Autumn's arrival marks one of the very best times to take a scenic road trip.
Crisp temperatures and vibrant fall foliage await travelers who should consider these five scenic drives for the season's ultimate road trip.
Needles Highway, South Dakota
Scenic autumn drives aren't much better than Needles Highway through Custer State Park in South Dakota's Black Hills. This winding stretch forces visitors to take it slow as they soak in sprawling forests, towering needle-like rock formations and gorgeous fall colors.
Needles Highway in South Dakota's Black Hills. (Photo Credit: Kim Banocy)
Nearby routes such as Iron Mountain Road and the park's Wildlife Loop Road also allow travelers to spot wildlife including buffalo, deer, elk, big horn sheep and more.
Smugglers' Notch, Vermont
Visitors to Vermont's Smugglers' Notch State Park won't want to miss this winding scenic highway that rewards travelers with glorious views of New England as they venture up Mount Mansfield, the state's tallest mountain.
Travelers will encounter steep cliffs and jaw-dropping boulders in addition to impressive forests popping with fall colors.
Skyline Drive in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Bella B Photography)
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Head to Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to experience the one-and-only Skyline Drive. This 105-mile route navigates the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and boasts dozens of scenic overlooks where travelers can pull over to get a closer look at the vibrant fall colors that begin to peak in mid-October.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
This gorgeous stretch of road through New Hampshire's White Mountains has become a popular route for autumn leaf peepers who can not only cruise with epic views but explore the expansive White Mountain National Forest and experience small-town charm in places like Lincoln.
Kancamagus Highway through Lincoln, New Hampshire. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Wangkun Jia)
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, New York
Just a couple of hours outside of New York City, travelers can cruise the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway traversing more than 50 miles of unparalleled scenery, including charming villages, mountains and hills popping with spectacular fall colors.
Drivers will also encounter waterways and sprawling farmland along the way.
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