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Something about the leaves turning, or knowing the leaves are turning somewhere, makes us yearn for a road trip. It’s an opportunity to wear our best flannels, pack up our cars, and drive along scenic highways in hopes of catching nature’s most extravagant displays. If we drive long enough, we just might find ourselves in a nearby college town. College towns are particularly special in the fall because traditions take center stage and become the spice of the season. As students move in for the semester, their exuberant energy can be felt all over town. You can feel it in lively bars, in parking lots filled with passionate fans, and in historic downtowns brimming with fun places to shop and great places to eat. The energy spills over into local festivals, outdoor markets, and along hiking trails. There’s a certain charm to college towns that just can’t be denied. Here are 10 college towns perfect for saying “Let’s take a roadtrip!” this fall.
Boone, North Carolina
With colorful leaf displays and a community that celebrates local arts and agriculture, Boone is a town with both beauty and substance. This hard-working, football-loving mountain town is known as the “Heart of the High Country,” and its heartbeat is Appalachian State University. Home to the Mountaineers, Boone’s fall season is filled with energetic football festivities, small-town warmth, and boundless outdoor adventure. Go hiking at one of Grandfather Mountain’s many trails, and if you aren’t afraid of heights, head up to the Mile High Swinging Bridge for unbeatable birds-eye views. Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to reach Cascade Falls, a 1-mile round-trip hike that offers two overlooks of the 100-foot waterfall.
Blacksburg, Virginia
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As noted by one of our editors, Virginia Tech’s colors, maroon and orange, pair perfectly with the fall foliage in the college’s hometown of Blacksburg. This charming small town has a lot to offer, with a culture as vibrant as the leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike through one of the many scenic trails in Jefferson National Park, or trek to McAfee Knob to find the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. With surrounding views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg also hosts some of the most picturesque tailgates, so don’t miss an opportunity to join in the festivities and celebrate game day with fellow Hokies. And if you visit in October, be sure to check out the Blacksburg Brew Do festival, an annual celebration of local craft beers.
Oxford, Mississippi
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Fall is arguably the best time of year to visit this North Mississippi town. As the beloved stomping grounds of Ole Miss, Oxford comes alive with rich autumn colors and tens of thousands of passionate football fans. On game day weekends, you’ll find a mini city of tailgate tents gathered at The Grove, a 10-acre green space at the center of campus. But football is just one part of Oxford’s charm. Known as the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” the town’s rich history fuels a thriving music, arts, and literary scene. Take the hour-long Historic Double Decker Bus Tour for an educational overview of Ole Miss’ campus, the historic Downtown Square, and other landmarks. While you’re in town, be sure to explore the Square on foot to fully experience its art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Robbie Caponetto
Anyone in Arkansas will tell you that experiencing autumn in the Ozarks is a must. Tracking fall foliage in Northwestern Arkansas is practically a sport, and there’s no better place to start than the spirited town of Fayetteville. Enjoy a stroll on the lawn in front of Old Main, the oldest building on the University of Arkansas’s campus, where you can admire the leaves at their peak. You can also immerse yourself in the fall landscapes by taking a drive along the famed scenic byways or hiking one of the many mountain trails. For a taste of local culture, wander the Fayetteville Farmers Market or pick up a homegrown souvenir at the nearby pumpkin patches. When it’s time to warm up your hands, stop at one of Fayetteville’s charming independent coffee houses for a seasonally special cup of joe.
Athens, Georgia
Robbie Caponetto
If you enjoy a balanced blend of historic charm and youthful energy, you can’t go wrong with Athens. The hometown of the Georgia Bulldogs transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors during the fall, creating the perfect backdrop for exploring the town’s antebellum architecture. Immerse yourself in Athens’s rich musical heritage by visiting its iconic music venues, like Live Wire and the Georgia Theatre, where the sounds of local talent fill the air. To feel the crisp autumn air against your cheeks, take a bike ride along Firefly Trail. You can also get to know the community by sampling seasonal brews on the Athens Beer Trail. Don’t forget to tour the historic North Campus of the University of Georgia, where higher education in America first began. Be sure to stop at landmarks like The Arch and the Chapel Bell.
Sewanee, Tennessee
This tiny college town, which you may have not heard of until now, is one of Tennessee’s best kept secrets. About an hour northwest of Chattanooga, Sewanee is a little pocket of fall paradise and the proud home of the University of The South. While the university may be small, with fewer than 2,000 undergraduates, it is grand in stature, spanning 13,000 acres with stately historic buildings like the All Saints Chapel. After exploring campus, head into Sewanee Village for lunch at LUNCH, a restaurant known for emphasizing “seasonality, togetherness, and community.” Make sure to also visit the century-old Sewanee Memorial Cross for panoramic views of the valley, which lights up in beautiful shades of green, amber, and gold. If you’re spending the night, stay for sunset and watch the stars shimmer in Sewannee’s clear night sky.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Central Louisiana may not be the first place that comes to mind for a fall getaway, but this charming, difficult-to-pronounce town (Nack-a-tish) offers plenty of scenic beauty and historic allure. Natchitoches, home of Northwestern State University, abounds in century-old architecture and postcard-worthy views along the riverbank. You can dine along the Cane River, stroll through the historic downtown for some early holiday shopping, or explore famous filming sites from Steel Magnolias. And let’s not forget the town’s culinary claim to fame: the Natchitoches Meat Pie. Stop by Lasyone’s Famous Meat Pie Restaurant, or plan your trip for September to experience the annual Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival.
Greenville, South Carolina
Cozied up against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Greenville, a hidden gem college town that comes alive when the leaves turn. Students from Furman University and tourists alike are drawn to the town’s vibrant fall festival scene. Enjoy the annual Fall for Greenville, the largest food and music festival in the Upstate, where local vendors showcase delicious cuisine and craft brews. To see the best of Greenville’s fall color, drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where photo-worthy views unfold at every turn. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy in Falls Park on the Reedy, where you’ll be surrounded by colorful foliage and the soothing sounds of a scenic waterfall.
San Marcos, Texas
Nicknamed “San Marvelous,” San Marcos is well worth the 35-minute drive from Austin. The hometown of Texas State University draws people in with its unique natural beauty, mild temperatures, and 275 days of sunshine a year. While the heat starts to fade when autumn rolls around, the crystal clear waters of the San Marcos River remain a pleasant 72 degrees year-round, making activities like tubing, kayaking, and paddle boarding just as popular as tailgating. Indulge in the city’s burgeoning food scene, which has no shortage of local comfort food and creative seasonal offerings, and immerse yourself in the town’s lively, sociable atmosphere through fall music festivals, outdoor markets, and local events like the Sacred Springs Powwow, an annual two-day celebration of Native American culture.
Gainesville, Florida
You may not typically associate Florida with fall, but the University of Florida’s hometown offers a subtle yet beautiful display of autumn color. In mid to late November, the trees in Gainesville and its surrounding areas (like the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park) become saturated with warm hues. But what truly makes this town a great fall destination is the blend of traditions and culture. Gainesville is home to the nation’s largest student-led parade during homecoming season, which is fitting for the state’s largest and oldest university. Cheer on the Gators, get lost in the Newberry Cornfield Maze, or experience the town’s rich art culture at the Downtown Festival & Art Show. Whatever you do, spend plenty of time outdoors—the weather will likely be perfect.