Best Motorcycle Trips for Leaf Peeping in the Fall

Fall is one of the best times to enjoy a getaway on your bike. The crisp fall air is a welcomed change from the heat of summer and the leaves are changing color to create the perfect scenic backdrop. No matter where you live in the contiguous United States there is a beautiful fall motorcycle adventure awaiting your tires.

So take one (or a few) weekend rides before parking your bike for the winter and check out these top road trips for leaf peeping!

Here are our favorite fall motorcycle road trips to see the fall foliage (no matter where you live!)

Northeast

It’s hard to beat the northeast in the fall. After all, who doesn’t imagine rolling Vermont hills speckled with orange and yellow leaves when they think of fall? And a motorcycle trip to the Northeast is the perfect way to truly enjoy all that autumn has to offer.

Moosehead Lake, ME

Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, and the second largest lake in all of New England. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it offers beautiful views year round, but in the fall it is pretty unbeatable. Ride up to the Attean Overlook to see all of Moose River Valley and stop at one of the lakeside towns such as Greenville or Rockwood to grab a bite to eat or stay the night.

Coastal Route 1, ME

Take a ride up Coastal Route 1 on the other side of the state to see the Atlantic coast in fall. From the Canadian border at Calais you can drive down to see all of the lighthouses and seascapes while the leaves change colors. There are tons of quiet villages to visit, but you will never be bored driving down the coastline and seeing all that the coast has to offer.

US Route 7, VT

Vermont is at its best in the fall, and a perfect way to see it all is to take a drive up US Route 7. It weaves from Green Mountain State Forest up to Burlington and is full of gorgeous views, small towns, and roadside attractions. And with so many parks and covered bridges along the way, you are sure to take in some gorgeous fall scenes.

Route 666, PA

Pennsylvania has some beautiful regions, and fall is the perfect time to enjoy the scenery. Route 666 (also referred to as Route 666-One Hell of a Ride!) is in the northwest part of the state in the Allegheny Mountains. Full of twists and turns, it’s a fun ride as well as a scenic one, full of natural rock formations, babbling brooks, and beautiful views. While the route is only about 30 miles, there are tons of other routes and towns nearby that you can enjoy, so it’s well worth the trip.

Southeast

The Fall in the southeast might be a little warmer than up north, but it is just as full of beautiful scenic rides. There are countless mountains and national forests in the south that can be enjoyed year round but are especially beautiful in the fall months.

Blue Ridge Parkway, NC & VA

The Blue Ridge Parkway is lovingly referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive”, and with good reason. This 469 mile road runs from The Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. In the nearly 500 miles of this stretch you can see the highest mountain peak in the eastern United States (Mount Mitchell), the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon (Linville Gorge), and the highest waterfall east of the Rockies (Whitewater Falls). And there is no better time to visit than in the fall when the leaves are changing.

Tail of the Dragon (Deal’s Gap),TN & NC

Deals Gap runs along the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Also known as The Tail of the Dragon, the road is 11 miles of twists and turns that take you through a scenic wonderland of fall foliage. With over 318 curves and turns with names such as Copperhead Corner and Brake or Bust Bend, it is perfect for any thrill-seeking motorcycle enthusiast.

Blue Ridge Mountains, GA

Georgia has some stunning fall drives, but the Blue Ridge Mountains are definitely at the top of the list. From the Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway in northern Georgia you can ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Chattahoochee River. There are a number of great small towns on the way, including Helen and Clayton, that you can stop at on your way to Brasstown Bald. Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia, offering stunning views of the state.

Midwest

The midwest transforms itself in the fall as the temperatures start to drop. From the tip of Michigan down to the scenic byways of Kansas, it’s hard to go wrong with a midwest tour of fall.

Tunnel of Trees, MI

Michigan in the fall is simply beautiful, especially if you start out near Lake Michigan. One of the best features of this area is the Tunnel of Trees, part of the M-119. This 20 mile stretch runs on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, and has some sharp twists and turns that make it a fun ride as well as a scenic one. Continue on Lake Michigan’s northeastern shores to visit some small fishing towns, lighthouses, and beautiful coves.

Shawnee Forest Country, IL

Leaf peepers from everywhere flock to Route 127 between Murphysboro and Jonesboro during the fall months. Located along the Shawnee National Forest, it is a beautiful motorcycle ride with rolling hills and lots of beautiful trees and scenes. Surrounded by dense forests, it is the perfect place to see the leaves change colors. You can round out your trip with apple picking, or by heading to one of the local wineries or breweries.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, WI

Kettle Moraine is a beautifully unique region in Wisconsin that really shines in the fall. The area is highly glaciated, meaning it was formed by glaciers millions of years ago (it’s even part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail). Because of this, it has a hilly terrain and lots of glacial landforms, making it a distinctive and fun ride for any motorcycle rider. The incredible fall foliage only makes it that much better.

