CNN
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Many roads in the United States are either congested and an eyesore, or just an efficient but bland way to get from point A to point B.
But in some cases, the roadway and natural beauty come together harmoniously to make driving fun and more important than the destination. This is especially true in autumn when the leaves change color.
As for when to head out, timing is everything for the perfect fall drive. Check this out if you want to maximize your chances of catching leaves in various shades of orange, red, purple, and gold at their peak. Fall foliage forecast map for the United States. Keep in mind that peak foliage times can also mean peak traffic times. Please plan accordingly, especially on weekends.
As for where to go, here are six drives with stunning fall scenery across the continental United States. There are also plenty of other things to see and do when you park your car.
The Great Lakes create stunning scenery. And with Michigan having coastlines in three of them, Michigan, Huron, and Superior, there are a dizzying array of options.Vice President David Lorenz michigan tripwill help you narrow down your choices while celebrating M-119, tucked away in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Lorenz told CNN Travel in an email that the site is affectionately known as the “Tree Tunnel.”The road starts just outside of town Harbor Springs It stretches 21 miles (33.8 kilometers) north to Cross Village. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers “some of the most vibrant fall foliage in the state that is sure to please any traveler,” Lorenz said.
follow this map Turn your scenic loop drive into a drive of about 80 miles, or 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Along or near the route:
• Michigan Travel said: Thorn Swift Nature Reserve Harbor Springs is a great place to take photos of fall foliage.
• Good Heart General Store It has an early 1900s charm.
• Do you have a fear of heights?Pedestrian skybridge michigan Boyne Mountain Resort is 1,200 feet (366 meters) long and 118 feet high. It is approximately 42 miles south of Harbor Springs.
• enjoy 44th Apple Fest Located in Charlevoix, about 40 minutes southwest of Harbor Springs. This year’s festival will be held from October 13th to 15th.
Click here for details Click here for M-119.
“Was that a moose?” “Did you see a moose?” You and your companions may be asking these questions about the Salmon River Scenic Byway. That’s what Laurie McConnell, Australia’s senior tourism communications specialist, suggested. visit idaho.
The 161-mile byway “passes through some of the most rugged and remote areas in the Lower 48, along the Salmon River and through the Salmon-Challis National Forest, providing incredible outdoor opportunities,” McConnell said in an email. .
As for the visuals, she says, “The large mountain pine groves will shine in their burnt yellow-gold fall colors, but we hope the other trees will also shine in reds, oranges, and caramel colors.” Ta.
Along or near the route:
• Sacajawea Interpretive and Cultural Education Center A great place to learn about the area’s original inhabitants. (Mr. McConnell calls this a “can’t-miss” stop.)
• Yankee Fork State Park Land features a ghost town of Custer, Bay Horse and Bonanza.and it manages Chalice hot spring On the banks of the Salmon River.
• redfish lake It is the largest of the Sawtooth National Recreation Areas. Come here for nature viewing, hiking, fishing and, if you can tolerate the cold water, swimming.
Learn more about. Click here for the Salmon River Scenic Byway.
Appalachian Highland Scenic Byway, Alabama
If you thought Appalachian beauty was gone in northern Georgia, this scenic trail in the northeastern part of the Deep South state will prove you happily wrong.
Jo Jo Terry, digital marketing strategist for the Alabama Department of Tourism, said the 80 miles are hilly and winding at times, but “overall, it’s not a grueling drive.” “Fall colors will be more visible on the northern part of the trail. The scenery along the way is much more beautiful.”
Drivers will find lush vegetation, interesting geological formations, and quaint communities along the route.
Along or near the route:
• Cheaha State ParkThe site, at the southern end of the byway, is the highest point in Alabama and is known for its beautiful panoramic views, Terry said.
• desoto state parkAt the north end of the byway, this park features waterfalls and activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.
• Mentone An arts and crafts community located approximately 10 minutes from DeSoto State Park. ”wildflower cafe It’s a delicious and magical place to eat,” Terry said.
• Little River Canyon National Preserve It contains “one of the deepest and most extensive canyon and canyon systems in the eastern United States.” According to the US National Park Service.
Learn more about. Click here for the Appalachian Highland Scenic Byway.
Who would want to leave charming Santa Fe? One thing that might tempt you from the state capital is the high he road to the Taos Scenic Byway, a 112-mile route north to the famous ski area.
Nicole Barker, media relations manager for the New Mexico Tourism Authority, said in an email that the drive takes about an hour and 45 minutes without stopping. But she recommended planning at least half a day to fully enjoy the route. And what do you see?
“The route winds through desert wastelands, dramatic white formations and golden cottonwoods along the Rio Nambe River, and winds through the golden aspen forests and Sangre de Cristo peaks of the Carson National Forest. It winds through villages against a backdrop of deep, dark evergreens covering the foothills,” Mr Barker said.
Along or near the route:
• Santuario de Chimayo This Catholic church, built in the 1800s, is a National Historic Landmark. Barker said fall is the best time to buy Chimayo red peppers, which are grown only in the town of Chimayo.
• Folk Art Gallery eight million gods It’s located in Tulchas, an 18th-century Hispanic settlement that became an artists’ enclave.
• Trutious Overlook “It’s also worth stopping for views of the Quemado Valley and the Tulchas Mountains,” Barker said.
• “ High Road Art Trail This makes it easy for visitors to find studios and galleries,” Barker said. The High Road Artisans Studio Tour will be held September 16-17 and He 23-24.
Learn more about. Click here for the high road to Taos Scenic Byway.
Massachusetts and fall driving go hand in hand. The 69-mile Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway passes through three counties in northwestern Massachusetts, and Peter Tomil, president of the Mohawk Trail Association Regional Tourism Council, said the fall season is filled with “orange, red, and green.” “It’s one of the best seasons to visit because you can see the bright colors.” Yellow dances along the skyline as it passes by. ”
“The exact length of the drive will be determined by how many stops visitors make along the way,” he said in an email.
“Most of the route winds through hills lined with lush forest landscapes.” [and] “We’ll climb the Berkshire Mountains,” he says, “passing through quaint Massachusetts towns, past vast acres of farmland and a plethora of great restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and historic buildings.” he added.
Along or near the route:
• hairpin turn North Adams Hairpin Turn is “one of the Berkshires’ most popular destinations, perfect for visiting at sunset and offering breathtaking panoramic views,” Tomil said. Told.
• Greylock Mountain State Reserve It is the highest point in Massachusetts and offers expansive views.
• Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum Addams explores the life of the famous advocate.
• Williams College Art Museum in Williamstown has over 15,000 titles and is free.
Learn more about. Click here for the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway. Parts of Massachusetts have recently experienced heavy rain and flooding. Check local weather forecasts and driving conditions before heading out.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
This amazing winding road winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains. It begins in Virginia and continues southwest to North Carolina, with a total length of 469 miles (755 kilometers).
The parkway is free to use and open 24 hours a day, unless weather or mudslides cause portions to close. There is no commercial clutter, no signs or businesses in sight.
You don’t have to tackle everything unless it’s a really big trip. Just cut out a piece and drive it.
Along the route and nearby:
• in virginiaAutomobile and Travel Club AAA, have fun! Mabry Mill at milepost 176This is where Ed Mabry and his wife Lizzie milled corn and milled lumber for 30 years.Also check out Blue Ridge Music Center At milepost 213.
• in north carolinasee what life was like for the Cherokee people. Oconaluftee Indian Village Located at milepost 469.1.
• Also in North Carolina, explore the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River. Mount Mitchell State Park or check out Biltmore Estatelooks majestic in autumn.
Click here for details Click here for Blue Ridge Parkway.