Columbus Day Weekend Road Trips You Need to Take!
Columbus Day weekend is the perfect excuse to hit the road, soak in the vibrant fall colors, and explore hidden gems across the country. Whether you’re craving a scenic mountain escape, a charming coastal drive, or a historical adventure, there’s no shortage of unforgettable routes to take.
Pack your bags, grab some snacks, and get ready for an epic long weekend. Here are some of the best Columbus Day weekend road trips you won’t want to miss!
Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina & Virginia
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a dream for fall foliage lovers. This 469-mile scenic route winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning overlooks, hiking trails, and cozy mountain towns along the way.
For a perfect Columbus Day weekend trip, start in Asheville, NC, where you can explore the Biltmore Estate or grab a bite in the lively downtown. Then, drive north toward Roanoke, VA, stopping at spots like Linville Falls and Mabry Mill—one of the most photographed places on the parkway.
New England’s Kancamagus Highway – New Hampshire
If you want peak fall colors, the Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112) is a must. This 34.5-mile stretch through the White Mountain National Forest is legendary for its fiery reds, oranges, and yellows in early to mid-October.
Start in Lincoln, NH, and drive east toward Conway, making stops at Sabbaday Falls and Albany Covered Bridge for picture-perfect views. The lack of gas stations or restaurants along the route makes it feel truly remote, so be sure to fuel up before heading out!
Pacific Coast Highway – California
For those who prefer ocean views over mountain roads, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is a breathtaking option. The stretch between San Francisco and Big Sur is especially stunning in fall, with fewer crowds and clear coastal skies.
Start your trip in San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge before heading down toward Monterey for fresh seafood and a visit to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Continue south through Big Sur, where you’ll pass jaw-dropping cliffs, Bixby Bridge, and McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall that flows right onto the beach.
Great River Road – Wisconsin & Minnesota
Follow the mighty Mississippi River on the Great River Road, a route that showcases some of the most charming river towns in the Midwest. Fall is the perfect time to visit, with crisp air, golden leaves, and lively seasonal festivals.
A great starting point is Minneapolis, MN, where you can visit Minnehaha Falls before driving south toward Red Wing, a town known for its historic charm and stunning bluff views. Continue to La Crosse, WI, for a scenic river cruise or a hike up Grandad Bluff to take in panoramic autumn views.
Skyline Drive – Virginia
For a shorter but equally scenic road trip, Skyline Drive is a fantastic choice. This 105-mile route runs through Shenandoah National Park, offering breathtaking mountain views and plenty of wildlife sightings—keep an eye out for deer and black bears!
Start in Front Royal, VA, and take your time winding through the park, stopping at overlooks like Thornton Gap and Big Meadows. If you’re up for a hike, the Stony Man Trail is an easy but rewarding trek with stunning summit views.
Texas Hill Country – Texas
If you’re craving rolling hills, vineyards, and small-town charm, Texas Hill Country is a fantastic fall getaway. While the region isn’t known for traditional fall foliage, the cooler October weather makes it the perfect time for a road trip.
Begin in Austin and head west toward Fredericksburg, the heart of Texas wine country, where you can tour local wineries and sample some of the best wines in the state. Then, drive south to Luckenbach, a tiny town famous for its live country music and relaxed vibes.
Adirondack Mountains – New York
New York’s Adirondack Mountains offer some of the most spectacular fall scenery on the East Coast. With over 6 million acres of wilderness, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise, packed with scenic drives, hiking trails, and charming small towns.
Start in Lake Placid, a historic Olympic town with breathtaking mountain views, and take a drive along the High Peaks Scenic Byway. If you’re up for an adventure, hike up Whiteface Mountain or take a gondola ride to the summit for unbeatable views of the autumn landscape.
Ozark Mountains – Arkansas & Missouri
For a unique mix of mountain scenery, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures, the Ozark Mountains are a fantastic road trip destination. This area truly shines in the fall, with fiery foliage and crisp, cool air.
Start in Eureka Springs, AR, a quirky Victorian town known for its historic downtown and natural hot springs. Then, head north into Missouri’s Ozark National Scenic Riverways, where you can canoe down the Current River or explore the stunning Alley Spring Mill.
