best new england places to visit in fall

New England Wanderlust

Connecticut , Fall , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , Vermont  ·  June 7, 2023

The PERFECT New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 3, 5, 7, 10 & 12 Day Options! (2024)

There’s a reason why New England is world-famous for fall foliage, and if you’re looking to plan the most amazing New England fall road trip, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been traveling throughout this region for over 15 years, and have done quite a few fall foliage road trips and even more fall getaways. It took me a while, but I’ve finally put together the perfect itinerary for you based on real experience.

This post details the best places to visit in New England during fall foliage season that are worth the hype, the best times to plan your road trip, and also, which places may not be worth your time. So, you can rest assured that you’re truly seeing the best of the best with my itinerary.

This itinerary is also geared toward first-timers and those looking to find the best foliage spots . If you’ve experienced New England in the fall season before, many of these locations and tips may already be familiar. However, I’ve also sprinkled in some insider tips, so it’s still definitely worth reading 😉

During this trip, prepare to see idyllic countryside landscapes, blazing fall color, beautiful covered bridges, charming towns, general stores, epic overlooks and hiking trails, and so much more. Basically, you’ll get your fill of New England charm right from the start, and it won’t stop until the trip is over. Sound good? Then let’s get started!

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Tips For Planning A Trip To New England In The Fall

There are some important things to know before you begin to plan your perfect New England fall road trip, so let’s get that out of the way first 😉

The first thing you need to know is that foliage will peak in the northern areas first, then peak in the southern areas later . For that reason, I recommend that you start in the north if you can, especially for a longer trip, but it’s not always necessary for shorter trips.

If you’re planning a bucket list 2-week adventure, starting in the north is a good call because peak foliage can begin to diminish quickly, depending on the season and climate patterns. However, if you’re traveling for closer to a week, this won’t be as important.

I go into peak foliage times in each region in a bit, so definitely be sure to read that through, too!

Another important thing to know is that you should anticipate all kinds of weather. I’ve done many fall road trips through this region, and have had warm, sunny days, and trips where it rained almost every single day. I’ll go more into what to pack for this trip at the end of the post to help you prepare, but this is a good thing to be aware of.

Also, book in advance . I can’t stress this enough. Hotels and accommodations book out well in advance for fall foliage season in prime areas, and these prime areas are where you’ll be heading! If possible, begin to book your hotels at least 6 months in advance, but even 8 months is better. For reference, while I began to plan my Vermont fall road trip for the 2023 season, my favorite place to stay in Stowe, VT was fully booked during peak foliage weeks – in FEBRUARY. Yep, February.

Offline Google Maps! I can’t tell you how important this is! Even as recent as a fall 2022 road trip, I barely had service through much of New Hampshire and Vermont. I spent a lot of time just driving around hoping my service would come back, or asking people for directions the old-fashioned way. I usually offline maps, but totally forgot that trip, and it was a harsh reminder that this is a must-do.

Lastly, prepare to pay . Yes, the sad truth is that peak foliage season in New England is expensive, and it won’t be your most budget-friendly trip ever. There are ways to keep costs down, and I’ll go more into that later in the post as well, but generally speaking, this is an expensive time to visit New England – at least, where the foliage is the best 😉

What Is The Best Time To Visit New England For Fall Color?

In a nutshell, the last week of September, or the first week of October. However, it does vary depending on where you’re heading.

As mentioned before, the colors will begin to change in the northern regions first, and then the southern regions will follow later. Most people will choose to visit Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont during their New England fall road trip (and spoiler alert: this is also where I’ll be suggesting you go!), so this timeframe works very well for these areas.

The central part of Vermont will often peak right around Indigenous People’s weekend in October, and for a getaway to popular towns like Stowe and Woodstock, this is the perfect weekend to plan your trip.

Massachusetts often peaks right around Indigenous People’s weekend as well, with southern MA peaking a week or so later.

The greater Boston area, and Connecticut will peak mid-late October, depending on the year.

How Many Days Do You Need In New England In The Fall?

The great thing about New England in the fall is that you can easily do a weekend getaway and still pack a lot in, or you can plan an epic 12 day road trip for the ultimate adventure. And either way, it’s going to be incredibly memorable.

If you’re coming in from a distance, especially if you’re flying in, I would say 10 days is a great option, 12 days is even better, and 7 days is also wonderful. Of course, with 12 days, you’ll be able to see so much or plan extra time in some places. But even with 7 days, you’ll get to see quite a bit.

If you’re local to New England, and don’t have 10 days, 7 days is again a nice sweet spot. 5 days will also work in this case. And, as mentioned, even a weekend away will allow you to experience some of the best this region has to offer in the fall season.

The great thing about the best places for fall foliage are located in some of the smallest states, so you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

Best Places To See On A New England Fall Road Trip

While every New England state has something special to offer during fall foliage season, for the purpose of seeing the absolute best spots, I recommend sticking to Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire and Vermont . And flying into Boston.

Because these areas offer the most spectacular displays of foliage, most picturesque scenery, tons of things to do, and they’re all reasonable close to one another, allowing you to maximize your time.

Here’s why I don’t necessarily recommend states like Connecticut or Rhode Island if you have less than 10 days – they’re further away from the best places to see in the fall.

I truly love every single New England state, and I do really enjoy Connecticut in the fall. However, it’s so far west that you’ll spend more time driving to get there, and possibly forgoing some really spectacular places in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

If you have 10 days or more for a New England fall road trip, then I would highly suggest you consider adding in the Litchfield Hills regions of Connecticut , which you’ll see I included in my itinerary. It’s also very close to The Berkshires region, so you can combine it with that part of the trip, depending on how much time you have. However, with less than 10 days, I personally don’t feel like it’s worth it. Especially for first-timers.

If you’ve already seen some of the places I’m recommending in this post, then definitely try to swing over to Connecticut and experience a new area during the fall!

If you have less than 10 days, you may even want to focus all your time on Vermont and New Hampshire. The reason for this is because some of the best places for fall foliage in Maine are further north. I think places like Acadia National Park are very worth seeing (and you’ll see I’ve incorporated it into some of my itineraries!). However, if you prefer a slower pace and less driving, Vermont and New Hampshire are the absolute best places to see .

Some Things To Know About My Itineraries

They all begin in Boston , assuming that’s where most people will fly into if visiting from a distance. If you fly into a different airport, or are driving in, you can easily adjust your plans as needed.

They’re done in true road trip style , meaning there’s a lot of driving, and mostly 1-night stays. There are some places I recommend 2 nights in, but you can adjust this based on your preferences. If you want to stay longer in one place, definitely go for it!

I give you options! Of course, I stand by all my suggestions ☺️ However, I know everyone has different travel styles and speeds, so I encourage you to to tailor this to what you think you’ll enjoy the most. I’ve given you suggestions on how to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences.

10 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary From Boston

Okay, let’s get into my perfect New England fall road trip itinerary options! We’re beginning with my suggestions for an incredible 10 day adventure.

10 Day Road Trip Overview

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston Day 2 : Explore Boston Or Take A Day Trip To Salem Day 3-4 : Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park + An Optional Stop In Salem Day 5 : Jackson, NH Day 6 : Franconia, NH (Driving The Famous Kancamagus Highway To Get There!) Days 7-8 : Stowe & Woodstock, VT Day 9 : The Berkshires and/or Litchfield, CT Day 10 : Back To Boston + A Stop In Sturbridge, MA or Litchfield, CT

Breakdown Of The 10 Day Itinerary Option

Day 1: Arrival In Boston Take this time to arrive, get settled, and maybe take in a few sites around the city! Have some time on your first night here? Jump down to Day 2 for some suggestions on what to do!

Where To Stay In Boston:

• Luxury : The Langham
• Splurge : Boston Harbor Hotel
• Moderate : Revere Boston Common

Pro Tip On Fall Foliage In Boston : Foliage peaks later than the rest of the places listed in this itinerary – usually mid-late October. So while you probably won’t see peak foliage in Boston if you plan your trip for peak foliage in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, it may catch a glimpse of it on your back if you’re planning a longer trip! Or, you can leave the airport to immediately begin your drive to Maine, and plan to stay a night or two in Boston before you have to fly out.

Day 2: Explore Boston

Boston during the fall season has so much to see and do, but here are some highlights to consider if it’s your first visit:

• Public Gardens (very scenic garden area with a beautiful pond and pedestrian bridge (also makes for lovely photos!). This is a good spot for fall foliage in the city, too.
• Newbury Street for shopping
• The North End for history and food
• Beacon Hill for charming cobblestoned streets at the famous Acorn Street
• Take a food tour if it works with your schedule. There’s incredible food to be had in Boston, and taking a tour with a local expert is a great way to sample lots of delicious things in a short amount of time!

Click here to check out my post on the best Boston food tours!

Day 2: Optional Day Trip To Salem

If you would prefer to take a day trip to Salem, rather than stopping on your way to Acadia National Park, this is a great option! And really, there’s no right or wrong choice here – it just comes down to which you prefer.

Salem is an easy day trip from Boston without a car because of this convenient ferry! Click here to check out the Boston → Salem Ferry!

Psst! I have some helpful guides including planning the perfect Salem, MA day trip , and the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

Day 3: Drive To Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the best things to do in New England year-round, so this is definitely a must if you’ve never been. It also offers some really wonderful foliage, and fall is my personal favorite season to visit for this reason.

This drive from Boston to Bar Harbor takes about 5 hours without stops, which is why I usually suggest you make a pitstop to break up your journey. I actually have some posts on stops you can make along the drive, so be sure to check those out below.

But since Salem is really the ultimate fall destination in Massachusetts, I suggest you pick that as a stop on the drive 🙂

Bar Harbor is the town adjacent to Acadia National Park , and where most people will choose to stay when visiting. Once you arrive, take some time to get settled, and then head out into downtown Bar Harbor to explore this charming seaside town, visit the shops, and grab a great dinner!

Where To Stay In Bar Harbor:

• Bayview Hotel . An oceanfront boutique hotel with awesome views. Perfect for a splurge on your trip!
• Bar Harbor Villager Motel . Clean, updated and spacious. Also, walkable to everything in town.
• Little Fig Hotel . A cute, modern boutique hotel walkable to town.

Here are some posts that will help you further plan this portion of your trip:

• Best Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
• Best Stops To Make Driving Portland to Acadia National Park
• The Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary (read this one for more information on Bar Harbor and things to do!)
• Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park

Day 4: Explore Acadia National Park

Even in just 1 day, you can visit some of the best places in the park, and also some really wonderful fall foliage spots. Here how I suggest you plan your day:

If you’re up for it , starting your day with sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain is always incredible! It’s one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise, depending on the time of year, and starting October 7 through March, it’s the very first spot in the country to see the sun come up. This will be great for fall foliage, too. You can also choose to do this the following morning before leaving.

Next, head to the Jesup Path scenic walk , which is especially beautiful in the fall season.

Then, park at the Sand Beach parking lot , and walk the Ocean Path for incredible views . This is 1-mile each way, but offers some of the most iconic views in the park, including the Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole. It’s also flat and easy, making it very relaxing. Have your camera ready for this one!

For a more advanced hike with awesome foliage views, you can do the Beehive Trail from Sand Beach lot, too.

Continue on Park Loop Road to Jordan Pond House for lunch , and enjoy the views of the pond and mountains. You can also choose to walk around the pond if you have time after lunch.

For more foliage views, hike the Bubble Rock Trail after lunch.

Day 5: Drive To Jackson, NH + Spend The Night

Without stops, this drive takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

One stop I suggest making on the way if you enjoy local craft beer is the Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford , ME . It’s got a very cool outdoor setting, and they have fantastic craft beer.

I recommend spending the night in Jackson because it’s a longer drive from Bar Harbor, and there are some fun things to do in the area. Also, there’s a very scenic drive called The Kancamagus Highway that’s stunning in the fall season with foliage, and I want to make sure you have time to drive it. But more on that in Day 6 🙂

Here are some fun fall things to check out in Jackson:

• The Cog : This mountain railroad takes you to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in New England! It’s about 45 minutes from Jackson, but you’ll drive through Crawford Notch State Park , which is very scenic, and The Cog is simply incredible in the fall season. If you leave Bar Harbor early enough and have time to do this, I highly recommend it!
• Honeymoon Covered Bridge & Flossie’s General Store
• Glen Ellis Falls
• The cute town of North Conway

Where To Stay In Jackson:

• Christmas Farm Inn (this place is super cozy!)
• The Inn At Thorn Hill & Spa

Option To Stay In North Conway : North Conway is only about 12-15 minutes from Jackson, so you can really stay in either. I think Jackson has better hotel options, and it’s a bit closer to The Cog, which is why I suggested you stay there. But either town works for your New England fall road trip!

Here are some fun things to check out in North Conway if you choose to visit:

• Cathedral Ledge Distillery
• Ledge Brewing Company (between North Conway and Jackson, technically)
• The cute downtown area and Zeb’s General Store (one of my all-time favorite general stores!)
• North Conway Scenic Railroad

Day 6 – Drive The Kancamagus Highway To Franconia, NH

The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a scenic drive that’s regarded as one of the best drives for fall foliage, so this is something you’ll definitely want to do on your New England fall road trip. It connects the towns of Woodstock and Conway, so you can easily start this drive just a few minutes from Jackson or North Conway.

For this day, I suggest you get up early to make sure you have time to explore Franconia Notch State Park after driving The Kanc.

Tips For Driving The Kanc:

• Remember earlier in the post when I said you’ll lose cell service in much of New Hampshire and Vermont? Well, this is one of those drives where there’s no service, so offline your maps before starting!
• There are no bathrooms or gas stations on the drive, so plan accordingly.
• The Kanc takes about 45 minutes one-way without stops, but you’ll want to budget about 2 hours to make some stops at the overlooks.
• During the fall season, especially on weekends, it’s possible traffic could slow down as people try to pull in and out of the parking areas. Plan for some slower traffic.

Pro Tip : Before hopping onto The Kanc, there’s a great little place called Cheese Louise just before the entrance to The Kanc, and this is an awesome place to grab some food before the drive! Especially on a chilly, fall day, a grilled cheese sandwich totally hits the spot, right? 😍

Stops To Make On The Kanc (in order from Conway to Woodstock):

• Albany Covered Bridge
• Rocky Gorge Scenic Area (parking can be found at 44.0016667175862, -71.27716637107925)
• Sabbaday Falls
• Sugar Hill Scenic Overlook
• CL Graham Wangan Overlook
• Hancock Overlook (this one is right at the famous hairpin turn – can’t miss it!)
• Lincoln Woods Trailhead – Scenic suspension bridge over the river that’s not far from the parking lot.

🍁 Before hopping on The Kanc, consider downloading this great audio tour to enhance your drive – Click here to check out this audio tour!

There are also tons of hiking trails along The Kanc , so if you’re looking to squeeze in a hike on the drive, this is something to consider. But if you don’t have extra time, I would suggest moving on to Franconia Notch State Park, and only doing hikes along The Kanc if you’re able to add an extra day in.

After The Kanc, your next stop is Franconia Notch State Park . And this is where most of the top things to do are , especially in the fall season .

Flume Gorge is one thing I recommend you do if you can only pick one attraction. Flume Gorge is a very fun 2-mile loop trail that takes you over 2 covered bridges, and through the granite gorge. Along the trail, you’ll have some really gorgeous spots to admire the fall foliage, too.

Not sure if this is right for your itinerary? Click here to check out my detailed post in if Flume Gorge is worth visiting , and everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit.

Pro Tip: Buy your Flume Gorge ticket online in advance to save a few bucks! On weekends in the fall season, it’s also possible that certain time slots will sell out. This is another reason to book in advance.

If you have time to explore more of Franconia Notch State Park, I also recommend these activities:

• Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
• Artist Bluff Trail (famous spot that ends overlooking Echo Lake – amazing during foliage season!)
• The views at Echo Lake Beach

Where To Stay Near Franconia:

• Sugar Hill Inn – 15 mins from Franconia Notch Park, and is rated as the best B&B in New Hampshire!
• Riverwalk Resort – 5-7 mins from the top attractions in Franconia.
• Woodstock Inn & Brewery – Cozy inn with a brewery.

Here are some posts to help you plan this portion of your trip:

• Fun Things To Do In Franconia, NH
• Fun Things To Do In Littleton, NH
• Fun Things To Do In Lincoln, NH
• Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall
• Where To Stay In The White Mountains: Guide To The Towns

Day 7 – Drive To Stowe Or Woodstock, VT

Begin your day in New Hampshire with a country breakfast at Polly’s Pancake Parlor! This place is famous in New England, and truly has some of the most amazing pancakes I’ve ever had. It does get busy in the fall season, but man, it’s so worth it.

Then, on to Vermont you go! For the next 2 nights, you’ll want to choose between Stowe and Woodstock, VT as your home base. These towns are the absolute best to visit in Vermont during a New England fall road trip because of foliage views and small-town charm. They’re only 1 hour and 15 minutes from each other, so, you can choose where you want to stay, and then visit the other as a day trip.

The drive to both Stowe and Woodstock is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Franconia , and since this is a shorter drive, you can make some stops along the way, or drive straight there. Stowe and Woodstock both have a lot to do, even though they’re small towns, so it’s beneficial to drive straight there and make sure you have plenty of time to explore.

If you choose to stay in Woodstock, I suggest stopping at the King Arthur Baking Company campus on your way because it’s pretty much on the direct route. It’s a really fun place with fresh baked goods and breads, a café, and a fun shop where you can stock up on pantry staples and baking mixes.

Do I recommend you stay in Stowe or Woodstock? I honestly love both equally! There’s no wrong choice here.

The biggest difference between the two is that Woodstock feels a bit more upscale, and Stowe definitely has a very casual feel to it. But the difference is minor. Both have charming covered bridges, great shops, amazing restaurants, a quaint town feel, and plenty of things to do.

Where To Stay In Stowe :

• The Green Mountain Inn . It’s located right on Main Street, so you can walk to a lot of places.
• Spruce Peak Resort . Perfect for those wanting a resort feel, and it’s right off the scenic Smugglers Notch drive. There are rooms with gorgeous mountain views here, too.

Where To Stay In Woodstock :

• The Woodstock Inn & Resort . It’s referred to as Vermont’s most beautiful address, and it’s in the heart of Woodstock’s village. This is a luxury hotel that’s worth it!
• 506 Inn On The River . Located just outside of the village, this is a modern and cozy inn, well … right on the river 😉

Here are some posts that will help you plan your time in Stowe and Woodstock:

• Best Things To Do In Stowe
• Best Things To Do In Woodstock

Day 8 – Explore Stowe & Woodstock, VT

Depending on where you stay, you’ll want to take a day trip to the other town this day. Below are breakdowns of the can’t miss things to do in each town .

Best Things To Do In Stowe :

• Explore the cute shops along Main Street (don’t skip the Stowe Mercantile!)
• Drive Smugglers Notch for amazing foliage.
• Ride the gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont (this is epic during the fall season!). This is located at the midway point along the Smugglers Notch drive.
• Visit Emily’s Covered Bridge, and learn about it’s spooky history.
• Sample the hard cider at Stowe Cider.
• Sip on craft brews at Alchemist Brewing (one of my favorites in New England).

Best Things To Do In Woodstock:

• Stroll through the charming downtown shops and eateries.
• Pop into Mon Vert Café for a warm drink.
• Snap a photo with Middle Covered Bridge in town.
• Drive over Taftsville Covered Bridge to visit Sugarbush Farms. You’ll be able to sample homemade cheese and fresh maple syrup here, and also take in amazing foliage views.
• Visit Billings Farm & Museum.
• Drive over to Sleepy Hollow Farm to see the famous farm landscape spot.

Day 9 – Drive To The Berkshires Or Litchfield, CT

Next up – The Berkshires or Connecticut! This choice is yours entirely. Let’s start with the option to drive to The Berkshires.

The Berkshires is an iconic region in Massachusetts that’s a really great one to visit for fall foliage. Here, you’ll find cute towns, loads of fall color, lots of scenic hikes and walks, and awesome dining options.

Depending on which town in Vermont you’re coming from, the northern region of The Berkshires area will be just over 2 hours from Woodstock, or just over 3 hours from Stowe .

The drive from either town to The Berkshires will pass through Rockingham, VT, and you’ll definitely want to stop here to visit the Vermont Country Store! There’s also the very cute Kissing Covered Bridge here that makes for a fun photo.

Once you arrive in The Berkshires, I suggest you start in Williamstown, and drive the scenic Route 7 down to Sheffield. This drive without stops takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but I would budget at least a few hours to make stops and enjoy some other fun activities. This route packs a lot into a perfect fall day, without a lot of driving.

During this drive, these are the best stops to make:

• The Mount Greylock Auto Road to the highest peak in Massachusetts (absolutely amazing in the fall season!).
• Make a detour off Route 7 to Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond for the perfect fall farm experience.
• Continue with your short detour to Hilltop Orchards, which is 5 minutes from Bartlett’s, and where you can sip on artisanal craft ciders!
• Walk through the charming town of Lenox.
• Stroll through quaint Stockbridge, too!
• Snap photos with the covered bridge in Sheffield.

Where To Stay In The Berkshires:

• The Red Lion Inn . A historic and famous inn in the heart of Stockbridge.
• The Dewey . A cozy, traditional New England B&B in Lenox.

The other option is to drive to Litchfield, CT , which is south of The Berkshires. It’s a longer drive from Vermont, but you could also turn this into a fun road trip day by driving the same Route 7 itinerary as mentioned above through The Berkshires, and then continue on to the Litchfield Hills. I would probably only choose this option if you wanted to take your time exploring the awesome stops along Route 7 in The Berkshires, arrive in CT in the evening, and then explore this region of CT the next morning before your drive back to Boston.

How To Spend Your Time In Litchfield Hill, CT:

Since you’re likely coming down through the western border of Massachusetts, I would start in Kent, and work your way east. You probably won’t have time to do everything on this list, but pick and choose based on your preferences and schedule.

• Explore the cute town of Kent, and then visit Kent Falls State Park if you have time.
• Continue to follow Route 7 to New Milford. The drive is very scenic!
• Stop in New Milford to enjoy the quaint town, and then visit Lover’s Leap Bridge.
• Head over to Washington, and then continue on to Mount Tom State Park for awesome foliage.
• End in the charming town of Litchfield.

Where To Stay In The Litchfield Hills : Litchfield Inn . Refined and still very cozy, and one of the best in the area!

Should I do The Berkshires or Litchfield, CT? Personally, I would stay stick to The Berkshires since this will allow you a more relaxed itinerary. There’s so much to do, and plenty of foliage scenery to take in. If you do the Route 7 drive quicker than you were anticipating, you could always shoot down to the Litchfield Hills for an impromptu adventure 🙂

I would choose to add on the Litchfield Hills if you’re feeling adventurous, and really want to see as much of New England as possible.

Day 10 – Drive Back To Boston, Stopping In Sturbridge or Litchfield On The Way

If you have time to explore another cute town on your drive back to Boston, I would suggest either tacking on a quick drive through the Litchfield Hills, CT if you didn’t already, or a stop in Sturbridge, MA. Sturbridge is more on the way to Boston, and offers beautiful foliage.

How to spend your time in Sturbridge, MA :

• Visit Old Sturbridge Village for all the cozy fall New England vibes (this is a must if you have time!).
• Pop into Saw Dust Coffee & Dessert Bar for lunch and treats.
• Sip on craft beer at Altruist Brewing Company.

And of course, as mentioned in the previous day’s itinerary, the Litchfield Hills region has plenty to offer for foliage views, small towns, and beautiful scenery.

But, if you have a flight to catch, then don’t risk it, and head straight to the airport! 🙂

Optional Adjustments For The 10 Day Itinerary:

• You can easily cut out Acadia National Park, and head straight to New Hampshire, and choose to spend more time there. Acadia is out of the way, and further north, so I know it doesn’t suit everyone’s plans. This would allow you time to definitely ride The Cog, and have a more relaxed schedule.
• If you would rather have more time in Vermont, you can skip The Berkshires/CT. This is personal preference! Both areas are amazing for fall foliage, but nothing is quite like Vermont in the fall. This would allow you time to move at a slower pace. If you decide to skip The Berkshires/CT and stay in Vermont for a third night, see my 12 day itinerary, option 3 for suggestions on what to do!

12 Day Road Trip Itinerary Option

If you have 12 days (or more!), this is truly awesome. I would follow my 10 day itinerary, and then take one of these suggestions:

Option 1 : Add in 1 day to see Litchfield, CT after The Berkshires . Since you have the extra time, you can definitely see the Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut with this itinerary! I would recommend this option for those who really want to see as much of New England as possible, and make all the rounds.

Option 2 : Add an extra day to Littleton/Franconia. This region has so many great hikes and places to spot fall foliage. It’s well worth adding a day to this part of the trip if you have the extra time. This would allow you a half day to ride The Cog, and takes more scenic walks and hikes to enjoy the fall foliage.

Option 3 : Add an extra day to Vermont. On your extra day, you can take a day trip to Burlington and Shelburne, or spend the day driving the back roads .

Burlington & Shelburne, Vermont things to check out :

• First, the drive from both Stowe and Woodstock to Burlington on I-89 is beautiful in the fall. You’ll see lots of mountains ablaze with fall color.
• In Burlington, check out the waterfront area, and walk along Lake Champlain.
• Burlington also has an awesome craft brewery scene, and Foam Brewers is especially great.
• The American Flatbread restaurant in Burlington is a cozy place to stop for lunch.
• Church Street Marketplace in Burlington is a must!
• In Shelburne, you’ll want to spend most of your time walking around Shelburne Farms. This is a historic farm once owned by the Vanderbilt family, and has beautiful hiking trails, and you can also sample their homemade cheeses. Definitely do the Farm Trail, which takes you to an epic view of Lake Champlain.

Vermont back roads driving itinerary near Stowe :

This drive is easier to do from Stowe, but it’s also doable from Woodstock if you’re okay with a longer day. This itinerary is is order based on departing from Stowe, but you can also adjust based on which town you’re coming from 🙂

• The covered bridges in Montgomery, including Montgomery covered bridge (which is actually in Waterville), and Longley Covered Bridge.
• Barn Owl Bistro is a hidden gem nearby that’s a great little pitstop.
• The town of Cabot and the nearby AM Foster Covered Bridge are really beautiful areas to visit full of rustic Vermont charm.
• Peacham is a very small town with iconic landscapes and scenery.
• Bogie Farm in East Ryegate is a landscape that worthy of a postcard, and is especially beautiful in the fall.
• The drive between all these destinations will also be lovely and scenic, and packed with fall color.

1 Week (7 Day) New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

If you have 7 days, welcome to your itinerary! This option is the same as the 10 day option, but eliminates Acadia National Park to save time.

7 Day Road Trip Overview

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston Day 2 : Drive To Jackson, NH + A Stop In Salem, MA Day 3 : Drive To Franconia Along The Kancamagus Highway Days 4-5 : Drive To Stowe or Woodstock, VT + Stay 2 Nights Day 6 : The Berkshires Day 7 : Return To Boston

For this itinerary, you can also eliminate The Berkshires, and stay an extra night in Jackson or Franconia.

5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With 5 days, you can go in a few different directions, and below, I break down my suggested options, and the benefits of each. This way, you can tailor it to your preferences.

Option 1 : Spend two nights in Boston with a day trip to Salem, then spend 3 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT.

Option 1 is perfect if you prefer staying in one place longer. This itinerary will allow you to stay in the same hotel in Boston for 2 nights, and take an easy day trip to Salem for the perfect fall day of Halloween fun and history! Then you can pick up your rental car (if you haven’t already), and drive to Stowe or Woodstock, VT for 3 days to explore both towns.

With 3 days in Vermont, you can easily see both Stowe and Woodstock, and maybe even plan a day of driving around the back roads. See the 12-day itinerary option for my suggestions on driving the back roads around Vermont during foliage season .

Option 2 : Spend 1 night in Boston, stop in Salem on your way to Franconia and spend 2 nights in Franconia. Then spend 2 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT, and then drive back to Boston.

Option 2 is perfect for those who still want to see as much as possible in 5 days. You’ll get to see a bit of New Hampshire and Vermont, while making a stop in Salem.

Note: For this itinerary, I would drive from Salem to Conway, and the drive The Kancamagus Highway on your way to Franconia so you get to experience the fall foliage along this route. But this itinerary option eliminates the stay in Jackson, as there are more fall things to do in Franconia.

Option 3 : Spend 1 night in Boston, 1 night in Salem, 3 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT, and then back to Boston.

Option 3 is perfect for those who really want to spend some time in Salem. This itinerary allows you to spend a whole night in Salem to really enjoy all the Halloween festivities and tours, and then you can spend 3 beautiful days in Vermont.

I excluded New Hampshire from this option because I felt like it would be too much to cram in when adding 1 night in Salem. But if you were feeling adventurous (I’ve been there, I get it! 😂), you can drive to Franconia, NH for 1 night after Salem, and then do 2 nights in Vermont instead of 3.

3 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

3 days in New England is the perfect long weekend getaway!

With 3 days, I suggest you stay in one location , and add day trips . If you’re flying into Boston, you can stay 1 night in Boston if needed, and then drive to Vermont or New Hampshire for 2 nights. If you’re not flying in, you can spend all 3 nights in Vermont or New Hampshire.

Stowe is very close to New Hampshire, and it’s only about 1.5 hours from Franconia. You can easily do a day trip from Stowe to New Hampshire, or vice versa, for this type of itinerary.

It would also be easy to work in a stop in Salem, MA, either on your way in or out of Boston.

Weekend New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

For a weekend getaway in New England (essentially, 2 days), I would also recommend you stay in one place and take a day trip. For this itinerary, I almost always suggest Stowe or Woodstock. You can stay in either town, and spend 1 day exploring that town, and then the next day, exploring the other as a day trip.

Vermont Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Looking to just see Vermont? Excellent choice. It’s my personal favorite fall destination in New England (even though it’s a very close call 😉)

For a Vermont fall road trip , you can really do it in anywhere from 5-7 days. Of course, more is better to really see everything, but generally speaking, you can actually make it happen in a week or less. A popular route to take in Vermont is Route 100 , which runs the entire length of state, right through the middle. This allows you opportunities to veer off and see some other places as well.

For the purpose of this itinerary, I’m going to provide a week-long (7 day) itinerary, and you can adjust it to your own plans.

