Many a US roadway is nothing more than a clogged eyesore or an efficient but bland way to get from Point A to Point B. <\/p>\n
But sometimes, roadways and natural beauty meet in a harmonious convergence where driving can be a delight and even more important than the destination. This can prove especially true in autumn with the changing of the leaves. <\/p>\n
As for when to go, timing is everything for the perfect fall drive. If you want to optimize your chances of catching the leaves in various shades of orange, red, purple and gold at their peak, check out this\u00a0US foliage predictor map. Just remember peak leaf-viewing time might also mean peak traffic time; plan accordingly, especially for weekends. <\/p>\n
As for where to go, here are six fantastic fall scenic drives scattered around the continental United States along with plenty of other things to see and do when you pull the car over. <\/p>\n
The Great Lakes make for great scenery. And the state of Michigan has shoreline on three of \u2018em \u2014 Michigan, Huron and Superior \u2014 making for a dizzying number of choices. David Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, helps narrow down the options, singing the praises of M-119, tucked away in the northwest of Michigan\u2019s Lower Peninsula. <\/p>\n
Follow this map\u00a0and turn the drive into a scenic loop of about 50 miles, or a one-hour and 15-minute drive. <\/p>\n
Along the route or nearby:<\/strong> <\/p>\n \u2022 Travel Michigan said Thorne Swift Nature Preserve\u00a0in Harbor Springs is a great stop to get fall foliage photos. Find out more about the M-119 here. <\/p>\n \u201cWas that a moose?\u201d \u201cDid I just see an elk?\u201d You and your companions might be asking such questions on the Salmon River Scenic Byway, suggested by Laurie McConnell, the senior tourism communications specialist at Visit Idaho. <\/p>\n This 161-mile byway \u201cgoes through some of the most rugged and remote country in the Lower 48, following the Salmon River through the Salmon and Challis national forests and provides access to jaw-dropping outdoor opportunities,\u201d McConnell said in an email. <\/p>\n As for visuals, \u201cLarge stands of aspen show off with fall colors in burnt yellowy gold, but expect other trees to show off with red, orange, and caramel,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n Along the route or nearby:<\/strong> <\/p>\n \u2022 The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center is the perfect place to learn about the original inhabitants of the region. (McConnell calls it a \u201ccan\u2019t-miss\u201d stop.) Find out more about the Salmon River Scenic Byway here. <\/p>\n If you thought Appalachian beauty petered out in northern Georgia, this scenic byway in the northeastern part of this Deep South state will prove you delightfully wrong. <\/p>\n Its 80 miles is hilly and curvy in places, \u201cbut overall, it is not a white-knuckle drive,\u201d said Jo Jo Terry, digital marketing strategist with the Alabama Tourism Department.\u00a0\u201cFall colors will be more prevalent on the northern part of the trail. The scenery is beautiful all along the trail.\u201d <\/p>\n Drivers will find lush vegetation, interesting geologic formations and quaint communities along the route. <\/p>\n Along the route or nearby:<\/strong> <\/p>\n \u2022 Cheaha State Park, on the southern end of the byway, is home to the highest point in Alabama and is known for its beautiful, panoramic views, Terry said. Find out more about the Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway here. <\/p>\n Who would ever want to leave charming Santa Fe? One thing that could lure you out of the state capital would be the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, a 76-mile route north to the famous ski town. <\/p>\n Nicole Barker, media relations manager with the New Mexico Tourism Department, said via email that it takes about one hour and 45 minutes to drive without stops. But she suggested folks plan for a minimum of a half-day to fully enjoy the route. And what will you see? <\/p>\n
\u2022 Good Hart General Store\u00a0has an early 1900s era charm.
\u2022 No fear of heights? The pedestrian SkyBridge Michigan\u00a0at Boyne Mountain Resort is 1,200 feet (366 meters) long and 118 feet high. It\u2019s about 26 miles south of Harbor Springs.
\u2022 Enjoy the 44th Annual Apple Fest <\/strong>in Charlevoix, about 40 minutes southwest of Harbor Springs. The festival takes place October 13-15 this year. <\/p>\n Salmon River Scenic Byway, Idaho<\/h2>\n
\u2022 Land of Yankee Fork State Park features the ghost towns of Custer, Bayhorse and Bonanza. And it administers Challis Hot Springs on the banks of the Salmon River.
\u2022 Redfish Lake is the largest one in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Come here for nature viewing, hiking, fishing \u2013 and swimming if you can handle the cold water! <\/p>\n Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway, Alabama<\/h2>\n
\u2022 DeSoto State Park, on the northern end of the byway, features waterfalls and has hiking, camping and bird watching among its activities.
\u2022 Mentone <\/strong>is an arts and crafts community about 10 minutes from DeSoto State Park.\u00a0The \u201cWildflower Caf\u00e9 is a delicious and magical place to eat,\u201d\u00a0Terry said.
\u2022 The Little River Canyon National Preserve\u00a0 contains \u201cone of the deepest and most extensive canyon and gorge systems in the eastern United States,\u201d according to the US National Park Service. <\/p>\n High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, New Mexico<\/h2>\n