Many people do not consider the fall season when thinking about making their next Great American RV Road Trip. That’s a shame, because fall is a gorgeous time for adventuring! Plus, during the off-peak season, crowds are fewer and travel expenses and admissions fees are usually lower as well.
If the idea of less traffic, cooler weather, potentially lower prices, and fall foliage isn’t screaming your name, read on to learn more about some of our favorite destinations to visit in the September-October-November period.
Not only do they offer beautiful fall foliage (or significantly reduced crowds), but they also allow for the opportunity to see some other interesting attractions in the immediate area. We bet you’ll find some that you’ve never considered before, too.
Best Fall RV Destinations
1. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a prime location to watch the colors change. From late September through early October, the area’s dense foliage turns orange, deep yellow, and auburn.
The Maroon Bells, 14,000-foot-high twin peaks, are among Colorado’s most photographed landmarks. Revered for their natural beauty, the Maroon Bells reflect over Maroon Lake. Pet-friendly hiking trails provide endless scenic views of majestic mountains, vast fields of wildflowers, and aspen trees.
Don’t Miss:
- Independence Pass: Drive up Highway 82 (note: many hairpin curves) to Independence Pass for its breathtaking views in early fall.
- Grottos Trail and the Cascades: Head further along Highway 82 from Independence Pass, park in the designated lot for Grottos Trail, and look for “ice cave” signs. Follow the path to see the stunning grotto rock formations. If you still want more, stay on the way to reach the Cascades, a series of waterfalls that pour into the Roaring Fork River. Picture perfect.
KOAs nearby:
Carbondale / Crystal River KOA Holiday
Glenwood Springs West / Colorado River KOA Holiday
Gunnison KOA Journey
Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA Journey
2. Boone, North Carolina
Named after American pioneer Daniel Boone, the town of Boone is the economic hub of the seven-county western North Carolina region known as the High Country. Boone is located in the famous Blue Ridge Mountains and has a population of about 20,000.
Boone is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through Virginia and North Carolina. This 469-mile-long road has long stretches with speed limits of 45 mph or less, letting you appreciate the mind-blowing mountain views and orange, gold and red explosions as the leaves change.
Fall color usually begins in the upper mountain areas around the first week in October and works its way down to lower areas by mid-November. These are the peak times for seeing the fall foliage, but really any time you visit here there is beauty to enjoy.
Don’t Miss:
- The Rhododendron Tunnel at Craggy Gardens in nearby Black Mountain offers spectacular landscape and beautiful mountain views. On clear nights, the vast picnic area becomes a popular stargazing spot.
KOAs nearby:
Boone KOA Holiday
Jonesborough / Cherokee NF KOA Journey
Bristol / Kingsport KOA Holiday
3. Conway, New Hampshire
In the center of the White Mountain National Forest, Conway is the central commercial area for several surrounding counties. It is also the eastern terminus for State Highway 112, called the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.
Although the Byway only runs for 34 miles, it is one of the best drives to see fall foliage. The “Kanc,” as it’s known, is bursting with beech, birch, and maple trees. On average, the prime viewing season runs from late September through mid-October.
Don’t Miss:
- Diana’s Bath, a series of pools, cascades (waterfalls), and the Lucy Brook.
- North Conway is an adjacent town with five picturesque covered bridges and a restored passenger train from the 1920s.
KOAs nearby:
Chococura KOA Holiday
Lincoln / Woodstock KOA Holiday
Littleton / Franconia Notch KOA Holiday
Twin Mountain / Mt. Washington KOA Holiday
Naples KOA Holiday
4. Destin, Florida
Who goes to the beach in the fall? Smart travelers, that’s who. During the fall, excellent beaches are often blissfully devoid of crowds and not as hot and humid (although still warm). Situated in the northwestern part of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is known for its white sands and emerald green waters.
Don’t Miss:
- Private sunset cruise from Destin Harbor aboard a luxury pontoon to spot dolphins frolicking in the water and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
KOAs nearby:
Milton / Gulf Pines KOA Holiday
5. Durango, Colorado
Durango was established as a railroad town in 1880 and today provides that small-town feeling thanks to its population of just 20,000. It is located on Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway (Route 550), which runs from Silverton to Ouray.
The Million Dollar Highway is a paved, two-lane road that climbs 2,000 feet from Silverton to its summit at Red Mountain Pass and then drops another 3,000 feet en route to Ouray. At 25 miles, it is not a long drive, but with its hairpin curves, steep climbs, and lack of guard rails, you will want to take it nice and slow – not just for safety, but also to be able to take in all the stunning views.
