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Enjoy safe and borderless travels
Long gone are the days of summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to take a road trip. Fall offers cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and if you pick the right location, you’ll get an eye-full of some colorful foliage.
So before the winter winds roll in, here are some of the best places to take a fall road trip.
Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
While most people think of the northeast when it comes to peak fall foliage, Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains offer stunning views of the changing leaves without the intense cold. The Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway in the northern part of Georgia is the perfect place to start. This route will take you through the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Chattahoochee River. Along the way, be sure to stop at Talulah Gorge State Park for some hiking and Brasstown Bald to admire the highest natural point in Georgia. Helen, a town designed to look like a Bavarian village, is also worth exploring.
Finger Lakes, New York
Far from the hustle-bustle of Manhattan, New York’s Finger Lakes offer a more peaceful getaway with its country scenery. Start in the city, then make your way through Pennsylvania with stops at Gouldsboro and Tobyhanna State Park. Jim Thorpe is also worth the detour as this borough of Pennsylvania is nicknamed the “Switzerland of America” thanks to its gorgeous mountain scenery and architecture. It’s then off to Ithaca, New York, where you can tour the Finger Lakes region, visit wineries, go hiking, and stay at the historic Inns of Aurora.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
This 470-mile route connecting North Carolina and Virginia allows travelers to visit both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Shenandoah National Park. Throughout the Parkway, you’ll pass old farmsteads, mountains, meadows, and several scenic overlooks that especially light up during the fall with the changing colors of the leaves. Activities on the route also include hiking, visiting local farms, and touring historic homes.
The Oregon Coast wildfires are now fully contained
Oregon may not offer much in terms of fall foliage, but the mild weather and impressive landscapes—think mountains, beaches, and forests—make for the perfect West Coast adventure. Start in Astoria and make your way south. Stop at Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks for some hiking, then spend the night at Cannon Beach. Besides some reasonably cold water, you’ll also be able to wander around some large boulders, including Haystack Rock.
No matter where you choose to go this fall, be sure to check the local ordinances for rules regarding COVID-19. Some states are still currently requiring visitors to quarantine.
Guess Writer: Jessica Poitevien Freelance Travel & Lifestyle Writer
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
