Fall in New England: Where to See Colorful Fall Foliage
Last Updated on August 5, 2024 by Kelly
Out trip to New England during the fall was definitely a bucket list experience. I spent three years living in New England, and the fall was my favorite time of year! I enjoyed many weekend excursions across several states. I loved driving along the highway and being surrounded by colorful leaves everywhere I looked.
If you’d also like to experience an iconic road trip through New England, it’s important to carefully plan your trip. You’ll want to make sure you know where the best places are to see the fall foliage in New England, and you’ll want to make sure you time your visit correctly for peak season. Fall is also a time when there are a lot of tourists in the region, so you’ll want to make sure you make your hotel and dining reservations far in advance.
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know to experience fall in New England! I used to be a local, so I’m sharing my best tips!
About Fall in New England
New England is the perfect place to visit during the fall. The region contains a large population of deciduous trees, including sugar maples, red maples, beeches, and yellow birches. The sugar maple, in particular, is famous for its maple syrup and brightly colored leaves.
In my opinion, there’s no better place to spend the fall months than in New England. I spent several years living in Connecticut, and each fall was absolutely breathtaking. I enjoyed many weekend excursions visiting orchards, maple farms, and the coast all over New England.
If you want to be a leaf peeper (the local term for someone that travels to the Northeast to see the fall foliage), read on!
“The heart of autumn must have broken here, and poured its treasure upon the leaves.” – Charlotte Bates
14 Tips for Planning a Trip
1. Book Reservations in Advance
During peak season, New England is very busy. Make sure you book your accommodations well in advance, as hotels do sell out. We also recommend making dining reservations in advance too.
You’ll want to make sure to research the local restaurants before traveling. For the restaurants that take reservations, book them now. The last thing you want to do is arrive at a restaurant tired and hungry only to find out that they can’t seat you. Because many of the restaurants are located in rural areas, they also tend to close early. (Even on weekends!) Don’t delay your meal expecting restaurants to be able to seat you at 10pm.
One of my friends recently completed a road trip to New England during the fall, and unfortunately this happened to her. She didn’t expect the local restaurants to be so full, and she was left scrambling trying to find someplace to eat.
2. Use a Fall Foliage Forecast Predictor
A fall foliage predictor helped us to plan our visits during peak season. The website we linked is helpful because we were able to enter our specific dates of planned travel, and it showed the fall leaf forecast for all the New England states.
3. Rent a Car
If you’re flying into New England, make sure that you have a rental car. Many of the best places to view the leaves can only be reached by a scenic drive. I drove my personal vehicle and I can’t imagine exploring everything the region has to offer without a car.
4. Get Out of Your Car and Hike
One of the best ways to see the leaves is by taking a hike. We’ve linked several excellent hikes throughout this post. Being immersed in the forest is a completely different experience!
5. Be a Respectful Visitor
Don’t block driveways or trespass on private property. If you’re hiking, make sure you follow Leave No Trace principles.
6. Bring Your Best Camera
Make sure your camera is fully charged and has plenty of storage. When you return home, you can also edit your photos to make sure the colors “pop” the way that you saw them in real life.
7. Be Spontaneous
Go ahead and “chase” the colors as you see them. You might find yourself going down an unexpected country road. Be open to the process and have fun! I also found that some of the parking lots were over-crowded and we had to be flexible with making last-minute changes.
8. Dress for Unpredictable Weather
The weather in New England can be unpredictable at times. Dress in layers, make sure you have a good rain coat, and bring hiking boots if you plan on hitting the trails. Pack clothes that complement the fall colors if you plan on posing for lots of photos.
9. Be Aware of Holiday Weekends
In October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day makes a 3-day weekend for many folks. It can be an especially busy weekend for leaf peeping. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to avoid the holiday weekends.
10. Go Leaf Peeping on a Weekday
If you’re able to, plan to visit the busiest places on a weekday when there will be less traffic. For example, the popular Kancamagus Highway and the town of Stowe are far less busy on a weekday.
11. Be Patient with the Crowds
Regardless of when you visit, you might find that parking lots are full or that there are more people on hiking trails. Give yourself extra time to find parking and be patient. Set appropriate expectations so your trip doesn’t feel “ruined.”
12. Consider How the Weather Affects Photography
It’s best to take fall photos on a cloudy day, or during the sunrise or sunset hours. Bright, sunny afternoons can often cause high contrast, while soft lighting will help make for better photos.
