Looking for the best fall foliage drives in America? National Forests offer some of the country’s most scenic autumn road trips, from the colorful hardwood forests of New England to the golden aspens of the Rocky Mountains.
These eight scenic byways showcase spectacular fall colors, mountain vistas, waterfalls, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities:
1. Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway
National Forest: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Georgia
Length: 40.6 mi / 65.4 km
Peak Fall Color: Mid-to-late October through early November
Within the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway winds through the valleys and mountain gaps of the southern Appalachians. From the vistas atop Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s tallest mountain, to the cooling mists of numerous waterfalls, you will not lack for beautiful scenery. Allow three hours to enjoy the byway.
2. Highland Scenic Highway
National Forest: Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Length: 43.0 mi / 69.2 km
Peak Fall Color: Late September to the first week of October
The Highland Scenic Highway through the Monongahela National Forest remains wild and undeveloped. Travel back in time through untouched wilderness through the narrow and steep-walled valley with panoramic vistas of hardwood forests blanketing mountainous terrain. Take two hours to drive or four hours to enjoy this byway.
3. North Shore Scenic Drive
National Forest: Superior National Forest, Minnesota
Length: 154.0 mi / 247.8 km
Peak Fall Color: Mid-September through mid-October
Following the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake, the North Shore Scenic Drive follows the shoreline of Lake Superior. Along the drive are many state parks, Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, lighthouses as well as numerous historical sites. Take three hours to drive the byway or one to two days to enjoy stops along the way.
4. White Mountain Trail
National Forest: White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Length: 100.0 mi / 160.9 km
Peak Fall Color: Late September to early October
The White Mountain Trail offers New England’s most rugged mountain scenery as it travels easily through three historic “notches” or mountain passes. Views abound of villages and unspoiled National Forest. Take 2.5 hours to drive this byway.
5. Logan Canyon Scenic Byway
National Forest: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah
Length: 41.0 mi / 66.0 km
Peak Fall Color: Late September to the first week of October
Following the Logan River from Logan to Garden City, the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is full of fall beauty. There are many short trails just off of the road to explore, including some that take you to limestone caves and the Jardine Juniper, a tree believed to be 23,000 years old. Allow an hour to drive or a day to enjoy the byway.
6. Talimena Scenic Drive
National Forest: Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas and Oklahoma
Length: 54.0 mi / 86.9 km
Peak Fall Color: Late October to the first week of November
Along the Talimena Scenic Drive you can see vistas and panoramic views of fall colors blanketing the hills. Through the drive are various historical sites, including a horse thief trail used in the 19th century. Fields and trees gnarled from winter winds and ice testify to the harsh environment the early settlers encountered in these mountains. Take one to two hours to drive or five hours to enjoy this byway.
7. Cherohala Skyway
National Forest: Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee and Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Length: 43.0 mi / 69.1 km
Peak Fall Color: The last two weeks of October
The Cherohala Skyway offers the cultural heritage of the Cherokee tribe and early settlers in a grand forest environment in the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy mile-high vistas and brilliant fall foliage, as well as great hiking opportunities and picnic spots in magnificent and seldom-seen portions of the southern Appalachian National Forests. Take two hours to drive the byway.
8. San Juan Skyway
National Forest: Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests and San Juan National Forest, Colorado
Length: 233.0 mi / 375.0 km
Peak Fall Color: Late September to the first week of October
Travel the “road to the sky” which offers views from the towering 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains to rolling hillsides speckled with ancient Indian pueblo ruins. Victorian towns offer both excitement and relaxation. Soak in hot springs, ride the narrow-gauge railroad, and sleep under the stars or in a cozy lodge. Allow five hours to drive or one-two days to experience the byway.
Every visit earns a unique collectible badge, saved permanently to your profile.
Start CollectingThe vibrant fall colors seen along these scenic drives are part of healthy forest ecosystems. Strong, resilient forests support recreation, wildlife habitat, clean water, and the seasonal experiences that bring millions of visitors to National Forests every year.
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