Best Fall Foliage Drives for SUVs and Trucks

Southeast

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina)

Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October

Camping Spot: Elkmont Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park, located near historic sites and perfect for easy access to stunning fall views.

Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see for fall foliage enthusiasts. Drive along US-441 (Newfound Gap Road) and take in the stunning red, yellow, and orange hues. Be sure to stop at Clingmans Dome for breathtaking panoramic views, and visit Cades Cove for wildlife spotting and vibrant foliage.

Tips: This is one of the most popular destinations, so start early to avoid traffic. As you gain elevation, be prepared for sudden temperature changes.

Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October

Camping Spot: Indian Boundary Campground offers lakeside camping with a scenic backdrop of fall colors and easy access to the Cherohala Skyway.

The Cherohala Skyway connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina, offering a quieter but equally stunning alternative to the Smokies. This 40+ mile drive along TN-165 and NC-143 winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, where you'll find vibrant foliage and beautiful mountain overlooks like Santeetlah Overlook and Bald River Falls.

Tips: Fewer crowds make this a more serene option, and there are plenty of spots to pull over for photos.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October

Camping Spot: Covered Bridge Campground is located right along the Kancamagus Highway, offering riverfront sites surrounded by fall foliage.

New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112) is one of the best places in the White Mountain National Forest to enjoy fall foliage. This 34.5-mile drive provides some of the most iconic leaf-peeping opportunities. Be sure to stop at Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge for short hikes and jaw-dropping views.

Tips: This route gets very busy, especially on weekends. Try visiting on weekdays to avoid the heavy traffic.

Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October

Camping Spot: Coolidge State Park offers rustic camping with panoramic views of Vermont's stunning fall foliage and is a short drive from Route 100.

If you’re dreaming of picturesque New England landscapes, Route 100 in Vermont is the drive for you. Running through the heart of Green Mountain National Forest, it offers idyllic small towns, rolling hills, and plenty of scenic overlooks. Don’t miss Moss Glen Falls for a quick stop to see stunning waterfalls framed by fall colors.

Tips: This route is perfect for capturing those classic New England fall photos with vibrant foliage and charming towns.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October

Camping Spot: Molas Lake Campground near Silverton offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and is an ideal base for exploring the Million Dollar Highway.

The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop through some of Colorado's most stunning scenery. The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) between Silverton and Ouray is particularly breathtaking during the fall, with the golden aspens and snow-capped peaks of the San Juan National Forest providing a striking contrast. Be sure to stop in Telluride for charming mountain-town vibes.

Tips: Be prepared for narrow roads and high altitudes. SUVs and trucks are ideal for navigating this terrain.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October

Camping Spot: Meeker Park Overflow Campground offers rustic, first-come, first-served sites with excellent access to fall foliage along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway offers a spectacular 55-mile drive through the Rocky Mountains, taking you from Estes Park to Black Hawk along highways CO-7, CO-72, and CO-119. With the golden aspens in full display, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

Tips: This route is a photographer's dream, with plenty of pull-offs for capturing the fall colors against the dramatic mountain backdrop.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October.

Camping Spot: Fawn Lakes Campground near Red River offers a serene base with easy access to the scenic drive.

This 84-mile loop circles New Mexico’s highest peak, Wheeler Peak, offering incredible fall foliage and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Plus, Taos offers an incredible meshing of culture, food, and art that is not to be missed. 

Tips: Visit Taos Pueblo for a glimpse of Native American history while soaking in the stunning foliage.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October

Camping Spot: Colonial Creek Campground on Diablo Lake offers waterfront sites and is surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage of the North Cascades.

The Cascade Loop offers an incredible 440-mile journey through Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, with highlights including Diablo Lake and the charming town of Leavenworth. The North Cascades Highway (SR-20) is particularly beautiful in the fall, with golden larches dotting the landscape and snowy peaks in the distance.

Tips: Fuel up before you start as gas stations are scarce, especially on remote sections of the loop.

Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October

Camping Spot: Lost Lake Campground offers incredible views of Mount Hood framed by vibrant fall colors, making it a perfect spot to camp.

The Mount Hood Scenic Byway takes you through one of Oregon’s most iconic landscapes. Along OR-35 and US-26, you’ll experience breathtaking views of Mount Hood National Forest and stops like Timberline Lodge and Trillium Lake. In fall, the lush green is transformed into a fiery palette of reds and oranges.

Tips: This is a shorter drive, so take your time to enjoy the many hiking trails and viewpoints along the way.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to early November

Camping Spot: Serrano Campground offers lakeside camping with direct access to Big Bear Lake’s scenic drives.

Big Bear Lake, nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, offers one of Southern California’s best fall foliage drives. The lake is surrounded by golden aspens, cottonwoods, and oaks that burst into vibrant colors during the fall.

Tips: Bring a kayak to explore the lake or hike nearby trails for elevated views of the fall foliage.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October

Camping Spot: Fish Lake Campground offers lakeside campsites, perfect for soaking in the beauty of the golden aspens surrounding Fish Lake.

For a truly unique fall experience, head to Fishlake National Forest in Utah. This forest is home to Pando, the largest living organism on Earth—an ancient aspen grove covering over 100 acres. The bright yellow aspens surrounding Fish Lake create an unforgettable scene.

Tips: Visit in late September to catch the foliage at its peak. Pack a camera and be prepared for some fantastic wildlife sightings.

1. Layers of Clothing: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so pack warm layers and rain gear to stay comfortable.

2. Camera or Smartphone with Extra Batteries: Don't miss out on capturing those stunning fall colors!

3. Food and Water: Some scenic routes are remote, so bring snacks and water to keep you fueled during your journey.

4. Offline GPS or Map App: Use apps like OnX Off-Road to navigate remote areas without cell service.

5. Tire Pressure Gauge and Portable Compressor: Keep your tires in check, especially if you're traveling through changing altitudes.

6. First Aid Kit: Always a smart addition for any road trip.

7. Blanket and Emergency Kit: Prepare for any unexpected weather or breakdowns, especially in remote areas.