13. Prepare for Limited Cell Service
As you drive throughout the Northeast, you’ll find that there are lots of areas with limited cell service. This can make it difficult to research dining options and attractions while on the road. Because of this, we recommend that you carefully plan your trip in advance. Write down restaurant ideas, hiking trails, and viewpoints. You might not to be able to look those things up while you’re driving through many areas.
It’s also a good idea to download maps in advance. If you rely on your cell phone for navigation, you don’t want to be without a map!
14. Respect Private Property
As you drive throughout the region, you’ll see many picturesque farms and homes. Please be respectful of private property. The locals see a lot of tourism each fall, and it’s important to be a respectful visitor.
Best Time To See Fall Foliage
The best time to see the fall foliage in New England will depend on which state you plan on visiting. Generally, the leaves begin to change color starting in late September, with prime fall foliage on display in the first few weeks of October.
The fall leaves will usually start to change colors in the northern states first. Fall foliage is often best viewed in late September in Maine and Vermont, for instance. The leaves in the southern states of New England will change colors shortly after.
In Connecticut, I often noticed peak colors in mid October. Depending on which state you want to visit, you’re likely to see beautiful fall foliage sometime from late September to early November.
It’s always a good idea to check a peak fall foliage forecast website. The map will let you enter your dates and it will display the peak fall foliage forecast by region. No one knows exactly when the leaves will reach their peak colors, so be flexible as you enjoy the season!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions.
| Also be sure to check out our post on Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts! |
Recommendations for Maine
Acadia National Park
When we visited Maine, we stopped by Acadia National Park and were just in awe of the coastal vistas. During the fall, you’ll see the vibrant fall colors contrasted against the deep blue hues of the Atlantic Ocean. Our favorite hike at Acadia was the Beehive Loop. The trail is only 1.4 miles roundtrip, but you’ll get to use iron rungs as you scramble up some rocks for the view. (I wouldn’t recommend this hike for young children.)
Baxter State Park
Another park you can visit to see the fall foliage is Baxter State Park. It’s a little bit more off the beaten trail, and is a good alternative if you are planning to travel during a busy weekend.
Recommendations for New Hampshire
White Mountains and the Kancamagus Highway
The White Mountains is one of the best places to see fall foliage in New Hampshire. Take the scenic Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), which will take you through the heart of the forest. The Kancamagus Highway (or “the Kanc” as locals call it), is filled with picturesque stops.
You’ll want to check out the Albany Covered Bridge (first constructed in 1858), Sabbaday Falls (45-foot waterfall), Falls Pond (quiet pond surrounded by forest and mountains), the Pemigewasset Overlook (sprawling vista of the forest), the Lincoln Woods Trail (wooden bridge and tree tunnels), and the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area (there’s a wooden footbridge over the gorge), to name a few.
Just be sure to stop by a ranger station and make sure that you purchase a parking pass so you can park in all forest service parking areas. You can also purchase this Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide to learn more information about all the stops!
If you prefer a more relaxing journey, you can also make reservations for the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train. You’ll enjoy a two-hour train ride as you enjoy a gourmet 5-course meal. Another train option is the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, which offers 4-hour fall foliage trips.
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is located in the White Mountains and is famous for its many waterfalls. If you like hiking, it’s worth heading out there to see waterfalls framed by colorful trees. The Artist Bluff trail is an especially popular trail. The trail is 1.5 miles long.
You can also take the tramway up Cannon Mountain. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway takes passengers up to the 4,080 foot summit of Cannon Mountain. It’s a great way to see an aerial view of all the fall foliage! We recommend that you make online reservations in advance of your visit. At the summit, there’s an observation deck, walking path, and a cafe.
Flume Gorge
Another popular spot to visit in New Hampshire is the Flume Gorge State Park. The gorge extends 800 feet and has walls of granite that range from 70 to 90 feet tall. (The granite walls range from 12 to 20 feet apart.) You can take the Flume Trail to explore the gorge and walk along the boardwalk. The trail is about a 2-mile loop. There’s a small fee to enter the state park. If you make your reservation in advance online, you can save $3 a ticket. The flume was discovered in 1808 by a 93-year-old woman while she was fishing. Since she shared her discovery, it’s been a popular New England trail.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway
If the Kancamagus Highway is too busy, a great alternative is the Currier & Ives Scenic Byway (which tends to be more quiet). There are plenty of small villages and hiking trails along the byway to enjoy the fall foliage.
