It's getting close to seeing some nice fall color in the northeast USA. I think some of the nicest drives are in the states of Vermont and New Hampshire. One of the easiest ways to get a great view from a mountain top is to take the gondola ride at Killington Mountain in Vermont.
The main attraction to this place is of course the mountain, but you will also find a cluster of restaurants, lodges, and other activities at the base, in an otherwise rural part of the state.
There is a nice hiking trail at the top of the mountain where the gondola is. The Killington Mountain Website has maps showing a large selection of hiking and biking trails (you ride up with your bike and coast down most of the way).
https://www.killington.com/
You can see the rest of my Killington Mountain Photos on my website. Enjoy!
http://kimbriggs.com/photo/vermont/killington-mountain-gondola