Day 1 : Bennington & Manchester Day 2 : Drive to Woodstock, stopping in Grafton and Weston on the way Day 3 : Spend the day in Woodstock Day 4 : Drive to Stowe, stopping in Montpelier if you’d like Day 5 : Spend the day in Stowe Day 6 : Staying in Stowe, take a day trip to Burlington & Shelburne Day 7 : Drive back

Day 1 Suggestions : Bennington and Manchester are pretty close to each other, so you can easily do both in one afternoon. There are some wonderful covered bridges in the area to see, and here are some more things to check out:

• The Bennington Battle Monument for fall foliage scenery.
• Downtown Bennington for shopping on Main Street (small, but cute!).
• Apple Barn is a few minutes from Main Street for a fun country store and bakery.
• Zoe’s in Manchester for lunch (great sandwiches!)
• Downtown Manchester for shopping in a cute town (don’t skip Northshire!)

Day 2 Suggestions : Grafton is a very small town, but it’s quintessential Vermont. It has a cute little cheese shop, and a nice little market/cafe called MKT Grafton, which is perfect for a quick bite. Also, swing by Weston to visit the Vermont Country Store.

For the rest of the itinerary, refer to the 10 day option for details 🙂

Click here to check out my post on a Vermont covered bridges road trip!

New Hampshire Fall Road Trip Itinerary

My second favorite fall foliage destination! Here’s my suggested itinerary for a New Hampshire-only fall road trip.

To just see New Hampshire , you can also spend anywhere from 4-7 days.

With 4 days, you can easily just stick to the White Mountains region, but I’m here to give you all my tips on even more awesome places to see in the fall season in New Hampshire ☺️ So, this itinerary will be 7 full days , but adjust as you need to!

Day 1 : Portsmouth Day 2 : Lake Winnipesaukee Days 3-4 : Littleton/Franconia Days 5-6 : North Conway/Jackson Day 7 : Drive back

Connecticut Fall Road Trip Itinerary Option

If you’ve seen all the “hot spots” around Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine, and you’re looking to explore a new part of New England in the fall, Connecticut should be next on your list!

As mentioned, my favorite place in Connecticut for fall foliage is the Litchfield Hills region. I always like to share that this region was what inspired Amy Sherman-Palladino’s creation of Stars Hollow, so Gilmore Girls fans will especially love this area.

The Litchfield Hills is very compact, and you can easily do a lot in a weekend here. However, 3-4 nights will allow you a nice, leisurely pace to explore all the amazing things this region has to offer in the fall.

The best towns to stay in in the Litchfield Hills region are:

• New Milford
• Washington/Washington Depot

Of all these towns, Litchfield probably has the most options when it comes to shopping and dining, however, they’re all very quaint and charming. I would pick whichever one has the best hotel for your plans.

If you have extra time for your Connecticut fall road trip, you can tack on places like Canaan to the north of the Litchfield Hills region, drive to Glastonbury, and then through the River Valley region, which includes the adorable towns of Chester and Essex. You can also choose to end your road trip in Mystic.

What To Pack For A New England Fall Road Trip

I always start every New England packing guide with the same thing, and this post is no different: begin to check the weather reports 5 days out from your trip to get an idea of what the weather will be like . And keep checking it until the day before you leave .

This is because weather in New England can change quickly, especially in the fall season. It’s not quite as dramatic as say … Iceland 😉 But, it can change and vary a bit. Generally speaking, fall will be chilly and a bit rainy. However, you could also have warm and sunny days. For longer trips, you’ll want to pack for both scenarios.

Here are some things I recommend you consider when packing for a fall road trip through New England:

Waterproof hiking boots . If you plan to do any hiking, or even nature walks, you’ll want a pair of sturdy boots that are waterproof. Even some attractions like Flume Gorge and other waterfalls in New Hampshire are pretty wet, so this is a good idea to stay dry and comfortable. I really like the Eddie Bauer K-6 Hiking boots. Find the women’s version here and the men’s version here . They’re a much less expensive version of the famous Danner hiking boots featured in the movie Wild !

Good hiking socks to keep your feet dry . An awesome brand to support is Tarn Tough Socks , which is a Vermont-based company. They’re an investment, but they’re also the best, and come with a lifetime guarantee!

Waterproof rain jacket to stay dry if it rains . You won’t want to let the rain slow you down, especially if there’s a lot in the forecast! So definitely pack one that’s completely water proof ( not water-resistant).

Layers . The best way to dress in the fall season is with layers. Under your rain gear, flannels, sweaters, and lightweight t-shirts (both short-sleeved or long-sleeved) work great.

Jeans . These work really well for most days. Fall in New England is pretty casual.

Hiking clothing . For any hikes you want to do, pack whatever clothes you typically wear and feel comfortable in 🙂

Comfortable sneakers or boots . When it’s not raining, a good pair of comfortable sneakers or cute boots work perfectly, depending on your plans. Since I drive from New York, I don’t usually have to worry too much about weight limits on a suitcase, so I’ll throw a pair of sneakers, flat boots/booties, and my hiking boots into the car. This is usually all I ever need.

Dinner outfits . New England is home to incredible places for farm-to-table dining, some of which are a bit more fancy. If you plan to go out for a nice dinner or two, you’ll want to pack accordingly. New England isn’t super fancy, so women can do a casual dress/jeans and a nice top with booties in the fall, and men can easily do dark-wash jeans and a button down top.

Reusable water bottle . You’ll need to stay hydrated while out exploring!

Day pack . If you plan to do any hiking, you’ll want to bring a day pack with you to carry your essentials. If you don’t plan to do any hikes, you can probably skip this, as you can keep most everything you need in your car or room.

Does It Snow In New England In The Fall?

Here’s the thing – it might if you’re up in the mountains. However, it doesn’t usually snow during peak foliage times. Usually, New England gets its first snow of the year later in October or early November. So, I wouldn’t worry about packing any snow gear or winter boots for your fall road trip.

How Do To A New England Fall Trip On A Budget

So, first thing’s first, you’ll unfortunately have to rethink what “budget” means in New England, especially during peak season in the fall. It’s generally more expensive than other areas of the country regardless of the reason, so during prime foliage times, prices will go up significantly.

Especially in the past, I never had the money to spend on several nights at hotels during this time of the year, so I have learned to do it on more of a budget. Not necessarily cheap, but not as tough on the wallet 😉 Here are my tips:

• Stay in motels. I love a good hotel splurge, and do it more now than I did in my 20s and early 30s. But for most of my road trips when the focus in exploring outdoors, I stay in motels with efficiency kitchens . You can find some really nice ones, and while they’re likely to be outdated, they’re usually clean and cozy.
• Efficiency kitchens allow you to make some meals at home. For a road trip style trip, this may be more challenging, as it’s hard to bring perishable items with you to store in a fridge. But I usually try to make my own breakfasts to save money, and pack snacks to have for lunch.
• Stay outside of town. If you’re really on a tight budget, you can stay outside of the towns you’re visiting. Places like Franconia, Stowe, and Woodstock charge premium rates for peak season, so you’re likely to find deals a town or two away.
• Go camping! If you’re really adventurous, you can go camping! There are camp sites all over New England, and this will definitely be more affordable. One thing to keep in mind is the colder weather, and for this reason, some camp sites may close down after Indigenous People’s weekend in October. But many remain open, and offer Yurt-style camping, too.

Is Fall In New England Worth It?

A resounding yes! I truly believe this is such a magical time to visit – if not the most magical time. Despite the crowds and the cost, it’s more than worth it. Many of the landscapes you’ll see are actual stock photos and postcards, and since so many people equate the fall season to all things cozy, there’s really no cozier place to be than in New England during foliage season.

More posts you may enjoy:

• Fall In New England: The Best Things To See & Do
• Vermont In The Fall: Festive Things To Do!
• Fall In New Hampshire: The Best Things To Do
• Fall In Massachusetts Ultimate Guide: All The Best Things To Do & Foliage Spots!
• The Best 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary For Any Season
• Best Stops To Make On A Boston To Stowe, VT Road Trip
• Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
• Maine In October: Best Towns For Foliage & Things To Do!
• Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
• Awesome Corn Mazes In Vermont
• Best Time To Visit New England
• Best Time To Visit Vermont

That’s A Wrap On The Best New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

And there you have it! All my tips and expert advice on planning the most epic New England fall road trip during foliage season! This truly is such a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should do at least once, and hopefully, you’re now well on your way to planning your own foliage adventure through New England!

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Of all places on earth, fall in New England may be one of the prettiest. Every fall activity you could dream of can be found here, with a backdrop of brilliant foliage and quaint little New England towns.

I’ve enjoyed countless New England fall seasons, so I know just what you’re looking for, and the best places to find it!

Let me introduce you to to the ultimate New England fall guide: incredible foliage destinations, festive farms, exciting apple orchards, thriving pumpkin patches, adorable New England fall towns, fall road trip spots , fall festivals, and so much more.

Get ready to discover the best places to go and things to do in New England in the fall (plus foliage information!)

Already know where you wanna go? Check out these epic state guides next: 🍁 Vermont in the Fall 🍁 New Hampshire in the Fall 🍁 Maine in the Fall 🍁 Massachusetts in the Fall 🍁 Rhode Island in the Fall 🍁 Connecticut in the Fall

Table of Contents

New England Fall Foliage: When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in New England?

Fall foliage colors in New England are from late September to early November, moving from North to South. The first state in New England to see fall colors appear is Maine, and the last will be Connecticut, but there are some nuances to that across each state.

Fall foliage is the color seen on trees throughout the season, but you’ll also hear people refer to peak colors or peak season. Peak is when the fall foliage is at its most vibrant. While it’s a lot harder to pin down the dates when peak foliage will occur, it’s much easier to know the range of dates you’ll most likely see at least some fall color in the region.

Remember, fall color and peak colors depend on somewhat unpredictable natural elements, including weather and precipitation throughout the year. This means these are ranges that are typical. They are not perfect forecasts, as much as I wish I could tell you exactly when to go to New England in the fall!

We will share the ballpark for fall colors in each state, and individual fall foliage trackers so you can zero in on a location you want to visit and follow their peak color forecast. You will almost certainly find fall colors in New England in the month of October, so if you want a month to shoot for, that’s it!

Here is an excellent visual representation of how the foliage changes in New England in the autumn:  Yankee Magazine Peak Foliage Map

So if you’re planning to visit New England in the fall, keep this progression in mind and try to plan your fall travels accordingly. 

Visit the New England Fall Foliage FAQ at the end of this post for more detailed info about peak colors for each state.

Best Places to Visit in New England in the Fall

I may be biased, but New England is definitely the best place in the northeast to visit in the fall. There are countless New England fall getaways that would be a terrific pick. After all, this region is chock full of amazing destinations. But the following list of destinations are those which are especially beautiful spots to experience New England in fall. They are also where the autumn action is: where you’ll find loads of pumpkin patches, apple orchards, fall farms, and all the other great things to do in New England in the fall!

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe , Vermont is a gorgeous classic village in a prime foliage spot. In a valley surrounded by Vermont’s Green Mountains, it’s a top destination to see vibrant fall colors (although you do have to plan your visit just right to catch peak foliage!)

The leaves tend to be brightest and boldest in early October, but this may change slightly according to conditions each year.

With its white-steepled church, the village of Stowe presents the perfect fall photo opportunity. While it is one of my favorite places to visit year round, Stowe is resplendent in fall.

Many come here to hike or to enjoy cycling, shopping, and art. It’s also a good place for foodies, with delicious restaurants both in Stowe and nearby Waterbury.

Fall foliage hike options in Stowe include: Moss Glen Falls, Stowe Pinnacle Trail (great views!), and Sterling Pond.

Check out some of the top Stowe hotels and vacation rentals for the perfect place to stay during your New England fall trip! I loved staying at Trapp Family Lodge with my little family.

Stowe is also on my list of New England’s top vacation spots ; destinations worth visiting year-round!

The Cold Hollow Cider Mill – Waterbury, Vermont

This is hands down one of the best fall New England trips you can take.

Head just south of Stowe along Route 100 and and stop at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury for fresh-pressed cider and what I’d consider some of the best apple cider doughnuts on the planet. I actually still remember my first visit to this apple heaven way back in 2001.This place just SCREAMS fall, and the scent of cinnamon, apples, and happiness hits you as soon as you get out of your car. It gets me every time!

Take time to wander the adorable store filled with every apple gift and food item you could imagine, and then head across the parking lot to their onsite restaurant and hard cidery. The Vermont to the Core panini with Cabot cheddar cheese, bacon, apples, and cider jelly? OMG! Must. Eat.

Burlington, Vermont

About 45 minutes from Stowe is the lovely lakeside town of Burlington, VT , my home for several years. I still consider Burlington to be my home away from home!

This hip, artsy town is home to numerous galleries, coffee shops , restaurants , breweries , and shopping opportunities, as well as plenty of cool hotels and vacation rentals to stay in.

It all overlooks the beautiful Lake Champlain, an enormous body of water that stretches from north to south, separating the states of Vermont and New York. The vista of the lake, with the mountains of New York in the background, is especially scenic in the fall, and there are lots of great hikes near Burlington to get out and really immerse yourself in the fall foliage!

The activities centered around the lake–boating, swimming, ferry rides, etc.–are best enjoyed in the warmer months.

However, the weather this time of year is the best time to stroll along Church Street, enjoying breweries, shops, and a fun atmosphere. Plus, the beautiful hillside neighborhoods with their unique New England architecture and the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain all make Burlington a great place to visit in New England in the fall.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is a destination that offers wilderness and adventure, and it’s one of the best New England fall trips you can take.

This 47,000-acre national park (the only national park in New England) is set on the coast of Maine and countless options for hiking and camping for the outdoor lover. Many hikes offer incredible views of oceanside cliffs and inlets. My husband and I loved hiking the Beehive Loop Trail in early autumn; it was challenging and exhilarating!

Breathtaking scenery isn’t the only great thing about the area. The cozy town of Bar Harbor offers dining, shopping, and culture, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. After roughing it in Acadia National Park, spend the night in a warm Bar Harbor hotel, inn, or B&B . Bar Harbor has some great restaurants whose chefs love using local, seasonal flavors. A fall-inspired meal on coastal Maine is incredible!

Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are still fairly crowded in September and October, but it’s usually a break from the highest crowds of summer. It will start to grow quite chilly here by the end of September–a good thing to keep in mind if you hope to go camping.

Mid-October is generally forecast to be peak foliage, but follow local reports for the most accurate info.

PS: Don’t miss the epic natural wonder Thunder Hole, the incredibly yummy popovers at Jordan Pond House, and the iconic Bass Harbor Head Light.

Mack’s Apples – Londonderry, New Hampshire

If you’re looking for the classic, old-timey New England fall experience, Mack’s Apples will provide. This is practically an institution in NH, an 8th-generation, family-owned 400-acre farm. In early autumn, visitors can start picking apples, selecting fruit from 100 acres of trees. 

Pumpkins can be picked, too. When you’re done picking, stop by the farm stand which offers maple syrup, fresh-grown veggies, pies, pears, squash, and more.

🍎See more orchards and farms for the best places for apple picking in New England !

Manchester, Vermont

Manchester is one of the best places to experience fall in New England, and is especially convenient if you’re traveling up from points south.

Located in the southwest corner of Vermont, Manchester is one of my favorite areas to visit; perfectly quaint and quiet, yet with plenty of shopping and activity.

Interestingly, the foliage here often is really vibrant, sometimes peaking earlier and brighter than points north, making this one of the best towns in Vermont to visit in fall.

There is a super fun fall spot to visit in Manchester called Equinox Valley Nursery. This farm has a massive pumpkin patch filled with some spooky characters, a corn maze to get lost in, and of course, the most important New England fall food: cider donuts!

Some of the other highlights of the Manchester area include driving up or hiking Mount Equinox (beautiful autumn views), visiting Hildene, the Lincoln family mansion, and shopping at Manchester’s luxury outlets. You’ll want to stop by Northshire Bookstore if you’re a reader: one of the top independent bookstores in New England.

There are also great restaurants and breakfast spots in Manchester , too. Don’t miss Up for Breakfast for your morning meal, and a perfect dinner choice is Ye Old Tavern.

Salem, Massachusetts

Speaking of things to do in New England in October, is there be a better Halloween destination than Salem, Massachusetts? I absolutely adore visiting Salem in the fall.

It is a bit surprising that Salem is now a destination synonymous with Halloween celebrations. Back in the 1600s, Salem was not so friendly to witches, infamous as the site of the tragic 1692 witch trials. But in Salem today, witches are celebrated, and it’s become one of the top places to go for Halloween in the entire world.

Thousands descend upon the area each October for Haunted Happenings, the town’s annual Halloween celebration.

And of course, history abounds in every direction, and you’ll be kept busy by museums, exhibits, and notable sites, such as the famous Witch House and the Witch Museum. Ghost tours offered throughout the season offer great insight into the haunted spots of Salem , and you might just catch a glimpse of something paranormal!

If you’re into more “pretend” spookiness, you can’t go wrong visiting the Hocus Pocus film sites ! This 90’s classic Halloween film was largely filmed here, and it’s a blast visiting Max and Dani’s house, the site of the Halloween party, and other cool sites around town..

With its position on the coast, Salem is likely to experience peak foliage in mid-to-late October. The first photo in this section was taken on a mid-October day.

The White Mountains, New Hampshire

New Hampshire is another great state to visit in New England in the autumn . The rugged White Mountains are aflame with color and make for spectacular hiking (like Artist’s Bluff ) and leaf-peeping among all the other fun things to do in the White Mountains !

New Hampshire has many choice spots for foliage, including classic-looking little towns such as Sugar Hill or Jackson as well as more tourist-centered places such as North Conway and Lincoln .

Early October is when this outdoor paradise tends to reach peak foliage, and it’s definitely worth planning ahead to catch the mountains decked out in autumnal hues.

I recently got to enjoy an early October trip to the White Mountains, and it was absolutely stunning.

For an extra fun fall excursion, drive the famous Kancamagus Highway, a scenic stretch of road that runs 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest. It is one of my favorite fall scenic drives in New England. It is essential to note that this road gets very busy during peak foliage, especially on weekend’s. So my advice is to prepare for delays and take it slow–that’s the best way to enjoy all the stops and views, anyway!

The Kancamagus is bookended by Lincoln and Conway, so you’ll get the chance to stop in two top destinations during your drive, and either of those are excellent spots to base yourself on a New Hampshire foliage adventure.

Want to go all out with fall charm? Yeah you do! Consider booking one of these cozy White Mountains cabins for the perfect place to stay during your New England fall trip.

Mount Greylock State Reservation, Massachusetts

When considering fall foliage destinations in New England, it stands to reason that we think of getting a better vantage point by going high, right? Well, Mount Greylock State Reservation in Adams is a great choice as the summit is 3,491 feet and the highest point in Massachusetts!

As an added bonus, you don’t have to be in great hiking shape to get to it! You can drive to the top, and what’s more, there’s a 92-foot tall granite Veterans War Memorial lookout tower that gives you an even greater boost. They say that on a clear day, you can see up to 90 miles away, potentially seeing parts of 4 states and 5 mountain ranges. Talk about fall foliage views as far as the eye can see!

Mystic, Connecticut

Lovely Mystic CT is one of my favorite places to visit in New England in October, not just because of the fantastic fall foliage (that you can best catch towards the middle and later part of the month), but also for the neat fall-related things to do and see both in and around Mystic:

Check out the Witch Paddle on Mystic River where you get to see what a dozen+ “witches” look like as they fly/paddle down the river, the surrounding trees just starting to burst into fall color around them.

Another popular fall attraction in this charming New England fall town is visiting B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill , the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. You can watch the cider being made during weekend demos and pick up some apple cider goodies to take home with you; cider and apple cider doughnuts ? A perfect New England fall combo!

There is so much to do in this cute waterfront town (like exploring the Mystic Aquarium, one of my family’s favorites) and plenty of amazing restaurant s and places to stay in Mystic, so this is definitely one of the best fall towns in New England!

PS: One shop in Mystic I recommend visiting is Alice’s Little Haunted Bookshop. It’s absolutely charming and so perfect for the Halloween and fall season. This small themed bookstore is located in Olde Mistick Village with dozens of other unique shops to visit, including Alice’s sister shop, The Cloak and Wand!

Freeport Fall Festival – Freeport, Maine

The first weekend in October in Freeport Maine is reserved for the Freeport Fall Festival , where Mainers come from near and far to celebrate the sights and tastes of fall in New England. Local art, live music, kid’s activities, and some of the finest food artisans in Maine are present on the campus of L.L. Bean for all to enjoy.

Plus, Freeport is also home to Wolfe’s Neck Center , where you can find one of the best pumpkin patches in Maine as well as several workshops and fall events, like their Harvest Dance.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock is classic New England , with covered bridges, rolling farmland, and a tidy Main Street. This is quite possibly my favorite fall destination in New England.

If you’re looking for a small village where you can hide away for a fall weekend in New England , Woodstock is an excellent choice. Your main activity is likely to be leaf-peeping, as the foliage will explode in late September and early October.

You can also dine on cheese, apples, and other Vermont fare, with lots of autumn specialties available at the many great local restaurants. Consider booking a farm stay at the beautiful Fat Sheep Farm. 

Antiquing is also a great fall activity here, with many roadside shops stocked with eccentricities and treasures. Be sure to stop by the Quechee Gorge overlook, to have a look at the gorge in its autumn splendor.

And no matter how long your Woodstock getaway, be sure you make time for some of the top things to do in Woodstock: Billings Farm & Museum, Simon Pearce, fall views from a hike atop Mt. Peg, and a visit to an incredible general store: F.H. Gillingham & Sons .

PS: This is one destination you’ll visit if you follow my 7 day New England fall road trip itinerary !

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is one of the biggest cities on our list of New England fall weekend getaways. There’s a lot going on in this city year-round, with cool breweries, cute coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and awesome hotels to stay in.

Within a short drive from Providence, you’ll be able to take in fall activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches. You can plan for events like Oktoberfest and other fall festivals both in Providence and nearby Newport . 

Horror fans may know that author H.P. Lovecraft lived most of his life in Providence, his hometown. You can explore significant Lovecraft sites, such as his home and his grave, as well as locations that figure into his works of horror fiction.

Other fall activities in Providence: Experience the awesome WaterFire art installation, where over 80 bonfires light up the downtown rivers and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Visit Roger Williams Park to see the changing leaves, and enjoy its zoo, botanical center, and walking paths. Discover some of Providence history on Benefit Street, lined with old homes and landmarks.

In every season, Providence is a super cool city and I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

Mike’s Maze – Sunderland, Massachusetts

Don’t just visit the best corn maze in New England, visit the best in the US, according to Yahoo.

Mike’s been creating insanely intricate mazes for nearly two decades. Check out the incredible past designs, as photographed from the sky, here. That’s some amazing stuff.

There’s way more here than just an elaborate corn maze, too. Farm animals, pedal carts, a cafe, and more make this a New England fall bucket list destination.

Jamestown, Rhode Island

One of the cutest little New England towns to visit in fall, Jamestown has a plethora of opportunities to get outdoors and see the fantastic fall foliage in lovely scenic settings, like the Conanicut Island Sanctuary , Fort Wetherill State Park, and the can’t miss tourist attraction, Beavertail Lighthouse and State Park; the Beavertail Trail is one of the best hikes in Rhode Island , too.

There are lots of cute small town New England things to do in charming Jamestown, but if you’re looking for a great New England fall photo op in Jamestown, swing by the historic Jamestown Windmill and snap a few pics of the picturesque scene.

Damariscotta, Maine

Looking for one of the best New England coastal towns in fall? Look no further than darling Damariscotta, home of the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta , one of the cutest fall activities in New England.

The focus of this town’s 10 day New England fall festival is on all things pumpkin, so you’ll find all kinds of sweet small town pumpkin related foods, crafts, and events.

One of the more unique events is the 180 foot Pumpkin Drop, where a gigantic pumpkin is lifted almost 200 feet into the air and then dropped over a large inflatable beach ball filled pool!

If that doesn’t just scream Fun Small Town Fall Shenanigans, I don’t know what does. That’s not even the main event, either! The Pumpkinboat Regatta sees people racing their giant hollowed out pumpkins, fitted with motors, out in the ocean.

If you’re looking for a fun New England fall town, Damariscotta has got to be on the top of that list. 

Meredith, New Hampshire

One of the best New England fall spots near Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s Meredith is a charming little lake resort town that offers all kinds of fall fun surrounded by the dramatic fall foliage that New England serves up so well!

Visit Moulton Farm’s pumpkin patch or get lost-then found-in their fun-for-all corn maze, one of the best corn mazes in New Hampshire! And YES, this New Hampshire farm does have some of those amazing apple cider donuts I can’t stop talking about. In fact, one of the ones I had at Moulton Farm was maple drizzled. :::Incoherent happy grunting:::::

Another great way to experience fall in NH is to book a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad’s Fall Foliage Train and admire the burnt oranges and dazzling golds from your seat.

The four-hour Fall Foliage Special winds its way through some of the most stunning scenic fall foliage views in New England, coming to a stop in Plymouth, New Hampshire at the Common Man Inn & Spa for lunch.  PS I went to college in Plymouth! This is an incredible restaurant for your pit stop, you lucky duck.

The return trip has a couple more stops before pulling back into Meredith; this is one of those fall foliage train rides that is simply unforgettable. 

Book a Lake Winnipesaukee cabin or book a room at one of the great inns in the area. Meredith’s Mill Falls at the Lake would be perfect for a couple looking for a romantic place to stay!

There’s plenty of fun to be had all around Lake Winnipesaukee, too.

Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

While Connecticut is the most southern New England state, it still boasts glorious fall foliage and photogenic scenes. As an added bonus, Connecticut claims to have the longest foliage season of all six states, so you’ve got more flexibility when it comes to planning a fall adventure.

The Litchfield Hills are a highly recommended spot to witness fall in Connecticut. Covered bridges, small villages, and sparkling lakes await you in this region of New England.

Many choose to drive the Litchfield Hills Ramble, a route that circles 100 miles from Torrington through Litchfield and brings passengers past lush foliage.

Here, classic farms are bordered by stone walls, covered with fallen golden leaves. Hidden waterfalls are to be found within the woods, trimmed in color.

It is best to do this road trip in late September and early October. Don’t miss the town of Kent, called one of the finest towns for foliage in all of New England.

All the trappings of a quaint New England experience are to be found here, including covered bridges, small villages, and sparkling lakes. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, and antiquing are other popular activities in the hills, and it has also recently become something of a foodie destination, so bring your appetite.

Don’t miss Hogan’s Cider Mill in Burlington, Connecticut. This picture-perfect farm serves up fall treats in an Instagram-worthy atmosphere. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at Instagram in the fall; everyone is headed here for their boozy cider slushies and a fun day out!

Bristol, Rhode Island

Bristol is one of the cutest small towns in Rhode Island and definitely deserves a spot on the best places to visit in New England during the fall!

One of New England’s hidden gems , ie one of those cute New England fall towns that just flies under the radar, Bristol is an excellent fall vacation spot! I admit, I have only been to Bristol in the summertime, but this town exudes charm, so I can only imagine its autumn loveliness. And many of my fellow New England travelers have recommended the area to me.

Not only will you find fantastic fall foliage at lovely Colt State Park, but beautiful Blithewold Mansion’s Gardens and Arboretum is always all done up for the season, too.

A nearby option for apple picking near Bristol, Rhode Island, is Young Family Farm in Little Compton. They offer apple picking in their orchards along with a variety of other fresh produce available for purchase. The farm provides a scenic setting and that idyllic experience: apple picking in New England’s fall season! Be sure to check their current offerings and schedules before you visit.

Camden Hills State Park, Maine

One of the best spots for fall foliage viewing in Maine is Camden Hills State Park . In addition to all the great hiking opportunities in this Maine state park, there’s also a way to get spectacular fall foliage views without ever having to leave your vehicle!

Mt. Battie Auto Road makes getting that birds eye view accessible for all. In fact, you’ll be treated to expansive fall color views that include Camden, Penobscot Bay, and even Cadillac Mountain in nearby Acadia National Park!

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

In Western Massachusetts, you’ll find the Berkshires , an area that bears some similarities to the Litchfield Hills and abounds in art and culture. There are opportunities for picking fresh apples, plus a wide array of harvest festivals and fall celebrations.

Fall seems to be beloved by Berkshires residents and visitors alike, and is home to the first designated scenic road in New England, the Mohawk Trail , one of the prettiest areas of the state. You’ll find yourself surrounded by vividly colored dense fall foliage as you make your way through quaint MA towns. 

Hiking is popular here. The mountains never seem too high, and you can capture breathtaking scenes with only a short walk. The foliage routes are also home to antique stores and other small shops where you can stop and search for trinkets.

Gorgeous homes are also a lovely sight in fall; a particularly good spot to see them is the stately town of Lenox. Why not climb aboard for a horse-drawn carriage ride? Relics of amazing history abound throughout the Berkshire region in every season, but they are especially beautiful in fall.

Consider booking one of these cool Berkshires Airbnbs or cozy cabins for the perfect fall place to stay in New England!

Newport, Rhode Island

The Classic Coast is one of the best places to visit for New England fall foliage, particularly if you enjoy a lovely ocean view with your fall colors!

One of the best ways to get the best of both worlds is to take a stroll on the iconic Cliff Walk. This scenic walkway offers a chance to leaf peep in the backyards of famous Newport Mansions with views of the deep blue sea on the other side. 

This beautiful coastal community is full of scenic sights, and the splashes of fall foliage color in between only add to the charm. Newport, Rhode Island in the fall is so pretty!

Actually, one of the most scenic drives in New England is located in the Ocean State, and it’s a fantastic coastal fall foliage route. Ocean Drive , also known as Ten Mile Drive, offers lovely autumn views of southern Aquidneck Island. 

One particularly scenic fall foliage spot along Ocean Drive is the area of Brenton Point State Park . If you can, stop at this scenic state park and climb to the top of the stone observation tower for an even better view of the surrounding fall colors!

Of course, Newport has plenty to see and do (and eat!), so there is no shortage of fun to be had in this area. The Newport Mansions are gorgeous year round, but their meticulously landscaped grounds come alive with the brilliant colors of autumn if you plan your visit during RI peak fall foliage!

Boston, Massachusetts

Have you visited Boston in the fall ? I find it positively dreamy! It’s pretty well understood that Boston has extreme temps on both ends of the spectrum, with very hot, muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters. 

In between those two is fall, and it’s perfect for exploring Boston and enjoying all the great attractions, restaurants , coffee shops, breweries, and more. 

Boston is home to some very popular fall foliage spots, as well, and if you’re not from Beantown, you might not think of it!

Boston Public Garden and Boston Common are two of the best places in Boston for fall foliage views. There are so many beautiful trees in both of these outdoor spaces, and you can expect to see vibrant oranges and bright yellows all around. 