Crawford Notch State Park
Another place to visit in New Hampshire is Crawford Notch State Park. This area has more reduced cell service, so be sure to plan in advance. It’s a great place for fall photos by the lake. The park is over 5,000 acres with tons of hiking trails, so there’s definitely space to find some solitude in the forest.
Zip-Lining
You can also go zip-lining through the forest canopy, which is one unique way to see the foliage! At Bretton Woods Canopy Tours, your guide will teach you all about the area. You can make reservations through the Omni Mount Washington Resort. Another option is to book a reservation through Morningside Flight Park.
Recommendations for Vermont
Green Mountains
Vermont is one of the most iconic places to see fall foliage in New England. The Green Mountain National Forest is one of the best places to see the leaves.
Taking a drive on Route 100 will also give you stunning views of the leaves. Route 100 is over 200 miles long and it’s the state’s longest highway. The road winds through a number of villages as well as the Green Mountains. Check out the towns of Wilmington, Ludlow, Waitsfield, and Stowe.
Some other drives to consider while in Vermont include Route 73 and Route 25 as well.
Stowe
Stowe, in particular, is a very popular place to visit to see fall foliage. The town is known as “Fall’s Color Capital”, and numerous travel magazines have rated it highly as one of the best places to see fall leaves. We recommend that you book a day tour and let a local show you to all the best places.
Manchester
The town of Manchester is surrounded by mountains, making it the perfect place to see fall foliage. Take the Equinox Skyline Drive to fully take in all the views. Also be sure to check out the nearby town of Dorset.
Recommendations for Massachusetts
The Berkshires
Visit Lake Mahkeenac (otherwise known as the Stockbridge Bowl) to capture photos of the lake surrounded by fall foliage. If you visit on a day with no wind, you’ll be able to catch the trees’ reflection in the water.
There are many great drives in the Berkshires to see the leaves. You can complete the Central Berkshire Loop (and stop by the small villages of Becket, Pittsfield, and West Stockbridge), or you can complete the South Central Berkshire route (visiting Stockbridge, Great Barrington, and Devonfield).
If you can make it, check out the Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival.
Route 2 (Mohawk Trail)
Route 2 runs from east to west through Massachusetts. We recommend driving the portion between North Adams and Greenfield. Be sure to stop at the famous Hairpin Turn for photos. You’ll also want to visit Mohawk Trail State Forest.
Recommendations for Connecticut
Litchfield Hills
The town of Litchfield was settled in 1721, and it is one of Connecticut’s most charming historic towns. The Litchfield Hills are the foothills of the Berkshires, and during the fall they become a tapestry of autumnal colors. Go for a drive and check out Lake Waramaug.
Talcott Mountain State Park
Head up to Talcott Mountain to see panoramic views of the fall trees. At the top of the mountain is the Heublein Tower. The tower is only accessible by walking, and the tower has a museum there that’s open seasonally. Heublein Tower has quite the history, and even Mark Twain himself made visits to the tower. Today, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. You can hike to the tower, which makes for a great fall hike in Connecticut! The Tower Trail is about 1.25 miles long, and it takes between 30 to 40 minutes to complete the hike. We think the view is a big reward for a short hike!
New Haven
New Haven is home to Yale University, which is an absolute dream during the fall. Walking around Yale’s campus is a must. After touring the campus, head to East Rock Park and drive to the top. This was one of my favorite places to see the fall foliage! You’ll have a beautiful view of the fall foliage below you. (See our full post on things to do in New Haven here.)
Haystack Mountain State Park
This state park is located near the city of Norfolk. There’s a tower at the top fo the mountain, with excellent views of the fall leaves. You can either drive to the top or hike. The Haystack Tower Loop hike is a 1.8 mile loop with 505 feet of elevation gain.
Sleeping Giant State Park
About 10 miles north of New Haven is Sleeping Giant State Park, which is located in the town of Hamden. I’ve visited this park several times, and my favorite time to visit is during the fall. There is a trail that leads up Mount Carmel to a stone observation tower. You’ll be able to walk through the trees, and from the tower you’ll have excellent views of the fall foliage.
Macedonia Brook State Park
This state park is over 2,300 acres. Hiking the Blue Trail across Cobble Mountain will give you excellent views of the fall foliage. The full loop is 6.8 miles long, with 1,745 feet of elevation gain. Give yourself at least 4 hours to complete this hike. (Make sure you aren’t caught in the dark, so plan accordingly.)
Hot Air Balloon Ride
In Plainville, Connecticut, you can visit Berkshire Balloons for an aerial view of the fall foliage. Who needs a drone when you can get an aerial view yourself!
