Fall Road Trip Destinations
The transition of fall brings to a close the summer road trip season, but with autumn foliage and crisp fall weather it’s not the end of RV season for many enthusiasts. Fall road trips afford travelers the chance to see some of the most resplendent landscapes in our country. However, not everyone enjoys the season in the same manner with winter-loving campers readying to embrace the brisk fall weather while snowbirds prepare to avoid it all together. But no matter how you enjoy the season, we’ve got recommendations for some of the most beautiful places to visit in the fall for your next RV road trip.
Beautiful Places to Visit in the Fall for Leaf Peeping
Along America’s eastern coast you’ll find some of the best autumn road trips to see fall foliage. Working your way from north to south, RVers can enjoy a rich and bold display of fall colors from September through November with both northern and southern states boasting extraordinary autumn vistas. Our favorite places for leaf peeping road trips in New England and along the Atlantic coast include:
- Acadia National Park (ME)
- Route 100 (VT)
- Kancamangus Highway (NH)
- Blue Ridge Parkway (VA, NC)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC, TN)
Since one of the elements needed to get those gorgeous fall colors is colder overnight temperatures, it’s no secret that if you are taking a fall road trip to see autumn foliage, you’ll most likely meet with some cooler weather. It might not be cold enough to kick on your furnace, but a little morning boost to chase the chill is always nice. For RV owners with a Coleman-Mach AC, their new Air Space Heating Element (part of the Climate Control Accessory line) is the perfect fall upgrade. It installs easily into the existing ceiling assembly affording a warming element during autumn weather conditions when the full RV heating system is not necessary.
Fall Destinations in the USA to see Early Snow Fall
Snow falls earliest at our highest elevations, which is why some of the most beautiful places to visit in the fall if you want to see snow are in the Rocky Mountains. This western mountain range spans 6 states with multiple peaks soaring over 14,000 feet. The farther north you go, the earlier winter comes. There are also multiple National Parks in the Rocky Mountains to tether a fall road trip around including:
- Glacier National Park (MT)
- Grand Teton National Park (WY)
- Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
- Yellowstone National Park (WY, MT, ID)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (CO)
Be sure you’re prepared to stay warm in any freezing temperatures you may encounter on your fall road trip with an updated furnace and water heater in your RV. Suburban appliances keep you comfortable all year long with furnace core replacement modules and the Direct Fit Water Heater designed to easily replace existing RV components with little or no modifications needed. Enjoy the colder temperatures on fall road trips from the comforts of your RV, and learn more about preparing your rig for cold weather road trips on our recent blog How To Get Your RV Ready for Winter.
Best Autumn Road Trips to Avoid the Cold
If you’re looking for fall destinations in the USA to avoid the cold, you’ll need to head south. Happily, the southern states offer an abundance of picture-perfect stops from coast to coast with desert, beach, and even mountain destinations. For snowbirds heading south, Interstate 10 connects many of the warm weather destinations granting easy accessibility to RVs of all sizes.
Starting in southern California, enjoy the warm weather and beachy destinations of the Golden State. Then road trip across Arizona and New Mexico to experience the unique beauty and rich history of the American Southwest. Unique destinations along the western portions of I-10 include:
- Santa Monica (CA)
- Joshua Tree National Park (CA)
- Saguaro National Park (AZ)
- White Sands Missile Range (NM)
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park (NM)
Along the gulf coast find cascading dunes, miles of outstretched beaches, and scenic island stops in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida that all boast gulf shore attractions for RVers including:
- Padre Island National Seashore (TX)
- New Orleans (LA)
- Buccaneer State Park (MS)
- Dauphin Island (AL)
- Everglades National Park (FL)
While you might not encounter snow on your southern road trip, during fall months it is entirely likely that you will encounter precipitation of some form. And if you want to be able to maintain a comfortable interior atmosphere no matter the weather you need your rooftop vents and fans to be able to operate in all kinds of seasonal conditions lest interiors become stuffy and heated. Maxxair covers protect your vents and fans from inclement weather so they can continue to operate providing ventilation and circulation even during a storm.
Are we missing one of your favorite fall road trip destinations? Share your thoughts on the best autumn road trips below: