You don’t have to travel to New England to see awesome foliage panoramas this fall. In the southeast, for example, there are numerous opportunities for a colorful and inspiring fall driving experience.
Here are some of the best drives to see fall foliage in the Southeast:
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
A 105-mile drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Skyline Drive is annually rated a top-ten foliage drive by a host of national travel publications. Starting in Front Royal, Virginia and ending in the Waynesboro-Charlottesville area, the brightly colored foliage consists of yellow and orange hickories, deep purple dogwoods, and vibrantly red Virginia creeper vines. With over 75 overlooks, you’re sure to find a gorgeous spot along the way for picnicking or picture-taking.
Asheville, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway, with its awe-inspiring panoramas, is one of America’s best foliage drives. Begin your scenic trip at milepost 469 from Cherokee and wind your way through Mount Pisgah and Asheville, finally finishing at Mount Mitchell State Park. The collage of poplar, maple, red spruce, ash, and beech trees is phenomenal. Along the way, there are country-style restaurants and shops selling everything from pottery and quilts to rocking chairs and beef jerky.
Northern Georgia
Every year around the last full week of October, North Georgia erupts in a gorgeous patchwork of brilliant gold and vibrant red leaves. One of the best drives is the 14-mile long Chattahoochee River Road, which takes you from Unicol Gap to the Helen, a German-style village. Other popular routes include Tallulah River Road, Cohutta Loop, Pocket Road, Everett Springs Road, Floyd Springs Road, and Forest Service Road 42.
Lake Hartwell, South Carolina
Starting at the South Carolina Welcome Center at I-85 exit 1 near Westminster, this 125-mile loop traverses three states (South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia) and three national forests. Enhancing the experience are 12 fantastic waterfalls, dozens of unique crafts shops, and exceptional country-style restaurants.
Tallahassee, Florida
Set in the panhandle in north Florida, Tallahassee is dominated by canopy roads framed by giant, moss-draped live oak trees, hickories, and towering pines. There are nine official canopy roads in Tallahassee encompassing 78 miles. Some of the most popular are Old Bainbridge Road, Pisgah Church Road, Old Centerville Road, Sunny Hill Road, and Old St. Augustine Road.
Cades Cove Loop Road in Tennessee
A beautiful wide valley encircled by the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove is a wonderland of stunningly colorful leaves, wildlife such as white-tailed deer, coyote, and raccoon, nature trails, and historic 18th- and 19th-century buildings such as log cabins, churches, and a gristmill. Trees in Cades cove include American beech and birch, mountain maple, pin cherry, and mountain ash. Located 27 miles from Gatlinburg, the foliage drive is an 11-mile, one-way loop that circles the cove. Halfway around the loop, you'll find the Cable Mille historic area.