Have you been dreaming of seeing the fall colors this year? Well, you are in luck. The warmer fall temperatures that have been around the country have delayed the peak fall color dates in many areas. It isn’t too late to pack up the RV and hit the road to check out the beautiful yellow, orange, and red leaves that will be changing around the country. Here are some of the best road trips for taking in the beautiful fall scenery.
Cross Country
If you have the time and budget to travel across the country there are gorgeous fall colors to be seen in many areas. The northern east coast has beautiful colors, but they peak early in the season. But, that shouldn’t stop you from heading cross country to find fall colors. These are some of the most popular:
Michigan
The Great Lakes state has some amazing fall color trails that you can follow. The peak colors are delayed this year making it a great place to head for a last minute fall road trip. The Upper Peninsula boasts some of the most beautiful fall colors with stunning views of the Great Lakes from cliffs and bluffs running along the water’s edge. However, you need to remember that the Upper Peninsula has a colder climate and the colors change faster the higher you go.
The lower peninsula also has many trails running along the lakes to witness the spectacular colors. The colors tend to peak a few weeks later in the lower peninsula so if you can’t make the U.P. fall colors, you still have a chance. If you want to see the Michigan fall colors check out the state color guide here.
The Great Smoky Mountains
Seeing the fall colors from the mountains is by far one of the most beautiful fall landscapes you can witness. With the Great Smoky Mountains being in the south it gives you a good advantage. The colors do not typically peak until the last three weeks of October. When the colors do start though the change is rapid so you want to plan accordingly. Gatlinburg, TN is a fun mountain tourist town to take in the beautiful colors. However, the mountains cover multiple states and you can follow along all the way from Maine to Georgia.
Closer to Home
If you don’t want to travel across the United States in order to see fall colors, here are some trips that keep you closer to home.
Washington State
To the north Washington state is filled with beautiful colors. The colors usually peak between September and October, so before taking a trip up there just for colors make sure you check the area you are wanting to go to make sure that the colors are still there. Many states are experiencing peak times later than the average this year. Some notable destinations would be to drive along HIghway 14, State Route 542, or State Route 20. You might also want to check out Gifford Pinchot National Forest or the Okanogan and Wenatche national forests.
California
California does not experience the same range of vivid colors as the east coast. But, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have amazing fall colors of our own. In fact, the website californiafallcolor.com is devoted to showing off just how great the fall colors in California can be. The site not only shows you pictures, but it informs you of the best times to go. Colors in northern California are peaking fast so its time to hit the road.
Ready to road trip?
These are just a few areas to help you plan fall color road trips. But, there are many options all around the country. When planning for a late fall trip keep in mind some of the best northern spots will be past their peak colors. Stay further south to take in the amazing views. When planning your trip, pick a few planned stops that provide good viewing locations but be flexible. Don’t be afraid to pull over and take in the sites if you find a great spot on the side of the road.
RV owners can easily pack up the RV and head out. If you don’t have an RV, this is the perfect time to buy one. During the fall season, you can easily find an RV for sale in California as dealers are running deals to make room for new models. So, find your dream RV, check the map for the best fall colors, and head out for fall color road trips you won’t forget.