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy peak fall colors in Boston, head to the Esplanade. There’s nothing quite like seeing the blazing colors being reflected back in the Charles River on a sunny autumn day.

For a great fall foliage tour in New England, consider booking a guided fall foliage bike tour ; you’ll go through some of the most gorgeous parks in the city and be treated to the best fall colors in town! There are many walking tours and boat tours in town that are perfect for fall weather, too.

Sleeping Giant State Park, Connecticut

Located in Hamden CT near the Southern shore of the state, Sleeping Giant State Park is a fantastic place to enjoy New England fall foliage! With 1500 gorgeous acres to be explored, there are plenty of lovely hiking trails to immerse yourself in the fall colors, but there’s an added bonus here too: The Tower Trail.

The Tower Trail leads to a four-story stone observation tower that feels positively medieval and gives the opportunity for expansive autumn color views. This is a fantastic vantage point to take in all the gorgeous fall color all around you at this popular state park, and it is a must-visit if you’re looking for fall foliage views in CT!

Smuggler’s Notch State Park, Vermont

If you’ve ever looked at a list of scenic drives in Vermont, you’ve almost certainly seen Smuggler’s Notch listed. This incredibly scenic road is nestled in between massive 1000+ feet cliffs on either side, with beautiful trees lining the way. In autumn, this road is nothing short of stunning.

Smuggler’s Notch State Park is full of fantastic hiking trails and scenic overlook opportunities that are perfect for leaf peeping. This is one of the top Vermont fall foliage sights!

Seriously…! One of the most magnificent ways to enjoy fall foliage in New England is by getting as high as you can and seeing the autumn colors from above.

You can opt to enjoy a scenic chairlift ride from one of your favorite ski resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont, and beyond that offer fall foliage rides, or you can really head up high with a hot air balloon ride or a seaplane tour! Companies like A&A Balloon Rides in New Hampshire fly year-round.

For a seaplane tour that offers out of this world fall foliage views, check out Jack’s Air Service at Moosehead Lake – what a uniquely thrilling way to take in autumn views!

FAQ: New England Fall Foliage By State

The Pine Tree State is the first state in the country to see fall color each year, so if you’re planning an early autumn leaf peeping trip, this is a good choice. Fall color in this New England state typically begins toward the end of September and lasts until the last week of October, North to South down the state. Coastal Maine typically sees peak color at the end of October.

Massachusetts

The Bay State doesn’t have as long of a fall foliage season as its neighbor to the northeast. You’ll find Massachusetts fall foliage beginning in mid to late September and lasting to mid to late October, with peak colors varying across the state. Pockets of color often extend beyond this time frame on the coast, with areas like Cape Cod seeing peak colors last.

Rhode Island

While the Ocean State may be the smallest state in the US, it’s got plenty of great fall color! Fall foliage in Rhode Island typically begins in early October and lasts through the end of the month, moving from North to South. 

New Hampshire

One of the most popular leaf peeping destinations in New England, the Live Free or Die State has a lengthier peak fall foliage season than its more southern neighbors. You can expect fall colors to begin in late September in the north, ending with peak fall colors at the Seacoast at the end of October.

For many, leaf peeping New England means leaf peeping in Vermont! The Green Mountain State is absolutely stunning when peak fall foliage hits, and you can expect to see peak colors beginning in mid to late September and ending by the third week of October, moving north to south. You’ll find the higher altitude locations seeing peak colors before their lower altitude neighbors.

Connecticut

The Nutmeg State is especially scenic in the fall, with fall foliage beginning to peak in early October, typically lasting through to the beginning of November. If you’re planning a late fall foliage trip to New England, Connecticut is a great choice!

What are some fall festivals in New England?

New England is renowned for its vibrant fall festivals. I’ve highlighted some of these above, but here are a few you should consider:

• The Big E (Massachusetts): The Eastern States Exposition is one of the largest and oldest agricultural events in the Northeast, featuring concerts, carnival rides, and plenty of regional food.
• Keene Pumpkin Festival (New Hampshire): Witness thousands of lit jack-o’-lanterns in this charming town. It’s a spectacle of creativity and community spirit, with live music and fireworks.
• Harvest on the Harbor (Maine): Located in Portland, this festival celebrates Maine’s culinary arts with local chefs, tastings, and food-themed events showcasing the best of fall flavors.
• Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival (Vermont): This festival involves a competition where teams build trebuchets to hurl pumpkins as far as possible. It’s quirky, fun, and uniquely New England with food, music, and kids’ activities.
• Cranberry Harvest Celebration (Massachusetts): Witness the cranberry harvest, enjoy wagon rides, and dive into delicious cranberry fare in one of the largest cranberry-producing states.

Each of these festivals offers a unique taste of New England’s fall culture, from its agricultural roots to its community spirit.

Final Thoughts: New England Towns to Visit in the Fall + Things to Do

Ah, that picture-perfect autumn in New England. In this article, I’ve highlighted my favorite fall vacation spots in New England for those looking for fantastic fall foliage and good, old-fashioned New England charm.

However, if your idea of a New England October includes a bit of a scare, check out our lists of the spookiest ghost tours, haunted places , Halloween events , and haunted hotels in New England , if you dare!

You might also like:

• Cranberry Bogs in Massachusetts You’ll Want to Visit this Fall!
• Cape Cod in the Fall: 13 Things to Do

Protect Your Trip »

Fall in new england: when & where to go in 2023.

Time your New England fall getaway with prime leaf peeping.

Fall in New England

Getty Images

Explore vivid fall colors at a variety of New England destinations, such as along Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire.

New England is a popular destination for fall getaways, with its crisp, cool weather; the pick-your-own produce and fresh-pressed cider at family-owned farms; some of the country's best harvest festivals ; and – the main attraction – stunning foliage.

Perhaps the only challenge of visiting New England (or any destination known for its fall foliage ) this time of year is figuring out exactly when to go for prime leaf peeping. Visit too soon and the fall colors may not have peaked; visit too late and the trees may be bare. So when (and where) should you go?

The Best Time to Visit New England in the Fall

For peak (or close to peak) fall foliage in 2023, plan to visit New England the first week of October.

"With El Niño possibly impacting our autumn, I think we may see a little bit of a 'slow-burn,' which means the fall colors are slow to develop," explains Jeff "Foliage" Folger, a New England resident, photographer and former fall foliage blogger for Yankee Magazine. "I suspect if we get enough rain during the summer, there may not be a big impact, but I would slide a few days later into October from the usual dates (in late September) for the best colors."

He also notes that prime leaf-peeping times vary by location. "The best time to be in New England is in October but remember it does not change all at once. It starts up north near Canada and over the next 30-plus days (into November) it will flow to the South and West until all the fall colors have drained out of New England into New York and points west."

On his website, jeff-foliage.com , where he shares fall predictions, photo tips and New England travel ideas, he notes that it wasn't until about the second week of October (specifically Oct. 6 to 10) that the fall colors made their appearance last fall – and this was under "normal" conditions, with New England seeing average rainfall throughout the summer. But summer 2023 is predicted to be especially dry and hot across the U.S.

Read: Where to Travel During Hurricane Season

6 Scenic Places to See New England Fall Foliage

Montgomery, vermont.

Folger prefers going off the beaten path in Vermont. "A drive on Route 58 in Hazen's Notch near Montgomery means you will almost be alone (usually)," he says. You'll also spot as many as seven covered bridges – the perfect backdrop for fall foliage photos – as Montgomery is considered the "Covered Bridge Capital" of Vermont.

Stowe, Vermont

Before the first snowfall descends upon this famous ski town , Stowe touts another reason to visit: the stunning fall foliage. Nicknamed "Fall's Color Capital," Stowe offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from biking and zip lining amid the changing leaves to strolling through downtown Stowe, a quintessential Vermont experience .

There's no shortage of scenic drives, either. Folger recommends heading north on state Route 108 (also known as the Smugglers' Notch Pass Scenic Highway) toward Smugglers' Notch. For the ultimate experience, book a stay at the dog-friendly Topnotch Resort , located in the foothills of Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

One of the most scenic drives in New England, the Kancamagus Highway bursts with color in the fall. The roughly 35-mile remote route takes travelers through White Mountain National Forest, with views of the White Mountains in the distance and the smell of fresh pine up close.

"The Kanc" is also convenient for another epic experience in New Hampshire : the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Opened in 1869, it is the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway.

Visit NH recommends starting your journey in Lincoln. Drive along the Kancamagus Highway (state Route 112) to Conway, then take state Route 16 north through North Conway. From there, you'll carry on along U.S. Route 302 through Crawford Notch to the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Then, from the Cog, you can take U.S. Route 3 to Interstate 93 through Franconia Notch State Park back to Lincoln. Or, you might consider spending the night at the famous Omni Mount Washington Resort – the perfect spot for a romantic New Hampshire getaway .

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Camden, Maine

Courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism

While Acadia National Park and the neighboring town of Bar Harbor are undeniably stunning (and particularly popular) in the fall, don't overlook the charming town of Camden, about 80 miles southwest.

One of the best places to visit in Maine , this coastal village offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails – including plenty of easy-to-moderate paths – at Camden Hills State Park. If you're up for a challenge, take the famous Mount Battie Trail, which rewards hikers with stunning views of Penobscot Bay. Afterward, head into town for a bite to eat by the water and some shopping.

Lenox, Massachusetts

A stunning rural region in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are known for breathtaking scenery, especially in the fall. Leaf peeping experiences include hiking, scenic drives, hot air balloon rides and the Hoosac Valley Train Rides in Adams.

Ashley Rossi, managing editor at Roadpass Digital and a New England native, particularly likes the town of Lenox. "Lenox is home to historic museums, world-class spas, farms, and of course, incredible mountainous landscapes come fall," she says. After you see the foliage up close on foot at October Mountain State Forest, Rossi recommends heading to Edith Wharton's estate (The Mount) or the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum for a history lesson. You can also tour the grounds of Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. For unique, luxury accommodations, check into the Wheatleigh or Life House, Berkshires.

Vacations by Rail

For the ultimate New England fall experience, you can book a trip with Vacations by Rail, which offers two fall foliage-inspired itineraries:

Autumn Tour in New England: This eight-day experience includes three different rail journeys, including the Cape Cod Dinner Train. It makes stops in Boston ; Newport, Rhode Island ; Mystic, Connecticut; North Conway, New Hampshire; and more.

Fall Colors, Scenic Trains & Martha's Vineyard: A 10-day journey, this tour also covers three different rail journeys plus lake and river cruises and a variety of towns and attractions. Stops include Martha's Vineyard and Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.

For more recommendations, browse the Best Weekend Getaways in New England .

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Fall Family Vacation Ideas
• Packing List: Road Trip Essentials
• The Top Cheap Weekend Getaways
• The Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
• The Best Winter Vacations

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Tags: Travel , Fall Vacations , Travel Tips , New England Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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These Are New England’s Most Scenic Fall Foliage Destinations, From Coastal Cities to National Forests

By Todd Plummer and Paul Rubio

Whether you’re coming from the South, Midwest, or elsewhere on the East Coast, the riches of autumn in New England are always worth the easy drive or quick flight. You can’t go wrong in this neighborhood of the Northeast—each of the region’s six states has its own unique take on fall bliss, with multi-hued leaves, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and so much more to choose from. Here, we offer a state-by-state rundown of fall's best region to help you decide where to get the most out of this year’s leaf peeping—whether by road, bike, foot, or even boat—plus sublime menus full of fall ingredients, and the cozy and luxe accommodations from which to base your adventures.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products are independently selected by our editors. However, if you buy something through our affiliate links, we may earn a commission.

New Hampshire

Mountainous and woodsy, New Hampshire is blessed with seemingly endless parklands for experiencing fall foliage, both on foot and behind the wheel. Make a beeline for the White Mountain National Forest, hopping on the Kancamagus Highway (or the “Kanc” as locals call it). Northern New Hampshire’s claim to fame is this highly scenic 35-mile stretch of Route 112, which erupts with vibrant, changing leaves over multiple elevations. There are no gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and the like—nature takes center stage. Breathe in the fresh air and work on your landscape photography game . Enjoy your picnic lunch at one of the route’s many waterfalls, like "Sabbaday Falls" or "Rocky Gorge."

Next, beyond the White Mountain National Forest, embark on an oh-so-fall adventure: a cider donut crawl. In Loudon, savor piping-hot cider doughnuts at Meadow Ledge Farm —they’re so good they often command a 45-minute line. In Meredith, get lost in a mega-corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, and try “flavored” cider doughnuts (with various toppings like chocolate drizzle and sprinkles) at Moulton Farm . Alternatively, balance town and forest with overnights in the hip town of Portsmouth, just an hour's drive from most of the region's best hiking trails. For starters, summit Mount Kearsage in Wilmot, or explore a portion of the 40-plus miles of trails in nearby Bear Brook State Park.

Where to stay

It should come as no surprise that the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has ample views of the White Mountains. A fun throwback to the age of New England’s grand hotels that catered to city slickers from Boston and New York (not unlike today), this charming, historic property is this fall undergoing a total renovation of the guest rooms.

If you’re driving to New Hampshire or points further north, check in to the Great Island Inn , an “apart-hotel” occupying a restored historic home just a few minutes from downtown Portsmouth. Sure there’s no pool, no concierge, not even a front desk to speak of, but what you skip in amenities you more than make up for in value, at a time of year when many hotels like to jack up room rates to take advantage of leaf-peepers. It’s cute, it’s cozy, and it’s centrally located for all of your coastal New Hampshire adventures.

Where to eat

In Mount Washington, gorge on breakfasts of maple syrup-drenched buttermilk pancakes and apple betty French toast at the Glen House. Consider a trek up to White Mountain Cider Company for dinner and dessert of warm cider doughnuts and ice cream.

In Portsmouth, book ahead for dinner at Row 34 Portsmouth where you’ll find briny local oysters (don’t miss the umami-rich Row 34 oysters, the most mature bivalves from Island Creek Oyster Farm, Duxbury Bay in neighboring Massachusetts) and the best lobster roll in all New England (yes, you read that correctly).

New England leaf peeping is at its finest in Vermont, where wilderness covers 75 percent of the land. Surrounded by more maple trees than anywhere else in the region, you'll find the brightest of yellows, oranges, and reds on nearly every highway and country road. (Considering this is the best-of-the-best foliage, we’ve even created an entire guide of 15 ways to find fall in the Green Mountain State.)

Since most colors pop early October in northern Vermont, mid- to late-October visitors should consider central or southern Vermont. Visit Manchester and climb Equinox Mountain, taking in colorful panoramas that stretch from New York to New Hampshire. Or go to Woodstock, one of the most beautiful towns in the U.S., from where you can be up and down 1,250-foot Mount Tom in about 90 minutes.

In the heart of Manchester Village within Green Mountain National Forest, check into Kimpton Taconic Hotel . Expect a mind-blowing explosion of colors all around this unpretentious, yet elegant hotel. Also, look forward to a lot of happy doggies rolling around in the leaves: like all pet-friendly Kimpton hotels, this outpost caters as much to pets as it does to humans.

Looking for a hidden gem, in Southern Vermont just a quick drive from New York and Boston? Consider the award-winning Hermitage Inn , which just changed hands and underwent a fabulous renovation during the pandemic. Country roads, plenty of vibrant sugar maple trees, and all the Vermont charm you can handle is within reach from this tranquil West Dover hideaway. There’s even a covered bridge on the property for all your sight-seeing and Instagramming needs.

For a bucolic countryside escape, head to Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont—an all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux spot and the highlight of New England’s rural retreats—where the food and design often take center stage, but the spa services (for an additional fee) also deserve consideration. They offer cozy in-room fireside massages (which conclude with your therapist drawing you a hot bath), as well as high-potency facials using products from Biologique Recherche.

Rhode Island

Since it’s more about the coast than the forest in the country’s smallest state, Rhode Island may not be an obvious choice for fall—but it's prime time to experience "locals' summer." Split your days between walks on vast, near-empty beaches and drives along colorful, canopied country roads. Head down the oceanfront Scenic Route 1A from Westerly to Wickford—it’s 39.6 miles, a long distance in Rhode Island terms—for the ultimate juxtaposition of seaside backdrops and changing leaves. Connect to Route 102, which passes through the best of the state’s quiet two-lane roads, featuring quintessential New England architecture, towering red maple trees, country stores, and some supposedly haunted taverns (pop into the early-18th century Tavern on Main in Chapeacet to amp up your pre-Halloween jitters).

Where to stay and eat

Base yourself at Ocean House , overlooking an exquisite swathe of beach and Block Island Sound. The hotel sports a fresh take on coastal New England glam as envisioned by noted designer Peter Neimitz. After watching an amazing sunset from the hotel’s private Ocean House beach (and waving to Taylor Swift, whose mansion is next door), savor a multi-course tasting menu at the hotel’s locavore flagship restaurant, Coast . The menu changes nightly, based on seasonal produce from neighboring farms and the catch of the day.

Take advantage of Newport’s shoulder season rates at the Cliffside Inn , an adorable, fully restored 1876 Victorian mansion in the heart of Newport’s Historic District. In the fall, the streets grow wonderfully quiet, making it a rewarding time of year to go on long, ambling walks through Newport’s cobblestoned streets. With just 16 rooms, each with a unique layout and furnishings, this inn feels more like your glamorous, eccentric friend’s weekend escape than a “historic Newport hotel.” For dinner, stroll over to downtown and book a table at Giusto , where the “Freestyle Italian” cuisine uses Italian influences on local and seasonal ingredients.

Massachusetts

There are two ways to love fall in Massachusetts. One is heading out west through the Berkshire Mountains and leaf peeping along the 63-mile Mohawk Trail, New England’s original scenic drive (and arguably Massachusetts’s most picturesque). The two-lane highway follows a Native American trade route as it passes through 50,000 acres of parklands and forests (especially well-preserved around the Mohawk Trail State Forest, where bears and bobcats have been known to cross the trail). For a good hike, detour in North Adams to climb Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state at 3,489 feet.

The second option is sticking to New England’s capital, Boston , and taking in autumn at easy-to-reach and easier-to-photograph spots while eating your way through the season. Get your fix of fall bliss strolling the Public Garden , the Charles River Esplanade , the Arnold Arboretum and tree-lined Harvard campus. Better yet, consider taking a ride out to the trails around Walden Pond or Middlesex Fells Reservation, and blow up your Instagram feed with shots of the foliage reflecting off the water. Pack in as many steps as possible, since you’ll also be feasting on the seasonal harvest at Boston’s best restaurants.

Take in the best of the northern Berkshires from the Williams Inn –an adorable, refined property just minutes from MASS MoCA , the Clark Institute, and gorgeous New England forest as far as the eye can see. New for this fall is the “An Apple A Day” package, which includes a four-pack of fresh cider donuts, a bottle of local pressed apple cider, and a keepsake wooden basket in addition to your stay.

Get the foliage experience from the comfort of The Newbury at one of the best addresses in Boston: 1 Newbury Street, overlooking the splendid Public Gardens. With rooms designed by international hospitality legend Alexandra Champalimaud and a rooftop Major Food Group restaurant, Contessa, designed by the greatest showman Ken Fulk, there’s little reason to leave throughout your stay (although you should).

Not every dinner needs to be a chef-driven, fancy affair. Embrace the motor lodge, grassroots history of this part of Massachusetts with a bite at Jack’s Hot Dog Stand , which first opened its doors in 1917. You can still get a plain hot dog for and impressive $1.95. That leaves you with plenty of gas money for a long, winding road trip through taking in that Berkshires foliage.

For a more refined take on the Berkshires, and a sampling of all the flavors this region has to offer, make a reservation at farm-to-table Mezze Bistro & Bar , perched on the outskirts of Williamstown in an historic 19th century building on three idyllic acres overlooking Sheep Hill.

If you’re going to really do Boston, you might as well indulge in a little fine dining, right? The food at local favorite Bistro du Midi is just as classic and spectacular as the views over the Public Garden. Be sure to splurge on chef Robert Sisca’s Ora King Salmon Crudo (which comes finished with shiitake mushrooms, cherries and sea beans), and the truly unique bouillabaisse flatbread.

Sarah James

Caitlin Morton

Jahnavi Bhatt

Alex Erdekian

Connecticut

Admittedly, Connecticut isn’t the first state that comes to mind for a New England fall getaway. But the leaf-strewn parks and forests of the state’s northwest reaches should easily change that. Trek through the landscapes of Mt. Tom State Park and Talcott Mountain State Park, ascending moderate trails to reach stone towers on their respective summits. Or walk some of the 20 miles of walking trails at the Audubon-designated Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary in the town of Sherman.

Also, if you’re really late in finding fall, consider coastal Connecticut—the leaves change color here about two weeks later than up north. Hike and photograph patches of 27,000-acre Pachaug State Forest, the state’s largest forest system. Check out the short-but-sweet Mount Misery trail, which contrary to its name, is incredibly delightful and rewarding with its views. For the most relaxing way to take in the multi-colored splendor, take a one-hour fall foliage-themed cruise down the Connecticut River with River Quest, which leaves out of Haddam.

A foliage escape needn’t include an arduous road trip to the furthest reaches of Maine–the charming, the luxe Graybarns is tucked away on a quiet street in Norwalk, Connecticut just over an hour from Manhattan. Easy peasy. And since Graybarns doesn’t have the pesky two- or three-night minimums you’ll find at many of comparable hotels in the Hudson Valley, escaping for as little as one night is entirely possible. Perched on a quiet stretch of the Silvermine River–with plenty of Design Within Reach Adirondack chairs from which to take in the view–the hotel has just six enormous rooms, each with king beds, Frette linens, Flamingo Estate amenities, and a complimentary minibar decked out with drinks and treats for your stay. There’s also an adorable on-site mercantile so you can gather picnic supplies, and the staff can easily direct you to numerous walks and scenic drives in the area.

Along the coast, rest comfortably in downtown Mystic at Spicer Mansion , a 19th-century estate that has been meticulously transformed into an elegant, eight-room hotel, championing a new take on Victorian glamour. 

If you find yourself leaf-peeping in the bucolic hillsides of Litchfield County, book a table at Arethusa e Tavolo , an iconic dairy- and seed-to-table experience that offers an inventive take on farm-fresh fare such as tempura squash blossoms with red pepper ricotta, or pork tenderloin with braised leeks and peach fondant.

We hope you like carbs. Closer to the coast down in charming Chester, Grano Arso chef Joel Gargano mills native New England grains for his house-made pastas and breads. There’s also a great drinks list of Italian wines and locally made New England beers.

Maine is home to vast stretches of breathtaking coastline, which this time of year is where all your Coastal Grandma dreams can come true. If it’s a good meal, a brisk walk by the ocean and a sunset glass of Chardonnay followed by an early bedtime you’re after, the sleepy, seaside towns like Kennebunkport are where it’s at. You’ll get a taste of foliage by the coast, but true immersionin the Pine Tree State's wild crimson, pumpkin, and amber-hued woods, however, requires heading deeper inland. For superlative fall foliage, go hiking in northern Maine in early October. Explore Baxter State Park and the forests to itsthe southwest, the contiguous Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land and Appalachian Mountain Club 100-Mile Wilderness Conservation Area. There are enough hiking trails to keep all skill levels happy, and regardless of which you choose you'll find paths lined with deciduous trees and towering evergreens, and punctuated by boulder-strewn streams, lakes, and ponds. (Bonus: This is prime moose-spotting territory.)

Kennebunkport in the summer? Idyllic, albeit a bit crowded. Kennebunkport in the fall? Cozy seaside heaven, with just a fraction of the visitors. Many of the town’s best hotels start closing for the season at this time of year, but the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort remains open year-round. The location offers the best of both worlds: a quick walk or bike ride into town, but a secluded location directly on posh Ocean Avenue so you can fall asleep to the serene music of gently ebbing waves. And come nightfall, its restaurant Ocean offers sweeping views of the water from a dining room illuminated by votive candlelight, and a tasting menu with wine pairings that’s one of the better fine dining experiences you can have in Maine. Book a room in the main house so you can gently Coastal Grandma your way upstairs to bed after dinner.

Camp out at this rustic yet comfortable Appalachian Mountain Club–backed Medawisla Lodge and Cabins in Greenville, Maine. Accommodations include hilltop cabins with private baths, cabins with shared bath, and a main lodge, where you can also pick your level of frills. The luxury here is the location: Smack in the center of wild Maine, you have immediate access to fly fishing , hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddling, all with surreal autumnal backdrops. Opt for a meal package at Medawisla, which includes a fresh-cooked breakfast and dinner, plus packed trail lunch daily. And just keep in mind that they close for the season this year on October 15th, so it’s better to book sooner than later.

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15 Incredible Spots to See Fall Foliage Across New England

Consider this your guide to every leaf peeping hotspot in the northeast.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

That sweet spot between the dizzy dog days of summer and the looming chill of winter, fall is a time to be cherished–a time where coziness is of the utmost importance, and change is in the air. One of the most wonderful marks of autumn is the sight of leaves turning from summery green to a riot of orange, red, and gold. This season, take the time to appreciate the brilliant fall foliage by “leaf-peeping,” (and maybe by munching on freshly baked apple cider donuts—is there anything better?).

Here are 15 scenic routes to drive, hike, and experience across New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway

Lake Winnipesaukee Loop in New Hampshire

Road trip around New Hampshire’s biggest lake (we're talking 97 miles of premium New England sights) and take in the waterfront views and bright autumn foliage. Stop for lunch and a stroll in any one of the quaint towns along the route, like Meredith, or even stop for some outdoor activities (think: boating, fishing, and hiking).

Stay: Center Harbor Inn in Center Harbor READ REVIEWS Stay: The Wolfeboro Inn in Wolfeboro READ REVIEWS

Vermont’s Route 100

Vermont in the fall is like something straight out of a picture book. The billboard-free Route 100 winds through some of Vermont’s most quintessential villages, with all the cider donuts and country stores your heart desires. Hike to the top of Mount Killington for some seriously impressive views before continuing to the 11-mile Green Mountain Byway. Spend a weekend in Stowe or Mad River Valley and indulge in farm-to-table dining, craft beer, and maybe even a trip through those beautiful autumn trees on a zipline tour at Arbortrek Canopy Adventures or the Stow Mountain Resort (home to the second longest zipline tour in the US)

Stay: Field Guide Lodge in Stowe READ REVIEWS Stay: The Inn at Round Barn in Waitsfield READ REVIEWS

The Shires of Vermont Byway

This historic route 7A runs through the southwest corner of the state, known as the Shires of Vermont. It's home to seventeen charming towns that line the route, including Bennington and Manchester. In Bennington, climb to the top of the 306-foot-tall monument built in 1891 to commemorate the Battle of Bennington ; it offers an unparalleled bird's eye view of the surroundings.

Stay: Four Chimneys Inn in Bennington READ REVIEWS Stay: The Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester READ REVIEWS

Montgomery, Vermont

Some of the northeast’s prettiest foliage views can be found in this tiny town in northern Vermont. Montgomery also happens to be "Vermont's Covered Bridge Capital," so you can supplement your foliage pics with some bridge content for the Instagram feed. There are six of these covered bridges in the town, and each one is just waiting for you to take a leisurely stroll across it, warm beverage in hand. After touring the bridges, consider hiking through the 15 miles of trails preserved by the Hazen's Notch Association . Maybe not all 15 miles…

Stay: The Inn in Montgomery READ REVIEWS

Woodstock, Vermont

Sure, "fall foliage" isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think "Woodstock." That’s understandable. But this is a different Woodstock in different state. This Woodstock is actually one of the best destinations to see foliage and has been called the "quintessential New England village." Expect classic American charm; colorful, lush foliage; and a quaint town bustling with shops and restaurants. Go for a hike through the woodlands of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park to take in the foliage firsthand. Then, after working up an appetite, sample fresh local cheese from the Billings Farm & Museum.

Stay: Twin Farms in Barnard READ REVIEWS

Stay: The Woodstock Inn & Resort READ REVIEWS

Maine’s Coastal Route 1

Start in Portland and head north on “Old Route 1” for one of New England’s most scenic coastal drives. Stop along the way in Brunswick, Bath, or Rockport (you can’t go wrong with any) for seaside mansions, lighthouses, and late-season lobster rolls. Need new boots or to stock up on flannel for the season? Hit up Freeport for the L.L. Bean flagship store. End your trip in the quaint town of Camden, where you can capitalize on prime leaf-peeping spots like Merryspring , a 66-acre park and nature center.

Stay: Portland Harbor Hotel in Portland READ REVIEWS

Stay: Whitehall in Camden READ REVIEWS

Maine's Acadia National Park

Northeast of Camden, the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is a nature lover's paradise and truly the epitome of foliage destinations. Its 27-mile Park Loop Road is filled with spots to observe and photograph the foliage. Take in the sweeping views from Cadillac Mountain. Stay in a nearby town (charming all on their own) and get day passes into the park or gear up and plan to camp inside the park. Mid-October is the best time to leaf-peep, but the surroundings are beautiful year-round.

Stay: The Bayview Hotel in Bar Harbor READ REVIEWS Stay: Balance Rock Inn in Bar Harbor READ REVIEWS

Bethel, Maine

In this mountain village, the best way to see the changing leaves is on foot. Bethel offers hiking access to multiple well-known trails situated in some standout conservation lands, including the White Mountain National Forest, Grafton Notch State Park, and the Appalachian Trail. Be sure to check out the Androscoggin River Recreation Trail, home to some unique wildlife and gorgeous foliage.

Stay: Sunday River READ REVIEWS Stay: The Bethel Inn and Resort READ REVIEWS

Connecticut’s Route 7

Northwestern Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills region is filled with village greens, rolling hills, and Housatonic river views. Begin in the coastal town of Norwalk, trail through Kent Falls State Park (there are waterfalls!), and pass through Woodbury, the “antiques capital of Connecticut.” End in Litchfield Hills for a classic New England aesthetic explorable on foot, horseback–or hot air balloon . While you're in the area, treat yourself to a lavish meal at what OpenTable named one of the best restaurants in America: Arethusa al tavolo in Bantam.

Stay: Mayflower Inn & Spa , Auberge Resorts Collection in Washington READ REVIEWS

Connecticut's Route 9

The Lower Connecticut River Valley has more than enough activities to keep anyone busy in the charming region. Essex, for example, was named "The Perfect Small American Town" in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die . Located just across the Connecticut River, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme is a boarding house-turned-museum where American Impressionist painters like Childe Hassam, Willard Metcalf, and Henry Ward Ranger once lived and worked. Today it's a National Historic Landmark with a separate 9,500-square-foot gallery building.