The aspen trees along much of Route 550 fade to a lovely golden hue, peaking around late early October.
Don’t Miss:
- Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs first opened in 1874. Ancient Puebloan tribes used these natural healing waters between 1000 to 1200 AD.
- Chimney Rock National Monument is only about 30 miles away.
KOAs nearby:
Ouray KOA Holiday
6. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg’s 407-foot Space Needle is its most iconic landmark. You ride a glass elevator to the top for sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding area. However, that’s not all there is to enjoy here. Every fall, Gatlinburg hosts the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, during which Gatlinburg businesses decorate their storefronts with yellows, oranges, and reds.
The notion that peak color season in the Great Smoky Mountains is in mid-October is a misconception. The colors of autumn light up the Smokies for seven weeks or more, moving from the peak elevations down to the foothills. The seven-week period generally runs from mid-September through the end of October.
Don’t Miss:
- Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg, where people dress in traditional costumes, musicians perform authentic German tunes, and iconic German-inspired foods like schnitzel, bratwurst, and strudel are served. The outdoor Bier Garten is open every day.
KOAs nearby:
Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday
Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey
Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday
7. Harbor Springs, Michigan
Harbor Springs sits in a sheltered bay on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. Driving through the Tunnel of Trees (Highway 119) on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, which begins in Harbor Springs, feels like something out of a dream.
Highway 119 winds for 20 miles along a bluff high above Lake Michigan. It travels through a lush forest that flames into bright shades of red and gold by late September. This area of the country is stunning and certainly worth visiting in your RV in the fall.
Don’t Miss:
- The charming General Store in Good Hart, the only town along the Tunnel of Trees. It is a grocery, bakery, deli, post office, and gift shop in one, known for homemade pot pies.
- The Little Traverse Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse on the Harbor Point peninsula.
KOAs nearby:
Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA Journey
St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday
8. Highland Scenic Byway, West Virginia
This two-lane byway runs through the Monongahela National Forest in southeast West Virginia for 43 miles. It begins in Richwood, extends along Route 39/150, and ends at Route 219, seven miles north of Marlinton.
You’ll find four scenic outlooks along the way with mesmerizing views of the Allegheny Highlands. The area becomes painted in red and orange colors by the end of September and on into mid-October. Just imagine the views from your RV window . . .
Don’t Miss:
- Honeycomb Rocks Trail, with its lattice-patterned rocks resembling honeycombs. The stones get their unusual patterns from weather and other factors over millions of years.
KOAs nearby:
Natural Bridge / Lexington KOA Holiday
Flatwoods KOA Journey
Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday
Charlottesville KOA Holiday
Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA Holiday
9. Kalispell, Montana
Kalispell is located in the Flathead Valley, 22 miles from Hungry Horse Dam. Here, area tribal schools offer classes in the Kalispell–Spokane–Flathead language. If hitting the greends is your idea of fun, the Buffalo Hill Golf Club, designed by Robert Muir Graves, is also nearby.
Seven miles outside Kalispell, Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Fall finds the lake awash in crimson and gold reflections along the shoreline. Drive around the entire lake or down Hwy 35 on the east side and into Flathead National Forest and the Jewel Basin to get the full effect.
Don’t Miss:
- The Conrad Mansion Museum offers daily guided and self-guided tours of the restored 19th-century mansion of Kalispell’s founding family.
KOAs nearby:
Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Holiday
West Glacier KOA Resort
Polson / Flathead Lake KOA Holiday
10. Mammoth Lakes, California
With only 7,500 residents, Mammoth Lakes is the only incorporated town in the immediate area. Located about 20 miles from the June Lake Loop, Mammoth Springs is California’s most popular ski resort in the winter months.
In an area already known for its eye-popping scenery, June Lake Loop manages to stand out. The roads here wind through the Eastern Sierra Mountains; the 16-mile route branches off Highway 395 to take you past four sparkling alpine lakes, several of California’s most scenic drives. Aspen trees along the route fade to yellow, gold, and lime green in the fall, peaking by mid-October.
Don’t Miss:
- This article has too many spectacularly scenic natural attractions to do them justice. Read about them here.
KOAs nearby:
Coleville / Walker KOA Holiday
11. Mena, Arkansas
Originally founded as a railroad town in 1896, Mena is the gateway to Arkansas’ most popular outdoor attractions, including the Queen Wilhemina State Park, Cossatot River, Lake Ouachita, and the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness.
The nearby Talimena Scenic Byway, a National Scenic Byway, is a winding, 54-mile drive through the Ouachita National Forest. The route erupts with gold, red, and orange colors in late October and early November.
