Favorite Fall Drives 2013:
Southeast: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Our 1.5 million Facebook fans chose Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains as their favorite fall drive in the Southeast. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 800 square miles of some of the most beautiful terrain in the Southeast. It straddles the border of southeast Tennessee and southwest North Carolina and is a short drive from Nashville, Tenn.; Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C., and a host of other cities.
The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park. Be prepared for clogged roads during the height of fall foliage.
Start at the Cades Cove Visitors Center
Located on the well-known Cades Cove loop off Laurel Creek Road in the park, rangers can help you plan your self-guided drive and point you toward great hiking trails. This area was home to Native American tribes for hundreds of years. You can see some rebuilt and preserved buildings from European settlers, who arrived in the 1820s, throughout the park. One of them, the water-powered Cable Grist Mill, is in operation not far from the Visitor Center.
Located on the well-known Cades Cove loop off Laurel Creek Road in the park, rangers can help you plan your self-guided drive and point you toward great hiking trails. This area was home to Native American tribes for hundreds of years. You can see some rebuilt and preserved buildings from European settlers, who arrived in the 1820s, throughout the park. One of them, the water-powered Cable Grist Mill, is in operation not far from the Visitor Center.
Stop in Cades Cove: Wildlife Watching
Continue east from Cades Cove on Laurel Creek Road toward Wears Valley. Pull off the road at one of the plentiful open areas and see if you can spot some wildlife. You’re almost certain to catch a glimpse of deer but the real prize would be spotting a black bear. An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park (almost two bears/square mile). Bear sightings are not uncommon in the Smokies.
Continue east from Cades Cove on Laurel Creek Road toward Wears Valley. Pull off the road at one of the plentiful open areas and see if you can spot some wildlife. You’re almost certain to catch a glimpse of deer but the real prize would be spotting a black bear. An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park (almost two bears/square mile). Bear sightings are not uncommon in the Smokies.
Stop at Little Greenbrier School and Walker Cabin
The Little Greenbrier School is a former schoolhouse and church just south of Wears Valley. Built in 1882, it was in operation until 1936. The King-Walker Cabin is also at this site. Originally built in the 1840s, the cabin became famous when the five Walker sisters refused to sell their 166-acre plot to the national park. They continued their traditional mountain life there into the 1950s.
The Little Greenbrier School is a former schoolhouse and church just south of Wears Valley. Built in 1882, it was in operation until 1936. The King-Walker Cabin is also at this site. Originally built in the 1840s, the cabin became famous when the five Walker sisters refused to sell their 166-acre plot to the national park. They continued their traditional mountain life there into the 1950s.
Stop at Chimney Tops
South of Gatlinburg on the Little Pigeon River lie the Chimney Tops. It’s one of the most challenging, and popular, hikes within the park. The trail has been closed for repair all summer but is now open on weekends only through October. The trail suffered significant damage from a recent flood and overall heavy use.
South of Gatlinburg on the Little Pigeon River lie the Chimney Tops. It’s one of the most challenging, and popular, hikes within the park. The trail has been closed for repair all summer but is now open on weekends only through October. The trail suffered significant damage from a recent flood and overall heavy use.
Finish at Clingmans Dome
This is the perfect place for leaf-peepers. Clingmans Dome is 6,643 feet and the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. An observation tower provides 360-degree views of the Smokies. You have to trek along a steep half-mile path to get to the observation tower but it’s worth it.
This is the perfect place for leaf-peepers. Clingmans Dome is 6,643 feet and the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. An observation tower provides 360-degree views of the Smokies. You have to trek along a steep half-mile path to get to the observation tower but it’s worth it.
Northeast: The Poconos in Pennsylvania1 / 10
Just a two-hour drive from New York City and Philadelphia, the Poconos in northeastern Pennsylvania span 2,400 miles overlooking the Delaware Valley. It’s a mecca for fall foliage seekers and contains more than 80 percent of Pennsylvania’s resorts. We start our scenic drive in Stroudsburg, Pa.
Start in Stroudsburg, Pa.
Take a walking tour of the quaint Victorian downtown. The Academy Hill Historic District includes more than 100 buildings that date from the mid-19th to the early 20th centuries. In addition to art galleries and a theater, there are several dozen restaurants in the downtown area, so grab lunch or some snacks for the road. Hit I-80 West for a half-mile and look for the PA 950 exit.
Take a walking tour of the quaint Victorian downtown. The Academy Hill Historic District includes more than 100 buildings that date from the mid-19th to the early 20th centuries. In addition to art galleries and a theater, there are several dozen restaurants in the downtown area, so grab lunch or some snacks for the road. Hit I-80 West for a half-mile and look for the PA 950 exit.
Stop in Lehigh Gorge State Park, Pa.