West

No matter where you are on the west coast, it’s pretty beautiful in the fall months. You are guaranteed to find a beautiful leaf peeping drive in any of the western states.

Columbia River Gorge, OR

The Columbia River Gorge begins in Portland and runs to the Columbia River, separating Oregon and Washington. It has been shaped by geological events over the course of time, and while the river is at sea level, cliff sides run as high as 4000 feet on each side. With countless twists and turns, the Historic Columbia River Highway is perfect for any motorcycle lover. Waterfalls, fall colors, and gorgeous cliffsides make this a perfect fall riding destination.

Crested Butte, CO

Crested Butte has the largest aspen grove in the United States, making it a beautiful fall road trip destination. Located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Crested Butte is famous for its stunning alpine lakes and wildflower meadows. A motorcycle trip on The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway is the perfect way to celebrate fall, with a stop in town to stroll Elk Avenue and see this historic Colorado mining town.

Eastern Sierras, CA

The Eastern Sierras have so much to offer in the autumn months. This region contains parts of Yosemite National Park and Death Valley National Park making it an amazing destination year round. Take your motorcycle on a ride from Lundy Lake to Mono Lake to see the best that this area has to offer, from waterfalls and alpine lakes to beautiful displays of willows, aspens, and cottonwoods.

Those are our favorite leaf peeping motorcycle trips to take in the fall.

The fall is one of the best times to enjoy your motorcycle. There are so many routes to take, just be sure to check the local guides to see the best time to see everything in all of its glory. While early October may be best for certain regions, late November may be better for other regions.

Fall is also a great time to check in on your finances and make sure you aren’t overpaying on your motorcycle payments. If any of the following apply to you, you might be eligible for a lower monthly motorcycle payment:

Your credit score has improved since your initial financing
The market rates have decreased since your initial financing
Your debt to income ratio has decreased since your initial financing

If you are overpaying on your motorcycle payments, Auto Approve is here to help. We have relationships with lenders across the country and can secure you the best refinancing rates possible. Spend more time enjoying the fall scenery and less time worrying about payments.

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Should You Rent A Car on Vacation? 5 Things to Consider

