I’ve been exploring New England in the fall season for over 20 years now, visiting iconic destinations, and also getting off-the-beaten path, and let me tell you – it never disappoints. From the stunning rural landscapes and covered bridges of Vermont, to the impressive White Mountains aglow in reds and oranges – you’ll find it all here. One thing I always say is – there’s a reason New England is world-famous for foliage!
I’ve experienced fall in New England both as a visitor and now as a local living part-time in Massachusetts, which has given me a unique perspective on how to truly plan the perfect trip. Over the years, I’ve planned and taken so many New England fall foliage road trips, getaways, and day trips. Needless to say, I’ve learned a lot about this area’s foliage. I’m excited to share where and when to go, what’s most worth your time, and where you’ll get the biggest payoff in terms of fall color. This list has all my favorite fall foliage destinations in the region, and these are the places that I often recommend in my road trip itineraries, and to my own friends and family.
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Fall In New England: The Best Towns For Foliage
1. White Mountains, New Hampshire
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: First week of October
Offering an impressive amount of foliage views and color, plus cute little mountain towns, the White Mountains really make for such a memorable fall getaway in the fall season. Spanning over 750,000 acres with a high density of sugar maples, birch trees, and beeches, the color is usually so bright up this way during leaf-peeping season. I’ve now visited this region during foliage season several times, and it honestly just never disappoints, and never feels anything less than impressive.
Home to the White Mountains National Forest, what I especially love about it is how easy it is to take in all the foliage color. You’ll find scenic drives, gondola rides, train tours, and plenty of nature and hiking trails that don’t require any technical skills. However, if it’s challenging hikes you’re after – don’t worry, there’s plenty of that, too.
When you’re not leaf-peeping or hiking, there are cute towns to explore, making it a fantastic destination for pretty much everyone. It’s even one of the most family-friendly foliage destinations in the region, with multiple children’s parks to keep your little ones entertained.
The White Mountains definitely attract a lot of crowds during peak foliage, so that’s one thing to prepare for. Weekends will be the most crowded in early October, but I promise, it’s worth the effort to navigate the large volume of tourists.
Top Things To Do In The White Mountains In The Fall:
→ Take a scenic drive for colorful mountain views, with the Kancamagus Highway being a popular one worth the hype. But also, the drive along Route 302 through Crawford Notch is amazing.
→ Hike the Flume Gorge trail, which has covered bridges and lots of fall color through the woods. Plus, some really scenic spots to take in mountain views.
→ Enjoy a more challenging hike, with Mt. Willard and Artists Bluff being awesome ones to consider. Just keep in mind that Artists Bluff is very popular at peak foliage, so you may want to do this one at sunrise.
→ Take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway or the Loon Mountain Gondola to a mountain peak for stunning views without the hike.
Editor’s Note: The Cannon Mountain Tramway is not operating for the 2026 season, as it’s undergoing some updates. I’m keeping an eye on this, and will update once there’s more information on its re-opening.
→ Grab some cider donuts from White Mountain Cider Co.
→ Get a seasonal coffee from one of the many cute coffee shops, with Mountainside Café in Lincoln offering seasonal coffee flights.
→ Drive around the Sugar Hill area and back roads for lots of fall color away from the crowds, and then visit Polly’s Pancake Parlor while in the area.
My Top Hotel Picks In The White Mountains
🍁 Omni Mount Washington Resort: Top luxury resort in a secluded area surrounded by mountains
🍁 White Mountain Hotel & Resort: Awesome boutique-style hotel near North Conway with mountain views
🍁 Sugar Hill Inn: My favorite cozy inn in a quiet area
🍁 White Mountain Motel & Cottages: One of my favorite budget options in the area
Psst! I have some guides on the White Mountains you may find helpful:
→ Where To Stay In The White Mountains
→ Things To Do In Lincoln, NH
→ Things To Do In Franconia, NH
→ Things To Do In Littleton, NH
2. Stowe, Vermont
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: Second week of October
Undoubtedly one of the most popular towns in New England in the fall, and despite the crowds, my honest take is that it’s worth it to visit Stowe. Stowe is pretty small, but incredibly picturesque, and surrounded by stunning mountain views that completely change color in the fall. There’s a reason it gets so many visitors in October.
In addition to the colorful foliage, Stowe delivers a lot of cozy fall vibes that round out a perfect autumnal getaway. It’s honestly one of those towns that still feels unreal to me because it really just ticks all the boxes. There’s a quaint Main Street with independent shops and country stores, a white-steepled church that’s backdropped by foliage, incredible farm-to-table dining, a gondola ride to Vermont’s highest mountain peak, nature trails, and a great location that makes day trips to Burlington and the Northeast Kingdom very easy.
