Top Travel Destinations in the US for Fall 2024

Top Travel Destinations in the US for Fall 2024
By Georgia Konidari

Autumn is a photographer's dream and a traveler's paradise. The air turns crisp, and the leaves swap their green garb for dazzling yellows, fiery reds, and deep oranges. For those inspired by travel videos, imagine capturing these spectacular views on your camera as you drive through some of the best U.S. fall destinations. Let's dive into the top travel destinations for the ultimate fall experience in 2024, focusing on scenic drives and essential photography tips.

Scenic Drives to Experience This Fall and Photography Tips for Travelers

Fall is the perfect season for road trips. As the landscape transforms, some routes in the U.S. become corridors of color framed by golden leaves and autumn skies. Here are a few drives that you absolutely must check out:

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches over 469 miles, connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. This route offers a slow-paced and relaxing drive with countless overlooks, picnic areas, and trails that invite you to stop and soak in the autumn hues. It's a prime example of where to travel in the U.S. in fall for those seeking stunning vistas.

The best Time of Day to Shoot is Golden Hour: Shoot during the golden hour—the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. This light adds a warm, soft glow that enhances the reds and oranges in the leaves.

2. The Kancamagus Highway – New Hampshire

Known locally as "The Kanc," this 34.5-mile drive cuts through the heart of the White Mountains and is one of the best places in New England to view fall foliage. The highway offers a number of points where you can pull over and capture the perfect fall snapshot, making it a top fall vacation spot in the USA.
Overcast Skies: Don’t be discouraged by cloudy days; overcast conditions can lead to more evenly distributed light and can help bring out the vibrancy of fall colors in your photos.

3. Columbia River Highway – Oregon

Why It’s Special: This historic highway offers dramatic views of the Columbia River Gorge, especially beautiful in the fall when the surrounding forests explode in color. The route is dotted with waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning vistas, perfect for both driving and photography. It’s an ideal location for autumn travel in the USA.

Leading Lines: Roads and paths make excellent leading lines that draw viewers into your photos. Try to position these lines leading from the bottom of your frame towards the center to create a sense of depth.

Copyright: © Steve Terrill Photography 2009

Framing Shots: Use natural frames like tree branches or windows to add depth and interest to your compositions.

Gear Recommendation: Use of polarizing filter helps to enhance the sky's blue, making the fall colors pop more dramatically. A tripod can help you stabilize your shots, especially in low-light conditions during early mornings or late evenings.

Let's pack our cameras, charge batteries, and set off on a scenic drive through America's best places to visit in fall. Enjoy :)