Stay: Boardman House in East Haddam READ REVIEWS Stay: The Griswold Inn in Essex READ REVIEWS

Massachusetts’s Mohawk Trail

The 63-mile-long Mohawk Trail follows what was once a Native American trade route. Located in northwest Massachusetts, it straddles the Berkshire Mountains between the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys. There are mountain streams and plenty of pit stops along the way, like the Golden Eagle restaurant on the trail’s famous Hairpin Turn (the view is unbeatable). End in North Adams and visit MassMoCA, the Massachusetts Musuem of Contemporary Art—one of the biggest museums in the country.

Stay: Porches READ REVIEWS Stay: Blantyre READ REVIEWS

Massachusetts’s Route 6A

Luckily, the beauty and charm of Cape Cod villages persevere passed the summer, making the postcard-perfect towns along route 6A a fantastic fall destination. Start just after the Sagamore Bridge and follow the road through scenic Sandwich, the Cape’s oldest town. From there, roll on to Yarmouth Port, through Dennis and finally Brewster. There, find Nickerson State Park , where the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail offers no shortage of views to be seen on foot. Peak season hits late here, so it’s perfect if you find yourself looking for leaves come mid-October or even later.

Stay: Sandwich Inn & Suites in Sandwich READ REVIEWS Stay: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster READ REVIEWS

Boston, Massachusetts

If small towns or rural hikes aren’t your cup of tea, Boston offers easily accessible views from the bustling historic city. Stroll through the trees in Boston Common and the Public Garden . Walk or bike along the Charles River Esplanade . And head to the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard, an outdoor museum of trees and the oldest public arboretum in North America. Rent a car and drive to Walden Pond , where you'll see Henry David Thoreau's (surprisingly tiny) cabin, along with beautiful fall foliage reflected in the pond. After you’ve gotten your share of sights, explore the city’s incredible cultural scene, dining and shopping options. You won’t be disappointed.

Stay: The Four Seasons Boston READ REVIEWS Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston READ REVIEWS

Rhode Island’s Ocean Drive

It may be the smallest state in the country, but every square mile of Rhode Island offers a beautiful sight to take in. Ideally, enjoy Ocean Drive by bike. Start out on the Bellevue Avenue side of the Ocean Drive Loop , an 11-mile waterfront route passing through the colorful American yellowwoods, European beeches, and stately mansions of Bellevue before opening onto Ocean Drive. Its offers dual views of the Rhode Island Sound on your left and jaw-dropping colors on your right. End at the equally scenic Newport Harbor, where you might pull up to Belle’s Café in the Shipyard for coffee and yacht views.

Stay: Gilded in Newport READ REVIEWS Stay: Ocean House in Watch Hill READ REVIEWS Stay: Gurney’s Newport READ REVIEWS

Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different . Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country . Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene.

Maggie Maloney is the Site Director of Oprah Daily. She previously worked at Town & Country, Elle DECOR, and Marie Claire.

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The perfect New England fall-foliage road trip for 2023

Oct 2, 2023 • 7 min read

On this 424-mile drive through New England, the foliage will dazzle © Chun Chen / 500px / Getty Images

Touring New England in search of autumn’s changing colors has become so popular it has grenerated its own subculture of “leaf-peepers.”

While admiring the leaves during foliage season is possible everywhere in the the region, here’s one road trip that will immerse you in the best of those glorious colors.

New England’s best fall-foliage road trip

Trip length : 5– 7 days; 424 miles (682km) Best time to go : Late September to mid-October Essential photo : Kent Falls set against a backdrop of autumnal colors Top experience : Zip-lining through the tree canopy in Bretton Woods

Scarlet and sugar maples, ashes, birches, beeches, dogwoods, tulip trees, oaks and sassafras all contribute to the carnival of autumn color in New England. But this trip is about much more than just flora and fauna: expect to embrace the harvest spirit makes at family outings at pick-your-own farms, leisurely walks along dappled trails and tables groaning beneath delicious seasonal produce.

1. Lake Candlewood, Connecticut 

With a surface area of 8.4 sq miles, Candlewood is the largest lake in  Connecticut . On its western shore,  Squantz Pond State Park is popular with leaf-peepers who come to amble along the pretty shoreline. In Brookfield and Sherman, quiet vineyards with acres of gnarled grapevines line the hillsides; at  White Silo Farm Winery , the focus is on specialty wines made from farm-grown fruit. For the ultimate bird’s-eye view of the foliage, consider a late afternoon hot-air balloon ride with GONE Ballooning  in nearby Southbury.

The drive: From Danbury at the southern tip of the lake, you have a choice of heading north via US 7, taking in Brookfield and New Milford (or trailing the scenic eastern shoreline along Candlewood Lake Rd S); or heading north along CT 37 and CT 39 via New Fairfield, Squantz Pond and Sherman, before reconnecting with US 7 to Kent.

2. Kent,  Connecticut

Picturesque Kent ranks among the top spots for fall foliage in all of New England. Situated in the Litchfield Hills on the banks of the Housatonic River, the village is surrounded by dense woodlands. For a sweeping view, hike up Cobble Mountain in Macedonia Brook State Park , a wooded oasis two miles north of town. The steep climb to the rocky ridge affords panoramic views of the foliage against a backdrop of the Taconic and Catskill mountain ranges.

The 2175-mile (3500km) Georgia-to-Maine  Appalachian National Scenic Trail  also runs through Kent and up to Salisbury, on the Massachusetts  border. Unlike much of the trail, the Kent section offers a mostly flat five-mile walk alongside the Housatonic, the longest river walk of the entire trail. The trailhead is accessed on River Rd, off CT 341.

The drive:  The 15-mile drive from Kent to Housatonic Meadows State Park along US 7 is one of the most scenic drives in Connecticut. The single-lane road dips and weaves between thick forests, past Kent Falls State Park  (with its tumbling waterfall, visible from the road) and over West Cornwall’s picturesque covered bridge, which spans the Housatonic.

3. Housatonic Meadows State Park, Connecticut

During the spring thaw, the churning waters of the Housatonic challenge kayakers and canoers. By summer, the scenic waterway transforms into a lazy, flat river perfect for fly-fishing. In the Housatonic Meadows State Park, campers vie for a spot on the banks of the river while hikers take to the hills on the Appalachian Trail. Housatonic River Outfitters runs guided fishing trips with gourmet picnics.

Popular with artists and photographers, one of the most photographed fall spots is the Cornwall Bridge (West Cornwall), an antique span that stretches across the broad river, framed by vibrantly colored foliage.

The drive:  Continue north along US 7 toward the Massachusetts border and Great Barrington. After a few miles, you’ll leave the forested slopes of the park behind you and enter expansive rolling countryside dotted with large red-and-white barns. Look out for hand-painted signs advertising farm produce – and consider stopping overnight in Falls Village, which has an excellent B&B.

4. The Berkshires,  Massachusetts

Blanketing the westernmost part of Massachusetts, the rounded mountains of the Berkshires turn crimson and gold as early as mid-September. The effective capital of the Berkshires is Great Barrington, a formerly industrial town whose streets are now lined with art galleries and upscale restaurants.

It’s the perfect place to pack your picnic or rest your legs before or after a hike in the nearby Beartown State Forest . Crisscrossing its 12,000 acres, hiking trails yield spectacular views of wooded hillsides and pretty Benedict Pond. Further north, October Mountain State Forest is the state’s largest tract of green space (16,127 acres), also with ample hiking trails. The name – attributed to Herman Melville – gives a good indication of when this park is at its loveliest, with its multicolored tapestry of hemlocks, birches and oaks.

The drive:  Drive north on US 7, the spine of the Berkshires, cruising through Great Barrington and Stockbridge. In Lee, the highway merges with scenic US 20, from where you can access October Mtn. Continue 16 miles north through Lenox and Pittsfield to Lanesborough. Turn right on N Main St and follow the signs to the park entrance.

5. Mt Greylock State Forest,  Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ highest peak is not so high (only 3491ft / 1064m) – yet a climb up the 92ft-high War Veterans Memorial Tower rewards you with a forested panorama stretching up to 100 miles across the Taconic, Housatonic and Catskill ranges and over five states. Even if the weather seems drab, driving up to the summit may well lift you above the gray blanket, and the view with a layer of cloud floating between tree line and sky is simply magical.

Mt Greylock State Reservation has some 45 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Frequent trail pull-offs on the road up – including some that lead to waterfalls – make it easy to get at least a little hiking in before reaching the summit.

The drive:  Return to US 7 and continue north through the quintessential college town of Williamstown. Cross the Vermont border and continue north through the historic village of Bennington. Just north of Bennington, turn left on Rte 7A and continue north to Manchester.

6. Manchester, Vermont

Stylish Manchester is known for its charming architecture. For fall-foliage views, head south of the center to 3828ft-high  Mt Equinox , the highest mountain accessible by car in the Taconic Range. Wind up the 5.2 miles – with gasp-inducing scenery at every hairpin turn – seemingly to the top of the world, where the 360-degree panorama unfolds, offering views of the Adirondacks , the lush Battenkill Valley and even Montréal ’s Mt Royal . 

If early snow makes Mt Equinox inaccessible, visit 412-acre Hildene , a Georgian Revival mansion once home to the Lincoln family. It’s filled with presidential memorabilia and sits nestled at the edge of the Green Mountains, with access to eight miles of wooded walking trails.

The drive:  Take US 7 north to Burlington. Three miles past Middlebury in New Haven, stop off at Lincoln Peak Vineyard for wine tasting or a picnic lunch on the wraparound porch.

7. Lake Champlain, Vermont

With a surface area of 490 sq miles and straddling  New York , Vermont and  Québec , Lake Champlain is the largest freshwater lake in the US after the  Great Lakes . On its northeastern side, Burlington is a gorgeous base from which enjoy the lake. Explore the lively city by foot, then scoot down to the wooden waterfront promenade, take a swing on the four-person rocking benches and consider a bike ride along the 7.5-mile lakeside path.

For the best off-shore foliage views, we love the  Friend Ship sailboat at  Whistling Man Schooner Company , a 43ft-sloop that accommodates a mere 13 passengers. Next door, ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center explores the history and ecosystem of the lake, including a famous snapshot of Champ, Lake Champlain’s mythical sea creature.

The drive:  Take I-89 southeast to Montpelier, passing  Camels Hump State Park and  CC Putnam State Forest . At Montpelier, pick up US 2 heading east to St Johnsbury, where you can hop on I-91 south to I-93 south. Just after Littleton, take US 302 east to Bretton Woods.

8. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Unbuckle your seat belts and step away from the car. You’re not just peeping at leaves today: you’ll be swooping past them on zip lines that drop 1000ft at 30mph. The four-season Bretton Woods Canopy Tour includes a hike through the woods, a stroll over sky bridges and a swoosh down 10 cables to tree platforms.

If this leaves you craving even higher views, cross US 302 and drive six miles on Base Rd to the coal-burning, steam-powered Mount Washington Cog Railway  at the western base of Mt Washington , the highest peak in New England. This historic railway has been hauling sightseers to the mountain’s 6288ft (1916m) summit since 1869.

The drive:  Continue driving east on US 302, a route that parallels the Saco River and the Conway Scenic Railroad, traversing Crawford Notch State Park . At the junction of NH 16 and US 302, continue east on US 302 into North Conway.

9. North Conway, New Hampshire

Many of the best restaurants, pubs and inns in North Conway come with expansive views of the nearby mountains, making it an ideal place to wrap up a fall-foliage road trip. If you’re traveling with kids or skipped the cog railway ride up Mt Washington, consider an excursion on the antique Valley Train with the Conway Scenic Railroad , a short but sweet round-trip ride through the Mt Washington Valley from North Conway to Conway, 11 miles south. The Moat Mountains and the Saco River will be your scenic backdrop. First-class seats are usually in a restored Pullman observation car.

This article was first published Sep 3, 2019 and updated Oct 2, 2023.

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Adventures in New England

A local's guide to savoring the history, culture, food and nature of the Northeast USA

22 of the Best Things to Do in New England in Fall

Table of Contents

The Best Fall Activities in New England

1. bake a fresh apple pie after visiting an apple orchard..

Getting outside is good for the soul, and apple orchards smell heavenly. For your efforts, you will be rewarded with healthy snacks for the following weeks. Look for an apple orchard near you , or check out a few of my favorites:

• In North Kingstown, RI, Narrow Lane Orchard has a small orchard with well-marked apples and peaches and a level hiking trail.
• Belkin Family Lookout Farm  in Natick, MA, features a more extensive orchard with a train ride into the fields and a children’s play area.
• Dame Farm,  Johnston, RI, also has gorgeous pick-your-own flower fields.

2. Be a l eaf peeper.

Leaf peeping is generally more intensely colored the more north you travel. Our foliage turns first in the north, then slowly works its way south. Refer to these foliage maps to see the best place to view when you are visiting. New Hampshire and Vermont are top on my list of places to see amazing fall colors.

• Read about a family weekend in Lincoln, New Hampshire .
• Acadia National Park is an incredible spot to see brightly colored leaves set amongst Maine’s rocky shores. Read on about my fall visit to Acadia.
• Take a 4-Day New Hampshire road trip.

3.  Have a romantic sleep away among the leaves.

Long walks through the leaves, followed by cold nights by the fire, are pretty romantic.

• Darby Field Inn is an old rustic inn in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
• Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, Massachusetts – escape to the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts.

4. Explore any of New England’s many harvest festivals.

Here are a few of the ones I go to, but there are a few in every state each weekend to choose from that you can look for here .

• Cape Cod Cranberry Harvest Celebration –  The colors and tastes of cranberries are synonymous with fall. See how the fruit is harvested in this cute fall festival on the beautiful peninsula of Cape Cod.  My family acquired a couple of our recipes at Thanksgiving from this fair, such as our Cranberry P’Cake .
• Plymouth Cranberry Festival – Climb into a cranberry blog.

5. Drink freshly pressed apple cider.

• BF Clyde’s Apple Cider Mill in Old Mystic, Connecticut, is the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the US. After your tour, you can munch on homemade cider donuts while listening to live music on the lawn.

6. Hiking  is the best way to get a close-up view of our beautiful leaves.

Nature never disappoints. Get out into it, and it will elevate your mood! Here are some of my favorite spots!

• Stepping Stone Falls , West Greenwich, RI, has small, long falls with trails that follow the river.
• Heublein Tower in Talcott  Mountain State Park, Simsbury, CT, overlooks the whole state.
• Purgatory Chasm, Sutton, MA   is great for bouldering and one of my kid’s favorite hikes.
• Tumbledown Mountain in Byron, ME, has spectacular views and a pond for fishing at the top.
• Warren Falls , VT, has massive falls and swimming holes.
• 5 Scenic, Family Hikes in Lincoln, New Hampshire
• Mount Major , New Hampshire, has spectacular views of Mount Washington as well as the Lakes Region.

7. Go to a pumpkin festival.

• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular  is a beautiful display of cut and lit pumpkins at Providence’s Roger William’s Zoo. Go on weeknights when it opens (at 6 p.m.) or expect long lines. Spooky Zoo is also at the zoo with trick-or-treating for kids in costume on designated days.
• Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival – I  love the beauty of pumpkins, but there is something very satisfying in watching one flying through the air after being slung from a trebuchet. Apparently, enough people agree to hold a festival around this idea.

Look at the list of   New England’s Five Best Pumpkin Festivals .

8. Waterfire, Providence

9. Get scared at a haunted something.

Haunted spots abound in New England, but we put on quite a show even where we don’t have real hauntings. Check out our numerous haunted houses, hayrides, and trails .

• Scary Acres  in   West Greenwich, RI, is one of our favorites and boasts four adventures, including shooting scary zombies with paintballs.

10. Carve a jack-o-lantern from a pumpkin picked from the field.

Find a pumpkin patch near you!

11.  King Richard’s Faire

This massive renaissance celebration in Carver, MA, is a recreation of England’s 16th century complete with jousts, marketplace, colossal turkey legs, and many shows. Although costly, it is always a day that my children adore.

12.  The Big E

The Eastern States Exposition takes place in West Springfield, Massachusetts. It is a huge New England fair, with everything you could imagine to eat, ride, and see. My favorite part is the statehouses, which are replicas of the New England capital buildings full of vendors with state-specific foods and items.

13.  Visit some real-life colonial history.

Nothing says fall like Thanksgiving, native Americans, and pilgrims. Take this opportunity to learn about our country’s history first hand by visiting a few of these attractions located in New England:

• Plimoth  Plantations  (yes, that’s the original spelling)-  Visit this living history museum to see how the pilgrims and Native Americans lived and celebrated their first fall in the New World after fleeing England. Did you know that you can eat Thanksgiving dinner here?
• The Mayflower Boat and Plimoth Rock – Here, you can see a model of the Mayflower and the actual Plimoth Rock, which is admittedly underwhelming.

14. Visit a vineyard.

• We love to dine at  Sharpe Hill Winery in Pomfret, CT, in the old farmhouse with fantastic food in a  rustic fall setting.  You must have reservations well in advance.
• Jonathan Edward’s Winery-  read about my fall wine tour there.
• The Newport Vineyards is a great place to have a relaxing lunch on the patio overlooking the vines. You can read more about it and the fun you can have in Newport, Rhode Island, here .

15. Take a spooky ghost tour.

Be regaled by our area’s history, both real and lore. You may find yourself hearing things or looking over your shoulder more once you hear about what things have gone on here. Find a ghost tour in any New England state.

16. Visit Salem, Massachusetts.

Salem, Massachusetts, is scary and commercial, full of tours, museums, and real and imagined haunted houses. This town was the locale of the famous Salem Witch Hunt Trials. Be sure to read my post A Day with My Boy Looking for Ghosts .

17. Embrace the season with some pumpkin-flavored everything.

• New Englanders are crazy about fall and Dunkin’ Donuts, which makes a delicious pumpkin muffin and spiced coffee.
• After hiking Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Massachusetts, try some pumpkin ice cream at the West End Creamery .

 18. Take a hayride.

• Foster Family Farm –   This family-run farm in South Windsor, Connecticut, has an interactive corn maze, pumpkin patch, animals, and lots of fall activities.  You can even buy your mums here!
• Connors Farm-   Read all about our full day of family fall fun.

19. Get lost in a corn maze.

Find a complete list of corn mazes and hayrides in New England.

20. Have a picnic among the leaves.

Read on for some ideas for the best spots., 21. learn all about how cranberries are harvested by visiting a cranberry farm..

Please read  all about my time at Stone Bridge Farm in Massachusetts.

22. Take in the Highland Games and Festival on Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire.

Grab your kilt and head into the beauty of the White Mountains to watch the strength games, listen to Scottish music, eat Scottish food and try your hand at some of the games yourself. It is officially the last weekend of summer, but feels like fall in this setting.

23. View the foliage from the top of a mountain by taking a ski gondola up.

Find one near you here.

24. Enjoy the backdrop of fall foliage against a garden built on a bridge in a typical New England village.

Read about The Bridge of Flowers and the town of Shelburne, Massachusetts in the Berkshires.

25. Visit the site of one the most famous patricides in the colonial US.

At the Lizzie Bor den Bed & Breakfast  not only can you tour 92 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, the house where Lizzie Borden was said to have butchered her parents with an ax, but you can also stay the night.

Please have a great fall, Y’all!

What are your favorite fall activities? I would love to hear in the comments. If you are planning a trip, be sure to read my Local’s Guide to New England and subscribe to get all my new New England posts as they are published.

Sharing is caring!

13 thoughts on “22 of the Best Things to Do in New England in Fall”

I really need to get to New England and explore more, and fall seems like the perfect time! I definitely want to go to Salem and do some spooky ghost tours, and the Highland Games and Festival sounds like a lot of fun!

I hope that you get to visit soon, Paige.

I’ve been wanting to visit New England and learn more about it, and fall seems like the perfect time to do so! I’d love to visit Salem and do some creepy ghost tours, plus the Highland Games and Festival seems like a blast!

Fall is definitely the best time to visit. I hope that you get here soon!

Thank you for sharing the information!

I’ve been needing to visit New Britain and study it, and fall seems like the ideal chance to do as such! You wrote and share useful information. Thankyou.

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with the how-to’s!!!! It is so appreciated!!!

I’ve been needing to visit New England and get familiar with it, and fall seems like the ideal opportunity to do as such! I’d very much want to visit Salem and do some unpleasant phantom visits, in addition to the Highland Games and Festival appears to be an impact!

This is an excellent article! You’ve written a fantastic article. Thanks and keep sharing

New England sounds like a great spot to explore in the Fall. I love hiking when the weather is cooler. Especially if I get a fresh hot apple pie at an apple orchard. Although I am not a pumpkin flavour fan, so I am passing on anything but looking at fun carved designs for pumpkins. But you know we won’t pass on a wine tour in the Fall.

We’ve had a hot couple of weeks here in Chicago and this post is making me look forward to cooler fall weather and all these festive activities that much more! I would love to see the leaves change color in Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence sounds awesome too! I love your tip to visit during the week for minimal crowds.

“Glad to have come across your insightful post, thanks for sharing your expertise with us!”

Absolutely stunning list! New England’s fall foliage, charming towns, and seasonal delights make it a must-visit destination. 🍁🍂

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How to Have the Perfect New England Fall Getaway, According to a Local

You won't find better leaf peeping anywhere in the U.S.

Fall in New England is the stuff of fairy tales. The sweat of summer is behind you, and the frost of winter is ahead. The transition between the two seasons becomes a vibrant spectacle, with trees changing from emerald green to burnt orange, crimson, amber, and deep purple. It's a place where holiday cheer is near mandatory from Labor Day through Christmas. By the time fall rolls around, hot apple cider is flowing like a river across the Northeast.

I speak from experience as someone who grew up in Rhode Island, went to college in Boston, learned to ski in Vermont , and even married a Mainer. New England is what I know, and I'm happy to share some expert tips so you can explore this glorious region at its best.

What to Know Before You Go to New England in the Fall

New England is made up of six states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. The region covers more than 70,000 square miles and is home to more than 15 million people. Needless to say, there's a lot of ground to cover, so you should start your trip planning by determining whether you want to visit a particular state or take a road trip through multiple New England destinations.

The drive from the capital of Connecticut (Hartford) to the capital of Maine (Augusta) takes about four hours, but following the highway between the two won't allow you to meander as you should. Your best bet is to pick a destination (for example, Newport, Rhode Island; Salem, Massachusetts; or Stowe, Vermont) or a route that will take you to some of the most pristine landscapes (think: New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway). Hikers might even want to travel New England on foot via the Appalachian Trail, which snakes through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

It's also important to consider the varied weather. Day by day and state by state, things can change in a moment. Be prepared for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cold nights. Pack layers, and bring gloves and a hat. You won't regret it.

Best Things to Do in New England in the Fall

New England is packed with things to do all year long, but fall is a prime time to visit as it's a semi-shoulder season for most communities — just after the summer surge for beach towns and before ski season for the mountains. That means you can explore many popular spots with thinner crowds.

Head to a city like Boston to snag hard-to-get reservations at the hottest hotels like The Newbury , XV Beacon Hotel , and The Langham . While there, check out The Freedom Trail to both soak in some history and see a good chunk of the city in one go.

Another can't-miss — albeit cliché — New England fall activity is apple picking . There are hundreds of apple orchards sprinkled around New England, but some of the best can be found in New Hampshire. Spots like Alyson's Orchard in Walpole offer hundreds of acres to explore, along with farm animals to pet and game areas to play in. Riverview Farm in Plainfield provides the same picking experience, but with the added bonus of a seasonal corn maze.

Fall in New England is also a perfect time for a hike, thanks to the pristine weather. Again, you can hop on and off the Appalachian Trail at dozens of entrance points or make your way to Maine to hike in Acadia National Park , the only national park in New England. With more than 150 miles of trails traversing forest, coastline, and mountains, this gem will keep you literally on your toes.

Of course, there's also leaf peeping , but that's worthy of its own section, so keep reading.

Festivals in New England

Fall is harvest season in New England, which means festivals and fairs are in full swing. Those include the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival in downtown Laconia, the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, Massachusetts, and the Deerfield Fair in Deerfield, New Hampshire. The largest pumpkin weighed in the U.S. was featured at the Deerfield Fair in 2018.

There are many more events happening throughout the region. Odds are you'll find at least a fair or two in the state you're visiting.

New England Fall Foliage

In New England, leaf peeping is a sport won by all who get to enjoy it. The prime time to admire fall foliage is toward the end of September and into early October. It's a bit dependent on location, as the leaves in northern Maine will most certainly change faster than in southern Rhode Island. After picking your destination, try checking weekly foliage reports and real-time trackers for that area (or check Instagram, even) for status updates.

As for where to go, you're spoiled for choice. A few favorites include sleepy Camden, Maine; the more bustling area of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the adorable Old Lyme, Connecticut; and the aforementioned Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire, ideal for those who want to feel like they're driving through a kaleidoscope.

Hotels in New England

New England's charm certainly extends to its hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Here's a small selection to choose from, including a couple that made Travel + Leisure 's World's Best Awards list .

Pickering House Inn, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

The Pickering House Inn is a perfect mix of old meets new. The boutique hotel sits in a restored home originally built in 1813. Guests can expect many of the perks of a B&B, including breakfast, cozy accommodations, and more. From the inn, you can walk to the edge of Lake Winnipesaukee and to shops and restaurants downtown.

Ocean House, Westerly, Rhode Island

The historic Ocean House will cater to almost any desire with fine dining, easy access to beachside walks, on-site wellness experiences, and even special amenities for pets. It's a time-honored favorite tucked away in one of the most stunning corners of New England, and it will absolutely make you feel like Rhode Island royalty.

The Wauwinet, Nantucket, Massachusetts

For another coastal getaway, book a stay at The Wauwinet , a Relais & Châteaux property. The hotel, which has been welcoming guests since 1875, offers private beach access, tennis courts, fine dining, and complimentary bikes so you can get out and explore the surroundings.

The Wanderer, Kennebunk, Maine

Looking for something a little different? At The Wanderer , you can claim your own Instagram-worthy cottage. Each is a self-sufficient studio with its own bathroom and wet bar. The decor is described as "coastal-cool," clearly taking inspiration from its proximity to Kennebunk Beach. The Wanderer is open only until the end of October, so make sure to time your trip correctly.

Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, Vermont

Stowe gets a lot of attention in the fall and winter, especially for its mountainside accommodations. But if you're willing to travel just down the road, you'll be rewarded with a more local-feeling stay at the Trapp Family Lodge . Founded (and still owned) by the very family featured in "The Sound of Music," the lodge is a throwback to alpine living at its finest. Plus, it's set in 2,600 acres of pristine Vermont landscapes to explore.

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20 Stunning Places to See Fall Foliage in New England in 2022

Plan a scenic road trip during peak season to see the most colorful leaves ever.

For those who love this unbe- leaf- able time of year , we've rounded up the best New England fall foliage places to visit that offer great views of colorful leaves. Plan a scenic road trip and drive up to one of the towns closest to you or plan a full-on fall getaway full of walking tours, apple cider donuts and gorgeous hiking routes through New England nature. Just don't forget to snap a few shots for the 'gram — and when you do, use one of these adorable fall Instagram captions .

Sunderland, Massachusetts

The small town of Sunderland, Massachusetts becomes a kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow leaves come September and October. Follow Route 116 and pass through the idyllic town to see rolling hills of fall foliage for miles. Don't forget some hot cider or cocoa to enjoy while your take in the view.

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Lyme, Connecticut

Head on up to Gillette State Castle Park, a state park spanning 122 acres that straddles the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut. The Gillette State Castle , which looks like a typical medieval castle, is open for tours and sits atop an elevated piece of land to give viewers a wide view of the changing leaves.

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Visitors can expect to see the leaves change color in Lincoln, New Hampshire around the earlier end of September and beginning of October. The area is home to numerous hiking and walking trails that make enjoying the vibrant changing colors easy for anyone. You can also head to the Pemigewasset Overlook for an absolutely breathtaking view of the changing foliage on the Osceola Mountains.

RELATED: The Best Fall Flowers to Liven Up Your Garden

Colebrook, Connecticut

Connecticut fall foliage is like no other, and if you're a little late on getting to see some of it, never fear! In Colebrook, the leaves aren't estimated to hit "peak" colors until October 3 , so you have more than enough time to schedule a quick drive up to New England to see them.

RELATED: 15 Fun Fall Activities That Make the Most of the Best Season

Millinocket, Maine

You'll see bright reds, oranges and muted yellows in Millinocket, Maine around the end of September until about the second week of October this year. Millinocket is the perfect place for those who want to experience the chilly autumn temperatures with the colorful falling leaves.

RELATED: The Best Fall Books to Read This Season

Bristol, Rhode Island

Bristol not only offers historic architecture and stunning landscapes, but the local Colt State Park always showcases some of fall's best colors every year.

RELATED: 50 Fall Quotes That Will Get You Excited for Sweater Weather

Providence, Rhode Island

Grab a cozy sweater and hop in the car. The capital city of Rhode Island is the perfect spot for a scenic stroll through Roger Williams Park. You'll love enjoying autumn's best views while taking in the rolling hillsides.

Litchfield, Connecticut

Visit the historic town of Litchfield for some truly beautiful autumn leaves, which often have the very first views of the season of gorgeous foliage.

Kent, Connecticut

This picturesque town of Kent offers some of the best hiking trails through Kent Fall State Park or the nearby Macedonia Brook State Park.

East Haddam, Connecticut

East Haddam is another great town for leaf-peeping during the fall season. Explore the changing leaves along the Connecticut River in Devil's Hopyard State Park where you'll find covered bridges, rocks, streams and more.

Woodstock, Vermont

A beautiful destination that on a perfect day is full of scenic blue skies and vibrant fall leaves. Woodstock is home to multiple walking paths and covered bridges to let visitors truly appreciate the changing nature. It's also home to the New England Falconry where you can hold real falcons.

Stowe, Vermont

Although most people flock to this town in the winter for skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports, you'll want to make the trip to Stowe in September and October to see the gorgeous fall leaves.

Franconia, New Hampshire

Visitors can take an 80-passenger cable car up the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain at the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for a truly stunning and unique view of rolling mountains full of colorful leaves.

Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

Just a little ways from Franconia is Sugar Hill, which boasts epic views of fall foliage. Book a short weekend stay at the Sugar Hill Inn and enjoy a getaway full of hiking, a trip on the historical Cog Railway, a gondola ride up Wildcat Mountain and a visit to the local Harman's Cheese & Country Store.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Typically from mid-September until mid-October, Bar Harbor is bursting with leaves in all shades of red, orange, yellow and green. With Acadia National Park so close to the city, you can easily go on one of the many walking or hiking trails the park offers to get the full fall foliage experience.

