Fall in the United States is more than just a seasonâitâs a spectacle. Crisp air, pumpkin patches, andâmost importantlyâbrilliantly colored leaves that transform forests and mountain ranges into fiery canvases. For RV travelers, autumn is the ideal time to hit the road and explore.
In this guide, weâve mapped out the most efficient RV route for fall foliage, designed for Class A, B, and C motorhomes. Youâll follow the wave of peak color as it sweeps from New England in late September down through the Appalachian Mountains and into the Smokies by late October.
If youâre looking to sell your RV or upgrade before your trip, browse our current RVs for Sale on RVOnline.com.
đ Why This Route Is Perfect for RVers
- Chase the colors: This route moves north to south, ensuring you hit peak foliage at every stop.
- RV-friendly roads: The highways and scenic byways are accessible for large motorhomes.
- Bucket-list destinations: From the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire to Skyline Drive in Virginia, youâll cover some of the best fall drives in America.
Looking for more RV travel inspiration? Donât miss our RV Buyerâs Toolkit and RV Travel Guides.
đ Stop 1: Northern New England (Late September â Early October)
- White Mountains, New Hampshire: Drive the legendary Kancamagus Highway, often ranked among the best fall drives in the U.S.
- Vermont Route 100: Known as Vermontâs âfoliage corridor,â this drive takes you past covered bridges, mountain towns, and rolling hills.
- Acadia National Park, Maine: The only national park in New England, Acadia offers dramatic contrasts of colorful maples against the rugged Atlantic coast.
đ Stop 2: Hudson Valley & Catskills, New York (Early October)
The Hudson Valley and Catskills come alive with fiery reds and golds in early October.
- Hudson River Valley: Famous for orchards, vineyards, and river views.
- Catskill Park, Route 28: Stunning mix of mountain peaks and charming small towns.
- Walkway Over the Hudson: Panoramic views of the Hudson River framed by autumn leaves.
đČ Stop 3: Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania (Mid October)
With rolling hills, reflective lakes, and covered bridges, the Poconos are a classic fall RV stop.
- Delaware Water Gap Scenic Byway: RV-friendly route with plenty of scenic pull-offs.
- Fall festivals: Pumpkin patches and cider mills add seasonal charm.
đ Stop 4: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (Mid to Late October)
Shenandoahâs Skyline Drive is one of the most iconic fall foliage drives in the U.S.:
- 105 miles of uninterrupted fall color along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Over 75 scenic overlooks perfect for RV travelers.
- Easy hikes to panoramic views, such as Stony Man and Hawksbill.
đ Stop 5: Blue Ridge Parkway & Great Smoky Mountains (Late October)
End your foliage chase with the southern crescendo of fall.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Connects Shenandoah to the Smokies, offering endless overlooks and waterfalls.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The grand finale of fall foliage, where colors peak in late October.
đ Peak Color Timing Guide
- Late Sept â Early Oct: New England (NH, VT, ME)
- Early â Mid Oct: Hudson Valley, Catskills, Poconos
- Mid â Late Oct: Shenandoah, Blue Ridge Parkway, Smokies
đșïž Route Snapshot
- Total Distance: ~1,500 miles
- Duration: 3â4 weeks (flexible for shorter trips)
- Best For: RVers looking to combine fall foliage with scenic drives, historic towns, and national parks.
đ Want more trip planning tools? Download our free RV Travel Checklist to get your rig ready for the road.
â Final Thoughts
A motorhome fall foliage road trip is the ultimate way to experience autumn in America. From the fiery maples of New England to the golden oaks of the Smokies, this route captures the full spectrum of fall colorâwithout missing peak season.
Start planning your RV adventure today and explore our latest RV listings to find the perfect motorhome for your journey.
đ Wherever the road takes you, fall is callingâwill you answer?
