Exploring scenic U.S. fall drives is an enchanting experience that offers a unique blend of tranquility and vibrant beauty. The changing colors of the autumn leaves paint a picturesque landscape that’s both soothing and invigorating. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature, embrace the seasonal transformation, and create lasting memories with family and friends. The winding roads through forests and mountains provide a sense of serenity, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Witnessing the fall foliage is not only visually captivating but also a chance to appreciate the wonders of nature.
Gunther VW Coconut Creek asked 3,000 respondents to rate their favorite routes to see fall foliage, and this is what they said:
The Historic Hills Scenic Byway secured the third position within the state’s rankings. It was ranked 134th nationally in the vote. For those who enjoy the outdoors and leaf-peeping, this byway becomes an amazing adventure when fall paints the undulating hills and valleys with a colorful rainbow of reds, oranges, and yellows. The Historic Hills Scenic Byway is a great way to take in Iowa’s fall foliage and rich history, whether you choose to drive along for scenic views of the changing leaves, make stops at nearby landmarks, or just spend time in the tranquil countryside.
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway claimed the 121st spot in the national rankings, and the second most favored within the state. The Loess Hills stands as a collection of undulating hills, shaped gradually over millennia by wind-deposited silt.
There exist only two extensive loess formations of this kind worldwide, underscoring nature’s remarkable power. During the autumn season, this byway transforms into a truly magnificent spectacle. The rich greenery of the evergreen trees set against the expansive Iowa sky, with its striking shades of blue, creates a vivid contrast with the warm, earthy tones of the prairie grasses, shrubs, and deciduous trees that blanket the hills in hues of red, amber, and gold.
The Grant Wood Scenic Byway ranked 76th nationally, was the most popular fall foliage drive destination in Iowa. Scenic vistas of undulating hills and rural expanses in eastern Iowa along the byway, evoke the iconic landscapes depicted in some of the most renowned paintings, including “American Gothic.”
The extensive cornfields, aged barns, and traditional farmhouses that punctuate the horizon pay homage to Iowa’s storied agricultural heritage. Particularly enchanting in the autumn, the byway comes alive with golden fields awaiting harvest, juxtaposed against the vibrant hues of the foliage-draped trees.