RELATED: 100 Best Fall Instagram Captions for All Your Gorgeous Autumn Photos

Bethel, Maine

Located a little bit away from the New Hampshire border you'll fine Bethel, a small Maine town with a population of a little over 2,500. Leaves start to change color in this area around September 25th and peak around the first week of October . It's proximity to New Hampshire makes it easy to see the changing trees in the White Mountains, as well.

Portland, Maine

An absolute must-see on your tour of New England fall foliage. Head to the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland for unmatched views of autumnal hues against the coastal waters.

Concord, Massachusetts

Experience gorgeous views and a bit of history in Concord. Not only can you look at some truly gorgeous trees but you can also visit the Minute Man National Park where the first battle of the American Revolutionary War was fought.

Boston, Massachusetts

Just when you thought the city of Boston couldn't get prettier, fall arrives and makes it even more gorgeous. Visit the Boston Esplanade, a long, skinny park stretch that will take you along the Charles River all the way beyond Back Bay. This allows you to fully take advantage of all the nature Boston has to offer come October.

Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

The quaint city of Shelburne Falls is a great option if you want to skip a super-touristy area this upcoming autumn. Spend the day exploring the small bridges, restaurants, shops and buildings that make up the small area. If the weather is warm enough, you can even go river rafting on the Deerfield River.

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clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

8 fall trips in New England that check every travel style

Vacation recommendations for apple cider doughnuts, historic inns and hiking under radiant Northeast foliage

The United States is perhaps the greatest country in the world in which to appreciate the magic of fall. Sure, we don’t hold a candle to Europe when it comes to scarves. Other places also have Oktoberfest, harvest festivals and the spectacle of changing leaves.

But take a trip through the Northeast from September through October, and you’ll see why we do it better than the rest. It’s the pumpkin patches, the seasonal treats, the decorations on Main Streets. (And yes, it’s also the foliage .)

“We have something like 10 times as many species [of trees] that change colors as Western Europe,” says Austin Rempel, senior manager of forest restoration for the nonprofit American Forests.

Just one corner of the United States offers everything you want from a dreamy autumnal getaway, and you can enjoy it all over a weekend. But remember: “Book everything and anything in advance if you can,” says Rani Cheema, founder of Cheema’s Travel . “[This year] has been high season even during the low season.”

To figure out exactly where to go, we sorted out recommendations by travel style.

Your guide to planning fall travel, from leaf peeping to cheap flights

For foliage: Woodstock, Vt.

Vermont’s native sugar maple, basswood and mountain ash are just some of the trees you’ll see transform to gold, vermilion and amber for the season. According to the 2022 fall foliage prediction map, the state should start seeing the changing colors mid-September and reach its peak by Oct. 10.

Gwen Nicol , a personal travel adviser for the luxury tour operator Scott Dunn, recommends Woodstock, Vt., for leaf appreciation.

To better explore local farms, taverns and nearby mountain towns, Nicol says it’s essential to have a car, “but you can also rent bikes for gentle rides through the bridges surrounded by colorful leaves,” she says.

Nicol recommends Woodstock Inn for its “classic elegance,” rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and enclosed porches.

Cheema suggests looking for a cute bed-and-breakfast or hotel, but if you do go with an Airbnb, she encourages travelers to stick to ones with tons of great reviews or Superhosts. She has had clients experience racism, even at pricey listings in the region.

A 9-step plan for taking a trip around the world

For hiking: Franconia Notch State Park, N.H.

We’d be remiss to exclude New Hampshire’s White Mountains — particularly for hiking enthusiasts — even if it is one of the region’s best-known destinations for fall trips.

For easy access to hikes in Franconia Notch State Park , Haley Hamblin, a Washington Post photo editor from the region, recommends staying at an Airbnb in the town of Franconia, at the base of the mountains. The park has hikes for different skill levels, including shorter, kid-friendly trails and multiday backpacking routes. Plus, “it’s still very close to the rest of the Presidential Range and easy to hop onto the famous Kancamagus highway,” Hamblin says.

Her other suggestion is Littleton, a town about 20 minutes from hikes with a lovely downtown for dining and shopping. Whichever you pick, “keep in mind, we get our first snow around Halloween most years, so people should be prepared for cold weather,” Hamblin says.

Another option outside of New Hampshire for amazing hikes is New York’s Watkins Glen State Park on the southernmost part of Seneca Lake.

“Going in the fall, it will be very colorful, and you have gorges and cliffs and waterfalls,” says Anthony Berklich, a travel consultant and founder of the travel platform Inspired Citizen .

Want to feel like a local in a new city? Go for a run.

For food lovers: Camden, Maine

Between its seafood, blueberries and breweries, Maine is a destination for gourmands. If you can only stop to eat in one town — beyond the obvious Portland — go with Camden.

Along the main drag there, you’ll find diners and luncheonettes such as Boynton-Mckay Food Co. and Marriner’s Restaurant. (Get the blueberry pancakes.) Around the bend, you can stop for wine and oysters at Oyster River Winegrowers . Locals love the husband-and-wife-owned Thai restaurant Long Grain .

To get a distinct taste of Maine, go to Wolfpeach , a casual-feeling fine-dining restaurant that showcases the best of the state’s farms, foragers, fishermen, winemakers and brewers. Everything on the menu is local and seasonal, down to the flour that is milled in Skowhegan and used for the restaurant’s pastas and crusty sourdough.

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For peak cozy: Stowe, Vt.

Stowe, Vt., is a strong contender for America’s most hygge destination.

“Think fresh cider doughnuts and one of the best nationally recognized breweries, Alchemist ,” says Benjamin Liong Setiawan , a lifestyle writer based in New York City.

If that doesn’t sound charming enough for you, Stowe is also home to the Trapp Family Lodge , “as in the von Trapp family from ‘Sound of Music,’ ” Setiawan says. “Sam von Trapp runs the brewery and is the grandson of Maria. … He might be the one giving tours of the brewery if you’re lucky.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ben Setiawan Travel Food Drink (@hungryeditor)

For spooky stuff: Portsmouth, N.H.

Salem isn’t the only fall destination for travelers interested in witches, ghosts and goblins. For a less-obvious option that also carries a history of witch hysteria , Berklich recommends Portsmouth, N.H.

The town gets into the Halloween spirit every fall, hosting many events in October. Berklich suggests travelers stay in one of the town’s bed-and-breakfasts or Airbnbs.

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For a wellness retreat: Westport, Mass.

For outdoor yoga, hiking and Cape Cod-like beaches, Nadine Paulo, director of product for the luxury travel company Travel Edge , sends travelers to Westport, Mass.

Even just about an hour from Boston, “it’s still a hidden gem of a town,” Paulo says.

Stay at Paulo’s pick, the Paquachuck Inn , which was built as a general store in the 1820s. The convenient location on the harbor puts you close to Westport’s beaches and seafood restaurants. About a 15-minute drive up the road, there’s Paulo’s other recommendation, the equally historical Stone House Inn in Little Compton, R.I.

Both Berklich and Alisa Cohen, founder of the Virtuoso travel agency Luxe Traveler Club, vouch for a wellness weekend in Lenox, Mass. The town in the Berkshires is home to not one, but two legendary resorts, Miraval and Canyon Ranch . If you can afford the splurge, they’re both world-class spots for autumnal spa weekends.

For a climate-friendly weekend: Burlington, Vt.

For a greener fall getaway, take the Amtrak to Burlington, Vt., on the eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain, where 100 percent of the city’s power comes from renewable sources. There are plenty of low-impact ways to enjoy the cute college town , such as renting bikes and hiking through its parks.

Go off the grid and camp or stay downtown at the LEED-certified Hotel Vermont . Either way, don’t miss a visit to Shelburne Vineyard for concerts, special events and trying winemaker Ethan Joseph’s natural wine label, Iapetus , at the source.

For families: Pair a city with the country

For those taking the family for a fall weekender, Cohen recommends pairing a few days in an easy-to-get-to city with a couple of days somewhere more rural or charming, such as Portland and Ogunquit, in Maine, or Boston and the Berkshires, in Western Massachusetts.

Driving between city and country will give you the opportunity to stop at farms with pumpkin patches, petting zoos and other kid-friendly attractions. You can also plot other day-trip spots along the way. In the Berkshires, for example, consider detours to the Hancock Shaker Village former commune, catch concerts or events at Tanglewood , wander through the corn maze at Ioka Valley Farm or shop for handmade toys at the Acorn Toy Shop .

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Stunning Stops

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: August 23, 2021

There are many places in the world you can see leaves turn in Autumn, but they pale in comparison to one famed and celebrated region in the US northeast where science, nature and climate combine to put on an extraordinary light show each year. We are of course talking about fabled New England and we’re going to show you 10 places you can’t miss when planning your New England fall foliage road trip, with 5 day itinerary, 7 day itinerary and 10 day itinerary examples included to help you nail down the best possible route for your trip.

We will use our first hand experiences from road tripping New England in fall to bring you tips, advice and unmissable stops to take on your visit. This is one of those true bucket list USA road trip experiences in which it pays to be organized, plan effectively and make the most of every day.

So, let’s get stuck into those 10 unmissable stops and planning your perfect New England fall foliage road trip itinerary!

The Science Behind Fall Colors

What do we know about the changing of colors to give ourselves the best chance of being in the right place at the right time?

Well, we know that fall colors peak furthest north and work southward through the latitudes. So for example, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina is gorgeous in fall, but the colors won’t change there until much later in the season.

Also, we know elevation plays an important role in when peak colors will be on display. Colors will change first in mountainous regions of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont before they do at lower elevations.

But the most important aspects are weather conditions leading into Autumn, and amount of daylight. It all starts way back in Spring! A late Spring or intense Summer drought can potentially delay peak fall colors by a week or two.

Conditions Affecting Predictions For Peak Fall Colors

In addition to elevation, latitude and weather conditions before fall, there are more specific conditions that can affect peak fall once we actually reach Autumn:

• Soil moisture levels
• Amount of sunlight during the day
• Length of night
• Day and night temperature (important)

So what would constitute as perfect conditions for the best chance at ‘peak’ fall colors being their most radiant and predictable?

• Wet and warm Spring conditions
• Summer without drought or unusually high / low temperatures
• Warm Autumn days and cool but not freezing nights

And what causes the colors to change once conditions are right?

Sunlight pumps leaves full of chlorophyll during Spring and Summer. Once daylight wanes in Autumn, so does the amount of chlorophyll.

That leaves room for other pigments in the leaves, such as anthocyanin and carotenoids to shine.

Why Focus On VT, NH, ME and Even NY

The region of New England technically contains 6 states; Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. In fall, this entire region transforms into an adventure playground for leaf-peeping lovers and passionate photographers.

However, there are three New England states among the six that we feel just have to be prioritized for the very best scenery and most radiant colors; New Hampshire, Maine and in particular Vermont.

But we’re also going to throw a curve ball by including a region not technically part of New England (gasp!) … New York’s Adirondack Mountains are a stone’s throw from the border with Vermont and the colors are just as special.

We want you to see the best places in New England when you take your fall road trip, but we would prefer you to see the best colors. That means skipping the likes of Boston, Portland and Providence on this particular visit to the northeast.

They’re all awesome places and we visited them all on our New England road trip in fall. But they don’t have the colors of rural Vermont and New Hampshire, plus we had days to spare.

Here’s why you should focus on the northern parts of New England for a fall foliage road trip:

Vermont’s rolling hills are overflowing with charming rural towns, barns and covered bridges. But the state is 80% covered in forest and that can only mean one thing; spectacular fall foliage everywhere you look.

Further Reading: The best places to visit in Vermont

New Hampshire

New Hampshire mixes excellent hiking options in stunning mountainous areas with staggeringly beautiful fall foliage colors.

It also has one of the best mini road trip routes in New England during fall – the Kancamagus Highway.

Maine is huge. It is much bigger than the other New England states and that means it’s hard to fit most of the northern parts in to your road trip. Unless you have more than 2 weeks of course.

However, Acadia National Park is one of the very best places you can visit in all of New England in fall so if you have the spare time, it’s hard to skip.

New York’s Adirondack Mountains, including Winter olympic town Lake Placid and its surroundings are beautiful in Autumn. The popular mountainous region is incredibly popular thanks to a host of activities and of course glorious foliage colors.

When Should You Plan Your New England Road Trip For Peak Fall Colors?

It is impossible to plan the perfect ‘peak’ fall road trip itinerary in New England. You would need to be in many places at the same time for that to be possible. We’re not quite there, yet!

Historically, the last 2 weeks of September and the first 2 weeks of October are when the colors change. So that would put October 1st in the middle of that and therefore a ‘peak’ fall foliage target.

Science tells us that colors change in the North and at elevation first, eventually working South and to lower levels.

We’ll get into example itineraries below, but here are some rough dates to use for each itinerary time frame working North to South:

• 5 Day New England Fall Road Trip – We would suggest aiming for September 29 through October 3.
• 7 Day New England Fall Road Trip – Add a day either side, so September 28 through October 4.
• 10 Day New England Fall Road Trip – Add a day before and two after, so September 27 through October 6.
• 14 Day New England Fall Road Trip – Add a day before and three after, so September 26 through October 9.

Should You Book Your Trip In Advance?

Here are two scenarios:

• You don’t book in advance and keep an eye on live fall foliage updates to guarantee hitting peak fall. This also means you have flexibility on bad weather days. However, there are very limited hotels available and those that do have rooms will be more expensive.
• You plan and book your whole trip in advance, getting good value in hotels and can relax. But there’s a chance you won’t time it just right and you will have to deal with whatever weather comes your way.

We can’t offer a ‘better’ solution here because both have pros and cons.

Our trip was mainly booked in advance which meant we spent less but we had to put up with a lot of disappointing rain days, as you will see in the photos below!

Need a hand planning your New England fall road trip? Our popular 40+ page New England Fall Road Trip Guidebook includes the 10 best places to visit, 8 example itineraries ranging from 5-14 days and an extensive interactive map to help you plan a successful leaf-peeping vacation.

Top Tips For Planning Your New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Finally, before we jump into the 10 unmissable stops and the New England fall road trip itineraries, let’s have a quick look at some important tips to consider when planning your vacation:

• New England is insanely popular in fall.
• Booking accommodation in advance will save you a lot of money.
• Carefully plan where you want to spend each night based around hikes and photography.
• Start in the North and work South through New England.
• Expect frequent rain and clouds in fall and accept that there’s nothing you can do about it!
• Always carry loads of water and snacks in the car.
• Try to find elevated vantage points as often as possible.
• Some of the best and most unique fall photos are along rural country roads.
• You need multiple spare batteries for your camera!
• You can use a drone in many parts of New England for aerial photography.
• Don’t worry if you miss ‘peak’ colors.

Our popular road trip resources:

• Road trip packing list essentials
• How to plan the perfect road trip

10 Places You Can’t Miss On The Best New England Fall Road Trip

Let’s take a closer look at the 10 stops we think are unmissable on a first New England trip to see the fall colors.

1. Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid of 1980 Winter Olympics ‘Miracle on Ice’ fame is located at the heart of New York’s revered Adirondack Mountains. It is the perfect base for adventure activities throughout all four seasons, from hiking in Summer to skiing in Winter.

The charming town of Lake Placid is an incredibly popular centralized location for leaf peeping in the Adirondacks. As a result, hotels here are in high demand and not cheap from the end of September until mid October. We know from experience when our bank balance took a mighty hit!

Walk around Mirror Lake in town for the easiest way to soak up gorgeous fall colors. If you have time and enjoy challenging hikes, you can’t miss Mount Marcy. It isn’t the prettiest trail but it is the tallest peak in New York.

Things To Do In Lake Placid, NY

• Take a relaxing walk around serene Mirror Lake.
• Visit the Olympic ski jumping complex.
• Photograph John Brown barn.
• Drive to the summit of Whiteface Mountain.
• Take the Cloud Splitter cable car to Little Whiteface.
• Walk through picturesque High Falls Gorge.
• Hike Mount Marcy, the tallest peak in New York.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Lake Placid, NY

• Mirror Lake in town is gorgeous, walk through residential areas surrounded by colorful trees.
• John Brown barn is a hidden gem for fall colors.
• The top of the ski jump provides sweeping views over the Adirondacks.
• Mount Marcy summit is the highest point in the entire region, providing the best views over rolling hills.
• Whiteface Mountain and Little Whiteface offer more stunning views of fall foliage.

Read our Lake Placid guides for more information:

• 10 best things to do in Lake Placid NY
• Mount Marcy complete hiking walkthrough
• 8 best hotels in Lake Placid NY

2. Burlington, Vermont

Burlington in Vermont might not be the first place you think of for a New England fall foliage road trip destination. However, it is one of the easiest places outside of Boston to fly into the region if you are visiting from further afield.

The small town also happens to be filled with beautiful and radiant foliage colors at every turn. From lakeside bike paths to park towers with stunning views, Burlington is the perfect stop off between Lake Placid and the more famous foliage destination of Stowe.

Hotels in downtown Burlington can be limited and expensive in Autumn, so if you are visiting New England on a budget, try looking for hotels in surrounding villages and towns.

Things To Do In Burlington, VT

• Eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere along Church Street.
• Walk through Waterfront Park alongside Lake Champlain.
• Cycle the Burlington bike path to Grand Isle.
• Explore Ethan Allen Homestead and Museum.
• Stand on top of Ethan Allen Tower for amazing views.
• Taste chocolate at Lake Champlain Chocolates flagship store.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Burlington, VT

• Anywhere along the Lake Champlain waterfront where there are trees.
• Ethan Allen Park and the top of the tower in particular have the best fall foliage views in Burlington.
• Ethan Allen homestead and museum are surrounded by beautifully colorful trees.

Read more about Burlington:

• 10 best things to do in Burlington VT
• 8 best hotels in Burlington VT

3. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is one of the unmissable fall foliage classics on any New England road trip. The white church in town is one of the most photographed churches in the US and almost all of those photographs are taken in fall.

The town is quaint and attractive but be sure to spend the majority of your time up in Stowe Mountain Resort. This is where you will find hikes, Mt Mansfeld, waterfalls and Smugglers Notch.

Colors will change first up in the higher elevations. So, if you’re a little early, head up to the resort. On the other hand, if you’re a little late, stick to the lower elevations around Stowe town for the most vibrant colors.

Personally, we love to hike, we like flying our drone and we enjoy photographing waterfalls. Stowe was one of the best stops on our New England fall road trip circuit for allowing us to do all of those things.

Things To Do In Stowe, VT

• Photograph the famous white church in Stowe town.
• Drive or hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield.
• Drive through stunning Smugglers Notch pass.
• Ride a bike along Stowe Rec Path or Lamoille Valley.
• Take the SkyRide Gondola to Mt Mansfield.
• Hike a wide range of awesome trails.
• Visit both Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Stowe, VT

• In Stowe town, the iconic white church backed by a hill of fall colors is unmissable on your New England road trip.
• But the best colors are in Stowe Mountain Resort. The drive up from town is gorgeous.
• No matter how you get to the top of Mt Mansfield, you can guarantee spectacular fall foliage views.
• Smugglers Notch is our top recommendation for Stowe. If you have a drone, this is the place to fly.

Read more about Stowe, Vermont:

• 15 best things to do in Stowe VT
• 12 best hotels in Stowe VT

4. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock in central Vermont is arguably the most picturesque and charming town you will visit on your New England fall road trip itinerary. It truly is like something out of a fairytale. We had no choice but to include Woodstock in our popular guide to the 50 best places to visit in the USA .

Remarkably pretty farms with golden leaves dancing in sunlight and reddish-brown leaves covering the ground create picture perfect scenes. Sleepy Hollow Farm and Jenne Road Farm are featured on many fall foliage calendars you will see in shops on your visit to New England.

Don’t miss the many stunning historic covered bridges around Woodstock. Middle covered bridge is right in town, Taftsville and Quechee are very close by and Cornish-Windsor is a 30 minute drive. The beautiful bridge in the photo below is a privately owned bridge near South Woodstock on the main road to Jenne Farm.

Woodstock is one of the more expensive places to visit on a road trip through Vermont, but it is worth taking a hit on the extra chunk of budget. Simply driving around the narrow country roads near Woodstock for a few hours would provide enough fall foliage colors to last a week of photography.

Things To Do In Woodstock, VT

• Walk around the charming town and admire diverse architectural styles.
• Photograph two postcard perfect farms – Jenne Road Farm and Sleep Hollow Farm.
• Visit a host of historic and stunning covered bridges.
• Explore Marsh Billings Rockefeller Park and hike to amazing viewpoint overlooking Woodstock.
• Visit nearby Quechee Gorge and village.
• See Jersey dairy cows at Billings Farm and Museum.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Woodstock, VT

• Woodstock is incredibly photogenic during fall throughout the town and immediate surroundings.
• The lookout over Woodstock from Mount Tom hike is iconic fall photography.
• The best two fall photographs in Woodstock are at Jenne Road Farm and Sleepy Hollow Farm. They are two truly unmissable stops on your New England fall road trip itinerary.
• Drive your car around the narrow rural roads near Woodstock for some of the most special colors.

Read more about Woodstock, Vermont:

• 15 best things to do in Woodstock VT
• 7 best hotels in Woodstock VT

5. Manchester, Vermont

Similarly to Stowe, Manchester is a four season resort with skiing in Winter and hikes during Spring or Summer. In fall, the town located in the heart of Green Mountain National Forest transitions into a colorful paradise for leaf-peepers.

Manchester can be split into the old historic district and the newer modern resort town. The newer part is livelier and closer to amenities but the historic district is quieter, prettier and more colorful.

Use Manchester as a base for one night to explore nearby elevated areas for some of the most expansive views of rolling hills on a New England fall road trip.

Equinox Mountain is the tallest peak in the area. You can hike it or drive it to open up far-reaching views over three US states. But our top tip is to simply stick to the narrow country roads again and you will find more unique fall foliage photographs.

Things To Do In Manchester, VT

• Drive the Skyline Auto Toll Road to Mount Equinox summit.
• Explore Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home.
• Walk around quaint Manchester Historic Village District.
• See the American Museum of Fly Fishing Museum exhibits.
• Buy a book in popular Northshire bookstore.
• Visit nearby covered bridges.
• See the Bennington Battle Monument.
• Visit Robert Frost stone house museum.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Manchester, VT

• Manchester is the heart of the Green Mountains, so the entire area surrounding the town is staggeringly attractive.
• Rolling hills for endless miles covered in glowing fall colors can be seen from any elevated vantage point.
• Equinox Mountain summit provides the best panoramic views over three states.
• Another place you jump in the car and find unique fall photography opportunities on rural roads.
• Manchester Historic Village District is leafy and the church is surrounded by golden yellow leaves.

Read more about Manchester, Vermont:

• 15 best things to do in Manchester VT
• 9 best hotels in Manchester VT

6. Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

Franconia Notch is one of New Hampshire’s premier tourist regions for hiking, picturesque mountains, skiing and of course fall foliage. A two lane highway mountain pass dissects the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges, with a number of fantastic recreational stops along the way.

Artists Bluff is a very short but steep hike leading to a rocky ledge. Its summit overlooks Echo Lake and is most popular in fall when the colors change. As you can see, we hiked the trail on an incredibly cloudy and grey day, which doesn’t help with highlighting the beauty of this viewpoint. We have included Artists Bluff in our popular guide to the 50 best hikes in the US .

Franconia Notch State Park is where you will find the stunning Flume Gorge hike. A little over 2 miles of waterfalls, narrow gorges and forested paths welcome thousands of visitors each year. For us, the best part of Flume Gorge were the two ultra-photogenic covered bridges; Flume and Sentinel Pine.

Things To Do In Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

• Hike the short but steep trail to Artists Bluff summit for stunning views.
• Walk through impressive and extremely popular Flume Gorge.
• Hike Cannon Mountain or take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.
• See a whole host of waterfalls or hike one of a dozen other mountain trails.
• Ski Cannon Mountain Resort in Winter.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

• The single most well known fall foliage photograph in Franconia Notch NH is from the summit of Artists Bluff.
• However, don’t miss the chance to walk through the incredibly picturesque Flume Gorge in fall.
• Not only are the colors vibrant, but waterfalls are attractive and two special covered bridges are incredibly photogenic.
• Anywhere at elevation, which means every hike up a mountain side or the tramway with sweeping valley views.

Read more in our Franconia Notch guides:

• Artists Bluff Trail Fall Foliage Hike
• Flume Gorge Complete Hiking Walkthrough

7. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s supremely scenic Kancamagus Highway is one of the very best parts of New England to road trip in fall foliage season. We would put it firmly in the category of ‘unmissable’.

The road between Lincoln and Conway NH is only 35 miles long, but it 35 miles of pure foliage bliss. You can either drive it in one go and simply soak up the colors roadside. Or you can stop at a multitude of overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and covered bridges.

If there’s one part of your New England road trip itinerary to time it right for peak foliage colors, you would do well to beat the Kancamagus Highway in its prime.

A note for photographers and videographers – You can use your drone in many parts of the Kancamagus Highway. We captured amazing photographs and videos of endless miles over rolling hills covered in radiant color.

Things To Do On Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

• Stop at various high elevation overlooks with spectacular views over White Mountain National Forest.
• Walk to Sabbaday Falls, Champney Falls and Lower Falls.
• Hike Lincoln Woods or Mount Chocorua.
• Walk out on Rocky Gorge boulders.
• Photograph Russell-Colbath House and the picture perfect Albany Covered Bridge.
• Explore ponds and lakes to your hearts content.

Where To See Fall Foliage On Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

• Views over rolling hills from every overlook are astonishing in fall.
• Once the Kancamagus Highway reaches its highest elevation, you will see an ocean of color in all directions.
• Walk through any forest trail or along any waterfall hike to immerse yourself into those foliage colors.
• Albany covered bridge is one of the most picturesque bridges you will find in New England.
• Rocky Gorge and nearby lake with reflecting fall colors are wonderful.
• Even on both ends of the road in Lincoln (Loon Mountain) and Conway the colors are vibrant.

Read more about the Kancamagus Highway:

• 13 best places to stop along the Kancamagus Highway in fall

8. Mount Washington, New Hampshire

At 6,288 ft tall, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in Northeastern United States. It is renowned for wild and unpredictable weather, including the recording of a world record wind speed over over 230 mph.

As our images indicate, Mount Washington can be very wet and cloudy in Autumn. But if you get slightly more luck on your road trip and time it on a sunny day, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful colors and scenery in the entire region.

Avid hikers can climb to the summit, otherwise you can take a historic cog rail train or drive up an auto toll road to reach the top. Views from almost 2,000 meters high over an ocean of bright colors are incredible.

Things To Do Around Mount Washington, New Hampshire

• Hike a very challenging but rewarding trail to the summit of Mount Washington.
• Consider a night hike, fall colors won’t matter in the dark but it is hugely popular for astro and sunrise photography.
• Alternatively, drive the Mt Washington Auto Road to the summit.
• Or, take the most scenic and historic route to the top – by Cog Railway.
• Conway scenic railroad nearby ventures deep into fall foliage forest.
• Endless miles of hiking, 100 waterfalls and a handful of covered bridges to discover.
• Crawford Notch State Park is close by and features more views, hikes and waterfalls.

Where To See Fall Foliage Around Mount Washington, New Hampshire

• Just gain elevation in the White Mountains and you’ll open up valley views with a sea of foliage colors.
• Mt Washington summit is the iconic NH vantage point for sweeping Autumnal vistas.
• For a unique experience, the Conway Scenic Railroad cuts through some of the best colors in NH.
• Crawford Notch State Park is stunning in fall, with fantastic valley views from hikes.

9. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Heading due South of Mt Washington you will find Lake Winnipesaukee encircled by gorgeous fall foliage colors. Unfortunately for us, the rain was back in full swing but you can still see how vibrant the colors are in this area.

You can drive an 81 mile loop road around the entirety of the lake, or take to the waters aboard M/S Mount Washington cruise boat.

Visit Castle in the Clouds for family entertainment and hiking, Weirs Beach for arcades or Wolfeboro for a more relaxing experience. The most popular trail in the area is Mount Major, which we highly recommend for hikers looking for excellent views over the lake.

Things To Do Around Around Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

• Take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington.
• Or rent a boat of your own for the day.
• Ride the Lake Winnipesaukee scenic railroad.
• Try your hand at arcade games in Weirs Beach.
• Hike the popular half day trail to Mount Major summit for fantastic lake views.

Where To See Fall Foliage Around Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

• Elevation is your fall foliage friend around the lake if you want expansive views.
• Mt Major is the perfect moderate hike to include on your New England fall road trip itinerary.
• But nearby Belknap Mountain is also a popular choice for fall hikers.
• Gunstock Mountain Resort has zip lines and ski lifts for easy elevation gain.
• For easier and more close up Autumnal color vistas, simply hire a boat on the lake and explore.
• Or sit back, relax and soak up the views on Lake Winnipesaukee scenic railroad foliage tour.

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia finds itself in the list of top 10 most visited and best US National Parks each year. Millions of tourists descend on Bar Harbor annually to enjoy a diverse range of amazing things to do inside the awesome park.

Varied hikes suitable for all ages and abilities, including the famous adrenaline pumping climbs Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail , are a huge draw. But despite being a typical Summer destination in the north of America, Acadia is equally as popular in Autumn and that is purely down to its glowing fall foliage colors.

Sunrises from Cadillac Mountain or Schoodic Point can be extraordinarily beautiful if conditions are right, and sunset at Bass Harbor Head Light is a very highly regarded spectacle. You will need to bring your best hiking gear, spare camera batteries and a lot of energy to the wonderful National Park in Maine.

The only problem you will face with including Acadia on a New England fall foliage road trip is its location. You will have a long drive to and from Acadia from Vermont or New Hampshire. However, if you have the time, it is unquestionably worth the extra effort.

Things To Do In Acadia National Park, Maine

• Hike various amazing trails from easy to hard (to exhilarating!).
• Photograph stunning sunrises, landscapes and Bass Harbor Head Light.
• Drive to Cadillac Mountain summit, the tallest peak on the US east coast.
• Walk or cycle maze-like carriage roads through the park.
• Explore Jordan Pond and swim in Echo Lake.
• Eat and drink in glitzy Bar Harbor, Maine.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Acadia National Park, Maine

• Mountain summits from any hike opens up special views over rolling hills covered in fall colors.
• Carriage roads are the perfect way to explore forested trails which are surrounded by trees.
• Drive the national park loop road for easiest access to fall colors.
• Jordan Pond in particular is encircled by vibrant autumnal hues.
• Cadillac Mountain summit opens up 360 degree views over Maine and the ocean.

