Road Trips for the Fall

Sometimes the journey offers more than the destination

ABHIJIT MASIH

Who doesn’t love a road trip? Whether it is planned, right down to where you fill gas, the last detail, with room for unplanned detours and stops?

Sometimes even more than the joy of reaching a destination on your bucket list is the exhilaration of driving through scenic roads, with breathtaking views and tranquil landscapes unmarred by toll booths, road rage and or traffic accidents.

For most, summer is the best time to take off on road trips, since that is when the school breaks. You see the maximum number of RVs and trailers on the road then, most of them headed for beaches or national state parks. While it’s nice and green everywhere, the journey tends to be monotonous and boring, no matter how many winding roads you travel through rolling hills or ocean-view drives.

Now imagine driving through those very same routes in the fall. A single lane road, meandering through a forest on a hill, trees on both sides presenting a guard of honor dressed in myriad colored uniforms, forcing you to ease on the pedal to savor the beauty. The weather allows you to roll down your windows, open up the sunroof and be one with nature.

If that is not enough to convince you to head out, then perhaps you will find a spectacular route in your state, close to home, that could tempt you. There is at least one such route in every state. Here are some of the most fascinating road trip routes to take in the US during fall.

CALIFORNIA: EVERITT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

Tucked away in northern California is this relatively short stretch of route that packs in much seasonal beauty. The Everitt Memorial Highway in California is only 14 miles long but takes you up the southwest side of Mt. Shasta, a volcano that towers over 14,000 feet. The 14-mile drive could be done in an hour or take you all day. Absolute gorgeous views of Mt. Shasta overlooking the Sacremento valley brimming with the colors of fall will keep you there for the day. In terms of activities, there is something for everyone for outdoor lovers. If you live in the Bay Area, for you this should be on top of the list of things to do this November, with just over 4 hour drive up North.

NEW JERSEY: THE PINE BARRENS BYWAY

This scenic 130-mile route is located in the Pinelands National Reserve and takes you through the classic Pine Barrens forests along wetlands, rivers, unique villages and important historic sites. The byway is home to and popular for its vast natural and cultural treasures. The route tempts you to slow down, explore and experience one of the best and most unusual natural environments. For breathtaking fall foliage in New Jersey, consider starting the journey in New Gretna and go all the way to Hammonton. To get a taste of the local culture, make a stop at the Batsto Village to check out the historic iron-making community. The cranberries of Chatsworth are worth a stop as well to complete your day. About an hour from Philadelphia and less than that from Trenton, it’s a fabulous day trip destination. If you live in the area and haven’t done it already, do it during fall.

NEW YORK: UPPER DELAWARE BYWAY

Route 97 is one of the best fall drives in the country. It stretches for 70 miles from the village of Hancock to Port Jervis, and offers breathtaking views of both the Catskills and the Poconos. The byway offers recreational opportunities for lovers of the outdoor, these including boating, camping, hiking and cycling. Just over two hours away from New York City, this is a great way to get away from the on-the-go life of the big city and rejuvenate in the shelter of nature. The byway winds around the Delaware River, which also forms a natural state line between New York and Pennsylvania. This is perchance the best and closest drives for tristate dwellers, and should well be on the itinerary for one weekend in fall.

VIRGINIA: SKYLINE DRIVE

About two hours’ drive from Washington D.C., the Skyline Drive is one of the most beautiful drives in the country, snaking around the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The 105-mile elevated drive offers mesmerizing landscapes and is littered with lookout points. You are spoiled for choice where to take in the spectacular sunset from any of these points perched atop the Appalachian Mountains. The aptly named Point Overlook is my favorite overlook point for sunset-watching. The speed limit of 25 lets you navigate the pathway under trees turning into every shade of yellow and red imaginable during fall. You could also get off the drive and make a pit stop to experience the wonder of the Luray Caverns, the largest in eastern United States, with large chambers filled with limestone stalactites, stalagmites and columns. If you live in the D.C. metro area, this should be on top of the list of things to do before winter.

TEXAS: PINEYWOODS AUTUMN TRAIL

You may be forgiven to believe that Texans don’t experience fall. Perhaps it comes a little later than other states. You may not see it in the southern regions of the state but in the northern parts you may get the best viewing of fall colors in Texas. The Pineywoods Autumn Trail that stretches for 145 miles offers magnificent fall colors. The popular trail that begins in Palestine takes you through the Texas Forest Trail Region and ends in Athens. The scenic drive between these two cities offers breathtaking views and has multiple attractions, including local wineries, outdoor expeditions, train excursions and zipline adventure. The best time to go is mid- to late November.

WASHINGTON: CASCADE LOOP HIGHWAY The Cascade Loop Highway offers 440 miles of uninterrupted scenic leaf-peeping opportunities. Arguably the best road trip route in Washington, it covers a large part of the state. It offers the diverse landscapes of Washington, all within state lines. There are many stops along the Cascade Loop that are must-sees in their own right, including a string of beautiful lakes, rivers, forests and mountains. Coupled with the opportunity to experience the untamed wild, the highway is an unforgettable road trip destination. As recent as January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation designated it a National Scenic Byway. Take a drive here to appreciate the many different shades of gold, coral and red.