Oh, and did I mention the covered bridges? Yep, you’ll find those here, too.
Top Things To Do In Stowe, VT In The Fall
→ Take the SkyRide Gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield, the highest point in Vermont. The foliage views from the top are worth it.
→ Drive through Smugglers Notch, a short but scenic drive through this mountain area with bright fall foliage at every turn.
→ Stroll through the cute shops on Main Street, and grab lunch at one of the cafés.
→ Take pictures with the town’s covered bridges, including Emily’s Bridge, and the pedestrian bridge right in town on Mountain Road.
→ Do a hard cider tasting at Stowe Cider.
→ Everyone goes to the nearby Cold Hollow for cider donuts, but on a weekend, I would avoid this place, and take a lovely drive through the countryside to Burtt’s Orchards for their donuts instead – they’re much better quality, and Cold Hollow is really only worth it if you can easily get in. Usually, it’s completely slammed the first two weeks in October (especially weekends).
My Top Hotel Picks In Stowe:
🍁 Spruce Peak Lodge: Best resort in town located at the base of Mount Mansfield and the Stowe Gondola
🍁 Green Mountain Inn: Perfect for staying right on Main Street with a large parking lot
🍁 Stowe Village Inn: Also steps from Main Street, and their motel rooms are on the more affordable side.
3. Bennington, Vermont
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: Third week of October
Further south in Vermont is Bennington, and this is a truly fantastic and often overlooked destination for fall foliage in the region. It’s another small town that’s bursting with color in October, and also packs in so many fun things to do nearby.
Compared to Stowe, you’ll see fewer crowds, and while the scenery isn’t quite as idyllic, it’s still very scenic, and the perfect way to get off-the-beaten tourist path for a fall getaway. There’s a small Main Street with a few shops and great restaurants, a nearby pumpkin patch, a charming country store with amazing baked goods, and lots of awesome nature and hiking trails to get outdoors and admire the foliage.
Additionally, you’re not far from other great places in southern Vermont to go leaf-peeping, including Manchester and Arlington. This area also has quite a few covered bridges to explore for the quintessential Vermont experience.
Top Things To Do In Bennington, VT In The Fall
→ Head to the Apple Barn for amazing donuts, apple turnovers, and a perfect country store experience.
→ Stroll through Main Street, and stop for lunch at one of the restaurants. I’m partial to the 421 Craft Bar and Kitchen, but the Madison Brewing Company Pub is also great.
→ Take a short drive to Armstrong Farms, which is an adorable pumpkin patch with a small retail shops that sells maple syrup, and a few other specialty items. This is a small family-run farm, so please be respectful, and make a purchase if you want to take a photo in front of their big sign, where they spell out “Vermont” in pumpkins. It’s awesome – trust me 😉
→ Head out on one of the nature paths, with the Mile-Around Woods trail being perfect for an easy stroll with scenic Vermont views. But I also love the Bennington Area Trail System (or, BATS for short), which offers a variety of trails with lovely foliage.
→ Visit the Bennington Battle Monument on this historic part of town, and then be sure to walk down Monument Ave for more fall color on the tree-lined streets. I recommend taking the elevator to the top of the monument for really great foliage views up top.
→ Take a day trip to nearby Manchester to drive up the Mt Equinox Auto Road, visit Hildene, which is an underrated spot for foliage views, and also visit its historic downtown with awesome shopping.
My Top Hotel Pick In Bennington:
🍁 Four Chimneys Inn: The best place to stay in town!
4. Camden, Maine
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: Third week of October
Camden is always one of my top suggestions for people who are looking for stunning fall color along the coast. which can be harder to find.
This coastal town is a summer hot-spot known for sailing and its idyllic downtown, but in the fall, you’ll experience far fewer crowds without sacrificing any fall foliage. The entire harbor is backdropped by mountains ablaze in reds and oranges in October, making it one of the best coastal spots in New England to soak up the season’s magic.
The downtown area is very walkable, and has some great shops and restaurants along the waterfront. You’ll also experience memorable dining spots, and fun nature trails to enjoy all of Maine’s natural beauty. It’s also never quite as crowded as other popular foliage spots, so it’s one of the quieter fall getaways you can take while leaf-peeping.
If you’re driving up Maine’s coast on your way to Bar Harbor, this is one of the best stops to make – especially to stay overnight to break up your drive.
Top Things To Do In Camden, ME In The Fall
→ Drive up the auto road to the top of Mount Battie to take in the famous view of the harbor from above, which is a great spot for fall color. You can also choose to hike up, if you prefer. My favorite time of day to go up about two hours before sunset.
→ Enjoy a seasonal farm-to-table meal featuring autumnal flavors at Natalie’s restaurant, which is typically open Wednesday-Sunday in the fall season, and one of my favorites in town.
