Key Takeaways:
- New York leads the ranking as the best state for fall road trips due to all of the great entertainment and outdoor activities available.
- Virginia’s many scenic drives — paired with 34 days of vibrant foliage and 74 autumnal festivals — boost its appeal to those who love autumn.
- California is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream due to its many hiking trails (more than 13,700).
- Every region of the country has its share of top fall road trip destinations: The North, East and Midwest are all well-represented, and California is a standout from the West.
As summer fades and the air turns crisp, the arrival of fall inspires us to enjoy colorful landscapes and seasonal joys. Enchanting forests, golden valleys and majestic mountains are blazing with color, while serene beaches offer an idyllic environment for recharging. Now, with each region showcasing its own autumn appeal, it’s the ideal time to travel.
Accordingly, we found the top 10 states that promise a fall road trip experience filled with natural beauty and seasonal charm. Notably, to guarantee that our ranking is relevant and accurate, we separated almost 50 U.S. states into three categories and conducted comparisons between them based on metrics regarding entertainment, the outdoors and accessibility.
For more information about our methodology, check out the section at the end of the article.
Northeast Shines Bright with New York as Best State for Fall Road Trips
Cloaked in crimson and gold this time of year, New York is the crown jewel of fall road trips. As such, those who enjoy seasonal entertainment will be happy to know that the state leads the category with 282 apple orchards, 64 corn mazes and 100 hayrides. Likewise, a hike through the Adirondack Mountains will reveal storybook sceneries, especially during the 31 days when the vibrant fall foliage is at its peak. Otherwise, when the autumn rain calls for cozy, indoor activities, Broadway offers great plays — such as “Wicked,” which is perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. Or, for fans of classic spooky tales, the Headless Horseman legend awaits the brave in Sleepy Hollow.
Pennsylvania offers a unique fall experience by blending natural beauty and culture with its 3,635 hiking trails; 125 apple orchards; and 63 fall festivals. Specifically, the National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville is a fan favorite thanks to its crafts, apple-themed foods and live entertainment features. Alternatively, history buffs can explore the Gettysburg Battlefield that’s enhanced by gorgeous fall scenery or opt for festive ghost tours. Meanwhile, for architecture lovers, Fallingwater provides a stunning backdrop with a symphony of fall colors. And, if their chromatic is not enough, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has a great collection between its walls.
Massachusetts boasts the longest fall foliage season in the country with 34 days of peak vibrancy from mid-September to October — the perfect time to enjoy its stunning autumn colors. In particular, the Berkshires’ idyllic landscape offers a perfect stroll among trees dressed in hues of gold, orange and red. Of course, for the curious eye, Salem is the home of the infamous witch trials, where dense fog may conceal the unexpected.
Additionally, for those looking for a dark academia aesthetic, this is also the ideal time to visit Harvard University and its beautiful campus, including stunning architecture and charming gardens.
An honorable mention in the Northeast region is New Jersey with its 33 days of perfect, yellow-leafed trees that transform the view above the Hudson River. In this state, fall-lovers can enjoy 24 corn mazes and 58 hayrides or easily adventure into spooky folklore with the tail of the Jersey Devil.
Virginia Leads South With 70+ Enchanting Fall Festivals
Following New York in the national ranking, Virginia is a picturesque dream with 34 days of peak fall foliage. The state also ranks first in scenic drives (227) and second in national parks (22). Here, a visit to Shenandoah National Park reveals dazzling fall hues, while outdoor enthusiasts can choose from 74 fall festivals. One popular event is the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival, which offers a unique pairing of the two in Amherst in the heart of the state’s Blue Ridge Mountains, complete with cuisine, live music and local crafts. Or, for book-lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond is a perfect stop this time of the year.
In North Carolina, a peaceful drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway will showcase fall’s changing colors at their peak for 33 days. The state also ranks third in the entertainment category by boasting 89 apple orchards, 64 hayrides and 32 autumnal festivals.
For a serene experience, hikers can explore the Appalachian Mountains in western Maryland or one of the other 18 national parks in the state. At the same time, with nearly three coworking spaces per 100,000 people, it’s easy to balance work and leisure in this area and still leave time for crab feasts, sailing or birdwatching. There are also 53 fall festivals to attend. For example, for Halloween enthusiasts, Ellicott City offers plenty of spooky stories to be discovered. What’s more, the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville is an immersive experience with medieval costumes, artisans and performances all set against the backdrop of Maryland’s fall colors.
Not to be outdone, special recognition goes to Tennessee for offering the most affordable gas prices at $4 per gallon, which is ideal for those making the 40-minute drive from Nashville to the Historic Bell Witch Cave or the Great Smoky Mountains.
