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.

GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

More Resources

The 3 Best American Road Trips To Take This Year

Thinking about a road trip this year, but not sure which of the many amazing classic American road trips to take? You’re in the right place.While it’s hard to say that any one singular road trip is the best most beautiful roast trip to take – the United States has tons of interesting terrain, stunning vistas, and cultural landmarks from sea to shining sea – we’ve compiled three favorites that you can start planning right now.There are many more great options. Traveling Route 66 or visiting the Grand Canyon are evergreen classics. But these uniquely excellent drives were selected for weather, accessibility, and combination of natural wonders and modern conveniences. American Road Trips to Take In 2025What’s the best road trip to take for you? Only you can decide that, but it’ll depend on who you’re driving with (or if you’re flying solo!), where you’re starting your journey, and how long you want to spend in the day, per car and overall. Each of these road trips can be shortened or lengthened with fewer or more stops, and each has their pros and cons. And once you’ve picked one, check out our road trip planner.1. New England: Jamestown to Acadia National ParkIf you’re craving a seaside getaway, it doesn’t get much more iconic than a drive up the New England coastline. This is a great option for summer and fall road trips. During the summer, you get cooler temperatures than much of the US, sea breezes, lobster rolls, and beach days. During the fall, you get stunning fall colors, script temperatures, bonfires, and apple pie.This is a particularly great road trip for families and those not inclined to spend endless hours in the car, since the total driving time is fairly short and the stop options are plentiful, from bustling city life in Boston to the amazing restaurants of Portsmouth, NH, and Portland, ME, to the lighthouses, ocean views, and sprawling forests of coastal Maine and Acadia National Park. Driving time (one way without stops, approx.): 6 hoursStop ideas: RI: Jamestown, Providence; MA: Cape Cod, Boston, Salem; NH: Portsmouth; ME: Ogunquit, Portland, Freeport, Augusta, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park You won’t want to make all these stops in a row, but if you’re driving round trip, you can always see the LL Bean boot in Freeport one way and make time for Salem’s witches (or lack thereof) on the way back.One word to the wise: This road trip won’t work in the winter due to the weather in the Northeast. Driving in winter conditions doesn’t make for a relaxing vacation!2. Smoky Mountains: Asheville to MemphisIf you’re interested in a road trip through classic Americana, a trip from North Carolina to Tennessee might be just the ticket. By stopping in Nashville and Memphis, you can see much of the heart of American music history, and the barbecue across the region is iconic. And the culture isn’t half of it – this drive takes you through the stunning Smoky Mountains and is widely considered one of the most beautiful road trips you can take.Driving time (one way without stops, approx.): 8 hoursStop ideas: NC: Charlotte, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (crosses multiple states); TN: Johnson City, Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Chattanooga, NashvilleA few of these are out the way from the others – stopping Charlotte would really mean starting or ending in Charlotte, and Johnson City’s out of the way, but a fine place to stop if you choose to focus on exploring the Smoky Mountains.This trip is going to have the hottest weather of the options on this list in the summer, but nothing compared to what you might experience in Zion or Big Bend. The Smoky Mountains and Asheville stay pretty cool, but by the time you get to Memphis, depending on the time of year, it can get into the 90s Fahrenheit. The good news is, all these places stay relatively temperate through the winter, so there’s no bad time of year to visit.Be prepared: Cell service is weak or non-existent in some parts of the Smoky Mountains, so you’ll want to make sure you have a paper map and a well-stocked car emergency kit, just in case.3. Pacific Northwest Meets Big Sky Country: Seattle to YellowstoneWhen it comes to iconic American experiences, Yellowstone National Park is high on the list. But to get the full flavor of the Pacific Northwest and Big Sky Country, start or end the drive in Seattle. Taking time to stop in Washington’s wine country and see Puget Sound adds another incredible set of sights and experiences, and Seattle makes a great jumping off point to visit any one of Olympic, Mount Rainier, or North Cascades National Park. From there, you’re diving into the heartland, whether you want to head up to Glacier National Park, down to Grand Teton, or straight to Yellowstone.Driving time (one way without stops, approx.): 11.5 hoursStop ideas: WA: Seattle, Puget Sound, Washington Wineries, Spokane; MT: Glacier National Park, Butte Historic District, Bozeman, Big Sky; ID: Boise; WY: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park:This is clearly the most time-consuming, robust road trip of the three. If you’re looking for a big trip, this is the one. Yes, it’s a commitment, but worth it for the stunning views and once in a lifetime experiences. Just remember, when you’re spending a lot of time in National Parks, you want to make sure you plan your road trip meticulously. Gas stations and places to stay the night can be few and far between, and some things may book up months in advance.Don’t have a ton of time but want to see Big Sky Country? You can also fly into Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and land just two miles from Yellowstone National Park.Which of These 3 Beautiful Road Trips In The United States Sings to You?There’s no wrong choice – you want to choose something that fits the amount of time you have, your budget, and your interests.Want to spend more on your dream road trip and less on your monthly car payment?Most people are paying more than they need to on their auto loan, thanks to dealership rate markups! AutoApprove can help you find a better rate in just a few clicks. Tell us a bit about your vehicle – no commitment required – to find out how much you could potentially save through refinancing. An AutoApprove representative will help you find the deal that’s right for you, and once you’ve selected your refinance, we do the paperwork for you, easy as that!That means more money in your pocket for the things that matter most – whether that’s a soul-searching solo trip or an unforgettable family vacation.Get your free quote now.