→ Enjoy views along the harbor, including a great spot at the Bay Road Overlook. This will give you a perfect view of the harbor, mountains, and foliage.
→ Depending on when you visit, the sailing tours could still be running on weekends – they usually continue their sails until the weather gets too chilly, so their end-of-season schedule does change each year, but they usually run through parts of foliage season.. This is another great way to enjoy fall color from the water, and see it all along the coast.
→ Take the scenic chair lift ride at the Camden Snow Bowl, which runs on Sundays in October. Check their website here for more information, as it does change a bit year-to-year.
My Top Hotel Picks In Camden:
🍁 The Norumbega: A renovated mansion-castle that’s now one of the best boutique hotels in the country.
🍁 Camden Harbour Inn: A cozy New England-style inn that usually falls into a moderate budget.
🍁 Camden Riverhouse Inn: A great budget option located steps from Main Street.
5. Rangeley, Maine
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: First week of October
The Rangeley region of Maine is another stunning area for leaf-peeping, and a great place to go if you’re looking to escape the crowds. Also known as a summer destination, the fall season here offers incredible opportunities for foliage, plus a quiet atmosphere that feels more like an escape.
Located in the mountains and lakes region in the northwest corner of the state, Rangeley is home to some scenic drives, fantastic hiking, and a more rural setting. The focus of your fall trip to this area will most certainly need to be spending time outdoors, as you won’t find as many towns with bustling Main Streets and lots of designated attractions. That is, of course, the beauty of this area, though.
But there’s a reason it’s one of my favorite spots for foliage in New England – it’s so densely packed with fall color that it can easily rival other destinations in the region (in my humble opinion, of course).
Top Things To Do In Rangeley, ME In The Fall
→ Drive the beautiful Rangeley Scenic Byway, which is home to the famous Height of Land overlook for stunning lake views surrounded by fall foliage. Honestly, this is one of my favorite places in New England in the fall season. It’s a bit out of the way from other popular spots, but such a highlight that I think is worth the effort.
→ For a longer, more remote drive, head to the Quill Hill Overlook, which is further away, and just on the border of the Rangeley region – but absolutely breathtaking in the fall.
→ Take an awesome foliage Sea Plane tour for the ultimate experience. They also have this Sea Plan tour with lakeside lodge dining, for an even more memorable experience.
→ Paddle around the lake for a cozy outdoor adventure, surrounded by fall color. There are plenty of places that rent kayaks and canoes in the area, or you can bring your own.
→ Head out on the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center for some fall foliage hikes and nature walks.
My Top Hotel Picks In Rangeley:
Most hotels in the Rangeley area are more on the rustic side with basic accommodations, so keep that in mind when booking.
🍁 Loon Lodge Inn: Best choice for a hotel experience.
🍁 Eagle’s Ledge Chalet Rental: Awesome views and seclusion for a cozy escape.
6. Bethel, Maine
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: First – second week of October
South of Rangeley, Bethel is a wonderful destination for fall color, and also one that won’t be as crowded as popular places like Stowe and the White Mountains. It’s also just over an hour from the western side of the White Mountains, making it an easy area to tack onto a fall road trip.
Bethel is home to Grafton Notch, which is a small park with amazing hiking trails that offer stunning fall foliage scenery. In addition to the park, it’s also got a small downtown area with a few shops, great restaurants and cafés, and it’s easy to get to nearby areas like Norway to maximize your time there.
In general, Bethel doesn’t have as much to do, or going on, as popular places, but it won’t disappoint when it comes to foliage. It’s a great destination if you’re looking to avoid the biggest crowds, and get off-the-beaten path a bit.
Top Things To Do In Bethel, ME In The Fall
→ Hike the Table Rock loop in Grafton Notch State Park, which offers the best views in the area – it’s especially amazing in the fall during sunset. While not right in Bethel, it’s just about a 15 minute drive away.
→ Be sure to drive all the way through Grafton Notch to take in the fall color. It’s a short drive, but packs a punch this time of the year.
→ Walk around downtown, which has tree-lined streets that turn beautiful colors in the fall. There aren’t a ton of shops and such here, as it’s mostly cafés and restaurants, but the trees do make for an awesome stroll.
→ Take a scenic chair life ride at Sunday River Resort for mountain foliage views without any effort.
→ Visit the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum to hold an actual piece of the moon.
My Top Hotel Picks In Bethel:
Bethel doesn’t have a big selection of hotels, and nothing that stands out as amazing, but still has some great, cozy options.
🍁 The Elizabeth Inn: Located right in town with a fantastic restaurant on-site.
🍁 The Jordan Hotel: Located a few miles outside of Bethel in Newry, and is the nicest/most modern option in the area.
