6 scenic fall drives to catch peak foliage across the U.S.

The arrival of autumn means cooler weather, football weekends, and plenty of pumpkin spice—but for many, the best seasonal ritual is a scenic fall drive.

CNN Travel has highlighted six routes across the country that offer spectacular foliage and memorable stops along the way. Timing is key, with peak leaf color varying from late September into October depending on location.

In Missouri, the Ozark Run Scenic Byway winds 80 miles through rugged mountains, clear rivers, and historic small towns. Vermont’s 184-mile Lake Champlain Byway showcases dazzling lake views with a backdrop of the Green and Adirondack mountains.

South Dakota’s Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway offers 70 miles of dramatic granite tunnels, spiraling bridges, and close-up views of Mount Rushmore. In Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway features colorful valleys, small towns, and the architectural landmark Fallingwater.

Travelers to New Mexico can explore the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, where desert landscapes give way to golden cottonwoods and aspens. In Alabama, the Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway reveals waterfalls, canyons, and state parks at their most vibrant.

Finally, Michigan’s M-119—known as the “Tunnel of Trees”—offers a 21-mile coastal drive along Lake Michigan that turns into a brilliant autumn canopy.

Whether it’s the Midwest, Northeast, South, or Southwest, these drives provide a chance to see America’s fall colors at their peak.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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