Read our Acadia National Park guides to learn more:

• 17 best things to do in Acadia National Park
• 10 hikes you can’t miss in Acadia National Park
• Where to stay in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
• 10 key things to know about visiting Acadia in the fall

Planning Your New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

New England is an enormous region and choosing exactly where to visit can be challenging. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you begin plotting a route:

• Which places are top of your list? Vermont? New Hampshire? Acadia?
• How many days can you spare on your trip?
• Do you want to book accommodation in advance or take it day by day?
• Are you in New England solely to see and photograph fall colors?
• Or are you focused primarily on hiking with colors as an added bonus?
• Do you want to use small and quaint towns as your main places to stay?
• Or are you more interested in being rural and remote each night?
• What is your budget? Can you afford to splurge on activities?

Once you have an idea about how you see your road trip panning out, use that idea as a guide to make the best decisions based on your travel style.

Next, we will go through a number of potential scenarios for 5 day, 7 day and 10 day road trip examples through New England in fall.

Use the examples as a reference but remember, they are generic and based on how we personally would plan our itineraries with hikes and photography in mind.

5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Only having 5 days isn’t as much of a negative as it might usually be. Yes, you are going to have to be selective and it is going to be none stop action. But one of the major benefits to a road trip in fall is that all of the best scenery is seen when driving.

Also, the smaller states of Vermont and New Hampshire don’t require a huge amount of drive time between their most scenic places for fall foliage. Include Lake Placid in the Adirondacks and you can easily tick off most of the places in our list in 5 days.

Another consideration is with just 5 days you don’t need to worry as much about ‘following’ peak fall colors. They won’t change too much in that time frame when compared to 10 days.

Example 1 – Lake Placid NY to Manchester VT

D1 – Lake Placid : Walk around Mirror Lake, drive up Whiteface Mountain and explore High Falls Gorge. Stay in Lake Placid.

D2 – Burlington and Stowe : Walk down Church Street, cycle Burlington bike path, explore Smugglers Notch and Stowe Mountain Resort, sunset at Stowe church. Stay in Stowe.

D3 – Franconia Notch and Kancamagus Highway : Hike artists bluff trail, walk around Flume Gorge, drive Kancamagus Highway and down to Wolfeboro. Stay in Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee.

D4 – Lake Winnipesaukee and Woodstock VT : Spend morning exploring the lake or hike Mt Major, then drive to Woodstock in Vermont via Cornish-Windsor covered bridge, Quechee Gorge and Taftsville covered bridge.

D5 – Woodstock and Manchester : Visit the farms near Woodstock, drive through Green Mountains to Manchester and end at the top of Equinox Mountain.

You could start and end in New York City if flying into Newark or JFK works from your origin and budget. Alternatively, Montreal would be a better place to start for Lake Placid, hire a car and drop it off in NYC or Boston after leaving Manchester, VT.

Example 2 – Lake Winnipesaukee NH to Manchester VT

D1 – Lake Winnipesaukee : Explore the lake, hike Mt Major, take a cruise and stay in Wolfeboro.

D2 – Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch : Drive Conway to Lincoln across Kancamagus Highway, hike Flume Gorge and Artists Bluff. Sleep in Franconia.

D3 – Stowe and Burlington : Stowe church, hike to waterfalls in Stowe Mountain Resort, drive Smugglers Notch and on to Burlington. Ride the bike path for sunset. Stay in Burlington.

D4 – Lake Placid : Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge, Ski Jump and Mirror Lake. Or hike Mount Marcy instead but that is a full day commitment. Stay in Lake Placid.

D5 – Woodstock and Manchester : Visit the farms, covered bridges and drive through Green Mountain countryside to Manchester, finish with Equinox Mountain again.

This version would allow for a round trip loop from Boston, MA airport or Portland, ME airport.

The key to making the most of this shorter trip is to accept that you will be in the car driving a lot but that is where you will see most of the best scenery.

7 Day / One Week New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With a week, you can get more creative, include more places or take things slower. You have more flexibility but still not enough time to add a trip to Acadia, unless you really can’t miss it and don’t mind the driving.

Colors can change a noticeable amount in 7 days, so (if possible!) factor in starting your one week trip just before ‘peak’ begins.

Either of the 5 day examples above would work with 7 days by simply taking more time in certain spots. The alternative is to add in more places to visit. Let’s look at both:

Example 1 – Lake Winnipesaukee NH to Manchester VT

D2 – Kancamagus Highway : Take the awesome road trip slowly, stop at every attraction and stay in Loon Mountain or Lincoln.

D3 – Franconia Notch and Stowe : Hike Flume Gorge and Artists Bluff before driving to Stowe to photograph the church. Hike the waterfall trails and see Smugglers Notch. Stay in Stowe.

D4 – Burlington and Lake Placid : Church Street and Burlington bike path, then drive to Lake Placid, get stuck into the best bits of Lake Placid and spend the night there.

D5 – Lake Placid and Woodstock : Spend the morning in Lake Placid and drive to Woodstock later in the day. Hike to Mount Tom for amazing views over Woodstock. Stay in Woodstock.

D6 – Woodstock : Sunrise at Sleepy Hollow Farm, Jenne Road Farm, visit the nearby covered bridges and relax in town. Drive to Manchester later in the day to stay over.

D7 – Manchester : Hildene, Manchester old town and stunning Green Mountain country roads, finish at Equinox Mountain.

This variation could begin and end at either Boston, MA or Portland, ME as in the itinerary above. It just gives you more downtime and time to fully explore the places you will visit.

Example 2 – Manchester VT to Lake Winnipesaukee NH

D1 – Manchester : Drive from Boston airport to Manchester, spend the day at Hildene, Equinox Mountain and exploring the town. Stay in Manchester.

D2 – Woodstock : See the best of Woodstock and spend the night.

D3 – Stowe : Hit the top highlights in Stowe and stay there for the night.

D4 – Mount Washington : Take the cog train, drive to the summit or even take on the hike. Sleep in North Conway.

D5 – Kancamagus Highway : Spend a full day on The Kanc. Sleep in Loon Mountain or Lincoln.

D6 – Franconia Notch : Hike Flume Gorge and Artists Bluff but drive to Lake Winnipesaukee later to spend the night.

D7 – Lake Winnipesaukee : Spend the last day around the lake, cruising, hiking or relaxing.

This loop direction was reversed to give an idea about how you could make it work in a clockwise route. Again this would be starting and ending in Boston or Portland, with JFK or Newark as alternative options.

Instead of driving out to Lake Placid, you could stick to Vermont and New Hampshire, which is where the very best colors are found.

10 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With a full 10 days to spend on your New England fall road trip, you can either max out your itinerary and see all of the best bits or choose to spend more time in fewer places.

Personally, we’re the max out itinerary type and we would definitely include Acadia National Park in our 10 days. It adds in some serious driving time but the journey there is picturesque, rural and most importantly colorful.

Here’s one way you can include each of the places mentioned in this list, including Acadia National Park (this is the way we drove but we spent 14 days doing this route with other non-fall foliage places included in our itinerary):

Example 1 – Lake Placid, NY to Manchester, VT via Acadia National Park, ME

D1 – Lake Placid : Spend the day hiking and surrounded by gorgeous colors. Sleep Lake Placid.

D2 – Burlington : Full day exploring town and cycle the entire bike path to Grand Isle. Stay in or near Burlington.

D3 – Stowe : Smugglers Notch, Mountain Resort, Mt Mansfield and church in town. Stay in Stowe.

D4 – Franconia and Kancamagus Highway : Hike Artists Bluff and Flume Gorge, drive The Kanc and sleep in North Conway.

D5 – Mt Washington and drive to Acadia : Drive to the summit or take the cog train before driving US-2 all the way to Acadia. Sleep in Bar Harbor.

D6 – Acadia : Sunrise Cadillac Mountain, Hike Acadia Mountain and Beech Mountain, sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Stay in Bar Harbor.

D7 – Acadia : Sunrise Schoodic Point, Hike Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail, Walk around Jordan Pond, Great Ocean Path and carriage roads by bike to see the best fall colors. Final night in Bar Harbor.

D8 – Lake Winnipesaukee : Final morning in Acadia, long drive to Wolfeboro and explore Lake Winnipesaukee.

D9 – Woodstock : Photograph Sleepy Hollow and Jenne Road, hike to Mt Tom, see covered bridges.

D10 – Manchester : Hildene, Mount Equinox, nearby Bennington battle monument and covered bridges.

Tips For The 10 Day Itinerary

The only concern with this itinerary is the inclusion of Acadia National Park. It’s a 4 hour drive from Mt Washington to Acadia and 4 hours 20 minutes back from Acadia to Wolfeboro.

However, if you do have more time you can include stops on the way to and from Acadia to break up the longer drives. US-1 and US-2 are picturesque but slow going. If you’re pushed for time, take the less scenic but faster I-95 instead.

Alternatively, if you’re not so bothered by Acadia, plan to spend even more time in each of the other 9 places in this list. That would give you wiggle room in case of bad weather and plenty of time to relax.

Notice how the route starts furthest north and loops around Acadia then comes back further south?

That’s because with 10 days you should try to ‘follow’ the peak colors as they transition southwards over the first two weeks of October.

New England Fall Road Trip Map

Red Markers – Locations of the 10 best places to visit on a New England fall road trip itinerary.

Click or touch the map to activate.

Zoom in and out, move around the map of New England to find locations for the best places to visit in the area.

More From New England

• Best things to do in Burlington Vermont
• Best things to do in Woodstock Vermont
• Driving the Kancamagus Highway in fall
• How to visit Flume Gorge in New Hampshire
• The best things to do in Lake Placid New York
• The best things to do in Stowe Vermont
• Top things to do in Manchester Vermont
• Unmissable things to do in Acadia National Park

We hope this New England fall foliage road trip guide with itinerary ideas helps you plan the perfect leaf-peeping vacation!

Please let us know if you have any questions about New England or need any help planning your visit in the comments below.

Happy Travels,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

29 thoughts on “New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Stunning Stops”

I really appreciate your compressive guide to New England for travel in the Fall. We have enjoyed most of the areas you mention in years past and loved it. My sister is visiting from Australia at perfect Fall Foliage time so we’re planning to do your 10-day roadtrip this year. I was wondering if you have an App you prefer to use to plan each segment of the roadtrip. I used Roadtrippers earlier this year and found it good, but would welcome your suggestions for a roadtrip App. I plan to download your digital guide as well. Thank you and happy travels.

Hi Sharon, we’re happy to hear you will be visiting New England again and this time with your sister. If you are looking for alternatives to Roadtrippers you could check out Wanderlog which is another useful resource. But to be honest we don’t use any apps for our road trips except for the basic and free Google Maps app. We plot points for attractions, restaurants and hotels as we research before visiting a new place, and we plan ahead so we can really get organized. If you download our digital guide and go to the end, you will find a map we created that will open in your Google Maps app and it already contains the locations for top attractions, foliage photo spots, hikes, restaurants and hotels that we discuss throughout the guide. You can of course see more places but we have preloaded the map with the essential spots to visit around New England in fall. Have a fantastic trip!

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, Thank you so very much for your advice. I downloaded the digital guide to use. So looking forward to this trip and having your guide to get organized makes this a lot less daunting. Keep up the great work and happy traveling.

Hi Sharon, Visiting New England in fall is an amazing trip and you will have a wonderful time! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a nice comment and downloading our guide. Just let us know if you have any specific questions as we get closer to fall season 🙂

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, I have accommodations booked from Lake Placid to Woodstock. Since we want to add a couple of nights in Boston to walk the Freedom Trail and visit the Boston Tea Party site, would you recommend skipping Manchester, Vermont and going directly to Boston from Woodstock. Or, would we be missing out if we skip Manchester. Appreciate your advice.

Hi Sharon, you will have covered almost all of the best fall spots between Lake Placid and Woodstock. We like Manchester but it isn’t going to ruin your trip if you skip it, especially if you really want to see more of Boston. After 10 days or so you will have had your fill of fall colors anyway, so Boston will be a welcome change of scenery and pace. Have a fantastic time!

I would love a copy of the book as well, to use as we travel Thank you for a wealth of information!

Wow, amazing information, thank you. Have you written it in book form by any chance? I would love to drive with the book on hand for reference.

Hi Helen, you have asked at just the right time. We are currently in the process of creating a digital guidebook filled with key information and itinerary ideas for the New England fall road trip. It will be ready within the next week or so and we will email you once it is live. You will be able to either keep it on your smartphone or print it if you prefer to have a paper copy.

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, I’m using this article to plan our New England fall leaves trip and would also be interested in a copy of your digital guidebook, please. The information you provide is outstanding — thank you! ~ Carol

Thank you, Carol! We’re happy to hear you are planning a New England trip this fall. You can follow this link to see more details about our digital guidebook. If you do purchase the guidebook, remember to open up the map on page 45 when you are in each place to see the best hikes, foliage spots, attractions, restaurants and hotels. And if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask away. Have a fantastic trip!

Hello! What a wonderful site you have given us :). Question…do any of the New England fall road trips include the Berkshires? I would love to include a quick visit to The Mount/Edith Wharton’s home. Thanks, Jo

Thank you, Jo! Yes absolutely, you could easily add The Mount / Edith Wharton’s Home to the end of our 10 day New England fall road trip itinerary because it is just 1 hour 30 minutes drive to the south of Manchester VT (which is the last stop in our guide), before heading back to the Boston / NY airports. It wouldn’t be much of a detour and if you are heading that way you might also want to consider including a short drive along scenic highway 2, also known as The Mohawk Trail. Have a fantastic trip later this year!

Hi There! We are flying into Portland, (Sept 23rd) Maine and flying out of Boston, Mass (October 2nd) We have about one full week for our Fall Foliage road trip. Knowing we arrive Portland and depart Boston, what would you map out for itinerary.

Part II question, I prefer staying at one hotel for a few days and taking day trips as opposed to staying one night in several places.

Would it be wise to stay 3 nights near Acadia Nat’l Park and then 3 nights in New Hampshire (near all of the Franconia State Park and Kancamagus Hwy ?

Hi Erin, yes staying 3 nights in Bar Harbor and then 3 nights somewhere near Franconia Notch sounds like the best idea if you would prefer to stay in one hotel for each part of your trip. You can easily visit the most popular fall foliage areas in VT and NH from Franconia. Depending on how much driving you want to do, you could split your days into Vermont and New Hampshire. So one day you do Stowe, Woodstock and Manchester (the driving in between is just as picturesque as the towns), then another day you do Mt Washington, Kancamagus, Artists Bluff and Flume Gorge (which are all much closer together). Then stop at Lake Winnipesaukee on the way down to Boston. Hopefully the peak colors will be in north / central VT and NH early Oct for your trip – have a great time!

Love your site! we are planning a a Fall Foliage trip for 2023 over our 34th Anniversary. thinking any where from 10 – 14 days from the last week in Sept. to the first week of Oct. We are thinking to end our trip in Boston for a few days. If I followed tour 10 day trip guide would it make sense to fly into Albany, NY and out of Boston. Or are we better off to make Boston a long weekend trip?

Hi Randy, thanks for getting in touch and we’re happy to hear you’re planning a trip to New England next year, congrats on the 34th! Absolutely, flying into Albany and out of Boston makes perfect sense. If you make your trip 14 days total, you can follow the 10 day itinerary in our guide and then spend 2 or 3 days in Boston at the end. Something to consider is whether or not you want to see Acadia NP, it is a stunning place but it’s a long way out from the rest of New England’s top foliage spots. If you don’t include Acadia, you can spend longer in the fall color hotspots of Stowe, Woodstock and Manchester in VT, plus Franconia Notch, Kancamagus Highway and Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. Let us know if you have any more questions and best of luck with planning!

We are planning a trip to Maine in the fall of 2023 for our 40th anniversary for a total of 7 days. We would be interested in mainly leaf peeping,Arcadia NP, sight seeing/boat tours, driving the back roads and easy hikes. I really like the coast. Now that I have run across this post, I am rethinking our trip. What city should we fly into? Do you recommend spending 2 days in Arcadia NP? Should we hit some of the areas you mentioned in NH? I don’t think we have time to do your whole itinerary in 7 days. Your thoughts?

Hi Randi, glad to hear you have a trip planned to Maine for your 40th anniversary – congrats! Honestly, 7 days isn’t enough time to be rushing around New England trying to cram in everything. If you like the coast and you want to do Acadia, why not fly into Portland in Maine and slowly drive up to Bar Harbor via the back roads? Acadia is great but it is touristy and expensive, plus you won’t get the best fall colors (when compared to NH or VT). Boothbay Harbor is a nice place to stop between Portland and Bar Harbor, and you can do whale watching tours right out of the small town. If Portland doesn’t work for flight times or prices, Boston will be your best bet. Let us know if you need any more help before you travel next year.

Hi. I’m glad I found this. We are planning our 50th Anniversary to see Vermont and Maine in late September. Is it possible to stay in one place and drive to see the sights? We don’t want to keep changing hotels. This is a lifetime dream for us. Thank you.

Hi Jan, congrats on your 50th anniversary! Without knowing exactly which places in Vermont and Maine you want to see, it is possible to stay in one place but that would mean quite a lot of time spent in the car. If you have a 50/50 split, maybe stay somewhere in New Hampshire in the middle? Or if you plan to spend more time in VT, stay somewhere just inside VT near the NH border? Somewhere near Franconia NH might be a good fit so you are central to most of the fall hot spots and far enough North to see peak colors at the end of September. Have a great time!

Great article! While planning and researching for our New England Fall Foliage Adventure we saw right away that trying to predict “peak” conditions was a difficult proposition, at best. With that in mind and because we have a bit of time on our hands we decided our adventure would be from mid September to mid October 2022. We have booked all of our accommodations and now it’s all about deeply researching the areas and filling in the days. Finding your well written and in depth blog helped confirm our research was spot on and added to our happiness that we are actually going to pull this off. Plus, now we have an excellent study guide to boot! Bring on the trails, the mountains, the breweries, the lobster, cheese, cider donuts, Octoberfests and even the rain! Thank YOU and keep up the fantastic and insightful work!

Hi Jeff, thanks for getting in touch and we are so happy to hear you have planned a full month up in New England! Your list of activities is spot on – hiking, scenery, fall colors, food and beer … recipe for a perfect trip! Good luck filling in the days and hopefully you’ll get optimal weather conditions leading into the peak, just remember to keep an eye on the peak fall colors tracker when you are on site in New England. Have a wonderful trip!

Hello! This post is really very useful! We are planning to go to New England from September 30th to October 8th (we have already booked our flight from Italy). Since we would like to spend a couple of days in Boston too, do you recommend to begin with Boston and then start our road trip or to do the other way round? We would very glad if you could give us more details! Thanks a lot!

Hi Simonetta, thanks for getting in touch and we’re happy to hear you will be visiting New England this fall! This is a tough question because nobody can predict when “peak” fall colors will be in each part of New England. You can keep an eye on a live peak foliage tracker and book everything last minute, but that is risky as accommodation will book up. So, we would suggest starting with Boston and then driving up as far North as you will go on your trip (ie Stowe in VT or Franconia in NH) and then working down South to follow the peak. Please let us know if you have any more questions and you might even see us up there somewhere this year! Have a great time 🙂

I’m so happy to have found your blog post. I know how much time and effort goes into planning these type of trips, so I appreciate you writing about it and sharing it. We are looking at doing a mix of rural/city for both NH, VT, and ME. Looking closer to a 10 day trip and flexible on the dates. Would you say the hikes are fairly easy, medium, or difficult? Do you think looking into Air BNB’s out there would be better vs. hotels?

Hi Ani, thanks for getting in touch and we’re glad to hear you have a trip planned for VT, NH and ME. There are countless hikes spanning the difficulty range on this road trip route, so you do have a lot of flexibility over how long you want to spend hiking and how hard the trails are. Artists Bluff is short but has a steep climb, so we would say it is moderate but well worth it. Flume Gorge is easy and shouldn’t be missed. Acadia (if you make it that far) has a host of easy through hard hikes. Lake Winnipesaukee has plenty of hikes to suit all. If you’re looking for hard hikes take on Mt Washington or Mt Mansfield, tallest in NH and VT. You’ll likely only be spending one night or a maximum of 2 at any given place so we would say go for hotels. AirBnB’s are great for uniqueness and meeting people but for one night they are always more expensive with cleaning fees / service fees etc. By all means check prices and see if you can find any good deals or special places but we will be sticking to hotels ourselves the next time we are in New England. Let us know if you need any more help and have a fantastic trip!

Great information, love your post! We have never been to New England and would like to go see the fall colors in late Sept. or Oct. We also want to spend some time in Boston and Cape area. We are flexible on dates and number of days in itinerary. We would be interested in some hikes. After looking at you post I’m thinking Vermont and New Hampshire might work after seeing Boston. Can you help with an itinerary? We would be flying from San Diego, CA. Would appreciate any information! Thank You!

Thanks for getting in touch, Marilen – we’ll respond through email so we can provide more information.

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17 Best Places to See New England Fall Foliage

If you’re looking to find the best places to see New England fall foliage, I can promise you that the list you’ll get here will more than suffice.

When it comes to seeing fall foliage in New England and the 6 states that compose it, it’s hard to say that there’s any other area in the states can beat their autumn views and alongside the specific spots below, I’ll also be including separate articles to each of the 6 states in New England and where you can also see even more fall foliage areas there. 

Here are the 17 best places to see New England fall foliage:

• Franconia Notch State Park (New Hampshire)
• Crawford Notch State Park (New Hampshire)
• Sleeping Giant State Park (Connecticut)
• Smugglers Notch and Stowe (Vermont)
• Green Mountain National Forest (Vermont)
• Acadia National Park (Maine)
• Baxter State Park (Maine)
• Moosepath Trail and scenic drive (New Hampshire)
• Bish Bash Falls State Park (Massachusetts)
• Beaver Pond (New Hampshire)
• Lake Champlain (Vermont side)
• Snake Den State Park (Rhode Island)
• Monument Mountain (Massachusetts)
• Bigelow Preserve (Maine)
• Town of Kent (Connecticut)
• Camel’s Hump State Park (Vermont)
• Railroad Truss Bridge (New Hampshire)

In addition to this, I strongly recommend visiting every major town (not city) in New England. I only included one on this list because the truth is any town in the north eastern United States is great to see fall foliage in, which would make this an easy (and lazy) list to make. I’m focused much more on amazing mountain regions where you can get the more natural, wide open fall foliage experience in the region.

Franconia Notch State Park (New Hampshire):

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are probably the best place to see fall foliage in the state and Franconia Notch State Park will arguably give you the best experience of that. It rests basically in the heart of the White Mountains and has a lot of incredible overlooks, access to popular mountains like Cannon Mountain , Mount Lafayette and each of those places offer their own experiences to explore.

In Cannon Mountain for example, you can take a gondola ride up to the top and get some really nice views of the fall foliage from there. But anyway, Franconia Notch State Park which is the place to see in this is where you’ll want to make your road trip to see New England’s top fall colors. But there are also other places to see New Hampshire fall foliage besides this area too (I included a post with over 10 additional spots to add to your list).

Best time to see fall foliage in Franconia Notch State Park: Early-mid October.

Crawford Notch State Park:

For as long as I can remember, one of the most iconic photos of fall foliage I ever saw was of a train bridge cross mountain areas in the fall and the views were just breathtaking (the train ride you’ll want to take here is called Conway Scenic Railroad). It took me many year (and Instagram) to discover that this area is in New Hampshire, but only recently did I learn that its actually in Crawford Notch State Park. Now to be clear, all of New England has great train tours you can take to see the fall foliage, but this is one the most famous/iconic ones and since this location is a park, here’s specifics on what to do:

• Explore the trails in the area, which are great for hiking near the train bridge and a trestle (called Frankenstein Trestle) to see the great views.
• Take the famous Crawford train tour across the area (great for more passive but very scenic adventures).

Best time to see fall foliage in Crawford Notch State Park: Also early-mid October (maybe end of it).

Sleeping Giant State Park (Connecticut):

I never really explored as much of Connecticut as I would like, but for fall foliage if there’s one place worth visiting for great mountain views, fall colors and more, then it’s Sleeping Giant State Park. Aside from having many mountain trails there and a giant tower to explore for great views, this park is amazing to see fall foliage at.

The area is very close to New Haven and if you enjoy hiking, Mt. Carmel is where you’ll want to go (inside the park) to get the best views of the park and of course all the colors. And any town in this state is great for this too, but this is where you’ll get most out of it.

Best time to see fall foliage in Sleeping Giant State Park: Late October usually.

Smugglers Notch and Stowe (Vermont):

Fall foliage in this area of Vermont is something you have to see. Smugglers Notch itself is an amazing place to explore not just for that but the incredible hiking trails, the scenic drive through the heart of that area and more and when I say the heart of fall foliage, I’m not kidding. Stowe itself is a town I strongly recommend staying at and exploring during fall foliage as well and it’s close to Smugglers Notch too.

One other thing I want to mention is that there is a short period towards the end of October where the leaves in Smugglers Notch turn red and that is usually the last 2 weeks of October. That is something I personally have sought to see over the years, but often miss. I also want to recommend reading my White Mountains vs Green Mountains article because aside from visiting these areas in the fall, there’s great spots throughout the year to see in both spots.

Best time to see fall foliage in Smugglers Notch and Stowe: Early October

Green Mountain National Forest (Vermont):

The Green Mountain National Forest area of Vermont is an entire gem for fall foliage and that is not me exaggerating. I’m actually being serious about this region in New England. It doesn’t matter where in this region you go, you will always have access to tons of hikes, beautiful waterfalls, swimming holes, overlooks, scenic drives and much more to see all of this (trust me on that, I’ve been through this area several times and it’s amazing, as well as hard to miss amazing gems).

Generally speaking if you take any part of the Long Trail in the area, you’ll have great hikes to see the colors from but just as well, any small town in this area is also worth stopping and staying at for the fall colors.

Best time to see fall foliage in Green Mountain National Forest: Mid through late October.

Acadia National Park (Maine):

It’s hard to argue that Acadia National Park isn’t just one of the best national parks on the east coast , but it’s also the most beautiful area to visit in Maine and during fall foliage, it’s just that much better there. The national park itself is one of the most beautiful in the entire eastern region of the states (maybe even the whole US), but aside from generalities, here’s what I would recommend you do in Acadia National Park to see fall foliage at it’s best:

• Do any of the main hiking trails there to get you to see the overlooks of the park and ocean. It’s a wonderful mix of great adventures, fall colors everywhere, great sunset views and way more.
• Stay in Bar Harbor if you can. That is basically the area within which the national park is in and there’s actually several close airports to Acadia National Park to consider coming through. There’s a nice town, restaurants and more of a “sea level” experience of the park and fall colors in general.
• Do the drive around the park too. Scenic drives in Acadia are something else!

Best time to see fall foliage in Acadia National Park: Early through mid October.

Baxter State Park (Maine):

Baxter State Park is an excellent place to see fall colors in especially since you get access to the highest mountain range in the state there. There’s Mount Katadhin to check out and hike to see the highest views there.

There’s also hikes like Gulf Hagas to explore (be careful for moose) and one thing I would recommend doing during fall here which I wouldn’t in any other season is the “scenic drive” around the park (New River Road, Part Tote Rd and Grand Lake Road all of which are actually one road around it). I did that drive in the summer and didn’t enjoy it because it’s hard to see the mountains because of the thick woods everywhere but during fall foliage, that scenery is actually worth checking out. Furthermore, this scenic drive provides access to many campsites across Baxter State Park too.

Best time to see fall foliage in Baxter State Park: Also early October.

Moose Path trail and scenic byway (New Hampshire):

Moose Path Trail is one of New Hampshire’s best scenic drives, and for the best places fall foliage in New England, it’s a perfect drive. The “trail” which is really just a long drive is over 120 miles and I’ve included a map that shows you how to do it. There are several roads you will want to take to do this trail and I’ve included a map:

One of the most scenic parts of the drive (most iconic) is when you pass Dixville Notch State Park (marked with an X on the map above). Another major hike (if you’re into that) which I recommend taking in that area is called Table Rock which will take you to the top of mountain in this park to get a great view of the mountains and road (excellent for fall foliage pictures).

Best time to see fall foliage in Moose Path trail: Early through mid October.

Bish Bash Falls State Park (Massachusetts):

This is an incredible and highly underrated park I’ve been to a few times, just not during fall foliage (yet). This area besides having an amazing waterfall and incredible fall foliage to behold also crosses into 2 other states, one of which is New York where it becomes Taconic State Park . Other than this, the hikes there are pretty beginner friendly and the fall foliage colors (based on what I have seen from other sources) are stunning (there’s also swimming holes here). Overall, you can spend an entire day in this park or even a few days and still not finish everything possible to do there.

Best time to see fall foliage in Bish Bash Falls State Park: Mid through late October.

Beaver Pond (New Hampshire):

The first time I ever drove into New Hampshire on my first road trip, I crossed this incredible place in the White Mountains. The fall foliage at Beaver Pond is unbelievable and aside from this, the area is beautiful for many other reasons.

I strongly recommend visiting Beaver Pond if you’re driving through the White Mountains and want to see fall foliage (or just in general since it’s very nice here all year). Another “gem” nearby is Lost River Gorge (10 minutes away) and this is a popular tourist area that I personally do not recommend visiting any other season other than fall, because it’s beautiful fall colors mixed with nice gorge trails and waterfalls.

Best time to see fall foliage in Beaver Pond: Mid October generally.

Lake Champlain (Vermont Side):

Lake Champlain is underrated for it’s beauty but if you are on the Vermont side of it (basically west of the Green Mountains and up to the Canadian Border), be sure to check it out. All over the shoreline there you will find amazing fall foliage and a lot of different towns to stay at to also enjoy it.

But the best parts of this park is seeing the Adirondack Mountains in New York. And speaking of which, I also have a post on the best places to see fall foliage in New York (not part of the New England states, but they have amazing spots to explore for this specific season too). In this case though, you’ll be on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain enjoying and exploring the area. One thing you may want to also see is Sand Bar State Park (in between NY and Vermont). It’s a small area, but very neat and the views of the states and mountains around there are spectacular! Also I’ve compiled a list with more specific spots to see Vermont Fall foliage in as well.

Best time to see fall foliage throughout Lake Champlain: 2nd-3rd week of October.

Snake Den State Park (Rhode Island):

Even though it’s a small area, Rhode Island has a lot of towns to see great fall foliage in, but what I’m specifically suggesting you check out if you go to this state during fall foliage is Snake Den State Park, the area where you’ll likely get the most out of the state for autumn views.