Don’t Miss:
- Board Camp Crystal Mine is a native, untapped crystal mine with a public dig site. Take home everything you find!
KOAs nearby:
Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday
Sallisaw / Fort Smith West KOA Holiday
Checotah / Lake Eufaula West KOA Holiday
Texarkana KOA Journey
Mount Pleasant KOA Journey
12. Salt Lake City, Utah
The mountains and canyons east of Salt Lake City are a favorite spot for watching fall foliage. Leaves here start turning at higher elevations in mid-September and the lower elevations begin by the end of September and last through mid-October. This peaceful part of the country is a must-see.
Don’t Miss:
- The Family History Library and discovery center. This is a must-visit for anyone curious about where they came from or whether they are related to anyone famous.
KOAs nearby:
Salt Lake City KOA Holiday
Springville / Provo KOA Holiday
Brigham City / Perry South KOA Journey
13. Savannah, Georgia
Spanish-moss-swathed oaks throughout Savannah make a fantastic backdrop for a visit any time of year. While you won’t see much in the way of changing leaves during the fall, you’ll still get to enjoy the Southern charm of this port city and its surrounding areas when the weather is more forgiving that the humid summers.
Don’t Miss:
- Leopold’s has been serving its premium ice cream since 1919 and is a long-time favorite of former President Jimmy Carter.
KOAs nearby:
Savannah South KOA Holiday
Point South / I-95 / Yemassee KOA Holiday
14. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a classic New England town at the base of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. It’s located on the 138-mile Vermont Route 100, one of the country’s toasting routes for what is referred to locally as “leaf-peeping.” The season runs from September through late October.
In addition to watching the colors change, fall means hiking numerous trails, fishing off Lake Champlain, and paddling down the Lamoille River.
Don’t Miss:
- Horrid Observation Site offers gorgeous views (despite its name) of the Champlain Valley. Reaching the outlook requires a half-mile uphill hike, but the payoff is a vast panorama of the Green Mountain National Forest and Champlain Valley.
KOAs nearby:
Littleton / Franconia Notch KOA Holiday
15. Vanderpool, Texas
Vanderpool is an unincorporated community 10 miles North of Utopia, with fewer than 100 residents. Sheep, cattle, and goat ranching are what reign as popular here.
It’s home to the Hill Country has some of the best scenic views in all of Texas, including rolling hills, fields of bluebonnets, old oak trees, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged terrain. Many say the Lost Maples State Natural Area is the best place to see changing leaves in Texas, especially on the East Trail in late October through early November. We think that makes it worth a visit in your RV.
Don’t Miss:
- The Apple Store and Bakery in nearby Medina for homemade apple pie and ice cream.
KOAs nearby:
Kerrville KOA Journey
San Antonio / Alamo KOA Holiday
Cotulla / Nueces River KOA Journey
16. Watertown, New York
Near Lake Ontario and the Canadian border, 70 miles north of Syracuse, Watertown has about residents. Nearby Fort Drum is a 107,000-acre US Army base home to the 10th Mountain Division.
The 170-mile Olympic Byway stretches from Lake Champlain to Lake Ontario, winding through the High Peaks of Adirondack Park. The area greets fall in mid-to-late September with warm shades of crimson, gold, and orange that you don’t want to miss.
Don’t Miss:
- Burrville Cider Mill for warm donuts and apple cider.
KOAs nearby:
Natural Bridge / Watertown KOA Journey
1000 Islands / Ivy Lea KOA Holiday
1000 Islands / Mallorytown KOA Holiday
17. Woodstock, New York
It’s often assumed the Woodstock Music Festival took place in the Catskills town of Woodstock, but it actually took place in Bethel, about 1.5 hours away. The 1969 summer festival got its name from the former, though, and Woodstock has since maintained a bohemian art scene.
In general, leaves in the Catskills and northern New York State peak between the last week of September and the first week of October, making this an ideal part of the country to enjoy in the fall, especially from behind the wheel of your RV.
Don’t Miss:
- Tinker Street, Woodstock’s main street, to explore all the independent boutiques, shops, and restaurants.
KOAs nearby:
New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday
Honesdale / Poconos KOA Holiday
Unadilla / I-88 / Oneonta KOA Journey
Cooperstown KOA Journey
Northampton / Springfield KOA Holiday
Fall is one of the best times to hop in your RV and see the beauty that this country has to offer. As the seasons change, so does the nature that surrounds us, providing a new opportunity to be grateful for the peace and happiness that nature brings.
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
