'America's Most Colorful 100-Mile Drive' Is Packed With Vibrant Foliage In The Fall

Don your plaid shirt, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and cue up the autumn playlist: you're going on a road trip in one of the best leaf-peeping spots in the U.S. But wait, turn around! New England isn't your destination this time. Instead, you're leaving the crowds of the famous Kancamagus Highway behind and heading south to Alabama, where you can find "America's most colorful 100-mile drive." The Lookout Mountain Parkway runs from northern Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is the perfect place to enjoy fall foliage in the South.

Alright, we'll come clean. The Lookout Mountain Parkway is actually 93 miles long, but with all the detours to picturesque spots you'll make along the way, you'll easily top 100 miles. (It's also still much longer than the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway!) The starting point is at Noccalula Falls Park near Gadsden.

The cooler fall air makes for a great time to hit the trails and discover the 90-foot Noccalula Falls, as well as the pioneer village, petting zoo and miniature trains. If you're lucky enough to be there in October, you can learn more about the local Native American culture at the annual Noccalula Falls Pow Wow. The two-day event features traditional dancing and singing, demonstrations of native crafts, and the opportunity to buy handmade items.

After enjoying Noccalula, it's time to head north. Follow this map of the route and prepare to cruise along scenic backroads lined with trees that burst into color in the fall. Take it slow and soak in the views. Your next major stop is at Little River Canyon National Preserve. Make sure to take the winding but beautiful Highway 176 into the preserve for stunning views of the foliage. Within the preserve, you can hike one of the many trails, splash around in the swimming holes, and admire the crashing waterfalls. Little River Canyon is one of our picks of the best national parks in the South!

Next up is DeSoto State Park, a short drive north. There are almost endless activities, including kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and rappelling, and the park's canopy of trees glows in glorious autumn colors. From there, drive north to Mentone, where we recommend spending the night. This arty, historic mountain community offers a variety of accommodations, from charming inns to quaint cabins, as well as plenty of local places to eat. Try to time your visit to coincide with the fall festival held in October.

Feeling refreshed, you're ready to leave Alabama behind and head into Georgia. Follow the map to reach Cloudland Canyon State Park via scenic backroads rather than the highway. Enjoy beautiful scenic landscapes as you hike some of the 60-plus miles of trails, trekking through canyons, along creeks toward waterfalls, and through lush forests.

Your trip on America's most colorful 100-mile drive is almost over, but there are two fabulous fall stops on your way to Chattanooga. First is Rock City, an underrated Southern town where you can catch incredible fall views. The highlight is the Rock City Gardens, where you'll find Lover's Leap, a dramatic rock formation with a waterfall cascading underneath. On a clear day, you can see seven states from the top: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Before you drive into downtown Chattanooga, stop at Point Park. Overlooking the city, this memorial park offers sweeping views and is home to the Lookout Mountain Battlefield. You can learn about the Civil War history of the area at the visitor center and as you wander past the park's monuments. If you're there in October, let ChattaBOOga send chills down your spine when the city celebrates Halloween with frights, fun, and ghost tours!