Man, if you’re itching to get out and soak up those moody autumn vibes, fall 2025 is basically your dream come true. There’s just something about crisp air and trees showing off in their brightest reds and oranges. These fall road trip itineraries? Seriously, they’re all about chasing that magic—killer foliage, tiny towns, and landscapes so pretty you’ll want to pull over every five minutes. Whether you’re scoping this out for Google, Pinterest, or just your own wanderlust, here are 10 U.S. drives that’ll have you screaming “road trip!” before you even finish your coffee.
Table of Contents
- Why Fall Road Trip Itineraries Just Hit Different in 2025
- 10 Scenic Fall Road Trip Itineraries for 2025
- Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Fall Road Trip
- Where to Find More Road Trip Inspiration
- Wrap-Up (Because All Good Things Must End… or Do They?)
Why Fall Road Trip Itineraries Just Hit Different in 2025
Okay, look—fall is hands-down the best time to road trip. No contest. You get all the color, none of the sticky summer sweat, and way fewer crowds. The air’s got that clean snap, and every corner of the country basically turns into a painting. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet, especially if you’re not above a little camping or motel-hopping. If you want more ways to stretch your dollar, check out our budget travel hacks—because who doesn’t love a good deal?
10 Scenic Fall Road Trip Itineraries for 2025
- Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia
Got 469 miles to spare? This stretch is a rolling sea of fiery leaves and blue mountains. Asheville’s got the funky art scene and local breweries. Even the budget hotels are cute—think $80 a night and you’re golden. Daily Budget: $60-90.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the overlook at sunrise. Unreal. - Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Locals call it “The Kanc” because who has time for all those syllables? Only 34.5 miles, but packed with color. Sabbaday Falls is a must-stop. Camping starts around $25, so bring your tent and maybe a flannel. Daily Budget: $40-70. - Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Waterfalls for days, y’all. Multnomah Falls is the star, but honestly, the whole 70-mile drive is just green and gold magic. Budget hotels run about $90. Daily Budget: $50-80. - Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
Ready for a marathon? This bad boy runs 3,000 miles down the Mississippi. Hannibal, MO’s got Mark Twain history. Motels start at $70. Daily Budget: $60-100. - Skyline Drive, Virginia
105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. Rolling fog, wild deer, endless views. Hike Old Rag if you’re feeling brave (or just want to brag on Instagram). Camping from $20, park entry is $30. Daily Budget: $40-70. - Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
It’s only 50 miles, but dang, it’s all wow factor. Glacier National Park’s aspens go gold, and the mountain views? Forget about it. Entry’s $35, camping $20. Daily Budget: $35-60. - Door County Coastal Byway, Wisconsin
66 miles of small-town charm, lake views, and maybe a slice of cherry pie if you’re smart. Lodging around $80, and the beaches are free (yes, please). Daily Budget: $50-80. - Route 100, Vermont
146 miles of covered bridges, maple stands, and those Green Mountains that just explode with color. Inns from $90, and you can’t throw a pumpkin spice latte without hitting a cute village. Daily Budget: $60-90. - Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
Rainforests, beaches, weird mossy trees. 330 miles of “Am I in Twilight?” vibes. Camping’s $25, and honestly, splurge on some seafood. Daily Budget: $50-80. - Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee to Mississippi
Historic as heck. 444 miles of gentle curves, Civil War sites, and free roadside stops like Tupelo. Motels start at $70. Daily Budget: $50-80.
Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Fall Road Trip
- Travel mid-week if you can—weekends get nuts, and prices spike.
- Stock up on snacks at the grocery store. Gas station food is… well, you know.
- Don’t guess on the leaves—check fall color maps (Smoky Mountains Foliage Map’s clutch).
- Book campsites early, especially for the hot spots (hi, Recreation.gov).
- Download GasBuddy or you’ll end up paying $6 for gas in the middle of nowhere. Trust me.
Where to Find More Road Trip Inspiration
Pinterest is a goldmine for dreamy route inspo (and drool-worthy photos). Roadtrippers and Lonely Planet have more detailed guides if you love a deep dive. Twitter (er, X?) is full of travel deals if you follow @TravelWithX. Or just poke around our U.S. travel guide for more ideas that’ll keep your wanderlust on overdrive.
Route Cheat Sheet
| Route | Distance | Key Stops | Daily Budget | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 469 mi | Asheville, Linville Falls | $60-90 | October |
| Kancamagus Highway | 34.5 mi | Sabbaday Falls | $40-70 | Late Sep-Oct |
| Columbia River Gorge | 70 mi | Multnomah Falls | $50-80 | Sep-Oct |
| Great River Road | 3,000 mi | Hannibal, MO | $60-100 | Sep-Oct |
| Skyline Drive | 105 mi | Old Rag | $40-70 | October |
| Going-to-the-Sun Road | 50 mi | Glacier Nat’l Park | $35-60 | September |
| Door County Byway | 66 mi | Sturgeon Bay | $50-80 | Sep-Oct |
| Route 100 | 146 mi | Stowe | $60-90 | Late Sep-Oct |
| Olympic Peninsula Loop | 330 mi | Forks, Hoh Rainforest | $50-80 | Sep-Oct |
| Natchez Trace Parkway | 444 mi | Tupelo | $50-80 | Oct-Nov |
Wrap-Up
Alright, that’s the rundown. Whether you’re in it for the foliage, the freedom, or just to blast your favorite playlist with the windows down, these fall road trip itineraries have you covered. Gas up, grab your snacks, and let the adventure take the wheel. See you out there—don’t forget the flannel.