Useful Skills You Can Learn While Driving

Have you ever considered learning while you drive? Whether you want to make better use of a daily commute or are heading out on a long solo drive, if you want to learn a skill from behind the wheel, we have some ideas for you!The key to learning on the road is to choose something you can do with just audio media – and to make sure nothing you do is so engrossing that you lose focus. It’s important that you still drive safely, no matter what. Essentially, we recommend skills you can learn from an audiobook or podcast and repetitive activities that allow you to build up your knowledge or talents over time.Let’s take a look.Things You Can Learn While DrivingThe average American driver spends, according to a AAA survey, just over an hour in their car every single day. Why not find ways to be productive with all that time? Here are some things you can pick up while you drive.1. Learn a LanguageThis is probably the most popular skill to tackle in the car. Whether you’re brushing up on a language you learned in high school, preparing for a trip, trying to improve your chances at a new job, or learning just to stay sharp, there are tons of good reasons to learn a language while you drive. And, yes, while you’ll also need to supplement with written lessons, you can work on your listening and speaking skills in the car.Depending on which language you want to learn and your level, you’ll need different resources, but here are a few ideas for ways to get started:Starting from 0: Listen to podcasts that teach you the basics (for example, Pimsleur and LanguagePod101 both have podcast-based language lessons)For skill building: Listen to programs designed for language learners (for example, News in Slow is designed for people currently learning at a beginner to intermediate level to practice listening comprehension) For advanced learners: Grow your vocabulary and get closer to fluency by listening to music or news in your target language and trying to capture any unfamiliar words, phrases, or ideas2. Listen to the Sounds of NatureIf you’re interested in the natural world, you could use the time to learn things like the calls of birds local to your area. Avid birders in particular might find this interesting – and there are many resources for birders, since it’s such a popular hobby (BirdNote Daily is a good option) – but resources exist for frog fans and other animal lovers as well, dependent on your region. And there’s no reason you need to stick to your own backyard! Noisy by Nature is a kid-focused podcast that introduces the sounds of Australian wildlife (and is, frankly, fascinating for all ages).As an added bonus, nature sounds can also be relaxing, which is helpful when you’re stuck in traffic in a 20 minute slowdown.3. Write Better EmailsWhether you’re an English learner, a complete word nerd, or someone who struggled with writing in school and wants to up their email game, there are tons of great podcasts about English grammar, word usage, and how people speak. A few top recommendations include: Grammar GirlThe AllusionistVocal FriesYou’re Saying It WrongWebster's Word of the DayExpanding your vocabulary, mastering complex grammar rules, getting into the nitty-gritty of style, and discovering common malapropisms and mistakes can make you a better writer, reader, and conversationalist.4. Level Up Your Financial LiteracyThere are tons of great personal finance podcasts being made right now. If you’ve never spent much time thinking about budgeting, saving, or your own attitudes toward money, learning about the basics of finance while you drive could be a huge help!Planet Money, which covers current events in the world of money and investment, is a fascinating and informative podcast, while So Money, Money For the Rest of Us, and Afford Anything are a few of the many long-running hits in the finance space. Read reviews and find a podcast that fits your taste – and just remember, no podcast gives specific advice, so ask a professional before making big money moves!Trying to be smarter with money?You don’t need to learn any new skills to refinance your vehicle and start saving money. Most people are paying more than they need to be on their auto loan. A refinance can help you secure a lower rate and pay less. Plus, it’s easy! AutoApprove can help you find the right deal for your unique situation – and do the paperwork for you.Get a free, no-commitment quote to see how much you could save.5. Practice Using Your VoiceWhether you’re a nervous public speaker or thinking about getting into amateur opera, the car is the perfect place to get vocal reps in. There are tons of voice teachers making content online – you could find a vocal warm-up to try while you drive, or look up exercises in advance and put them into practice when the car door is closed.Whether you rehearse a presentation or sales pitch, practice improvising speeches, or sing do-re-mi, the car is a rare place where you can let yourself be as noisy as you want, take advantage of it!6. Build Your Understanding of MathRegardless of your current level of math expertise, you can skill build while in the car. Some people work on basic skills like solving simple number problems, memorizing multiplication tables, or learning more of the digits of pi. Or, if you prefer to simply listen, there are many engaging math listens that can make you fall in love with math. A few top podcast options include: The Joy of XBreaking MathMy Favorite TheoremOpinionated History of MathematicsLeveling up your understanding of math can help you see the world in a new light! And hey, maybe you can impress your friends with your new intel.7. Learn About the WorldLast but certainly not least, there are so many great educational podcasts about all manner of things, from history to economics to niche scientific fields. Taking the time to simply learn broadly about different topics that interest you wherever you can is a very productive way to spend your time in the car. Some of the best options happen to overlap with our recommended podcasts for long drives, like Ologies, 99% Invisible, The Happiness Lab, and Revolutions. But the thing that interests you most when you set out on the road is always the best option, whatever that may be – even if it’s something silly like the workings of ‘90s cars or learning to understand Morse code. Whatever you choose, expanding your worldview and learning something new is always a good choice!And Those Are Seven Useful Ways To Spend Your Driving TimeMost of us spend quite a bit of time behind the wheel, trying to make something of that time is an admirable pursuit! From language learning to amateur opera performance, there’s always something interesting to do to pass the time and challenge your mind.But refinancing your vehicle doesn’t take any time at all.You could be paying less monthly on your auto loan, putting more cash back in your pocket for the things that matter most. Find out how much you could save with just a few clicks and no commitment. Get your free quote now.

