6 Scenic Fall Drives to Satisfy Your Foliage Fix This Year

As autumn arrives, bringing with it the familiar rituals of sweater weather, football weekends, and the inevitable pumpkin spice craze, there’s one tradition that stands out: the scenic fall drive.

Timing is crucial for the perfect foliage experience. To maximise your chances of witnessing the leaves in their full spectrum of autumnal hues, consult the US foliage predictor map. Be aware that peak leaf-viewing periods often coincide with peak traffic, especially on weekends, so plan your journey with this in mind.

Here are six recommended routes for 2024 across the United States that promise a stunning fall experience. Each drive offers not only beautiful leaf displays but also additional attractions to explore when you take a break from the road. Whether the foliage meets your expectations or not, these scenic drives ensure a memorable autumn adventure.
Ozark Run Scenic Byway, Missouri

Stretching 80 miles (130 kilometers) through the heart of the Ozark Mountains, the Ozark Run Scenic Byway was officially designated as a scenic byway in 2023 and has quickly become a point of pride for Missouri.

“This byway showcases some of our most breathtaking natural landscapes—clear, spring-fed rivers, rocky bluffs, and dense forests,” said Katie Blake, public relations specialist with Visit Missouri. “Along the route, you’ll encounter charming small towns and one of the state’s most stunning parks, Elephant Rocks State Park, where you can marvel at giant boulders that are over a billion years old.”

Blake noted that recent rainfall has been promising for a vibrant display of fall colors. For the latest updates, check with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains means major highways largely bypass the area, offering a tranquil escape for those seeking a serene drive in a more secluded setting.

Things to Explore Along the Route:

• Old Village Mercantile in Caledonia: Discover over 600 varieties of vintage candies in a charming building dating back to 1909.
• Mark Twain National Forest: Enjoy a range of activities including hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and camping.
• Bonne Terre Mine: This former underground mine now features a lake where you can take pontoon tours or, if you’re a certified diver, explore underwater.
• Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site: A must-visit for enthusiasts of Civil War history.

Lake Champlain Byway, Vermont

Vermont, though small, offers some of New England’s most spectacular fall drives, and the 184-mile (297-kilometer) Lake Champlain Byway is a prime example.

“This route offers stunning views of Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest lake in the U.S., as well as the Green Mountains in Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains in New York,” said Dan Albrecht, chair of the Lake Champlain Byway Council. With the right timing, you can catch the vibrant hues of Vermont’s maple and beech trees reflected in the lake’s clear waters. For the best foliage experience, Albrecht recommends checking Vermont’s fall foliage tracker and using New England 511 for current road conditions.

Things to Explore Along the Route:

• Burlington: Vermont’s largest city is known for its vibrant atmosphere, farm-to-table dining, and charming accommodations.
• Middlebury and Vergennes: Experience quintessential small-town New England charm in these picturesque communities.
• ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Located in Burlington, this center is perfect for those interested in science and nature.
• Grand Isle State Park: Situated on an island in Lake Champlain, this popular camping destination offers beautiful natural surroundings. Further south, Button Bay State Park features unique button-like formations along the shoreline.

Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, South Dakota

Prepare for an unforgettable journey on the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, a stunning 70-mile (113-kilometer) route through southwestern South Dakota that offers a driving experience like no other.

“This byway is a marvel of engineering, featuring winding bridges, sharp hairpin curves, granite tunnels, and breathtaking vistas,” said Katlyn Svendsen, global public relations director for Travel South Dakota. “The Iron Mountain Road segment is particularly noteworthy, with its impressive wooden ‘pigtail’ bridges and tunnels carved through granite that frame the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore.”

Svendsen highlighted fall 2024 as an ideal time to visit, with vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange contrasting against deep green evergreens and pines. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, deer, and chipmunks along the way.

Things to Explore Along the Route:

• Custer State Park: Home to nearly 1,400 bison, this park offers excellent biking, hiking, and the picturesque Sylvan Lake.
• Black Elk Wilderness: A haven for climbers, hikers, and horseback riders seeking adventure.
• Crazy Horse Memorial: A monumental private project still under construction, this site honors the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and is open to visitors.