12 Fall Road Trips Across Countries You Can Drive
Nothing compares to the feeling of freedom that comes with a fall road trip. The golden landscapes, cozy roadside stops, and quiet backroads make the season ideal for long drives. Whether you prefer mountain routes or stretches that lead through farmlands, there is a road waiting for you. Take this as your sign to map out a drive that feels both relaxing and memorable. So grab your camera and a warm drink, and see where the road takes you.
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Pacific Coast Highway, United States
Running along California’s western edge, the Pacific Coast Highway offers more than 600 miles of spectacular views. The drive features ocean cliffs, redwood forests, and picturesque beach towns. Many travelers start in San Francisco and finish in San Diego, making stops in Monterey, Big Sur, and Malibu. Each curve in the road reveals new coastal sights that feel peaceful and timeless. The route can take three to five days depending on how long you stay in each stop.
As you drive south, the scenery shifts from cool foggy coasts to sunny beaches. Travelers often stop to see McWay Falls or walk across the Bixby Creek Bridge for breathtaking views. Local seafood restaurants along the coast add delicious flavor to the trip. Many visitors choose fall to avoid crowds and enjoy clear skies. It is an unforgettable journey through California’s coastal beauty.
Ring Road, Iceland
Encircling the island for about 820 miles, Iceland’s Ring Road offers a road trip full of raw natural wonders. The route includes waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. Travelers often spend a week or more exploring at a relaxed pace to see everything. Each section of the drive has something unique, from the northern hot springs to the southern ice lagoons. With limited daylight in the fall, the soft sunlight makes every view more dramatic.
The trip is ideal for those who love nature and quiet moments on the road. You can see geysers, visit small fishing villages, and even spot the Northern Lights. Most travelers rent a campervan to experience Iceland’s wild beauty up close. The smooth roads and helpful roadside signs make it easy to navigate. This drive is a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure across changing landscapes.
Cabot Trail, Canada
Located in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail stretches for about 185 miles around Cape Breton Island. It offers sweeping ocean views, highland scenery, and forested valleys painted with fall colors. The drive takes about five to six hours, but most travelers spend a few days exploring the area. There are hiking trails, coastal lookouts, and cultural stops that share the island’s Scottish roots. Every turn feels calm and refreshing as the crisp autumn air fills the surroundings.
Many visitors enjoy whale watching or tasting local seafood at coastal villages along the route. The trail passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where wildlife and waterfalls await. Small inns and lodges make it easy to stay overnight and enjoy stargazing. Fall brings a vibrant mix of red, gold, and orange leaves that frame the drive perfectly. This trip combines nature’s peace with the warmth of small-town hospitality.
Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
The Amalfi Coast Drive stretches for about 30 miles along the cliffs of southern Italy. The narrow winding road connects towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. It is known for its dramatic sea views, colorful villages, and lemon groves. Many travelers take a day or two to enjoy the route slowly, stopping for photos and local cuisine. The drive is short but filled with unforgettable sights.
Autumn brings mild temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for exploring the coastal charm. Travelers can stop to walk through town squares or enjoy a coffee overlooking the Mediterranean. The sunsets along this coast are especially beautiful in fall light. Local restaurants offer seasonal dishes that pair perfectly with the view. This drive blends culture, flavor, and scenery into one smooth journey.
North Coast 500, Scotland
Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a 516-mile circular route starting and ending in Inverness. It offers rugged coastline, mountain views, and ancient castles. Travelers usually spend five to seven days driving the route to take in all the beauty. The fall months bring clear air and golden hues that make the scenery even more striking. Each region offers something different, from Highland villages to windswept beaches.
Along the drive, you can stop for short hikes or explore ruins from centuries past. Local inns and small hotels provide warm hospitality for travelers. The quieter roads in fall make it an ideal time for a calm and scenic drive. Photographers will find endless subjects to capture throughout the trip. This journey feels both peaceful and deeply connected to nature.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, United States
Stretching about 469 miles between Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite fall road trip. The route runs along the Appalachian Mountains, known for vibrant autumn colors. Many travelers spend three to five days exploring the overlooks, hiking trails, and small mountain towns. Each mile brings peaceful views of forests and ridgelines blanketed in red and gold leaves. The slow speed limits encourage a relaxed pace.
Travelers often stop at overlooks like Craggy Gardens or Linville Falls for scenic walks. Local lodges and campgrounds make it easy to stay overnight in nature. The parkway connects Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains, two of the country’s most beautiful parks. Fall weather is cool and comfortable, perfect for driving and hiking. It is a classic American route for those who love mountain scenery.
The Icefields Parkway, Canada
Running between Jasper and Banff National Parks, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most stunning drives in the world. Stretching over 140 miles, the route offers spectacular views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and jagged mountain peaks. Travelers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, stopping at famous spots like Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, and Bow Summit. Fall is a particularly great time to visit as the area becomes less crowded, and the autumn foliage creates a contrast against the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The drive can be completed in one day, but many choose to spend a couple of days to fully experience the sights.
