Here's Where You Should Travel This October in the USA

Aug 26, 2024

As the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisp, October is the perfect month for exploring the vibrant landscapes and cultural festivals across the United States. Whether you're a rider looking for the next great ride or an adventurer looking to explore nature, here are the best places to go in America this October.

1. Experience the Magic of Fall in Vermont

• Known for: Consistently ranking high for fall foliage.
• Where to Go: Explore the charming towns of Stowe, Burlington, and the natural beauty of Mount Mansfield and Smugglers' Notch State Park.
• Insider Tip: The Stowe Recreation Path offers a leisurely walk or bike ride through picturesque landscapes.
• Motorcycle Routes: Route 100, known as Vermont's Main Street, is lined with scenic views and vibrant foliage, making it a motorcyclist's dream.
• Fall Festival Highlight: Don't miss the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival during October 11-13, 2024

2. Discover New Hampshire’s White Mountains

• Known for: The stunning autumn colors.
• Must-Visit Spots: Drive along the Kancamagus Highway, stop by Franconia Notch State Park, or ascend Mount Washington.
• Insider Tip: The Mount Washington Auto Road provides an exhilarating drive with panoramic views from the summit.
• Motorcycle Routes: The Kancamagus Highway offers 34.5 miles of scenic byway that is perfect for a fall ride.
• Local Festivities: Enjoy the Fall Color Ramble from October 5-13.

3. Explore the Natural Beauty of Maine

• Known for: Its stunning fall scenery, especially in Acadia National Park.
• Top Locations: Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Park Loop Road.
• Insider Tip: Witness one of the USA's first sunrises in fall from Cadillac Mountain.
• Motorcycle Route: Take a scenic ride through Acadia on the Park Loop Road.

Ride the Foliage with a Local Guide

Fall colors don't wait around, and the best stretches aren't always the ones that show up first on a map. Riders Share offers motorcycle tours across the country led by locals who know when the leaves peak, which roads stay clear, and where to stop without losing the light. If you're chasing autumn views and don't want to guess your way through, a guided ride keeps you on the good roads.

4. Venture to Michigan’s Picturesque Landscapes

• Emerging as: A popular fall destination with highlights like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City.
• Explore: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Leelanau Peninsula, and Old Mission Peninsula.
• Insider Tip: Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for breathtaking views of the dunes and Lake Michigan.
• Motorcycle Routes: Traverse the M-22 Scenic Drive, renowned for its beautiful fall foliage.

5. Unwind in Wisconsin’s Door County

• Known for: Remaining a strong contender for fall travel with its rustic charm.
• Places to Visit: Peninsula State Park, Washington Island, and Cana Island Lighthouse.
• Insider Tip: Take a ferry to Washington Island and explore the Fragrant Isle's lavender fields.
• Motorcycle Route: Enjoy the views along the Door County Coastal Byway.
• Festival Alert: Check out the Sister Bay Fall Fest from October 18-20.

6. Explore the Vibrant Colors of Upstate New York

• Known for: Its breathtaking fall foliage across the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley.
• Where to Visit: Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, and the artsy town of Beacon.
• Insider Tip: The Walkway Over the Hudson provides stunning views of the surrounding autumn colors.
• Motorcycle Route: Enjoy a serene ride along the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway.

• Fall Festival: Don't miss the Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest, running on Saturday/Sundays from September 29 to October 13.

7. Experience Pennsylvania’s Autumn Charm

• Gaining Popularity For: Its picturesque fall scenery in the Poconos and Lancaster County.
• Must-See Places: Bushkill Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park, and the charming town of Jim Thorpe.
• Insider Tip: Visit the historic town of Jim Thorpe, known as the "Switzerland of America" for its quaint shops and eateries.
• Motorcycle Routes: Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack offers scenic views and engaging roads. Find more of the best Pennsylvania motorcycle routes here. 

• Seasonal Festivity: The Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival from October 5 through the 20th. 

8. Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park

• Known for: Its stunning mountain views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
• Highlights: Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake.
• Insider Tip: Early October is ideal for elk viewing, with the annual elk rut drawing spectators.
• Motorcycle Rides: Peak to Peak Highway offers one of Colorado’s most scenic drives with spectacular fall colors in the Rocky Mountains.

• Seasonal Event: Estes Park's Elk Fest in early October celebrates wildlife with educational events and more.

9. Southern Delights in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

• Known for: Beautiful mountain scenery and vibrant local culture.
• Places to Visit: Blue Ridge, Helen, and the expansive Chattahoochee National Forest.
• Insider Tip: Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a relaxing view of the area's fall colors.
• Motorcycle Routes: The winding roads of the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway are perfect for a fall tour.
• Autumn Festival: Enjoy the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, featuring crafts, food, and apple-themed activities.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your October travels, consider these tips to enhance your experience:

1. Check Local Events: Many areas host unique festivals and events that provide a deeper dive into the local culture.
2. Weather Prep: October can be unpredictable, so pack layers to adjust to changing temperatures.
3. Book Early: Popular destinations can fill up quickly, especially in peak foliage areas.
4. For more insights on fall travel and to connect with other travelers, visit Rider's Share.
5. Rent a Motorcycle: Looking for a unique way to explore the fall foliage this October? Consider a motorcycle rental from Riders Share!

1. Looking for Fall Motorcycle Rallies? Check out our article at the link below!

Best Motorcycle Trips this October to See Fall Foliage

Top 3 Motorcycling Routes in Eastern USA

• Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina) - Renowned for its sweeping vistas and vibrant fall foliage, this route offers a serene and picturesque ride through the Appalachian Highlands.
• Tail of the Dragon (North Carolina to Tennessee) - Famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles, this challenging route is a must-ride for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking thrill and adventure.
• Acadia National Park Loop Road (Maine) - This scenic loop offers stunning views of Maine’s rugged coastline and dense forests, ideal for a peaceful autumn ride.

Top 3 Motorcycling Routes in Western USA

• Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming) - Known as one of the most beautiful drives in America, this high-altitude road traverses dramatic landscapes with breathtaking views of the Rockies.
• Million Dollar Highway (Colorado) - Part of the San Juan Skyway, this route features steep cliffs and jaw-dropping vistas of the San Juan Mountains, famous for its sharp curves and lack of guardrails.
• Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana) - Located in Glacier National Park, this road cuts through the heart of the park and offers views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains.