The weather gets cooler in the fall, and it’s a great time to see colorful leaves! We’ve picked out 10 road trips where pets are welcome, and you can enjoy the beautiful fall scenery. We hope you find one you like!
Aspen, Colorado
You can expect amazing fall colors with a name like Aspen, Colorado! In late September, the trees turn bright yellow, creating a stunning sight against the backdrop of evergreen trees and mountains.
Fall is a quiet time in Aspen before the busy ski season starts. There are plenty of things to do with your pet. Treat yourself and your pup to a fancy lunch at the Terrace Bar at The Little Nell, which has a special menu for pets.
After lunch, take your dog for a run at the Smuggler Mountain Road Off-Leash Area. And don’t forget to take a photo at the Continental Divide at Independence Pass, just 19 miles southeast of Aspen on CO-82.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Surrounded by pet-friendly Acadia National Park and nestled along Maine’s rocky coast, Bar Harbor is a charming place to visit any time of year. But during the fall, the foliage adds an extra touch of magic.
Bar Harbor is a cozy seaside town bustling with shops, galleries, cafes, and inns. Visitors can enjoy the autumn colors by car, bike, boat, or on foot.
There are plenty of pet-friendly activities to enjoy, like exploring the 165 miles of hiking trails and carriage roads in Acadia. You can also take a dog-friendly schooner cruise along the coast. And don’t forget to visit the swimming pond and off-leash play area at Little Long Pond between Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
Bend, Oregon
Bend is the perfect spot to enjoy fall with its sunny days and cool nights. Besides the colorful leaves, this desert town has a lot more to offer.
Known as “Beer Town USA,” Bend hosts Oktoberfest celebrations with live music and Wiener Dog Races! Take a scenic drive along the 66-mile Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Along the way, you and your dog can explore many hiking spots.
Make sure to visit 10 Barrel Brewing Company for delicious pub food. If you like it, you can also check out more than two dozen local breweries on the Bend Ale Trail brewery tour.
Duluth, Minnesota
In Duluth, the calm forests of the Midwest meet Lake Superior’s shores. Highway 61 runs alongside the lake, passing through quiet towns and lighthouses.
A great part of visiting Duluth on a pet-friendly road trip is the warm welcome from the locals. Don’t forget to stroll along Duluth’s Downtown Lake Walk, stretching for four miles along Lake Superior. Try the pet-friendly waterfall trails along the North Shore for more adventurous hikes.
Make sure to visit Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and take a photo at Duluth’s Ariel Bridge. If your dog loves water, head to Park Point Beach, where they can enjoy a swim!
Hudson Valley, New York
Just an hour and a half north of Manhattan lies the Hudson Valley, nestled among the slopes of the Catskill Mountains. Rich in history and natural beauty, this area truly shines during the autumn season when the hillsides are painted in shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Get ready to be amazed as you and your pet soak in the breathtaking views from the overlook at Bear Mountain State Park. Don’t forget to enjoy a tasting at Brotherhood Winery’s courtyard, the oldest winery in America.
A pet-friendly road trip to the Hudson Valley wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where you can fully embrace the spirit of the season.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming, is just below Grand Teton National Park, near Bridger-Teton National Forest. The scenery here is stunning all year, but it’s especially breathtaking in early to mid-October.
With the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, the larch trees turn a brilliant gold among the evergreens. It’s a truly spectacular sight. Keep an eye out for wildlife, too! Take a scenic 43-mile drive through the national park, but remember that pets are not allowed on the trails. For pet-friendly fun, explore the trails in the national forest. Snow King is a popular choice for its easy access from town and beautiful views of Jackson.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace, stretching 445 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, is a great pet-friendly road trip route.
Originally used by buffalo and Native Americans, the National Park Service now maintains this historic trail. It offers a two-lane highway that runs alongside the original path, giving you a glimpse of the untouched landscape.
Visit the visitor centers at both ends of the parkway to get maps and learn about historic sites. You’ll find scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and hiking trails along the way. Mile markers make it easy to navigate, and there are plenty of interesting places to explore. You’ll also find campgrounds and places to stay in the towns along the route.
Portland, Oregon & The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge cuts through the Cascade Mountains just east of Portland’s lively neighborhoods. It offers a rare chance to see both city life and wild beauty in one place.
Combine the stunning views with Oregon’s pet-friendly attitude, and this road trip will be a hit with any pet traveler! For the best fall foliage, visit from mid-September to mid-October, before the rainy season starts.
Portland has over twenty bakeries making tasty treats for dogs, making it a great destination for your pup. After indulging, explore Forest Park’s 70+ miles of pet-friendly trails to burn off those calories.
Make sure to visit the many waterfalls along the Gorge – there are over 90 on the Oregon side alone! The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, managed by the US Forest Service, welcomes leashed pets on all its trails.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Just 75 miles from Washington, DC, Shenandoah National Park offers forests, waterfalls, and beautiful views. The fall colors peak here in mid-to-late October.
Skyline Drive offers stunning views as it winds for 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stop at any of the 75 overlooks along the way to enjoy the scenery.
While driving through Shenandoah, take time to explore the trails. The park has over 500 miles of trails, and most of them welcome pets. Consider having a picnic or camping for the weekend!
Stowe, Vermont
Nestled in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Stowe offers some of the best fall foliage displays in New England. Drive along the popular Green Mountain Byway between Waterbury and Stowe for breathtaking views. The beech, birch, and maple trees show off their fall colors from mid-September through early October.
Take your dog on a gondola ride at Stowe Mountain Resort for panoramic views of the area. Then explore the Stowe Recreational Path, a 5.2-mile paved trail that follows the river into town.
Make sure to stop at Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream in Waterbury to grab your favorite flavors. Pets on leashes are welcome on the grounds!