Lehigh Gorge State Park covers 6,000 acres along the Lehigh River. The deep gorge, carved ages ago, has created a windy, wavy stretch of river, perfect for adventure-seeking whitewater rafters. You can also hike on 33 miles of trails that will take you past waterfalls and the historic remnants of the Upper Grand Section of the Lehigh Canal.
Lehigh Gorge State Park covers 6,000 acres along the Lehigh River. The deep gorge, carved ages ago, has created a windy, wavy stretch of river, perfect for adventure-seeking whitewater rafters. You can also hike on 33 miles of trails that will take you past waterfalls and the historic remnants of the Upper Grand Section of the Lehigh Canal.
Stop in Eckley, Pa.
Just a few short miles west on Buck Mountain Road lies Eckley, Pa. It’s an example of a typical 1850s mining town. When coal was discovered in the region during the 1850s, Eckley grew from a small, rural community to a company coal mining village. Eckley shows what it was like for the largely immigrant coal miners who worked there.
Just a few short miles west on Buck Mountain Road lies Eckley, Pa. It’s an example of a typical 1850s mining town. When coal was discovered in the region during the 1850s, Eckley grew from a small, rural community to a company coal mining village. Eckley shows what it was like for the largely immigrant coal miners who worked there.
Finish in Jim Thorpe, Pa.
This town, known alternately as the “Switzerland of America” and “Gateway to the Poconos,” is a perfect place to finish your scenic drive. The town is named for Olympic runner Jim Thorpe, who began his career in the region. Jim Thorpe is a mecca for mountain bikers, hikers and whitewater rafters. While you’re in town, check out the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, the Victorian home of the Lehigh University founder. The mansion was built in 1861 and is now a National Historic landmark. It’s open for tours on weekends.
This town, known alternately as the “Switzerland of America” and “Gateway to the Poconos,” is a perfect place to finish your scenic drive. The town is named for Olympic runner Jim Thorpe, who began his career in the region. Jim Thorpe is a mecca for mountain bikers, hikers and whitewater rafters. While you’re in town, check out the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, the Victorian home of the Lehigh University founder. The mansion was built in 1861 and is now a National Historic landmark. It’s open for tours on weekends.
West: Cascade Loop Scenic Highway, Wash.
Starting about half an hour north of Seattle, you can spend a day or a week on the Cascade Loop. The road takes you through the Columbia River Valley, past glacier-fed lakes, and to Puget Sound. We chose a drive that takes just a day and takes you through the Columbia River region.
Start in Wenatchee, Wash.
Wenatchee is a great home base from which to begin your tour. Fuel up at the Pybus Market, similar to Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Built in a remodeled historic steel warehouse by the Columbia River, you can find food, wine and local crafts. Eat there or grab some food for the road.
Wenatchee is a great home base from which to begin your tour. Fuel up at the Pybus Market, similar to Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Built in a remodeled historic steel warehouse by the Columbia River, you can find food, wine and local crafts. Eat there or grab some food for the road.
Stop at Ohme Gardens
Just north of Wenatchee, this 9-acre alpine garden is on top of a rocky bluff above the Columbia River. It provides the perfect view for the surrounding valley’s foliage. Stone pathways, pools and waterfalls are all part of the setting.
Just north of Wenatchee, this 9-acre alpine garden is on top of a rocky bluff above the Columbia River. It provides the perfect view for the surrounding valley’s foliage. Stone pathways, pools and waterfalls are all part of the setting.
Stop at Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center
From Ohme Gardens, continue north on WA 971 to reach the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center in Entiat. This center is dedicated to wildfire education, training and research. You can hike on the “Trail of Fire” and learn how wildfires spread and affect the surrounding area.
From Ohme Gardens, continue north on WA 971 to reach the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center in Entiat. This center is dedicated to wildfire education, training and research. You can hike on the “Trail of Fire” and learn how wildfires spread and affect the surrounding area.
Finish in Lake Chelan
A casino, waterpark, wineries and hiking trails make the Lake Chelan region a great place to stay overnight after a day of leaf peeping.
A casino, waterpark, wineries and hiking trails make the Lake Chelan region a great place to stay overnight after a day of leaf peeping.
Midwest: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Our Facebook fans chose Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri as their favorite fall drive in the Midwest. The lake is a massive reservoir that was created when the Osage River was dammed. It covers 14,000 square miles and is about three hours east of St. Louis, which makes it a drivable fall foliage trip for many Midwesterners.
Start in Lake Ozark, Mo.
Lake Ozark is known as the gateway to the Lake of the Ozarks region. Bagnell Dam is one way to learn about the area. Built in 1930, the visitor's center explains the dam's history and how Lake of the Ozarks was created. There are restaurants and shops along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in town. After you’ve toured the dam and town, head south on Highway 54.
