What to Pack for a Fall Foliage Road Trip

Late October is peak leaf season across a big part of the country, from southern New England and the Hudson Valley down through the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Smoky Mountains. A weekend drive with a few short hikes and a stop at an apple orchard is one of the best trips of the year. The catch: mornings can be near freezing, afternoons can be warm, and the best overlooks are often windy. Pack for all three.

The short version

Think layers you can peel off in the car, shoes that can handle mud, and a few things that make long scenic drives comfortable. Check peak-color reports for your route the week before you go, since color moves fast and can be a week early or late depending on the weather.

Clothes

• A puffer vest or packable jacket for cold mornings and windy overlooks. It stuffs into a corner of the back seat once the day warms up.
• A couple of flannel shirts to wear open over a T-shirt or buttoned up when the sun drops. They also look great in photos against the leaves.
• A light rain jacket. Fall showers in the mountains come and go quickly.
• Jeans or hiking pants, plus one pair of comfortable leggings or joggers for the drive.
• A beanie and light gloves if you plan to catch a sunrise at a summit or stay somewhere at higher elevation.

Shoes

Leaf-covered trails are slippery, and many have muddy patches after rain. Bring waterproof hiking shoes with good grip, plus wool socks that stay warm even if they get damp. A second pair of easy shoes for towns, wineries and dinner gives your feet a break.

For the car

• A phone mount and a car charger. Navigation and photos drain your phone fast.
• Offline maps downloaded before you leave. Cell service drops out on a lot of mountain roads and parkways.
• A small cooler bag for snacks, cider and anything you buy at a farm stand.
• A packable outdoor blanket for picnic stops and chilly evenings.
• A roll of paper towels and a bag for muddy shoes so the car stays clean.

Day bag

• A small daypack for short hikes, with water, snacks and your extra layer.
• An insulated thermos filled with coffee or hot cider for sunrise at an overlook.
• Sunglasses. Low autumn sun on a bright day is harsh, especially when driving west in the afternoon.
• Cash for farm stands and orchards. Many small ones don't take cards.

Plan around the crowds

Popular scenic drives get busy on October weekends, and small-town lodging books up early. Start drives early in the morning when the light is soft and the roads are quiet, and if you can, go on a weekday. You will get better photos and better parking.

What to leave at home

• A heavy winter coat. Layers do the job and adjust to the warm afternoons.
• White sneakers. They will not survive the first muddy trail.