The park is a nice mix of simple trails, farms, a few decent boulder hikes to pretty nice overlooks in general and some nice bridges that cross streams making for very nice photogenic fall photos. Snake Den State Park is basically a 5-10 minute drive outside the city of Providence so you can easily stay in the town and visit this place for a day or more if you want. You can also find some nice views from this park overlooking the area of Providence as well.

Best time to see fall foliage in Snake Den State Park: Last 2 weeks of October (usually).

Monument Mountain (Massachusetts):

This hike isn’t far from Bish Bash Falls and is awesome for family hikes and awesome overlooks of the Catskills in the distance and other mountain ranges around the Massachusetts area. There is an iconic part of that hike that takes you to a beautiful summit to see all of this and for fall foliage, it’s a must see.

Unfortunately I don’t have a good photo of fall foliage in Monument Mountain but having personally done the hike here, I can tell you that there are incredible views, the hike is very nice (moderate in a few parts) and when I went there during the summer, I already saw yellow and red leaves in parts of it, making for an awesome visual experience.

Best time to see fall foliage at Monument Mountain: Mid October.

Bigelow Preserve (Maine):

A major Maine gem worth exploring year round and of course during fall foliage is Bigelow Preserve. It’s a decent sized park with an amazing lake called Flaggstaff lake as well as islands on it to explore, but the area itself has beautiful hikes to take you to overlooks of those areas and every mountain range around it.

For all foliage this is one of the top 3 places to check out in all of Maine if you ask me. Whether it be taking boat rides on Flaggstaff lake of hiking to the top of one of the peaks there, it’s well worth it. The main mountain in this area is Mount Bigelow which has hiking trails that take you to the summit. I have not visited this place yet and like with Monument Mountain don’t have a good picture of fall foliage here, but I can promise you it’s amazing (just look at any photo of this place if you want proof).

Best time to see peak fall foliage at Bigelow Preserve: Early through mid October usually.

Town of Kent (Connecticut):

I’m including Kent as the only town to see fall foliage in on this list for a simple reason:

The town itself is just a small portion of what you can see around it where the true gems are at. There are farmlands, plains, lakes, rivers, streams, decent sized mountains and trails to explore and that mix is what makes coming to this area so worth it for fall foliage. Like I said before, you should see as many towns as you can for fall foliage across New England, but the town of Kent should be on your list if you are in the Connecticut area.

Best time to see peak fall foliage at Kent: Last 3 weeks of October.

Camel’s Hump State Park (Vermont):

Camel’s Hump State Park is just below Smugglers Notch and Stowe (mentioned earlier in this list for great fall foliage locations) and yes, this is another Vermont gem to see for fall colors (and any season other than winter!).

This park is amazing to explore for a number of reasons:

• If you’re into more “wild” hiking and exploring, this is a great place for that.
• There are awesome hiking trails but you may want to check out my how to find easy trails near me post to see specific options.
• The overlooks and summit hikes here are incredible and while there’s mountain ranges everywhere, you are basically in between Smugglers Notch and the mountains there (north of the park) and Green Mountain National Forest and the peaks there (south of this).
• And of course, need I add how beautiful this place looks during the fall?

Best time to see peak fall foliage at Camel’s Hump State Park: Early through mid October.

Railroad Truss Bridge (New Hampshire):

The last option on this list takes us back to New Hampshire and another major gem I’ve seen many times across social media. It’s a famous train bridge where peak fall foliage is absolutely stunning to check out. Very recently I finally discovered that this place is called Railroad Truss Bridge and it’s a short “hike” from the road to reach.

The railroad is active so I would be careful, but this is a very famous spot to explore and it’s actually close to Crawford Notch State Park where the other train ride for fall foliage is located at (as well as a nice looking trestle). I’m not sure if the railroads between that park and this area intersect, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that for fall foliage, this is one of the best spots to explore in New Hampshire and New England and it’s a great spot to conclude this list with!

Best time to see peak fall foliage at Camel’s Hump State Park: Early October through 3rd week of it.

Quick questions about checking out fall foliage leaves across New England:

What is the best time for fall foliage in new england.

It all depends on which New England state you visit. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island have peak fall foliage early October while Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are late September through mid October.

Where is the best fall foliage in New England?

Generally speaking New Hampshire has the best fall foliage in all of New England, although every state in this region has tons of beautiful spots to see it at as well.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the spots I listed in this post on the best places to see fall foliage in New England and if you also have any of your own personal suggestions!

Hi I'm Vitaliy, I love nature travel and this blog encapsulates all of my adventures and top recommendations of what to see (and what to avoid).

Learn More Here

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12 comments.

Been scouring a ton of sources for the best places to see the transition to the fall season in/around New Hampshire, gotta say, it’s great to see these different parks and whatnot – it’s a blast to read through!

The Crawford train tour is what we’ve got our eyes on, do you know if the stops along the way or the main stop would allow for getting on some of the different trails easily? Like, are the main ones by the train bridge then? I assume it’s one main stop after the tour and it’d be cake to get to the different trails, just wondered if you knew anything specific about the route to elaborate on.

Awesome showcase, Vitaliy! Went ahead and got into your newsletter! 👍

Hi Colton, my guess is that the train ride makes several stops, like a shuttle allowing you to get out in different spots that may have hikes nearby, but overall it travels in a loop fashion so people can get the full experience if they choose to. I’ll have to personally check it out to see if that is the case, but at this point I’ll have to wait another year before that opportunity pops up!

Being an ex-New Yorker the one thing my wife and I miss are long drives upstate NY and New England. Reading this article brought back a lot of memories for us. It also made us want to go back and visit since we miss this time of year so much up in New England. Your article gives us a lot of great ideas. We are planning to go back soon so we can catch the fall foliage. Thank you for all your wonderful suggestions. Love your site with your articles!

Thanks Mike!

Hey Vitaliy,

My wife and I love to go hiking and to travel, and the upstate US area has some of the most beautiful places to see in the country. 

I’m sad to say I haven’t heard about any of the places you mentioned in your site until now, and I appreciate the education of those areas (Making travel plans already.) We love nature so much, and some of the views you posted are truly breathtaking.

I also appreciate your use of maps to find these locations easier, and I GREALY appreciate your use of links to reach more information about each area. Thank you so much for sharing!

Happy that this post helps your travel adventures further Mark! Let me know if you find any other awesome places you think about be a good addition to this list or in general worth exploring 🙂

This is a wonderful and informative article. It was especially helpful that you included the times of the year to best see the foliage. I had no idea there were so many state parks. These pictures are beautiful. 

My husband and I were trying to decide where to go on vacation next fall, and you helped us decide. Rhode Island, here we come! Have you traveled to all of these places yourself? Is there any particular place you prefer? I am on my way to check out your article on Texas next.

Hi Brandy, I’ve been to every state and many places on this list on this list except Rhode Island ironically. However I have yet to explore these places during the fall. Next week I have a weekend trip up to Vermont (Smugglers Notch) to hopefully still catch some great fall foliage views.

I was just talking with my friend/colleague the other day about her next travel destination this fall. She loves to travel and she usually does it during the fall season mainly because it’s her favorite season of the year. But what she loves the most about fall is foliage.

She has been to different places that have the best fall foliage in the US such as Colorado, Montana, and Michigan, and she is wondering where to go this fall. New England seems like a great place for my friend to visit. 

Looking at these beautiful pictures of fall foliage in New England, I am pretty sure my friend will have a great time no matter which state she would choose. 

But if I were to choose even just two places for her, I would go with Crawford Notch State Park in New Hampshire and Acadia National Park in Maine.

Very informative post, thank you, Vitaliy.

Yeah those other places your friend has been to have amazing fall foliage too Alice and I plan to visit them too someday but she can’t go wrong with any spot in New England (or New York for that matter). Give her this list and it’ll further enhance her already already huge fall foliage experiences 🙂

I have seen the fall foliage in Massachusetts while living there. While traveling from PA to Boston, the car ride gives a spectacular view of New England’s fall. 

However, I have never stayed anywhere just to see the fall foliage. From your list, I like all these places and especially feel attracted to Vermont. In the future, we may plan something to stay in Vermont during the fall. It is useful to know so many places one can visit in one place so the planning will be easier.

Any state in New England has several amazing places to view fall foliage but certainly a car drive on any road there will also deliver! 

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The Most Scenic New England Fall Foliage Road Trip

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If you desire to do some leaf-peeping this fall, the New England states offer a fantastic smorgasbord of destinations to see the most beautiful and colorful leaves. Our nine-day, eight-night road-trip will guide you to stunning spots. Take the trip at our suggested pace, or move at the pace that suits your vacation needs.

The best time to see the most colorful array of leaves in the picturesque New England corner of the States is from the third week of September till Columbus Day. Usually, the first week of October is prime time for leaves to be changing color. Think spectacular orange and red hues set against lush forests and tranquil lakes. They usually change from north to south, so we will begin our colorful fall foliage road trip in the north.

Acadia National Park

Bar harbor, maine.

Our first stop is Bar Harbor and Maine’s Acadia National Park . Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is a 47,000-acre park that is beautiful year-round. It has a 27-mile park loop with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the leaves and take photographs of the foliage.

You can also visit the highest point along the Eastern Coast at the park’s 1,527-foot Cadillac Mountain. You will have quite a view from there. Enjoy the leaves on maples and birches, along with a variety of evergreens. If you desire to get a bit of exercise, there are 120 miles of trails.

You could spend a half or a whole day enjoying the colorful orange and red hues of nature in the park. The town of Bar Harbor is also fun with shops and many seafood restaurants. You could easily spend an entire weekend here.

Spend the night in Bar Harbor at the Balance Rock Inn . It is a lovely hotel right on the water overlooking a secluded beach.

Androscoggin River Recreation Trail 

Bethel, maine.

We are going to head west on route ME-3 to Bethel, Maine. You will pass by Augusta, the capital of Maine, about halfway there.

Bethel, Maine, is a small mountain village with exceptional views of fall foliage and hiking/walking trails . From Bethel, you can check out the Androscoggin River Recreation Trail (accessible via the Bethel Pathway) on foot or by bike and see the gorgeous foliage and perhaps some wildlife.

Colorful leaves are also abundant nearby in White Mountain National Forest and Grafton Notch State Park .

A fun place to stay in Bethel is the Sunday River Ski Resort . Although you won’t be skiing, they usually have a host of activities going on, including golf, hikes, zip lining, and more. The resort has a spa to help you relax and scenic lift rides that are great for taking pictures of the foliage.

If you desire, you could spend an additional day or two exploring the areas surrounding Bethel.

The Kancamagus Highway

Spectacular fall foliage awaits you as you leave the deep green pine forests of western Maine and enter New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Drive west via U.S. 2 (watch for moose) and then take NH 16 south.

The Mt. Washington Auto Road permits you to drive up to the peak of Mount Washington. There are also vans that give guided tours, or you can wait till you are on the western side and take the cog railroad up to the top. There is a museum and an observation area at the top.

A few places to be sure and stop are the C.L. Graham Overlook, which is just below the summit of Kancamagus Pass and the Silver Cascade Waterfall. Both are great places for photos.

Then it’s on to the Kancamagus Scenic Byway for a 35-mile drive through White Mountain National Forest. Named one of the most beautiful highways in the United States, the Kanc, as it’s referred to by locals, is a National Scenic Byway. During this drive, you will pass near dozens of waterfalls while birches, beeches, and maple trees blaze against a pine backdrop. It is beautiful, but be aware there are no restaurants, homes, or fuel stops on the Kanc.

Bretton Woods , a Mount Washington resort, offers stunning views of Mount Washington. Nearby is the Mount Washington Cog Railway , which will take you to the top of the mountain. I recommend this tour. It is the world’s first cog railway, and it has been climbing the mountain for more than 130 years.

The Omni Mount Washington in Bretton Woods offers a view from every room, fine dining, and spa facilities and is a great spot to spend the night.

This area is abundant with things to do and see, so you could spend multiple days in the Mount Washington and Kancamagus Highway area.

Trapp Family Lodge 

Stowe, vermont.

Next, we will head west on VT-15 to Stowe. The white spire of Stowe Community Church identifies the beginning of the famous Route 100’s long skein of country villages. Try a cider donut from one of the many country stores in the area. A picturesque town ablaze with beautiful leaves in the fall, you will enjoy spending time here.

There are hiking trails for those who desire a bit more exercise. Many restaurants feature farm-to-table dining and craft beer. While our itinerary includes a night here, you could easily spend a weekend if time permitted.

Spend the night in the European-style Trapp Family Lodge owned by the Austrian family who inspired The Sound of Music . They have rooms, suites, and villas as well as a variety of restaurants and activities. While you’re in town, you can also consider the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont to fill out your itinerary.

Heading south on the billboard-free Route 100 will take us through some quaint villages and past country stores and bakeries. You will want to stop and visit a few of them.

As we drive south, the Green Mountain Byway runs between Stowe and Waterbury. Stop in Waterbury for some famous Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream . The factory welcomes visitors and offers free samples.

Down the road a few miles is The Cold Hollow Cider Mill . Enjoy watching them press the cider and shop for treats.

Then it’s back on the road with a stop for the night at a bed and breakfast in Waitsfield.

The Inn at Round Barn in Waitsfield is a rural bed and breakfast and an ideal place to spend the night. They have a variety of rooms, and some feature a cozy fireplace in the bedroom.

Billings Farm

Woodstock, vermont.

We will head 54 miles south via VT-12A south and VT-12 south to the historic town of Woodstock, Vermont. It is one of the best destinations for colorful and lush fall foliage, and the town is full of charm with quaint shops and restaurants.

I know you are here to see the vivid leaves, but make sure you carve out time to visit Billings Farm and Museum to taste some fresh local Vermont cheese. See the famous covered bridge while you are here, too. You should plan for a several-hour stop before we head to Bennington, or, if you’re going to stay the night, you can explore the best things to do in Woodstock, Vermont , which include local glass-blowing demonstrations, falconry experiences, and strolling the Dartmouth quad.

Shires Of Vermont Byway

We are off to Bennington via US-7 S for 85 miles. Shires of Vermont is the name of the southwest corner of Vermont, and it encompasses numerous towns, including the historic towns of Bennington and Manchester.

The drive is a kaleidoscope of vibrant color in the Green Mountain National Forest.

In Bennington, the 306-foot-tall monument built in 1891 to commemorate the Battle of Bennington is the state’s most famous historic site. It offers an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the surrounding areas, including Mother Nature’s artistic showcase of leaves. The world’s largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings is located nearby at the Bennington Museum .

A great place to stay for the night is the Four Chimneys Inn , a beautiful bed and breakfast that serves a hearty country breakfast each morning.

Norman Rockwell Museum 

Stockbridge, massachusetts.

Our next stop will be Stockbridge, Massachusetts, via Route 7. Enjoy the colorful scenery through the Berkshires’ rolling hills, and stop for a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum , home to the largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art. Plan to spend a few hours here.

Continue on Route 7 for just over 100 miles to Norwalk.

Woodbury, Connecticut 

There are dozens of places to stop and take in the leaves or visit a delightful spot along the way. If you are into antiques, a stop in Woodbury might be in order. It is known as the Antique Capital of Connecticut. Plan for a stop at Kent Falls State Park to stretch your legs. The park has an easy hike that includes covered bridges and waterfalls.

Spend the night at The Norwalk Inn , where you can have your choice of a room or a suite.

Steam Train

Essex, connecticut.

Head east via I-95 across Connecticut for 63 miles to Essex.

Nestled in the Lower Connecticut River Valley is the Essex Steam Train . Let the steam locomotive and vintage railcars take you through the valley to see the vibrant changing leaves. Essex was named the perfect small American town in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die .

Then cross the river to Old Lyme, where an old boarding house is now the Florence Griswold Museum .

Plan to stay at the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme for a good night’s rest before the last day of the trip.

The Rhode Island Coastline

Our final leaf-peeping segment will begin in Westerly, Rhode Island, and go along the Rhode Island coastline. Take 95 to Westerly at the state’s extreme southwest corner, then hit Route 1A and enjoy a colorful scenic drive along the coast. The road meanders the inlets and coves, giving you views of the water on one side and the beautiful fall colors on the other.

In Charleston, you might want to visit Burlingame State Park or the Fantastic Umbrella Factory . Near the factory are several small rustic stores and a cafe.

Plan on cool crisp mornings and know that it may or may not warm up throughout the day. It is best to dress in layers and be sure to take a warm jacket.

The New England states provide hundreds of spots that are perfect for seeing fall foliage. Our colorful autumn journey showcases just a few of my favorites, and hopefully they will become your favorites as well.

Robin O’Neal Smith is a freelance and travel writer. A young baby boomer, Robin and her husband have traveled throughout North America, many of the Caribbean Islands, and Europe. She loves cruising and inspiring others to live their dreams of travel. Follow her travels on her personal site where she discusses travel, food, and more!

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TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

There's nowhere better for autumn colors than New England in the fall, but predicting just the right time for peak foliage requires some preparation. September and October are the best months to visit, but depending on what exact area you're visiting, the trees can quickly change from fiery red to barren in a matter of days. By keeping in mind these leaf-peeping tips for your New England excursion, you're sure to experience the magic of fall in the Northeast.

Timing Your Trip

Foliage colors are the result of natural forces that can vary widely from year to year. The complex and unpredictable factors that influence the rate at which leaves change colors in the fall are rain, the amount of sugar in the leaves, the number of daylight hours, and day and nighttime temperatures. Just because the leaf colors peaked on a specific date last year does not mean they'll do so on the same date this year.

Peak fall foliage in New England works its way down from the north. This means the farther north you go, the earlier peak conditions will occur, with the northernmost regions reaching their height as early as mid-September. On an average year, the northern New England states—Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont—hit their peak autumn colors anywhere from the last week of September to the first couple weeks of October. Meanwhile, the southern states in the region—Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut—usually hit their peak around mid-October.

If you're heading up to any of the mountains in the region, your altitude is just as important for fall foliage viewing as your latitude. Leaves achieve peak color earlier at higher elevations, so keep that in mind as you plan your itinerary. Conversely, coastal forests near sea level are usually the latest ones to reach peak color.

If you don't need accommodations, then ideally you can revolve your trip around the most up-to-date weather reports. Otherwise, fall is one of the busiest times of the year for New England hotels and last-minute reservations aren't practical. The good news is that even 25 percent leaf change is still visually stunning, so even if you miss out on the peak days, you have a large window to time your trip and have it be worthwhile.

Best Places for Fall Foliage

Flexibility is key if you're looking for the most striking autumn colors, so the best way to explore is by car so you can quickly move around from place to place. Driving through any part of New England in the fall is sure to be spectacular, but a few well-worn routes are favorites for leaf chasers. From the Kancamagus Highway through New Hampshire to Route 169 in Connecticut, there are plenty of scenic routes that all but promise an unforgettable ride.

Scenic highways are great, but nothing beats getting out of the car and hiking through the woods. While any trek in the region is sure to be spectacular, a few places truly stand out above the rest. Acadia National Park in Maine is the most popular national park in New England and offers stunning coastal views with fall trees as a backdrop. If you prefer mountains over beaches, then the White Mountains of New Hampshire are just as famous for autumn colors as for their scenic covered bridges . The hills around Litchfield, Connecticut , are another popular choice for epic landscapes, local breweries and wineries, and their proximity to New York City.

If you don't have access to a car, you can also experience the best of fall in New England without leaving whichever big city you're visiting. Boston is perhaps the quintessential New England city, and a stroll or bike ride around town won't disappoint. Don't forget to stop by the city's most popular parks, Boston Common and the Public Garden, for some striking (and free) leaf displays.

Fall Foliage Resources

When the trees begin to change color is never the same from year to year, and even if someone returning from a peak area tells you the trees are at their ideal moment, by the time you get there it may have already passed. You need to be flexible, plan ahead, and use local resources to gauge the best time to visit. New England Foliage gives live updates for the entire region and shows a "heat map" of where you can find the most vibrant colors county by county.

You can also see state-by-state reports through Leaf Peepers , which collects reports from on-the-ground volunteers for the most current leaf color updates. In addition to online resources, each state has its own dedicated foliage hotline so you can call and ask exactly where to go in case you're overwhelmed with options.

If you want to see what the trees look like before driving over—or if you live too far away to see them in person—use online webcams to spy on New England's leaves and find locations where they are nearing peak color. From Boston College to the coast of Maine, you can see the best of the Northeast from your own living room.

Leaf Peeping Tips

Once you've narrowed down when and where you're going, follow tips from leaf-peeping pros to get the most out of your autumn excursion.

• Indigenous Peoples' Day is a three-day weekend that corresponds with the second Monday in October for several Northeast states and also coincides with peak colors in many areas. If you're traveling during this busy holiday, reserve accommodations as far in advance as possible.
• If you wait too long to visit, you also risk the chance of a particularly violent storm ripping the leaves off of trees in your selected area before they even have a chance to change color. Err on the earlier side instead of later.
• Bring your best camera so that you can relive your "peak moments" and share them with others, and practice photographing fall foliage before your trip.
• Park and get out of the car. The entire region is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country, and there's no better time to enjoy them than the fall.
• Make your trip about more than just leaves so that you won't be disappointed. There’s more to autumn fun in New England than peak foliage. Sip hot cider, pick apples or pumpkins , take a hayride, get lost in a corn maze, hike, bike, or attend a fall festival or other local event .

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Vermont in the Fall: Essential Places to Visit While Leaf Peeping

By Author Tara Schatz

Posted on Published: May 6, 2024

The Green Mountain State shines in just about every season, but Vermont in the fall is special.

Autumn is when people travel from near and far to get a glimpse of the thrilling carpet of colors that blanket the mountains, forests, and fields starting in late September.

I’ve lived in Vermont for most of my life, and every fall is still a magical experience for me.

Those beautiful fall colors in Vermont sustain me through a winter that is always long and cold and often bleak and grey.

Every year in the fall, I make it my mission to drop everything and explore this beautiful state I call home.

I’d love to share some of the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall before winter opens up a whole new set of opportunities.

I’m based in Southern Vermont , which is a road-trippers paradise, but the whole state deserves some serious exploration.

This guide explores quintessential Vermont fall foliage destinations that visitors won’t want to miss, as well as some unique and beautiful spots that fly under the radar.

First, I’d like to answer a few questions about Vermont fall foliage that I receive in multitudes via email or Facebook starting as early as June. 

Psst… Did you know that we run a Facebook group dedicated to all the best things to do in Vermont? It’s particularly active in the fall, as that’s the busiest season in Vermont for tourists. Join the group to ask questions, share photos, and immerse yourself in all things Vermont.

Table of Contents

When is Peak Foliage in Vermont?

October 11, at 10:59 am. I wish I could be that specific in my answer!

If you are planning your Vermont fall foliage vacation in the summer, you want to know when to book your flight or hotel room so that you don’t miss the prime leaf-peeping season.

In my opinion, it’s better to be a bit early for the fall foliage season in Vermont because you can always go up in elevation to experience more vibrant colors. If you are visiting the Green Mountains, which run north to south through the middle of Vermont, I suggest visiting in early October, especially if you are traveling to the Northeast Kingdom or Stowe.

If you are visiting Southern Vermont, the Lake Champlain Valley, or the Connecticut River Valley for Vermont fall foliage, I would suggest coming during the second week of October.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t follow a strict calendar, and Vermont fall foliage colors vary depending on temperatures and rainfall.

Based on averages from year to year, the second weekend in October is the sweet spot and the best time to visit Vermont in the fall, but the trend has also skewed toward late colors over the past few years.

Where are the Best Places to See Vermont Fall Foliage?

Another question that I am asked over and over again is where the best places are to experience Vermont Fall Foliage. Three-quarters of Vermont is covered by forests – vibrant maples, stately oaks, and colorful ash, birch, and larch.

There are so many beautiful back roads in Vermont, and I guess my first suggestion would be to ditch the GPS and pick up a Delorme Gazetteer for Vermont and New Hampshire. If you do want to rely on your GPS, be sure to download Google or Apple Maps over Wi-Fi before you head out adventuring.

My favorite way to experience fall in Vermont is to get lost on the elaborate network of back roads that snake through the mountains.

Some of my favorite back roads to explore are in the Cambridge/Jeffersonville/Johnson area, the Northeast Kingdom, and Bennington County.

Of course, there’s more to Vermont in the fall than colorful leaves. Do you want to hike beautiful Vermont trails ? Visit tourist attractions? Enjoy fall festivals ?

The best places to visit in Vermont in the fall depend a lot on what you enjoy doing.

No matter where you go in Vermont, you’ll enjoy small-town hospitality, local treats, and quirky attractions. You can drive from one end of Vermont to the other in under four hours, so if you choose a home base in the north and in the south, you should be able to cover a lot of ground!

Read Next: A 5-Day Fall Foliage Road Trip on Scenic Route 100 in Vermont

Before we dig into the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall, a disclaimer: Vermont is a popular fall destination. Many of the spots I suggest are not hidden gems, and because they are quite crowded during the fall, they may not be what you’re looking for.

I will also suggest a few places off the beaten path for those of you who are craving a bit more solitude.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Vermont’s Popular Tourist Towns

Two of Vermont’s most popular tourist towns, Stowe and Woodstock, are gorgeous in the fall, and I would be remiss not to include them here.

The benefit of visiting either of these towns in the fall is that there are lots of beautiful spots to explore —hiking trails, historic sites, attractions, and vistas. Plus, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and lodging that can handle the influx of fall visitors.

The downside, of course, is that Stowe and Woodstock (and several other towns) become very crowded in the fall. There will be traffic, long wait times at restaurants, and parking issues at trailheads. You will likely share popular viewpoints with dozens of leaf peepers, and you will have to book lodging and make restaurant reservations well in advance.

There are many small towns in Vermont where you can have a wonderful fall experience—you will just be more limited in your dining, shopping, and lodging options.

The Best Places to Visit in Vermont in the Fall

The fall foliage season is the most popular time to visit Vermont. It’s a mixed blessing for travelers. On the one hand, Vermont in the fall is incredibly beautiful, and every town and village wants you to visit.

There are festivals, sidewalk sales, and special events all over the state to celebrate autumn in Vermont and to celebrate you, the traveler who is coming to spend money at local Vermont businesses.

Yes, visiting Vermont in the fall means more traffic on back roads, not to mention a harder time booking rooms and making dinner reservations.

Is it worth it? Absolutely!

I urge you to immerse yourself in Vermont’s most colorful season and try the following excursions – the best places to go and the best things to do in Vermont in the fall.

Discover Fall in Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a small mountain town that attracts visitors year-round, and there are incredible things to do here in all four seasons.

Winter might be the busiest time in Stowe, thanks to the renowned skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, but fall is equally appealing.

If you are visiting Vermont for a fall vacation and don’t have much time to spend, my suggestion is to make Stowe or nearby Waterbury your home base for the weekend. Stowe has enough things to do to keep you busy for a long weekend, and you’ll be treated to expansive green mountain views, fantastic food, and friendly people.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the mountain towns and villages that make this part of Vermont so special. Drive the back roads, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost.

Here are our favorite Vermont fall attractions near Stowe.

Hike or Drive up Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s Tallest Peak

Mount Mansfield gets its name because, when viewed from the east, it resembles the profile of a giant, sleeping face.

Reaching 4,394 feet at the chin, this is one of only two places in Vermont where you’ll find an arctic-alpine tundra ecosystem, complete with a plethora of tiny, rare plants that can only be found in such high, windswept climates as this — unless, of course, you want to travel to the far reaches of our continent’s northern borders.

More than 40,000 visitors flock to the top of Mount Mansfield each year, and that’s because you can drive to the top on the auto toll road from Stowe Mountain Resort. This is one of seven Vermont mountains that you can drive to the top of , and yes, the views are worth the admission price.

For a longer and more organic adventure, head to Underhill State Park and hike the Sunset Ridge Trail (5.1 miles round-trip) to the top of Mount Mansfield. This is a strenuous hike, but again, the views make it worth every drop of sweat.

Mount Mansfield is a true gem and one of the most beautiful places to hike during the Vermont fall foliage season.

Looking for an easier hike? Here are some easy and moderate hikes in Stowe with gorgeous views!

Take a Mini Fall Foliage Road Trip through Smuggler’s Notch and Beyond

Not only is Route 108 through Smuggler’s Notch one of the most beautiful roads in the state, but it’s also has a pretty interesting history. 

In the early 1800s, the United States Government embargoed imports from England. The British started shipping goods to Canada, and smugglers bringing contraband into the states stored the booty in the caves around the area that is now Smuggler’s Notch Pass.

The heavily wooded paths in the Notch made the perfect route for smuggling these goods during the War of 1812.

Fast forward to prohibition, and Smuggler’s Notch was again used by smugglers who brought alcohol down from Canada to sell throughout New England. The most well-used path was eventually replaced with a seasonal road.

As long as you aren’t driving a large RV, tour bus, or semi, you can drive up through the Notch. There are places to pull off and explore, plus a few trailheads.

The hike to Bingham Falls starts just across the road from Smuggler’s Notch State Park, and the trailhead to Sterling Pond is right in the Notch. Both hikes are amazing and not too difficult.

For a quick fall foliage road trip that can be completed in about an hour (without stops), take Route 108 north out of Stowe, drive through Smuggler’s Notch, turn right onto Route 15 in Jeffersonville, drive through Johnson, turn right onto Route 100 in Morrisville, and head back into the village of Stowe.

Be sure to stop in all of these adorable villages for shopping, dining, and the friendliest Vermonters!

Smuggler’s Notch is a must-visit attraction in all four seasons, but it’s especially lovely in the fall.

Explore Stowe Village

While you’re in Stowe, be sure to meander around town—it won’t take long. Quaint shops, breweries, and restaurants line the streets, all with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. Stowe is one of the most popular and beautiful towns in Vermont.

In Stowe, visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, walk on the Stowe Recreation Path, and hike up to Sunset Rock for — you guessed it — the sunset. Pop into Black Cap Coffee for lunch or an afternoon espresso, and treat yourself to dinner at Idletyme Brewing (great outdoor seating and fantastic onion rings).

Visit Waterbury, Vermont

Waterbury is even smaller than the town of Stowe, but there are a few awesome spots that you have to visit before leaving the area. It’s located just south of Stowe Village on Route 100.

For beautiful mountain and lake views, visit Waterbury Center State Park . You can hike along Waterbury Reservoir on a short nature trail — 1/2 mile and very easy.

Next, stop at the world-famous Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a tour. Sample some divine ice cream, and be sure to visit the Flavor Graveyard, where you can pay homage to your long-lost ice cream loves. Note that Ben & Jerry’s gets VERY crowded in the fall.