Lake Ozark is known as the gateway to the Lake of the Ozarks region. Bagnell Dam is one way to learn about the area. Built in 1930, the visitor's center explains the dam's history and how Lake of the Ozarks was created. There are restaurants and shops along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in town. After you’ve toured the dam and town, head south on Highway 54.
Stop in Lake of the Ozarks State Park
From Highway 54, you’ll see signs for Lake of the Ozarks State Park. It’s a good place to hike or get some nice foliage photos. This spot may also offer the most unique fall foliage touring option of the trip: a boat foliage tour. The self-guided aquatic trail is nine miles and takes about two hours. Orange and white buoys along the way point out geological sites and places to stop and view foliage near the shore.
From Highway 54, you’ll see signs for Lake of the Ozarks State Park. It’s a good place to hike or get some nice foliage photos. This spot may also offer the most unique fall foliage touring option of the trip: a boat foliage tour. The self-guided aquatic trail is nine miles and takes about two hours. Orange and white buoys along the way point out geological sites and places to stop and view foliage near the shore.
Stop at Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Travel south on Highway 54, and you’ll arrive at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Ruins of a castle built in 1904 are perched high atop a bluff, providing views of the lake below and surrounding fall foliage. The park has 15 miles of hiking trails, sinkholes, natural bridges and caves. There’s plenty of natural beauty to explore.
Travel south on Highway 54, and you’ll arrive at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Ruins of a castle built in 1904 are perched high atop a bluff, providing views of the lake below and surrounding fall foliage. The park has 15 miles of hiking trails, sinkholes, natural bridges and caves. There’s plenty of natural beauty to explore.
Finish in Camdenton, Mo.
The Casa de Loco Winery, in Camdenton, is a good place to finish your drive. Tastings, tours and tapas are available at the winery. There are a number of resorts and hotels. It’s also a good place to get advice on the best fishing and boating spots on Lake of the Ozarks.
The Casa de Loco Winery, in Camdenton, is a good place to finish your drive. Tastings, tours and tapas are available at the winery. There are a number of resorts and hotels. It’s also a good place to get advice on the best fishing and boating spots on Lake of the Ozarks.
Mountain West: Provo Canyon Scenic Byway, Utah
Provo Canyon is a truly stunning canyon that has been carved over time by water, wind and other forces of nature. It stretches though Utah and Wasatch counties and is surrounded by mountains. The 32-mile Provo Canyon Scenic Byway winds through the canyon and goes past Bridal Veil Falls and into the scenic Heber Valley.
Start in Provo
Located about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City, Provo is home to Brigham Young University. In downtown Provo, you can take a walking tour of 22 pioneer buildings, some of which date back to 1849. After your walking tour, fuel up at a restaurant or grab snacks for the road before heading northeast on Provo Canyon Scenic Byway (U.S. 189 and state Route 113).
Located about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City, Provo is home to Brigham Young University. In downtown Provo, you can take a walking tour of 22 pioneer buildings, some of which date back to 1849. After your walking tour, fuel up at a restaurant or grab snacks for the road before heading northeast on Provo Canyon Scenic Byway (U.S. 189 and state Route 113).
Stop at Bridal Veil Falls
You’ll only be on the road for 15-20 minutes before you hit Bridal Veil Falls, a must-see on your tour. It’s a double cataract waterfall that begins 607 feet above the Provo River. There’s a shallow pool near the bottom of the falls that seems tailor-made for kids wading.
You’ll only be on the road for 15-20 minutes before you hit Bridal Veil Falls, a must-see on your tour. It’s a double cataract waterfall that begins 607 feet above the Provo River. There’s a shallow pool near the bottom of the falls that seems tailor-made for kids wading.
Stop at Sundance Resort
Home to a world-class ski resort and famous film festival, stop at Sundance for lunch. Located on Mount Timpanogos, skiers have been enjoying the slopes since 1944. Robert Redford bought the site in 1969, built a ski resort and launched the independent Sundance Film Festival. Hiking, biking and fishing are all popular activities in fall.
Home to a world-class ski resort and famous film festival, stop at Sundance for lunch. Located on Mount Timpanogos, skiers have been enjoying the slopes since 1944. Robert Redford bought the site in 1969, built a ski resort and launched the independent Sundance Film Festival. Hiking, biking and fishing are all popular activities in fall.
Finish in Heber Valley
Continue north to Deer Creek State Park and call it a day in Heber Valley. Largely rural, the area is mostly known for its dairy and mining industries. Heber City is the biggest town in the region, with several restaurants and hotels. The Deer Creek Reservoir is a great place to view the changing fall foliage.
Continue north to Deer Creek State Park and call it a day in Heber Valley. Largely rural, the area is mostly known for its dairy and mining industries. Heber City is the biggest town in the region, with several restaurants and hotels. The Deer Creek Reservoir is a great place to view the changing fall foliage.
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