Hit the trails: Four road trips for fall
Four suggested road trips to try out this fall.
— -- Looking to add some meaning and direction to your next road trip? Then pick an interest and follow the trail.
The number of themed U.S. driving itineraries is growing, targeting everyone from bluegrass fans winding down Virginia's Crooked Road to cheese heads nibbling their way along Vermont's Cheese Trail.
North Carolina has a Barbecue Trail. Oregon touts a Fruit Loop in the fertile Hood River Valley. Connecticut promotes an Art Trail. In southeastern Arizona, the Salsa Trail is king. New Mexico will launch a Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail this fall.
These routes typically are organized by tourism bureaus hoping to drive traffic to off-the-beaten-path spots. On their own, the small towns and hidden byways might not rate as a destination, but as part of a larger journey they offer big rewards.
These road trips won't break the bank, either. Maps and other complimentary interpretive material show the way to the best a region has to offer, including free festivals and other events. Here are four geographically diverse routes ideal for fall travel.
Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail
What: A route that encompasses the peninsula and leads to 24 waterfalls in northwest Washington
Why go: Rain-forest valleys, wilderness coastline, alpine meadows and friendly rural towns. The waterfalls are thundering this time of year, foliage is starting to turn, and you're likely to spot elk as they saunter to the lower valleys. Many falls are short walks from roadways (though some require hikes). Madison Creek Falls is wheelchair accessible.
Don't miss: Sol Duc Falls, a signature sight in Olympic National Park. The falls are viewable from a pretty bridge, less than a mile from the road. If you're game, hike the 6 miles from Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (open through October).
Staying over: Within the national park, historic Lake Quinault Lodge (Teddy Roosevelt slept here) has fall/winter rates starting at $110 (800-562-6672; visitlakequinault.com). Lake Quinault also has smaller independent lodgings and vacation rentals, as does Port Angeles.
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