As the weather cools off, the leaves start to change colors. This makes autumn the perfect time to simply get outdoors and enjoy nature. Taking a scenic drive can be relaxing, plus you can make a day of it with a picnic and a little planning. There are plenty of beautiful places all over the nation where you can enjoy seeing the changing of the seasons. Consider one of these locations if you’re looking for a leaf-peeping destination.
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains
Whether you’re visiting Cherokee, Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, be sure to take some time to drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area is full of waterfalls and hiking trails. There are also plenty of scenic byways throughout the park, and you may even get to see the majestic black bear.
Drive the covered bridge loop
New England is known for its quaint villages, and Connecticut is no exception. Take the 100-mile covered bridge loop to not only see beautiful fall colors on the trees but also to travel through some small towns with churches and homes that have changed very little in the past 200 years.
Explore the Olympic Peninsula
A drive along the coast of Washington gives you plenty of opportunities to see fall foliage and the beautiful beaches of the Northeast. You can see Puget Sound, take a ferry across the many waterways and view some scenic lighthouses. This area is the perfect destination for early fall travel.
Head toward the Great Lakes
The areas surrounding all the Great Lakes have plenty to offer for the nature enthusiast on a fall drive. The trees can start changing as early as September, and they can continue through late fall. With all the historic landmarks and small towns, there is no wrong time to visit.
Taking a fall drive through a scenic area can be an economical way to spend an afternoon. If you skip the highways and take the backroads, you may find some beautiful hidden gems that aren’t well known. Just be sure to pack a map of the area, as GPS is not always reliable when you’re traveling outside the main thoroughfares.
