Chief Crazy Horse, the mountain-sized sculptural project that (once completed) will be the largest in the world, at 563 feet high and 641 feet long. The route is worth a visit year-round, but is popular during the autumn months when these structures are highlighted by a colorful fall background.
Not to be missed: Staring in awe at the massive memorials showcasing man's will and artistry, as well as taking part in outdoor activities in Custer State Park.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: South Dakota Tourism)
Appalachian Fall Foliage Tour, Ohio
Ohio is becoming quite the contender for honors as a top spot for foliage. The entire state provides a plethora of opportunities to witness the season's finest, but the Appalachian Fall Foliage Driving Tour wins big on scenery and activities. The 56-mile southeastern drive travels from Marietta up route 60, connecting with route 78 before ending in Glouster, and covers some of the same pavement as the Ohio River Scenic Byway for a brief stint.
Not to be missed: The historic riverboat town of Marietta, where visitors can witness the colorful fall panoramas from the water.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Stan Rohrer)
Feather River Scenic Byway, California
It's not surprising California is known as the Golden State (put the Gold Rush history aside for now), especially when driving along the Feather River Scenic Byway during the fall, when the valley erupts in color. The route covers 130 miles, beginning in the Sacramento Valley and traveling through the Sierra Nevadas before ending in the Great Basin. Visitors will encounter traces of railroad and gold mine memorabilia hidden among the waterfalls, rivers, forests, and desert terrain along their journey.
Not to be missed: Plumas-Eureka State Park, where visitors can learn about the early days of gold mining and California's history.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Terrance Emerson)
Route 100, Vermont
If New England is synonymous with fall foliage, then Vermont's Route 100, with its storybook villages tucked among a dazzling array of autumnal colors covering its rolling hillsides, is the reason. Known to many as the "Skier's Route," this drive starts at the Canadian border and travels south until it reaches Massachusetts, passing many of the major ski resorts. The road cuts through the mountains, descends into valleys with white church steeples poking above colorful gold and red trees, and encounters farms, maple stores, and covered bridges along the way.
Not to be missed: The Cold Hollow Cider Mill, where you can sample fresh apple cider made the old-fashioned way and shop for local products.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing)
Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, Colorado
During the fall, Colorado's landscape becomes a tapestry of colors. The popular Aspen trees turn golden hues in September, and one of the best spots to witness this transformation is from the world's largest flat-top mountain. You can reach it by taking the 63-mile Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, which begins off route 70 and passes by lakes, fields of wildflowers, narrow canyons, and evergreen forests.
Not to be missed: Cedaredge, where you can tour Pioneer Town, a 19th-century western village complete with saloon, jail, and blacksmith shop. The town also hosts an Applefest Gala each October.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: iStockphoto/David Morgan)
Hayward Lakes, Wisconsin
The Hayward Lakes region of Wisconsin is such a leaf-peeping delight that visitors can choose from six self-guided color tours, which highlight the prime spots for fall foliage. Plus, the tours provide suggestions for interesting stops and historical facts along the way. The real attraction, however, is the dramatic transformation of the maples, oaks, aspens, sumacs and tamaracks that cover the region.
Not to be missed: The great outdoors. Hayward Lakes is only a stone's throw away from many natural sights, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which provides endless opportunities for hiking, picnics, and wildlife viewing among the rich colors of fall.
Before you go, check to see when the colors are at peak.
(Photo: Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau)
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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