Not far from Ben & Jerry’s is another iconic spot. Cold Hollow Cider Mill is known for having some of the best cider donuts in the state, not to mention hard and soft cider, and an amazing gift shop.

Where to Stay in Stowe or Waterbury in the Fall

• Tälta Lodge Bluebird: Our new favorite place to stay in Stowe, this beautiful lodge is located on the Mountain Road with the river flowing behind the property. You can easily access the Stowe Recreation Path and Smuggler’s Notch is just up the road. Rooms come with an outdoor seating area, and there is an indoor pool and sauna. The Stuga Cottages at Tälta Lodge feature private patios, 425 square feet of living space, and a kitchenette.
• The Trapp Family Lodge : The Trapp Family, fictionalized in The Sound of Music , fled Austria during World War II and landed in this beautiful Vermont town. The lodge that you can visit today isn’t the original Trapp Family Lodge, but it’s still a beautiful and historic landmark with hiking and mountain biking trails and lovely accommodations. It’s a perfect jumping-off point for your Vermont vacation.
• Grey Fox Inn : This lovely inn is located within walking distance of shopping and restaurants in Stowe Village. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a sauna. You can access the Stowe Recreation Path from the property, and the views aren’t bad either. Book a room, suite, or condo for your fall foliage vacation.

Explore Woodstock, Vermont in the Fall

Woodstock is a quintessential New England Village on the eastern slope of the Green Mountains. This is a busy tourist area, but if you don’t mind leaf-peeping among friendly strangers, you’ll be in good company!

In Woodstock, you can explore five covered bridges, discover Vermont’s only national park, and visit a general store that’s been operating since 1886. This gem of a town makes a great home base while you explore all the best things to do in Vermont in the fall.

Here’s a local’s guide to the best things to do in Woodstock, Vermont in the fall , as well as the neighboring village of Quechee.

Our guide includes our favorite tourist attractions, places to stay, and of course, our favorite hiking trails — because we obviously can’t talk about things to do in fall without mentioning our favorite autumn activity. 

Where to Stay in Woodstock, Vermont

Here are our top picks for places to stay in Woodstock and Quechee.

Woodstock Inn & Resort :  This posh resort is located in Woodstock Village, within walking distance of everything downtown. It’s the perfect spot for a special weekend or fall getaway.

506 On the River Inn:   Featuring rooms with panoramic river and garden views, 506 On the River Inn features an indoor pool and sauna, gym and kids’ game rooms, and a restaurant.

Log Cabin Apartment in Woodstock:  Walk to everything from this beautiful apartment with room for four guests. This special spot is located in a wooded setting but is just a 1/4-mile to downtown. There’s a full kitchen if you don’t want to dine out in Woodstock.

Historic Cottage on a Vineyard:   A beautiful 900-square-foot cottage on Gilbert’s Hill with access to hiking trails. The space includes two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and a private deck overlooking the vineyard.

Visit Bennington and Manchester, Vermont in the Fall

Of course, I am biased — Bennington has been my hometown for the past 18 years, and I believe it’s one of the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall.

Bennington is a small community with a historic downtown area, beautiful scenery, and lots of opportunities for recreation.

Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss while visiting Bennington, Vermont in the fall.

Explore the Covered Bridges of Bennington County

Vermont boasts more than 100 covered bridges, the highest number per square mile in the United States. Bennington County, in the southwest corner of Vermont, is home to five, all relatively close to each other.

You’ll find three covered bridges in Bennington/North Bennington and two more in Arlington. They all feature authentic construction, but some have been rebuilt over the years. The Arlington bridges are both perched above fabulous swimming holes if you happen to be meandering on a hot summer day. 

Even if covered bridges aren’t your thing, I urge you to visit this corner of Vermont   in the fall , where you’ll find rolling hills, bustling farm stands, art galleries, museums, and shopping opportunities.

The Appalachian and Long Trails share a single path through these mountains, and both Robert Frost and Norman Rockwell once called Bennington County home. You can even visit Robert Frost’s grave behind the Old First Church in Old Bennington.

Read More: the Covered Bridges of Bennington County

Vermont Fall Foliage Sites in Bennington County

• Woodford State Park . It’s true — we’re attracted to out-of-the-way corners, and this is one of our favorite spots for quiet hiking, kayaking, and swimming. Woodford State Park is tucked away in the mountains and sees very few visitors. A quiet lake surrounded by lush forest is the main attraction, but you’ll also find hiking trails and a quiet campground within the park. On really quiet evenings, we’ve seen moose and otters, and we hear the fishing is pretty good, too.
• Bennington Battle Monument. This is Vermont’s most popular historic site , but we’ve never encountered a full parking lot. Finished in 1891 to commemorate the Battle of Bennington (August 16, 1777), the monument towers 306 feet over the town and is the tallest building in the state. Take a quick elevator ride to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the town, valleys, and mountains that make this place so special. Don’t forget your camera.
• Lye Brook Falls , Manchester : An easy 2.3-mile hike on a beautiful, forested trail will take you to a lovely waterfall in the Green Mountains. The trail is dog and kid-friendly, and the woods are especially spectacular during fall foliage.
• Mount Equinox Skyline Drive : Drive to the top of Mount Equinox on a 5.2-mile toll road ascending 3,248 feet, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Manchester and the surrounding Green Mountains.
• BATS: The Bennington Area Trail System is a network of trails on the side of Mt. Anthony in Bennington, and you won’t find better views anywhere. Trails range from a walk in the park to steep climbs up the mountain.
• Hildene in Manchester : The former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, Hildene is a Georgian Revival mansion built in 1905. You can tour the home and grounds, visit the Dene Farm, or hike the woodland trails.

Also read: The Best Easy Hikes in Southern Vermont

Where to Stay in Bennington County, Vermont for Fall Foliage

Bennington County has two shires, Manchester in the north and Bennington in the south. It’s about a half-hour drive between the two, so you don’t necessarily want to be hopping between them constantly during your visit. There are lots of lodging choices in both towns.

In Bennington, The Four Chimneys Inn is an iconic New England Inn that will perfectly complement your Vermont fall vacation. Each room is beautifully decorated, breakfast is beyond incredible, and you can walk to all the historic attractions in Old Bennington. 

If you want to hang your hat in Manchester, check out the sprawling Kimpton Taconic Hotel, which is dog-friendly and within walking distance of shopping, dining, and hiking trails in Manchester Village.

Explore Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom in the Fall

The Northeast Kingdom is the wildest and most remote part of Vermont. Its uninterrupted tracts of forest make it the perfect habitat for moose, Canada lynx, snowshoe hare, the endangered spruce grouse, and hundreds of songbird species.

Here, the eastern hardwood forest begins transitioning to the boreal forest, which is primarily made up of cold-hardy evergreens. Wild streams cut through the forests, and clear mountain lakes and boggy wetlands dot the landscape. 

If you truly want to get off the beaten path in Vermont this fall, this is the place to be. Sure, there are popular spots with gorgeous views, but much of the landscape is remote, with trails for hiking, lakes for paddling, and a few quirky attractions that will entice you to dig a little deeper into this beautiful corner of Vermont.

Here are a few spectacular things to do in the Northeast Kingdom in the fall:

• Lake Willoughby : Lake Willoughby was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Two steep mountains, Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah, rise up on either side of it, giving Lake Willoughby the appearance of a Norwegian fjord. This is a popular spot to visit in the fall, and there are two hiking trails leading to vistas on Mount Hor and Pisgah.
• Bald Mountain Fire Tower Hike : Hike four miles round-trip to the top of Bald Mountain, where you will be treated to gorgeous Northeast Kingdom views.
• Hill Farmstead Brewery: Our favorite Vermont brewery is located in Greensboro Bend, VT. It offers fantastic beers, outdoor seating, and mountain views.
• The Museum of Everyday Life : Treat yourself to a meander around this quirky museum in Glover, Vermont. You never know what you’ll find; just be sure to turn off the light when you’re done.
• Bread & Puppet Museum : Vermont’s original politically active puppet theatre still hosts numerous shows in Glover each summer. In the fall, you can visit the Bread and Puppet Museum, which features a massive accumulation of puppets, masks, paintings, and graphics housed in a 150-year-old barn.

Where to Stay in the Northeast Kingdom

Highland Lodge : This beautiful inn on Caspian Lakes features a collection of guest rooms and private cabins. It is the perfect home base for exploring all of the gorgeous spots in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The restaurant and bar are on-site, and there are lots of cool special events throughout the season.

Cabin for two in Barton, Vermont : This cozy cottage in Barton is perfect for two people and a dog, with a queen-size bed and a spacious yard with mountain views. This is also an affordable choice for fall travelers.

Get off the Beaten Path in Ludlow, Vermont

Ludlow is one of our favorite little towns in Vermont. Home to Okemo Mountain, a few lovely shops and restaurants, and lots of great hiking trails. Make Ludlow your home base to explore the nearby towns of Weston, Peru, Londonderry, Plymouth Notch, and Killington.

Here are some of our favorite things to from a home base in Ludlow, VT:

• Hike the Healdville Trail to Okemo Mountain : This is a six-mile hike (round trip) and gains about 2,000 feet of elevation, but the 360-degree views from the top of the fire tower make it well worth the effort. You can also drive almost to the top from Okemo Mountain Resort, making the hike less than a quarter-mile.
• Visit Buttermilk Falls : Buttermilk Falls is a series of three small waterfalls along the Branch Brook in Okemo State Forest. The falls are practically roadside but hidden from view down an easy, 0.2-mile trail. This is one of Vermont’s loveliest waterfalls !
• Visit President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site : Located in Plymouth Notch, just a short drive from Ludlow, this is one of the most underappreciated sites in Vermont and a must-visit in the fall. Guided tours are offered daily, and you can see where Calvin Coolidge was born, as well as where he was sworn into office on August 3, 1923, after the death of President Warren G. Harding the previous evening.
• Toast to fall at Long Trail Brewing : This quaint riverside pub and restaurant is the perfect lunch spot, and the view is pretty great, too! In addition to their popular Long Trail Ale, they make a variety of delicious seasonal craft beers that you won’t find in local stores.
• Ride the Scenic Gondola to the Top of Killington Peak : At 4,241 feet, Killington is one of the highest peaks in Vermont. The gondola ride is a quarter mile long, with 360-degree views, a small snack bar, and restrooms at the top. In the fall, the Killington gondola is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. Round-trip tickets are $30 for adults and $24 for kids.

Read More: A Spectacular Fall Foliage Weekend in Ludlow VT

Where to Stay in Ludlow, Vermont for Fall Foliage

If you’re traveling alone or with a small family, I highly recommend Main and Mountain as your home base. This small hotel is beautifully decorated, and you can choose from different room configurations depending on your needs.

Main and Mountain   has a great little bar onsite, and it’s within walking distance of downtown shopping and restaurants. We paid under $200 a night for a room during the fall foliage season, which is pretty hard to beat.

If you’re looking for more room to spread out, this beautiful  Ludlow village home  is dog-friendly, and it sleeps up to eight people in three bedrooms. It’s also got a great yard and a fire pit for relaxing after a long day of leaf-peeping.

Visit the Lake Champlain Islands in the Fall

Fall is a fabulous time to visit the Lake Champlain Islands!

The population of these northern Vermont islands doubles in the summertime, thanks in part to vacationing New Englanders and a smaller number of tourists from farther afield, who come for the boating and fishing, the beachy atmosphere, and the quiet way of life. 

About the time the kids go back to school, most of the vacationers to the Islands sigh a wistful sigh and return to their lives away from the alluring pull of Lake Champlain. Fall is the season that dreams are made of, provided you aren’t looking for nightlife that involves more than gazing at the stars.

Here are some things you won’t want to miss while visiting Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands in the fall:

• Alburgh Dunes State Park , Alburgh : This 625-acre day-use park includes one of the largest sandy beaches on Lake Champlain, as well as unique sand dunes that are more common along ocean shorelines. The park is officially open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but you can still visit in the off-season.
• St. Anne’s Shrine, Isle La Motte: St. Anne’s Shrine is a peaceful, spiritual, and historical attraction that has been developed and maintained for the past 100 years by the Society of Saint Edmund in Vermont’s scenic Champlain Islands. You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy this special place. 
• Chazy Fossil Reef, Isle La Motte : Lake Champlain was once part of a tropical sea, and the fossilized plants and animals at the Chazy Reef are approximately 480 million years old. The Chazy Reef is just part of a 1,000-mile ridge from the ancient Iapetus Ocean that extends from Newfoundland to Tennessee.
• Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero : This is the oldest commercial winery in Vermont and the perfect spot to enjoy a tasting with gorgeous views. Be sure to hike to the top of Fox Hill, the highest point on the Islands.

Read More: Spend 3 Magical Days in the Lake Champlain Islands

Lake Champlain Islands Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are also great if you’re traveling with a family or a group because there’s usually more room to spread out. The following vacation rentals are available on VRBO:

3-bedroom lakefront home on Isle La Motte  – This year-round home is perfect for up to six people, with no cleaning fee. It includes four kayaks and 100 feet of private lakeshore facing west for fabulous sunsets!

Dog-friendly house on the lake in Alburgh  – This home is less than a mile from Alburgh Dunes State Park, and it features a fireplace, a large deck, and a beach. It’s perfect for up to four people. 

Romantic cottage for two right on the lake in South Hero  – Looking for a special place right on the lake for a couple’s weekend? This beautiful little cottage is on the tip of Kibble Point surrounded by 200 acres of meadows and 320 feet of private lakeshore.

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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers , an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.

Saturday 24th of September 2022

I’m from Hawaii. How can I enjoy in Vermont? Any info will help.

Thursday 11th of August 2022

Which town would you recommend to use as a "base camp" for the last two weeks of Oct. We'll be driving the scenic routes during the day, then park the car and walk to restaurants or pubs in the night.

Tara Schatz

Friday 12th of August 2022

I think you will have the best colors in southern Vermont during the last two weeks of October, so I would look into Bennington, Manchester, or Brattleboro to use as your base camp. All of those will have restaurants and pubs that you can walk to from your lodging.

Sharlene Ansley

Friday 22nd of July 2022

We may be possibly flying in on September 10 leaving 14 th would their be any good fall colors or is that way to early. I really want to make sure we get the most beautiful views because we will probably only get to make the trip once so would that be an okay time or would it be better to plan on a different time

Hi Sharlene - Honestly, I would reschedule for early to mid-October. The foliage will still be pretty green in mid-September, with colors starting to turn in the far north. By early October, the higher elevations and far north will be lovely, and the rest of the state will follow by mid-October. Hope that helps.

Thursday 21st of July 2022

I want to move to Vermont ., buy a large piece of property and build a new traditional home. Do you have contact with a realtor who could contact me. I have been going through different sales, but I like speaking with someone directly. Everything you have been showing and talking about makes me want to buy the whole state of Vermont.

My phone number is 714 536 2743. I live in Huntington Beach, CA. I was originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I have lived here for a very long time always remembering the season changes.

Thanh you in advance for any help you can give me.

Corinne Welch

Thursday 23rd of June 2022

When do the restaurants & shops close for the winter? Also, is Vermont experiencing a labor shortage? Thanks!

Sunday 26th of June 2022

It totally depends on the shops and restaurants. Places that are truly seasonal may close after the second week in October, but lots of places are open year-round as Vermont gets a lot of winter tourists. Yes, we are experiencing a labor shortage and it is affecting the travel/tourism industry.

• 7 Cutest Small Towns In New England To Visit In 2024

New England , named by the English seafarer Captain John Smith, is the collective term for six northeastern United States - Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. It’s one of the most photogenic regions in the US, particularly in fall when you’re likely to see your social media feed crowded with classic New England scenes of picturesque small towns nestled amid autumnal foliage and rolling hills. The area’s charming villages are worth a visit any time of year, equally welcoming in the winter wonderland of the holidays and the sun-drenched days of high summer. Quaint main streets, historic architecture, and gorgeous scenery — plan a trip to New England in 2024 and it’ll quickly become a family favorite.

Concord, Massachusetts

The hometown of author Louisa May Alcott and naturalist Henry David Thoreau, Concord is a pretty river town with a rich history that’s reflected in its tree-lined streets and pretty parks. Stroll scenic walking paths at the Minute Man National Historic Park and browse exhibits from the era of the American Revolution as well as artifacts from the Alcott family. Another historic landmark, Walden Pond, is a 136-hectare park which will be familiar to fans of Thoreau’s writings. There's a replica of the author’s single-room cabin on the grounds. Once you’re done exploring, cool off in the 102 ft deep pond which is open for swimming and boating. Back in town, Concord has lots to offer in its lively downtown where you’ll find arty boutiques, busy dining patios, and eye-catching architecture. Visit in June to experience the town’s largest festival, Market Days, a three-day music, entertainment, food, and shopping bonanza.

Woodstock, Vermont

Located in central Vermont, on the Ottauquechee River, Woodstock is a classic New England town, founded in 1761. It’s also home to Vermont’s first National Park, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Here you’ll find a sprawling mansion, landscaped gardens, and the stunning Mount Tom forest. Drive the backroads around Woodstock for more quaint, historic attractions including the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Homestead, the Old Constitution House, and the Justin Morrill Historic Homesite. Have a truly rural experience at The Billings Farm & Museum, an outdoor museum showcasing farm life over the past 200 years. Visit the restored 1890 Farmhouse, sample the working dairy farm’s famous raw-milk cheddar, or say hi to the local livestock with hands-on demonstrations and exhibits.

Bethel, Maine

Bethel is a sleepy Maine town near the Appalachian Mountains known as a premier destination for skiers and nature-lovers. The town is a great base for exploring the White Mountain National Forest which offers year-round adventure from hiking and kayaking to skiing and snowshoeing. If you’re driving into town via Route 5, don’t forget to stop at the Lovejoy Bridge. This classic covered bridge was built in 1868 and is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable vacation photos. In town, stop by the O'Neil Robinson House, built in 1821, and Dr. Moses Mason House, built in 1813, for a glimpse into Bethel life two centuries ago. If you’re thirsty after all that sightseeing, try a small batch craft beer at Steam Mill Brewing, a lively brewpub named after the steam mill located in Bethel in the mid-1900s.

Wickford Village, Rhode Island

It’s no wonder Wickford Village consistently appears in top ten lists of historic small towns. This picture-perfect seaside village is a charming mix of leafy streets, 17th century architecture, and coastal views. Explore downtown’s antique shops and bustling boutiques, sip a coffee at a waterfront patio, whatever you’re in the mood for, Wickford delivers. History fans can view stunning examples of classic Colonial architecture including the Old Narragansett Church, founded in 1706, and the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum, the 1750 home of the famous artist. You’ll also want to explore Smith’s Castle on the western shore of Narragansett Bay. Built in 1678, this is the oldest surviving plantation house in America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Stowe, Vermont

Known primarily as a ski resort, Stowe has more to offer visitors than great powder. Near town, you’ll find the charmingly-named Smugglers’ Notch State Park, a beautiful recreation area featuring a wetlands boardwalk, the challenging Hellbrook Trail, and access to Bingham Falls. In town, you’ll find the quaint inns, colonial architecture, and rustic bridges that New England is known for. Be warned, however, the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, built in 1844, is said to be haunted by a lovesick phantom known as Emily. If you’re staying in town, consider the Trapp Family Lodge. Run by the family who inspired the hit musical The Sound of Music, this charming resort offers cross-country skiing, carriage rides, wine tasting, and Austrian-inspired lodgings.

Meredith, New Hampshire

Meredith is a small beach town on the shores of Meredith Bay, which feeds into the largest lake in New England, Lake Winnipesaukee. Enjoy the water from one of the most scenic spots in town, Leavitt Beach. This sandy oasis has the best picnicking and swimming with crystal clear water and views of the wooded shoreline. Downtown, check out Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, a boutique winery that offers wine tasting, farm-to-table dining, and live entertainment. To pick up local souvenirs, head to the Mill Falls Marketplace, a stunning shopping village with flower gardens, a sculpture walk, waterfront boardwalk, and a 40 ft waterfall.

Mystic, Connecticut

Movie fans will recognize Mystic immediately. This coastal Connecticut town was the setting for the 1988 hit film, Mystic Pizza, starring Julia Roberts. The famous restaurant, which opened its doors in 1973 is still downtown and still open so don’t forget to grab a slice during your visit. Mystic’s fame began long before pizza however. The town was an important seaport in the 19th century and now has three separate historic districts, the Mystic River Historic District, the Mystic Bridge Historic District, and the Rossie Velvet Mill Historic District. It’s also home to one of America’s leading maritime museums — four vessels in the seaport are listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. For the best dining and shopping in Mystic explore the Olde Mystic Village, an open-air shopping plaza bustling with restaurants, cafes, and boutique galleries.

New England, Old World Charm

From haunted bridges and famous pizza to colonial homesteads and outdoor adventures, New England’s charming small towns are full of unforgettable experiences. When the pilgrims settled here in 1620, they found a lush land of rugged mountain peaks, grassy foothills, serene lakes, and sandy coastlines. That timeless, natural beauty is still waiting to be discovered today, along with the pioneering spirit of the Pilgrims. Take a trip to New England’s breathtaking small towns this year to discover what you’re missing in the birthplace of America.

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Here’s where and when the Northern Lights will be visible over New England tonight

T he shimmering sky dance that is the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is expected to shine in varying intensity over New England beginning Friday night-early Saturday. So when are the peak times and where’s the best place to catch a glimpse?

“New England is well-placed for tonight’s Northern Lights show,” said Dr. Ryan French, a solar astrophysicist at the National Science Foundation’s National Solar Observatory in New Mexico.

Also, scientists say even if you don’t see the spectacular nighttime glow, your cellphone just might do the trick.

• First, what is causing the Northern Lights?

Solar flare eruptions that started on Thursday have been emitting a number of coronal mass ejections or CMEs, which are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. These CMEs cause geomagnetic storms when they reach Earth millions of miles away as the CMEs’ own geomagnetic cloud of electrically charged particles interacts with the Earth’s own geomagnetic field.

As the incoming particles collide with atoms and molecules of oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, they excite them to produce light and that light shines brightly as the aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere. They are called the Southern Lights, or aurora australis, when they appear in the Southern Hemisphere.

• When is the best time to view the spectacle in New England?

The best time to look for them is during “peak activity” — between 10 p.m., Friday and 5 a.m., Saturday — looking north, according to several meteorologists.

“The solar (geomagnetic) storm has already begun, so the Northern Lights could be visible as soon as it gets dark enough (1 to 2 hours after sunset),” French explained.

He added that tonight’s peak will depend on the exact timing of the arriving coronal mass ejections. Scientists with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center noted that the first CME had reached Earth and G4 geomagnetic conditions were observed around 12:30 p.m. ET.

The SWPC said it would have more specifics as more CMEs get closer to Earth, roughly about 1 million miles away (to put in perspective, the Earth is 94 million miles away from the sun). The more intense the CMEs are, then the more spectacular an aurora display, scientists say.

• Best locations in New England

New Englanders living as far south as Newport and the Cape and along Long Island Sound should be able to see the Northern Lights, according to the SWPC.

The best locations in New England will be “wherever the skies are relatively clear, peak of night” and away from any light pollution, said Bill Leatham, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norton. “Typically, the further north you go, the better. Right now the best chances for relatively clear skies is along the international border in New Hampshire and Maine.”

“Depending on the strength and duration of the ongoing solar storm, the aurora could present itself anywhere from the north horizon to directly overhead. For that reason, an unobstructed view (no buildings, hills, or high trees), would also be an advantage,” French told the Globe on Friday.

• What does the forecast look like?

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, the visibility area stretches from Canada far south into the United States, although prime viewing will depend on the right weather conditions, namely cloud cover.

Portions of interior Southern New England should see decreasing cloud cover late tonight. The storm that exited today will gradually pull away some cloud cover tonight in chunks, possibly giving enough time for aurora gazers to catch a glimpse.

• Here’s a quick weather breakdown:

Southern New England: Lingering clouds and a spot shower may play spoiler for southeastern Mass., Rhode Island, and Connecticut. But there should be instances of breaks in the cloud cover to grab a glimpse the farther west you go. Boston is a crap shoot, with more broken clouds expected than further inland.

Northern New England: Southern Vermont and New Hampshire may have the best chance of staying cloud-limited. There won’t be any completely clear skies, but the environment favors a bit more clarity. Coastal Maine and the northern tier of New England should see partly to mostly cloudy skies that would limit optimal viewing.

A waxing crescent moon will reveal only a sliver of light.

“There are a lot of nuances to how far south the aurora will be seen. The general trend is if you’ve got G4 level storms and it’s during the post-midnight hours, you can see the aurora as far south as Alabama,” Dahl said. “But this one’s pretty large.”

• But don’t despair if you can’t see the lights

Scientists say the Northern Lights are not always visible to the naked eye. But your cellphone is a great fill-in and can actually capture the full beauty of the flickering ribbons in the sky with just a few clicks.

“Aim it up toward the sky and take a shot. You may be surprised when you check your phone later to find some beautiful shots,” said Brent Gordon, a scientist with the SWPC.

That’s because cellphones are much more attuned to visible wavelengths, making them “much better than our eyes at capturing the light,” he explained.

“We’ve seen cellphone photos from as far away as south Texas, so it is possible.”

But the most important thing is to remember to take in the awe-inspiring sight. As he pointed out, “The gift from space weather is the aurora.”

Northern lights in New England: What to expect Saturday night

The aurora borealis is visible in massachusetts and elsewhere across the u.s. amid an intense g5 geomagnetic storm, by sydney welch • published may 11, 2024 • updated on may 11, 2024 at 7:14 pm.

Friday night's aurora borealis light show resulted from the strongest solar storm since October 2003, with the northern lights spanning as far south as Miami!

The auroras are not expected to be as intense as Friday night in the coming days. But the sunspot that released the severe G5 geomagnetic storm , as well as a significant solar flare, is still active with more solar activity heading toward Earth.

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Friday night's show reached a 9 on the K index scale. Saturday night's will be closer to a 7.

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If you missed the light show last night, New England will have an opportunity Saturday night for viewing.

Clouds will coat the sky by dawn, so the best viewing time will be around 11 p.m.

Look toward the north as far away from light noise as possible. To the naked eye, you may see a green and pink glow.

More on the northern lights

Stunning photos of the aurora borealis over Mass., NH

Northern lights shine in Boston area, across New England

Powerful geomagnetic storm brings northern lights as solar flare sends X-ray energy

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Will we see the northern lights again Sunday? Here's the latest forecast

The northern lights dazzled Americans again Saturday night with flashes of green, purple, and pink lighting up the night sky in much of the northern United States, though the display didn't appear as brilliant or reach as far south as on Friday.

But the chance to view intense auroras for another night dwindled after the Space Weather Prediction Center downgraded its forecast to G 3 (Strong) Warning on Sunday evening. The center initially predicted that storm activity could reach G 4 (Severe).

"Conditions are currently forecast to gradually wane later Monday into early Tuesday," the center said on X . "During periods of stronger geomagnetic storm conditions, aurora will potentially be viewable at the middle (and higher) latitudes."

The center's  experimental forecast map  shows the aurora may be visible Sunday in New England, the Midwest, the Upper Plains, and the Pacific Northwest regions. The streaks of light may be seen as far South as Iowa and Nebraska.

If you missed the view on Friday or Saturday due to cloud cover, you might be in luck Sunday, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told USA TODAY. The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, blanketed by clouds for most of the last two nights, should have a much clearer view of any aurora activity, but clouds may block it if you live in the center of the country.

Americans across the country shared stunning photos of the dancing lights from Friday and Saturday nights.

Tips for seeing the auroras

The best aurora viewing is typically within an hour or two of midnight, local time, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the parent agency of the Space Weather Prediction Center.

• Find an area with the darkest skies possible.
• Look to the north.
• Even if the dancing lights aren't visible to the naked eye, people on Friday night could seem them through their cell phone cameras, set for night viewing.
• The auroras aren't constant, so if you don't see it in 15 minutes of watching, that doesn't mean you won't see it later in the evening.
• The hours expand toward evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases.

What is causing the northern lights this weekend?

The spectacle is being caused by geomagnetic storms that erupt from a sunspot cluster on the sun.

The storm was unusually strong — classified as "extreme" (or a G5) storm, the highest level, the  Space Weather Prediction Center  said Friday evening. It's the first G5 storm to hit our planet since 2003.

"There have been reports of power grid irregularities and degradation to high-frequency communications and GPS," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday update.

NASA describes an aurora as an "intricate dance of particles and magnetism between the Sun and the Earth." The reason the auroras move is because of how the Sun's ionized gases interact with the Earth's magnetic field.

Coronal ejections are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona, according to NOAA. The expulsions eject billions of tons of coronal material that expands as it travels away from the Sun. The fastest-traveling ejections can reach the Earth in as little as 15 to 18 hours.

What are the chances of seeing an aurora based on?

Besides the clear weather and dark skies needed for peak aurora viewing, the chances grow over a larger area when the levels of geomagnetic storm activity are highest.

Just like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses a scale to measure the strength of hurricanes and tornadoes, it also uses a scale to rate the strength of geomagnetic storms, when coronal mass ejections from the sun reach the outer layers of the earth's atmosphere.

A G 5 (extreme) rating represents the greatest chances of seeing auroras over the greatest expanse of the Earth. That's what happened on Friday night, when people saw the aurora in the Florida Keys and Mexico. The hours of potential viewing expand toward evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases.

On Saturday night, the observed scale was a G 3 (Strong).

'2 incredible spectacles of the universe': Northern lights come about a month after eclipse

Seeing such a strong aurora is highly unusual this far south, said Antonella Fruscione, an astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

"It's a very rare occurrence, especially because (Friday) night it was really visible," Fruscione said.

Seeing the aurora amazed Fruscione. She sent photos of the sight as well  as the April total solar eclipse  to her friends in Italy.

Fruscione and a group of friends from the U.S. and Europe traveled from her home in Boston to northern New Hampshire to see the April 8 eclipse on the path of totality.

"I said, 'Can you imagine how fortunate I was this year, one month apart, I see these two incredible spectacles of the universe,'" she recalled telling her friends.

Tips for viewing aurora borealis

The best time to view the aurora is generally within one to two hours of midnight, but these hours stretch earlier into evening and later into morning with increased levels of geomagnetic activity, the Space Weather Prediction Center said.

To get the best view, it must be dark, experts say. You won't see aurora in daylight. You should also try to get away from the light pollution of a big city, Kines said. The darker it is, the better the view, though some people reported seeing bright aurora activity from metro areas like Milwaukee and Detroit on Friday.

Even the brightness of a full moon can diminish the spectacle. Luckily, the moon is only a crescent this weekend.