North Dakota is just about to reach its peak fall foliage (which is predicted to be from mid-to-late October), so what better way to experience it than a drive through one of the most scenic places in the fall that this state has to offer? This quick road trip will take you through amazing scenery and awesome attractions. Buckle up and check it out!
Hit the road and take a drive through the most beautiful fall route in North Dakota, the Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway. Click here for directions.
The drive will take you from the towns of Cavalier to Vang along the Pembina River and the valley around it. It is about 33 miles long and the driving time itself takes about an hour, but you'll want to take at least one more hour to stop at various places along the way.
The Pembina Gorge is one of the most stunning places year round, but it is especially notable for being a top favorite for leaf peeping. The Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway will take you along its path and through places like the Pembina Gorge Recreation Area.
Other stops along the way include the lovely Icelandic State Park. This park is a great place to stop for a quick hike or picnic, where you can hang out by Lake Renwick and admire the vibrant colors of the trees surrounding it.
Most of the area you'll be driving through is wooded, so you can expect to see endless shades of red, orange, and yellow as you continue your drive. The Tetrault Woods State Forest is included in the route.
You'll be passing through charming countryside, too, and you never know what old relics and picture perfect spots you'll find, especially on the occasional unpaved back roads that are part of the route.
History is quite prevalent on the drive, actually. It'll give you the opportunity to stop by places like the Gingras Trading Post Historic Site. This site has some of the oldest still standing buildings in the entire state. Plus, you'll be passing through an active prehistoric dig area for history that goes even further back.
No matter how many places you stop at along the way or if you simply just enjoy the drive, this is by far one of the best fall foliage experiences you can have this season. It's simply breathtaking!
For more information on this drive, click here. If you're looking for a bit longer of a drive through a different part of North Dakota, why not try this western ND scenic road trip?
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