5 Must-Take Drives to Experience Autumn's Glory Across The South
The South celebrates the change of season from summer to fall with a glorious display of color. Maple trees turn fiery red and orange and flowering dogwood produces bright berries for the squirrels and birds to store for the winter ahead. When the weather cools, nothing beats wrapping up in your favorite sweater and driving to take in the vivid fall color.
When the autumnal equinox or first day of fall happens in September, days become shorter and nights longer. The absence of a long span of sunshine is actually what causes the leaves to change color, not the cool temperatures themselves. A shorter daytime period is the signal that tells the plants to get ready for winter. Because the time period can fluctuate, it’s not the easiest to predict the best time to take a fall foliage drive. There are predications, like these, but it’s best to check local information as you plan.
Here are some ways to view the best fall displays in the South, and our favorite scenic drives:
Blue Ridge Parkway
Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through 469 miles of mountain vistas through several states, spanning the distance from the Shenandoah National Park in Rockfish Gap, Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. Along the way, drivers can take in the awe-inspiring views of over 280 scenic overlooks, but only around speeds of 45 miles per hour, allowing plenty of time for fall gazing.
The time to visit varies with elevation, giving a lot of opportunity to see autumn’s finest show. Some stops of note are the Purgatory Mountain Overlook in Virginia, which you can view on the virtual camera here and the historic Mabry Mill, with Sunday afternoon music, dancing, and food. Mount Pisgah, with an elevation of 5721 feet over sea level, starts early with fall color and the area around the James River is a lower 600 feet, making that the last to change.
There are literally too many beautiful stops to list, so check out the National Park Service website.
Talladega Scenic Byway
Alabama
Traversing over the higher elevations of Mount Cheaha, the Talladega Scenic Byway is Alabama’s answer to a picturesque drive. The 29-mile route offers a view over the Appalachian Mountains, covered in color in the fall. At the summit of the drive, the open air Bunker Observation Tower, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, offers a panoramic long-range view of the mountains.
Foothills Parkway
Tennessee
Nestled at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains State Park, the 71 mile Foothills Parkway gives views of the mountains and the Tennessee Valley on either side. It took a while to complete: construction started in the 1960’s and the final portion, known as the ‘missing link’, opened to the public in 2018.
Look Rock has a gorgeous overlook with a short trail that leads to a picnic area, perfect for a lunch while you’re out looking for crimson and yellow landscapes.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee
This scenic drive offers 444 miles of recreation and leaf gazing. There are three campgrounds available on the route, plus walks, hikes, and RV areas. Leaf changes usually happen in middle to late October, easy to find in places like the Little Mountain, Swan View, or Freedom Hills Overlooks.
Dragon Eyes
Georgia
For a more thrilling ridge, take this trip through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Well known with motorcyclists for the 715 curves on its 77 mile road, Dragon Eyes also provides long range mountain glory. There’s even merch to prove you’ve made the challenging drive. Along the way, there are quaint towns, waterfalls and incredible state parks. Just don’t take your eye off the road.
Related: 20 Must-Take Fall Trips Across The South
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