Additionally, Georgia also stands out as the third-ranking state in the fall festivals category (54), while also having the fourth-best weather nationally with a median temperature of nearly 65°F. It’s worth noting here that the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay celebrates the apple harvest with arts and crafts; apple products; and magnificent fall panoramas.
California Leads West with Endless Hiking Adventures for Lovers of the Outdoors
Representing the Western region, California offers the possibility of a unique fall experience with 280 state parks and more than 13,700 hiking trails. As a leader in these metrics, the state also offers 17 days of peak fall foliage by providing fairy-tale views in places like Yosemite National Park. Alternatively, a wine tour in Napa Valley is a must as California excels with 4,054 wineries.
Midwest Leads Nationally with Impressive 34 Days of Peak Fall Foliage Among Featured States
During this time of the year, Michigan transforms into a fall wonderland with its 180 famous apple orchards, 95 hayrides, and 48 corn mazes offering scenic views and seasonal cider tastings. And, with 34 days of peak fall colors, it marks the perfect spot to see the Great Lakes in their autumnal splendor. Or, there’s always Detroit’s indoor activities, depending on one’s state of the heart, with options ranging from the Institute of Arts to its several haunted tours.
In Ohio, a drive through the Hocking Hills State Park reveals stunning fall scenery along 26 miles. For die-hard autumn enthusiasts, the state holds the third-highest number of apple orchards (148) and hayrides (91). Not to be overlooked, there are also more than 320 wineries in the area that pair well with a trip to Mansfield Reformatory, which is a haunted prison offering accommodations for those in search of a storybook experience.
For travelers seeking hassle-free road trips, Indiana is a top choice. On top of being known for its breathtaking autumn scenery — like the stunning views in Brown County — the state also takes pride in its welcoming hospitality and ranks second in the nation with 97% road quality, thereby ensuring smooth and enjoyable travel. Additionally, there are 34 days of peak fall foliage for those seeking seasonal excitement, completed by 31 festivals. And, a quick stop at Willard Library in Evansville might reveal a ghost story within its walls, making a horror-lover’s dream (or nightmare) come true.
Another noteworthy mention is Illinois, which prides itself on 73 hayrides, 31 fall festivals and 34 days of dreamy fall colors. More precisely, the Scarecrow Festival in St. Charles features a carnival, live entertainment and an amazing collection of handcrafted scarecrows, all set in a charming village with stunning fall foliage. Moreover, Starved Rock State Park reveals ethereal landscapes, while Chicago ghost tours will surely keep the Halloween spirit alive.
Lastly, Minnesota’s 116 apple orchards are a must-see in the Midwest, and they can be even more magical during its days of peak fall foliage. Plus, travelers can add the Boundary Waters to the list of picturesque scenes.
As you can see, the autumn season marks the perfect month to explore these breathtaking states as the leaves turn and the weather cools. This fall is sure to be an exciting time for discovery and delight with everything from charming apple orchards to spooky ghost tours. So, grab your cozy sweater, hit the road and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Methodology
- Entertainment: 35% of the total index
- Number of Fall Festivals: [Funtober, (September - October 2023)]
- Apple Orchards: [Funtober]
- Corn Mazes: [Funtober]
- Wineries: [Go-Wine, (2024)]
- Hayrides: [Hayrides by State]
- Restaurant establishments density: Number of restaurants per 100,000 people. [Census, (2022)]
- Outdoors: 35% of the total index
- Weather (°F): Fall temperatures compared across the American states. The temperatures are based on data collected by weather stations throughout each state during the years 1971 to 2000 and made available by the NOAA National Climatic Data Center of the United States. [Current Results Publishing Ltd.]
- Number of Days of Peak Fall Foliage: The duration during which the leaves of deciduous trees display their most vibrant color. [Farmers’ Almanac]
- Number of State Parks: [America’s State Parks, Explore Georgia, Missouri’s State Parks]
- Number of National Parks: [National Park Trips, National Park Service]
- Number of Hiking Trails: [All Trails]
- Number of Scenic Drives: [Scenic America]
- Accessibility: 30% of the total index
- Coworking space density: Number of coworking spaces per 100,000 residents [Proprietary from CoworkingCafe database]. (August 2024 – state level)]
- Regional price parity (RPP): Regional price levels expressed as a percentage of the overall national price level for a given year. [Bureau of Economic Analysis]
- Free Wi-Fi: Places where free Wi-Fi is offered. [The Wi-Fi-FreeSpot™ Directory]
- Quality of Roads: Road condition. [Bureau of Transportation Statistics (2022)]
- Gas Prices: State gas price averages. [AAA Gas Prices (2024)]
*Alaska and Hawaii were excluded due to insufficient data for one or more metrics.