Do you need to rent a car on vacation?It’s a complicated question, and there’s no one size fits all answer. However, there are a few important details you can and should take into account if you’re on the fence about renting a car on your next holiday.In this short guide to car rentals for vacation, we’ll look at:Your destinationYour travel planYour travel companionsYour vacation habitsAnd your budgetWith these things considered, you should have a clearer picture of whether or not renting a car is right for your getaway. And hey, remember – this is a good problem to have, it means you’re going on vacation!5 Things That Determine Whether You Need A Car On VacationWhether or not you want to drive on holiday is a personal decision. Ultimately, this choice can affect the kind of trip you have, so choose based on the vacation you want. 1. Where You’re GoingYour destination is a huge factor in deciding whether or not you need a car at all. For example, consider the following:Is it somewhere you’ll need to drive to get around? Is it somewhere with robust public transpo and limited parking? Do they drive on the same side of the road? What are your plans for meals – will you need to buy groceries?If you’re going to an all-inclusive resort, or a major city where parking will be expensive and difficult and public transportation is the standard way of getting around, a car might only slow you down. If you’re renting a ranch in Montana or roadtripping through mountains, you’re almost certainly going to want not just a vehicle, but one that can handle inclement weather and rough terrain.And if you’re going somewhere like Ireland or England where they drive on the other side of the road (or if you’re coming to the U.S. or Canada from, for example, the U.K., India, or Japan), even if having your own transportation might be convenient, you might want to look at buses and trains to lower stress and keep you safe.2. How You’re Getting ThereThere are different considerations for taking a road trip vs. flying somewhere.If you’re taking a road trip, you might consider taking your own car rather than getting a rental. This is certainly cheaper, and if you’re driving somewhere close to home, taking your own car is a perfectly good option. The biggest reasons to rent a vehicle for a road trip are:If your car is old or has limitations that’ll make it uncomfortable or more likely to break downIf you know you’ll need to handle terrain or weather your vehicle isn’t well-suited forIf you’re going somewhere far enough from service stations that a breakdown could mean a major trip interruptionIf you’re driving from Boston to Southern Maine, renting a car feels a little silly – you’re close to home, you’re not changing terrain, and you’ll be surrounded by auto shops the whole time. But if you’re driving from Boston to the Grand Canyon, the idea of getting a broken down car back home becomes a much bigger deal. A rental might be more expensive, but if you’re renting with a national company, it may be easier to simply replace a vehicle in the case of an emergency than wait for one to be fixed when you’re several days’ drive from your home and your destination. Of course, that’ll depend on your breakdown coverage and your rental agreement, so read the fine print on everything carefully as you weigh your options.On the flip side, if you’re flying to your destinations – say you’re off to see the rainforests of Costa Rica – renting a car will likely be your only choice, if all the other factors align and you decide a car is, in fact, necessary.3. Who You’re Going WithBig family? Solo travel? Your adventuring party makes a big difference in your transportation needs. If you’re backpacking on a budget alone across Europe, you might be willing to put up with a lot of minor inconveniences to save money. A car might be more of a hindrance than a help – or at least eat up your cash.On the other hand, if you’re taking your parents and your young kids to a beach house, you’re definitely going to need a vehicle.And if you’re traveling with a group of several adults, you might be willing to go either way on a vehicle rental vs, taking transportation. In that case, the best thing to do is dive into the details – will several train tickets be as or more expensive than a vehicle rental? Does the train have a scenic view, or would a car be a better way to see and explore the area?Want a little money back in your pocket for your next getaway?Refinancing your vehicle loan is a great way to save. Most people are eligible for a better rate and to pay less monthly. When you refinance with Auto Approve, we’ll help you find the best deal available to you, then do the paperwork for you!Get a free quote to see how much you could save.4. What You Like To Do On VacationAnother thing to think about is the kind of vacationer you are. Some people like to stay close to home, or stick to eating at restaurants and strolling around urban sites. If that’s you, cabs and walking might be more than sufficient for your needs. But for the outdoorsy, those who love beach days, national parks, and driving into the woods, a car can be a must-have. When you picture yourself on vacation, what are you doing? If you prefer to split the difference, you can always rent a car just for a day or two rather than for the whole time, to save money.5. Your BudgetMaybe one of the most important factors in all of this is what works for your wallet. Compare costs for different options and decide what’s worth it to you. If money is tight, choosing what will cost the least is probably going to be the best plan of action – just make sure you don’t choose something that could have the unintended consequence of costing you more because your research failed you. If the bus is cheaper, but it only comes every other day and you’ll need to rent a hotel room for a night while you wait, is it still cheaper? How much does a cab actually cost? How much is parking and gas where you’re going? Be thorough, especially if cost is a concern.And on the other hand, if you have more wiggle room in your budget, the right transportation for the right destination can make a trip more pleasant and less stressful. So, Should You Rent A Car For Your Next Vacation?That’ll depend on all these factors. A car is not always the right choice for every person and destination. Hopefully, with all of the above in consideration, you’ll be able to figure out the right steps for you and your next trip!Another good next step to take?Finding out how much you could save by refinancing your vehicle with Auto Approve! Most people are paying more than they need to be on their monthly car payment, thanks to dealer markups. If you got your loan through dealership financing, if rates have gone down, or if your credit has gone up, refinancing may be able to save you money both monthly and in the long run with a lower interest rate.Getting a quote only takes a few minutes, no commitment and no hard credit check required.Get your free quote now.

When Should I Refinance A Vehicle?

