Our team is currently daydreaming about all of the possibilities for upcoming fall road trips. Imagine crisp autumn air, colorful leaves, and cozy night tucked away in the RV. Fall is the ideal season for a getaway. There’s cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning foliage. Read on for our top five fall road trips; ideal for drivers seeking both seasonal sights and boondocking-friendly destinations.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia, North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America’s Favorite Drive” and stretches 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Visitors can experience the Parkway as a multi-day drive, or as a day trip to a favorite area. This fall road trip includes rolling mountains, a winding ribbon of fall colors, and scenic overlooks. The route is optimal for bigger rigs because the speed limit is low, and there are plenty of overlooks, pull-offs, and campgrounds along the way. Additionally, there are National Forest spots near the Parkway for boondocking options.
Suggested Route (7–10 days):
- Start in Shenandoah National Park, VA: Begin at the northern entrance, connecting from Skyline Drive.
- Peaks of Otter: A classic Parkway stop with hiking trails, a lodge, and campground. Sharp Top Mountain offers a stunning hike if you have the energy for it!
- Roanoke, VA: Stock up on supplies and enjoy this lively mountain city. The Mill Mountain Star overlook is worth a stop.
- Mabry Mill: One of the most photographed spots on the Parkway.
- Linville Falls & Linville Gorge, NC: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this area is a must for hiking and photos.
- Craggy Gardens: A prime fall foliage viewing point with trails leading to panoramic overlooks.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Finish your journey in Cherokee, NC, where the Parkway meets the Smokies—making it easy to extend your fall adventure.
RV Campgrounds & Stays:
- Rocky Knob Campground (VA)
- Julian Price Campground (NC)
- Mount Pisgah Campground (NC)
2. New England Loop (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine)
This classic fall road trip is about soaking up the small-town charm and bright foliage that makes New England a must-see. However, make sure to plan ahead! Campgrounds book quickly in fall. For boondocking options, search for dispersed camping in White Mountain National Forest.
Suggested Route (7–10 days):
- Start in Vermont: Begin in Stowe, known for its ski-town charm and brilliant red maples. Drive through Smugglers’ Notch and stop at a covered bridge or two.
- White Mountains, NH: Take the Kancamagus Highway, one of the most scenic fall drives in the U.S.
- Acadia National Park, ME: Wrap up with a few days in Bar Harbor and Acadia. Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is said to be unforgettable.
RV Campgrounds & Stays:
- Smugglers’ Notch State Park (VT)
- Lost River Valley Campground (NH)
- Bar Harbor Campground (ME) – close to Acadia, open until mid-October.
3. Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee & North Carolina)
The Smokies in October are simply put – breathtaking. Misty mornings and glowing fall ridges make this a bucket-list road trip.
Suggested Route (5–7 days):
- Gatlinburg, TN: Kick off with mountain-town vibes and a drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.
- Newfound Gap Road: Wind through the park’s most scenic corridor, stopping at overlooks and hiking short trails.
- Cades Cove: Spend a day on the loop road—expect historic cabins, churches, and maybe a black bear sighting.
- Cherokee, NC: End with cultural stops at the Museum of the Cherokee People and local arts.
RV Campgrounds & Stays:
- Elkmont Campground – no hookups
- Smoky Bear Campground (TN side) – full hookups, close to Gatlinburg.
- Dispersed options in Pisgah National Forest (NC side) for a quieter boondocking experience.
4. Lake Superior Circle Tour (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ontario)
The Circle Tour is an epic adventure for those who love wide-open spaces, dramatic shorelines, and crisp fall air.
Suggested Route (10–14 days):
- Start in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for colorful cliffs and waterfalls.
- Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands: Take a kayak tour or enjoy shoreline hikes/ exploration.
- Minnesota’s North Shore: Drive scenic Highway 61 to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse.
- Ontario’s Lake Superior Provincial Park: Cross the border (passports required) for vibrant wilderness scenery.
RV Campgrounds & Stays:
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park (MI) – electric hookups
- Cornucopia (WI) – close to Apostle Islands.
- Gooseberry Falls State Park (MN) – great RV sites near hiking.
- Pancake Bay Provincial Park (ON) – beachfront camping right on Lake Superior.
5. Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood (Oregon)
This route combines the intrigue of the Columbia River Gorge with the cozy, alpine beauty of Mount Hood in fall.
Suggested Route (5–7 days):
- Start in Portland, OR: Begin with a day to stock up and enjoy local food.
- Columbia River Gorge: Drive east along I-84, stopping at Vista House, Latourell Falls, and Multnomah Falls.
- Mount Hood Scenic Loop: Continue south to Hood River, then circle around Mount Hood, enjoying orchard views and pumpkin patches.
- Timberline Lodge: End with a cozy overnight or day hike near this historic lodge on Mount Hood’s slopes.
RV Campgrounds & Stays:
- Ainsworth State Park (near Multnomah Falls)
- Trillium Lake Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest) – dispersed camping nearby for off-grid options.
- Hood River area – private campgrounds with full hookups and access to the charming downtown.
6. Honorable Mention: Visit the ABC Upfitters’ Shop
It’s not a traditional fall road trip, but before you hit the road, make ABC Upfitters part of your journey. Our team will help you get your power systems ready for the fall boondocking season (or any other season). Sometimes the best road trip begins with a pit stop to upgrade your rig.
In conclusion, fall is the perfect time for RV road trips with colorful scenery, crisp air, and wide-open roads. Whether you head to the mountains, lakes, or coast, these fall road trips are unforgettable for RVers.
Ready to power your next adventure? Stop by ABC Upfitters and let us help you get road-trip ready this fall!
Check Out these Additional Articles:
- RV Education on the Road for Families Who Travel Full-Time
- RV Boondocking for Beginners
- National Park Roadtrips for Boondockers
About ABC Upfitters:
ABC Upfitters provides premium, customer-focused, upfitting services to RV clientele who are looking for the ultimate off-grid experience. The close-knit company originated from the rising demand for aftermarket Li-Ion battery upgrades for recreational vehicles. By using Mastervolt components, ABC can meet this need and provide an unmatched level of integration and quality for their customers. Contact one of the ABC team members today to learn about their services!