5 Things Every Car Owner Should Know

Let’s talk about five of the essential things every car owner should know.There are tons of skills you come by naturally as you start driving. Some things you learn for your drivers license exam, some skills you pick up as you start driving. But there are a few things not everyone knows how to do that can make you a better car owner and help you feel more confident on the road.These are some of the top skills you need to take time to learn once you own a car. Let’s take a closer look.Essential Skills for Drivers and Car OwnersTake a peek at the list. Do you know how to do all of these things? Most people will have learned at least some of these skills naturally, but taking time to really master them can help you drive safer and keep your car in great condition longer.1. How to Check and Change a TireIt’s important to get to know your tires, and recognize the right tire for your vehicle. But buying the right tires is only the beginning – tire maintenance and tire changing are super handy skills for every driver. The same is true for recognizing, checking, and changing or replacing fluids like engine coolant, brake fluid, windshield washing fluid, transmission fluid, and engine oil. If you see a liquid coming out of your vehicle, being able to recognize what fluid it most likely is and whether or not it constitutes a safety hazard is key.To get you started here are the essentials of changing a tire:Find somewhere safe to park on a level, firm surface.Turn on your hazard lights.Gather your tools: spare tire, car jack, lug wrench, and your owner’s manualReview any important information in the manual about tire changes for your specific vehicle Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts (which may be under the hub cap)Position the car jack at your vehicle’s jack points based on the instruction in the car owner’s manual (sometimes marked with a notch on the chassis)Slowly raise the car with the jackFinish loosening and remove the lug nuts, keeping them somewhere you can easily find them again where they can’t roll awayRemove the flat tire and replace it with the spare, lining the spare up with the wheel studsReplace the lug nuts and gently start screwing them in by handLower the car Use your lug wrench to tighten the lug nutsPut all your equipment back where you usually keep itCheck tire pressure for all tires (you may want to go to a garage to make sure everything’s good to go and your tire pressure is even)Return to the road, driving slowly and carefully if you’re driving on a donutPracticing changing your tire a few times at home can make it much less stressful if and when you need to change one on the road.2. How to Deep Clean Your Car YourselfWhile automatic car washes are handy and typically fairly affordable, deep cleaning and detailing your car can get expensive and time consuming. Knowing how to keep your car clean and how to handle stains and wear and tear on the inside and outside can improve your driving experience. After all, according to AAA, American drivers spent an average of 60.2 minutes behind the wheel every day as of 2022. Making that space clean and comfortable can help that hour of driving feel less stressful.Plus, deep cleaning your car yourself can save you money, and some people find it meditative!Speaking of saving money…Here’s one more thing every car owner should know how to do: lower their car payment quickly and hassle-free with Auto Approve!Get a free quote to see how much you could save.3. How to Read A Paper MapOnce a ubiquitous skill, knowing how