When should I refinance my vehicle?It’s a common question, and there’s no definitive, one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, it depends on you.The refinancing process can lower your monthly payments and help you get out of debt faster. But should you refinance your vehicle right now? If you're thinking about it, here are some things to consider:Is your auto loan term nearing its end?Are you struggling with high monthly payments?Have interest rates gone down?Has your credit score gone up?Do you want a lower interest rate?If the answer to any of these questions is yes, now may be the best time to refinance your vehicle. Let’s take a closer look.Here’s How You Know When to Refinance Your VehicleConsider these factors to decide when to refinance your car loan.Your Existing LoanWhere and when you got your existing loan – and the details of that loan – are all among the deciding factors in whether you’ll be able to find a better deal. It’s worth noting that, if you got your loan through dealership financing, the odds are very good you could save money by refinancing, as dealerships often add mark ups to their rates.When thinking about whether or not to refinance your car loan, it is important to know the current interest rate and term of your loan. You should consider the amount of time left on your loan and any prepayment penalties.Prepayment penaltiesPrepayment penalties are fees your lender charges you for paying off the loan before it is due. Watch out! Some lenders will not refinance loans that have prepayment penalties attached. That said, even if your current loan has a penalty attached, it may still be worth it for you to refinance. In some cases, you may be able to save more by refinancing than the cost of the penalty. This is especially true if you got a particularly bad rate on your existing loan (which frequently happens when you buy a new car directly from the dealer). Time remainingIf you have several years left on your current auto loan at an unfavorable rate or your existing loan has high fees, refinancing may be the right decision. After all, refinancing your car loan can be a great way to save money on interest and get lower monthly payments.If you refinance your loan to a longer term, you’ll likely be able to lower your monthly payments – but you could end up paying more in interest. On the flip side, if you can refinance at a lower interest rate and at a similar or even shorter loan term, you’ll be able to save money in the long run. (That’s one of the things that makes refinancing so great!)Your Credit ScoreYour credit history is one of the biggest factors in being able to refinance with most lenders. If you have good enough credit, then refinancing your car could save you money.Refinancing can be a great option if you have improved your credit and want lower monthly payments or to get a longer term on your loan. Better credit can also qualify you for a lower rate than you initially received so that you can pay less overall, regardless of whether or not you want a lower monthly payment.The only thing worth noting when it comes to your credit score is that you’ll want to avoid refinancing multiple times, as doing so could hurt your score, and rates usually go up with each refinance. Your Cash FlowMany people are looking for ways to reel in their budgets. If your income has gone down or you want more money in your pocket for added expenses, refinancing your auto loan could make sense for you. Doing so can lower your monthly payments and help save some cash, without having to change or get rid of your vehicle.Refinancing offers tons of potential savings and can be helpful for people who have limited cash flow. For example, if you’re unemployed and need money in your pocket right away, refinancing can lower your monthly payments and even give you the option to take a few months off from making a payment.Before refinancing your car loan, make sure you refinance for the best possible price. Shop around and compare offers before signing any paperwork to make sure you’re saving as much as possible. Unlike the competition, at Auto Approve, we never mark up the rate the bank offers you, so we pass maximum savings on to you. Eligibility For A New LoanHere’s a good question: What makes you eligible to refinance your car? Well, it varies based on the lender, but eligibility can depend on: how old your car ishow many miles you have on ithow much money is left on your loanand other factors If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible to refinance, don’t worry – we can help! Talk to one of our knowledgeable and friendly Auto Approve agents or use our handy online quote form to find out if your vehicle loan qualifies and how much you might be able to save in a jiffy.Interest RatesWith all that out of the way, one of the most important factors you should consider when deciding when you should refinance your car is the broader picture of interest rates.When it comes to interest rates, things have been all over the place in the past several years, with big fluctuations in vehicle prices and rates. Depending on when exactly you financed your vehicle, average rates may be lower or higher now, and your loan-to-value ratio may have shifted..With that in mind, if you’re eligible, it may be a great time to refinance your automobile right now – the only way to know for sure is to check.So, When Should You Refinance a Vehicle?When everything aligns! Many things go into making the decision to refinance your loan, but this article should help you know better what to look for. For many people refinancing can help you save money monthly and pay less over the life of the loan. The good news is, getting a free quote is easy! There’s no commitment or credit check to find out what rates you might be eligible for, and when you decide to refinance, an AutoApprove agent will help make sure you find the best deal for you and then do the paperwork for you, making refinancing quick and easy. So, whether you’re on the fence or ready to dive into refinancing, get your free quote now.

