Northern leaves are past peak, but these five southern drives are just getting started.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
High elevations peak in mid-October, but lower stretches glow into early November. Rangers say the 469-mile route offers overlooks every few miles.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Smokies deliver the longest color season in the East, with lower elevations peaking in late October and early November. Park officials recommend Newfound Gap Road and the Cades Cove loop for the biggest payoff.
Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles along the Blue Ridge crest, and its southern end holds color into late October. The park notes more than 75 overlooks, making it one of the easiest scenic drives in the country.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Ohio’s Hocking Hills region peaks in late October, and its winding routes through gorges and waterfalls rival anything in New England. Tourism officials say the area’s hemlocks stay green while maples and oaks flame around them.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The 444-mile Trace peaks from late October through November, the latest color on this list. The National Park Service notes gentle curves and no commercial traffic, so the drive stays peaceful even at peak season.
Sources: National Park Service, state tourism offices