to read a paper map is less and less common with the rise of GPS and digital map apps for the phone and in-car systems. However, it’s important that drivers of all ages master this skill and keep it sharp to be safe. You never know when you could lose service or battery power. Having a map in your glovebox and knowing how to read can help save headaches should you land in a tough spot. The last thing you want in the case of a breakdown is to add not knowing where you are to an already stressful situation.And reading a map isn’t all – all drivers should have on hand and know how to read their vehicle’s manual. You never want to be stranded somewhere trying to guess the meaning of an alert you’ve never seen before!While reading a map might not be absolutely essential when you’re staying close to home, it can come in handy if you want to plan a road trip – and even more so when you hit the road and venture into new areas further from home (and, depending on where you’re heading, further from robust network coverage!).4. How to Drive in Bad WeatherGiven shifting norms for how often we see major storms – and new types of storms hitting areas that once rarely saw, for example, snow storms or hurricanes – knowing how to drive, and when not to drive, in all kinds of weather is an absolute must.Driving in winter storms or heavy rain can mean different risks and challenges than, say, very strong winds or a heatwave. Prepare for all possibilities by brushing up on your driving skills and keeping an emergency kit in your truck.In general, when the weather is crazy and you’re on the road, slow down, leave extra space between you and the car in front of you, and remember that if you start to slide, the best thing to do is take your foot off the gas and gently steer the front of your car toward the direction you want it to go.5. How To Recognize Warning Signs from An Old CarLast but certainly not least, assuming you do everything right and your vehicle serves you well for over a decade, you’ll want to start keeping an eye out for signs of wear and tear that might mean a car is on its last legs. There’s a rule of thumb called the 30/60/90 rule in auto maintenance that suggests you should take your car in for servicing and preventative maintenance every 30,000 miles. This is true regardless of how long the vehicle’s been on the road and whether or not it’s showing any of the major old car warning signs. Preventative maintenance can help catch problems early and let you drive with confidence even after years with your vehicle. If everything’s looking good, you just need to keep an eye out for rusting, brake issues, bumping or bouncing, or a persistent check engine light. And One More Thing Every Car Owner Needs to Know…How to lower their car payment! Auto Approve can help you lower your vehicle payment in minutes.Most people are overpaying on their auto loanIf you got your vehicle from a dealership, there’s a good chance you’re overpaying on your auto loan, thanks to dealer markups on rates. Auto Approve can help you find out whether you’re eligible for a better rate and start paying less through refinancing. To get started, all you have to do is answer a few questions, no commitment required. Then, an Auto Approve associate can help you find the best deal for you. Once you choose your refinance, Auto Approve does the paperwork, making the process quick and easy!Get your free quote to see how much you could save today.

Resources

Auto Refinance

Auto Lease Purchase

Motorcycle Refinance

Best Motorcycle Road Trips for Leaf Peeping – Fall 2022