Top 4 Ways to Get a Lower Monthly Car Payment in 2025

How can you get a lower monthly car payment?When money is tight, or you're hoping to make a big purchase, every penny counts. Whether you're trying to save up for something big, looking to put more money where it matters, or cutting back in leaner times, lowering your expenses can help.That means, when you're going through your budget, you may want to figure out where you can save a few dollars. For many people, a car payment is one of the bigger bills they pay each month. If that's the case for you, lowering your car payment could be the answer to your financial challenges.Whether you need a temporary fix or a long term solution, there are tons of great options out there to help you secure a lower monthly car payment.Here are the four best ways to get a lower monthly car payment1. Talk to your lenderLenders are in the business of making money, and they only make money when you make your payments. You may be surprised to learn that many lenders are willing to work with borrowers to help them manage their payments more effectively.They may allow you to skip a payment or lower your payments temporarily. Keep in mind that interest will still accrue during this time, but it is always better to defer and have this accumulate than to have missed payments. Missed payments can trigger late fees and hurt your credit score. You want to avoid the negative credit impacts that will occur without deferment.That said, not all lenders are magnanimous, and they'll rarely want to cut a deal that doesn't benefit them in the end, so while you may be able to skip a payment or lower your monthly cost, you may end up paying more interest in the long run if you go this route.2. Refinance your carRefinancing can lower your monthly car payments in a number of ways and is likely to be your best option to effectively and sustainably reduce your monthly payments. Since refinancing benefits both you and your new lender, it's a win-win – they don't need to make more money than your current lender, so you're more likely to get a deal that'll cost you less overall. Here's how.You can get a lower interest rateOne of the main benefits of refinancing is securing a lower APR. There are several reasons you might be able to get a better interest rate this time around.You didn’t get a good deal on your original loan. If you went in to look for a car and got talked into dealership financing, there's a good chance you got stuck with a higher-than-necessary APR. In this case, refinancing is likely to lower your APR significantly and cut your payments drastically.Interest rates have dropped. Interest rates fluctuate based on how the economy is performing. If you bought your car while rates were high, there’s a good chance you are eligible for a lower APR if you refinance.Your credit score has improved. If your credit has improved since you first bought your car, you are probably eligible for a much lower rate. Your credit score is the most important portion of your application, and an improvement in credit can yield a drastically better interest rate.You can lengthen your repayment periodEven if you are not eligible for a lower interest rate, refinancing can still reduce your monthly payments by changing your repayment schedule. If you lengthen your repayment period (for example, from 36 months to 48 months) your balance will be paid over a longer period of time and your payments will be lower. Keep in mind you will be paying more interest overall, as you will pay interest for 48 months instead of 36 months, but it will drastically reduce your monthly payments.You can add a co-borrowerWhen you refinance, you can add a co-signer to your loan and possibly reduce your interest rate and secure better terms. If your co-borrower has good credit, they will be eligible for a better interest rate. If refinancing sounds like a good option for you, Auto Approve can streamline this process and help you start saving money today. We work as your advocates to get you the best rates possible, then do the paperwork for you..Want to know more about Auto Approve? Click here to find out why Auto Approve is the best way to refinance your auto loan.3. Sell Your CarIf you need a more permanent solution than talking with your lender will provide, and refinancing isn’t an option, you might need to consider a new set of wheels. You can either trade in your car to a dealership or sell the car on your own.Almost all dealerships will accept trade-ins and can put you in a car that will have lower monthly payments. Make sure you talk to the dealership and are upfront about what you can and cannot afford. You can also choose to sell the car privately. This is a bit more work than going to a dealership, but you will probably get more money for your car. If you want to sell your car on your own, be sure to clean your car very well, get good pictures, and make sure maintenance records are up to date. You want to make your car as attractive as possible to increase the amount of money you can make.Whether you sell to a dealership or to a private buyer, be sure to know three things before starting this process:How much you owe. Know how much money is left on your loan balance, and how much you need to sell the car for in order to break even.How much your car is worth. Go to Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to look up the value of your car. It might be worth more than you think and you don’t want to lose out on money that could be yours.What you’ll do for transportation next. If you plan to replace your current vehicle with a less expensive one, make sure you take time to look at the market and find vehicle options that’ll fit your needs before giving up your car. Vehicle prices have fluctuated drastically over the past 5-10 years and are likely to shift again with changing car tariffs. If you won’t be replacing your vehicle, have a backup plan for how you’ll get around and test it out for a week before making the change.4. Lease a Car InsteadIf you have sold your car but still need to get around, getting a lease instead of purchasing a new car might be a good option. Leases are generally cheaper than buying a new car, as you are only paying for the depreciation that accrues during your use. There are three main leases you can pursue:New Car Lease – This is the most common type of lease and is widely available. You typically need pretty good credit and a down payment to secure a new car lease.Used Car Lease – These are not as common as new leases but they are out there if you do your research. The APR might be a bit higher, but since the car is not worth as much you might have lower payments than if you got a new car lease.Lease Takeover – This occurs when someone wants to get out of their existing lease for one reason or another. Websites like LeaseTrader.com and SwapALease.com provide a space for you to shop around for a lease takeover. Some people who are desperate to get out of their existing leases may even offer cash incentives, making this a good option if money is particularly tight. You will still need to go through an application and credit check, but you can probably secure a nicer car for a lower rate than if you were to get a new car lease.And those are our top tips for lowering your monthly car payment!In times of economic uncertainty, budgeting and saving money is incredibly important. If you are struggling to make ends meet every month, consider one of the options above.And if refinancing seems like the right option for you, or you want to find out just how much refinancing could lower your monthly payment, Auto Approve is here for you. All it takes is a few clicks and to get a quote and get on your way to more money in your pocket and less on your vehicle payments.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

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Best Motorcycle Road Trips for Leaf Peeping – Fall 2022