The Icefields Parkway is known for its dramatic scenery and unique natural attractions, such as the Columbia Icefield, where visitors can walk on a glacier. The route offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and sightseeing along the way. Autumn in the Canadian Rockies brings crisp air and beautiful colors to the trees, enhancing the picturesque views. Many visitors opt to stop at the charming mountain lodges for a cozy night under the stars. This road trip is perfect for nature lovers who want to experience one of Canada’s most scenic landscapes.
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Known as one of the most dangerous and thrilling roads in the world, the Transfăgărășan Highway offers spectacular views of the Carpathian Mountains. Stretching for about 90 miles, this winding road takes drivers through dramatic landscapes, including lush forests, deep valleys, and high mountain passes. Visitors can experience the thrills of the road while taking in the stunning views of glacial lakes and medieval castles along the way. In the fall, the mountain scenery is even more spectacular as the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The route is best explored slowly, with plenty of stops to enjoy the views and historical sites.
The road itself is an engineering marvel, with sharp curves and steep ascents, making it a challenge for drivers. The Transfăgărășan is also home to several attractions, such as the Poenari Castle, which was once the residence of Vlad the Impaler. Fall brings fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful experience of this dramatic route. Travelers can enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of Romania, where nature and history meet. This trip is ideal for those seeking adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
The Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Morocco
Winding through the Atlas Mountains, the Tizi n’Tichka Pass connects Marrakech with the city of Ouarzazate in Morocco. This mountain road climbs to over 7,400 feet, offering sweeping views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and traditional Berber villages. The drive is filled with hairpin bends and breathtaking landscapes, especially as the roads wind through terraced fields and valleys dotted with palm groves. Fall is a great time to explore this route as the weather is cooler, making the journey more comfortable. The road also offers travelers a chance to explore some of Morocco’s most scenic and remote regions.
Along the drive, travelers can visit the famous Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient kasbahs. The route offers a fascinating blend of mountain views, historic sites, and local culture. Many drivers stop to visit traditional villages where they can experience Berber hospitality and local crafts. The Tizi n’Tichka Pass offers a truly unique road trip that combines natural beauty and cultural exploration. It’s an ideal road trip for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
The Stelvio Pass, Italy
The Stelvio Pass, located in the Italian Alps, is a challenging and scenic mountain road that stretches 48 miles across northern Italy. Known for its 48 hairpin bends and stunning alpine views, the route is considered one of the most exciting drives in Europe. Travelers can take in breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys as they make their way up and down the pass. Fall is an excellent time to visit as the cooler weather and autumn colors enhance the natural beauty of the area. The road itself has become famous among thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts alike.
The Stelvio Pass connects the regions of Lombardy and South Tyrol, making it a gateway to both picturesque villages and world-class hiking destinations. Along the way, drivers can stop to admire the charming alpine villages, like Bormio and Santa Caterina, known for their spa resorts and local culture. Fall brings fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful experience while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery. The route is best suited for experienced drivers due to the steep climbs and tight turns. The Stelvio Pass offers a thrilling and unforgettable road trip for those looking to explore Italy’s breathtaking mountain landscapes.
The Ruta 40, Argentina
Ruta 40 is one of the longest and most iconic roads in Argentina, stretching over 3,000 miles from north to south. It runs through the heart of the Andes mountains and takes travelers past picturesque vineyards, historic towns, and dramatic landscapes. Along the way, visitors can experience Argentina’s diverse climates, from the arid deserts of the north to the lush forests of the south. The route is perfect for those who enjoy long, scenic drives and are looking for a true road trip adventure. Fall is an excellent time to explore this vast road as the temperatures are mild and the landscape is particularly vibrant with autumn hues.
Travelers can stop at charming towns like Mendoza, known for its wine, and explore the rugged beauty of the Andes. The road also offers spectacular views of the Patagonian steppe and ancient rock formations. Ruta 40 is not just a drive, but a journey through Argentina’s history and natural beauty. The fall season provides a quieter experience, away from the summer crowds. This road trip is a perfect combination of adventure, culture, and natural wonder.
The Karoo, South Africa
The Karoo is a semi-desert region in South Africa that stretches across several provinces, offering a unique road trip experience. This route takes drivers through vast open spaces, ancient mountains, and tranquil small towns. Fall is the perfect time to explore the Karoo, as the cooler weather makes the long drives more comfortable. Along the way, visitors can stop at charming towns like Prince Albert, Graaff-Reinet, and Oudtshoorn, each known for their colonial architecture and scenic surroundings. The drive is peaceful, with wide-open skies and breathtaking landscapes to enjoy.
The Karoo is rich in both natural beauty and history, with several cultural and wildlife stops along the way. The region is home to wildlife reserves where travelers can spot local animals like springbok, kudu, and ostriches. Many visitors enjoy exploring the area’s vineyards and tasting local wines, as the Karoo is known for its wine-growing regions. The wide, clear skies and quiet landscapes offer a sense of isolation and serenity. If you’re looking for a road trip that offers both beauty and solitude, the Karoo is an excellent choice for an autumn adventure.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.