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10 Scenic Drives That Are Even Better in October in The U.S

Oct 9
2 min read

October is on of the best months for scenic drives because you can get fall foliage, crisp weather, mountain scenery, and-depending on where you go-red rock landscapes without the summer heat.

This isn't your typical list of scenic drives to go on. You can choose based on the experience or sights you want to see.


Best for Fall Foliage: Kancamagus Highway

  • Located in New Hampshire. Best time in October to visit: early-mid Oct. What you'll see: Peak New England colors

Best Mountain Scenery: Million Dollar Highway

  • Located in Colorado. Best time in October to visit: Early-mid Oct. What you'll see: Aspens and dramatic San Juan Mountains.

Best Desert & Fall Colors: Scenic Byway 12

  • Located in Utah. Best time to visit in October: Early-late Oct. What you'll see: Red rock & fall foliage

Best Family Road Trip: Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Located in NC & VA. Best time to visit in October: Mid-late Oct. What you'll see: Brilliant fall foliage & mountain overlooks.

Best Cozy Fall Getaway: Vermont Route 100

  • Located in Vermont. Best time to visit in October: Early-mid Oct. What you'll see: Covered bridges, farms & mountains.

Best Ocean & Fall: Acadia Park Loop Road

  • Located in Maine. Best time to visit in October: Early-mid Oct. What you'll see: Ocean & colorful forests.

Best Photography: Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Located in NC & VA. Best time to visit in October: Mid-late Oct. What you'll see: Brilliant fall foliage & mountain overlooks.

Best Quick Weekend Drive: Alpine Loop

  • Located in Utah. Best time to visit in October: Late Sept -mid Oct. What you'll see: Golden aspens & huge mountains.

Best Underrated Option: North Georgia

  • Located in Georgia. Best time to visit in October: Late Oct. What you'll see: Foliage, waterfalls, & mountain towns.

Best Western Fall Drive: Trail Ridge Road

  • Located in Colorado. Best time to visit in October: Early Oct. What you'll see: High alpine scenery & aspens.


How to Make a Scenic Drive Even Better

A scenic drive shouldn't feel like you're simply trying to get from Point A to Point B.


Pack a picnic.

Find a beautiful overlook and make lunch part of the experience.


Leave room for spontaneous stops.

Some of the best memories happen when you pull over simply because the view is too good to pass.


Check road conditions.

Mountain passes and scenic roads can have seasonal closures or weather-related restrictions. For example, the Blue Ridge Parkway can close because of weather, while the full Going-to-the Sun Road is generally a summer-only experience.


Don't rush.

Build extra time into your itinerary for overlooks, short hikes, local restaurants, and unexpected discoveries.



The Best Part? The Journey.

A vacation doesn't always have to be about reaching the next destination.


Sometimes it's about rolling down the windows, turning up the music, stopping for the view, and enjoying the people you're traveling with.

The road between destinations can become one of the most memorable parts of the entire trip.


So fill up the tank, grab your favorite people, and take the scenic route.


Because sometimes the best memories happen between where you are and where you're going.

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