Dinner Train
Make reservations for the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. You’ll be served a 4-course meal and you’ll be able to take in the spectacular views.
Peoples State Forest
Another great place to view fall foliage in Connecticut is the Peoples State Forest. This is a great forest to drive through. Just note that out-of-state vehicles pay $15 on the weekends. You might be interested in hiking the Jesse Gerard Trail, which is a 2.9 mile loop with 692 feet of elevation gain.
Mount Tom State Park
Mount Tom State Park is located near Litchfield, Connecticut. The Mount Tom Tower Trail is another hike that leads up to a tower. (I guess Connecticut has a lot of tower trails!) The hike is a 1.3 mile loop with 337 feet of elevation gain. It’s a beautiful hike during the fall.
Recommendations for Rhode Island
Route 102
This drive has one of the best stretches of fall foliage. Be sure to stop in the small towns of Chepachet, Glocester, and Wickford.
Blackstone Valley
The Blackstone Valley is filled with historical sites, which are a nice bonus in addition to seeing the fall foliage. Slater Mill, in particular, is known as the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Also be sure to check out Lincoln Woods State Park.
Fun Fall Activities
If you’re planning a trip to New England in the fall, here’s our list of things to do:
- Apple picking: Go apple picking in one of the many orchards. Many of the orchards also sell apple cider donuts, which is a must!
- Attend a fall festival: Each state is filled with numerous fall festivals. Find a festival close to you, and enjoy!
- Drive or walk across a covered bridge: New England is filled with quaint covered bridges. Make sure you see at least one!
- Visit a cranberry bog: There are tons of cranberry bogs in Massachusetts in particular. Spend the day visiting a bog and enjoying lots of cranberry treats.
- Go maple tasting: One of my favorite memories of our trip to Vermont was when we went maple tasting. We learned all about the different types of maple syrup as we tried each one. We also purchased lots of maple-flavored treats from the farm. We really enjoyed our experience at Wood’s Vermont Syrup Co.
- See a pumpkin display: Many of the cities in New England have impressive carved pumpkin displays during the month of October. For example, check out the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island.
Where to Stay
Maine
- Acadia Inn: The Acadia Inn is located less than two miles from Acadia National Park. The inn has a lot of family-friendly amenities, including seasonal s’mores by the fire pit and a fall popcorn bar.
- Lodge at Moosehead Lake: This lodge is located more inland and is open to guests 15-years-old and older. It’s the perfect romantic getaway.
New Hampshire
- White Mountain Hotel and Resort: This hotel is located in North Conway and is surrounded by forests. Take a hike up Cranmore Mountain for the best views!
- Omni Mount Washington Resort: This 4-star hotel in the mountains has zip-lining, horse stables, and a spa.
Vermont
- Trapp Family Lodge: The Trapp Family Lodge is inspired by European architecture. The famous von Trapp family opened this lodge when they moved to the United States from Austria. If you are a fan of The Sound of Music, you have to stay here!
- Castle Hill Resort & Spa: Located in the Green Mountains, you’ll have the best foliage at your fingertips.
Massachusetts
- Devonfield Inn: The Devonfield Inn is a bed & breakfast located in the Berkshires. The rooms are beautifully appointed and this inn is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the forests.
- The Williams Inn: This upscale lodge is built of stone and wood and is reminiscent of a New England farm.
Connecticut
- Litchfield Inn: This boutique hotel has excellent views of the rolling hills. The clean and crisp colonial rooms are truly elegant.
- Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale: While I was living in New Haven, I observed that this was the most popular hotel for visiting guests. I even stayed there myself when I interviewed for my position! The hotel is within walking distance to Yale University, the New Haven Green, and Union Station.
Rhode Island
- Hotel Viking: Located in the coastal town of Newport, Hotel Viking has guest rooms that will remind you of the Gilden Age.
Summary
I was lucky enough to spend 3 autumns in New England, and I daydream about my time spent there every time fall begins. When planning your own trip to New England for the fall, I recommend planning your trip carefully in advance. This is not the trip to “wing it”, because it is such a busy time of year. Make sure you have your hotel reservations, rental car reservation, and dining reservations booked in advance. Give yourself plenty of time each day to account for traffic delays and difficulty finding parking spaces. It’s a crowded time to visit, so set your expectations accordingly.
If you plan your visit in advance and you are patient, you are sure to have an excellent time visiting New England during the fall. I hope this article inspired you to book a trip to New England during the fall months!
Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.
