Fall has arrived. If you live where the seasonal changes bring crisp weather and new colors, fall is something to celebrate. If you don’t, October might be the time to take a little trip to the East Coast to enjoy the majesty of fall on the Eastern Seaboard.
This region of the United States — stretching from Maine to Florida — is known for its charming towns, rugged coastlines, amazing seafood, and riotous fall colors. Parts of this region, particularly New England and nearby states, offer fantastic fall scenery. If you love to ride and want to take in the beautiful fall atmosphere, now is the time to go on an East Coast road trip.
The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England
The Bold Coast Scenic Byway, Maine
This route is legendary among East Coast road trip routes. It starts in Millbridge and journeys along the coast through Columbia Falls, Jonesport, Jonesboro, Cutler, Whittling, and Lubec. Along the way, you’ll experience Maine’s coastlines and memorably iconic lighthouses.
If trekking during the fall season, you’ll also see some of the best fall foliage in New England. The stunning assortment of reds, oranges, and yellows in the forests is mesmerizing. Not to mention, there are plenty of hiking trails and blueberry fields to break up the weekend ride.
Old King’s Highway, Massachusetts
Another amazing East Coast road trip lies on route US 6A (not to be confused with US 6). This adventure starts in Providence, Rhode Island, travels through Cape Cod, and ends in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
National Geographic rates this drive as one of the world’s most scenic drives, and the Smithsonian claims it to be the nation’s most appealing stretch of highway. The 65 miles make a great weekend trip, especially for those who want to enjoy some classic Massachusetts clam chowder when they stop to rest.
Smoky Mountains Fall Colors
The Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee
Next, we have a route along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning rolling hills. It’s not hard to see why it’s America’s most visited national park. Motorcycle riders looking to combine incredible fall scenery with riding excitement should definitely journey to the Show-Me State (Tennessee).
The Tail of the Dragon through Deal’s Gap offers non-stop fall delights for motorcycle riders. There are 318 curves in the 11-mile stretch of route US 129, making this a real hairpin experience best experienced by riders on two wheels. Add the Smoky Mountains fall colors into the mix, and it’s a ride you’ll never forget.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
For a longer ride, consider the Blue Ridge Parkway. It starts near the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and stretches 470 miles to the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Along this stretch, you’ll find Civil War sites, the infamous Blue Ridge Music Center, and some of the best North Carolina-style BBQ eateries.
Other Great East Coast Roadtrip Routes
State Route 5, Virginia
If you like combining your bike trips with a little history, you won’t want to miss State Route 5 in Virginia. This 50-mile route follows the James River through a colorful, lush valley. Starting in Richmond and ending in Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll discover Virginia’s capital, Georgian brick mansions, and historical reenactment sites with actors reliving our nation’s past.
The route passes through three of the eight shires chartered by King Charles I in 1634 and many of his homes are open to visitors. Be sure to stop along the way to admire the architecture, learn more about our history, and of course, admire the fall foliage.
Florida Keys Overseas Highway, Florida
If you prefer warmer, tropical fall weather, perhaps it’s time to ride south for the fall. While it’s true you’ll miss out on the legendary fall foliage in New England, a Key West road trip will offer its own unique fall sights and experiences. Journeying south from Miami along route US 1, you will leave the Florida mainland and travel through the islands of the Florida Keys.
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is a series of long bridges that carry you across the ocean from key to key, providing some of the most stunning water views in all of the U.S. Once you make it to Key West, you’ll find legendary bars on historic streets where you can grab a drink, enjoy the sunset, and maybe even take a spin through Hemingway’s Key West home.
Peace of Mind While You Ride
Road trips – especially motorcycle rides – are a way to relax and get back to yourself. But like most riders, you probably have that little voice in the back of your mind…
What will my family do if something happens to me?
Many people have found that life insurance can help quite that little voice of concern. With a good policy, you can ride along the country’s best motorcycle routes without worry. So, before you gear up for a weekend ride through fall landscapes, gain some peace of mind by talking to a Principled Life insurance advisor about the right policy for you.
And just like that… you’re covered and ready to ride off into the sunset.