🍁 Bethel Resort & Suites: Needs a little updating, but a great location right in town overlooking the town green.
7. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: Third week of October
A beloved summertime retreat is also one of my favorite places for fall foliage in October. While Lake Winni is awesome in the summer, the fall vibes are equally as great, and you’ll run into far fewer people on your getaway.
The mountains surrounding the lake turn bright colors in October, so things like chair lift rides, hikes, and drives around the lake offer such a wonderful perspective of this region. Plus, you’re near farms that offer fall activities, so you’ll really get the full experience during your visit in terms of lake vibes and fall activities.
This area also sits just south of the White Mountains, so I’ll often visit the White Mountains toward the end of peak, and then head here to Lake Winni to catch early peak, and enjoy the lake life without the high summer crowds and prices. You’ll still encounter tourists in the fall season, but not near the crowds you’ll see in the White Mountains, for example.
Top Things To Do Around Lake Winnipesaukee In The Fall
→ Take the Gunstock Mountain chair lift ride for awesome views of the lakes from above, surrounded by fall color. Having done this both in the summer and fall, I can say the fall season is actually better for this one because of the foliage 😉
→ Drive around the entire lake, stopping in the cute towns of Meredith and Wolfesboro along the way. Both will offer nice foliage views around the water.
→ Head out on the M/S Mount Washington for a scenic fall boat tour around the lake.
→ Take a drive out to Moultonborough Farms to do their corn maze, and get their famous Cider Bellies donuts. These are actually my all-time favorite cider donuts, which is saying a lot because I grew up in Upstate New York, which is known for cider donuts.
→ Enjoy one of the area’s hikes, with the popular Mount Major Trail being less crowded this time of the year, compared to summer. This one has wonderful views of the lake surrounded by foliage. You’ll still want to expect crowds, and it’s the most popular trail the lakes region, but it won’t be as intense.
→ Take a drive over to Sandwich, which has a pretty covered bridge in the woods, and is home to the Sandwich Creamery.
My Top Hotel Picks Around Lake Winnipesaukee:
🍁 Mill Falls Resort Collection: A collection of hotels, all located right in downtown Meredith, which I think is the prettiest town on the lake. The Church Landing is the most luxury-tier option, with the Palmer House being the most budget-friendly option. When booking, you can enjoy the amenities at all properties regardless of which you stay at.
🍁 Moltonborough Inn: A great budget option just 10-15 minutes from Meredith.
8. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: Mid-October
Located just south of The Berkshire region, the Litchfield Hills area is known as being Gilmore Girls territory. But if you’re not a fan of the show, don’t worry – that just means it’s packed with picturesque small towns.
The Litchfield Hills are widely believed to have inspired the fictional town of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls, and while that’s certainly part of the area’s appeal, it’s far from the only reason to visit. The fall color here is genuinely spectacular, and you’ll also find charming small towns, scenic back roads, and classic New England architecture that make it one of my favorite places to experience the season.
In this area, I’m always impressed that both the interstate and the back country roads are ablaze with fall color, and it’s definitely a place you won’t be disappointed if you’re leaf-peeping. Since there are fewer attractions in this region, it’s one of the best places to plan a very relaxing escape. Think scenic drives, easy walking trails, farm stands, and cozy inns. It’s slower-paced, and absolutely perfect.
Top Things To Do In The Litchfield Hills, CT In The Fall
→ Head to Kent to see Kent Falls State Park, and explore the incredibly charming Main Street shops.
→ Visit one of the other many parks in the region, with Lover’s Leap, Hidden Valley Preserve, Topsmead State Forest, Mount Tom, and White Memorial Conservation Center being my favorites.
→ Take a drive out to Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates, a small dairy barn and even tinier chocolate shop in the woods that makes incredible artisinal chocolates.
→ Visit New Milford, which has a very charming downtown area with cute shops, cafés, and a gazebo that is always decorated for the fall season (making for the perfect photo opp, of course 😉).
My Top Hotel Picks For The Litchfield Area:
🍁 The Litchfield Inn: The best hotel in the area for most people. Strikes the perfect balance of a cozy New England-style inn, while being more upscale, and fairly-priced for the area.
🍁 The Mayflower Inn & Spa: One of the most luxurious getaways in New England, and the hotel that Amy Sherman-Palladino stayed at while finalizing the details of Gilmore Girls. Therefore, it’s widely-believed to be what the Dragonfly Inn in the show was modeled after.
Psst! I have more posts on the Litchfield region that you may find helpful:
- Fall In Connecticut: Best Foliage & Things To Do
- Things To Do In Kent, CT
- Things To Do In New Milford, CT
- Things To Do In & Around Litchfield, CT
- Where To Find The Real Stars Hollow From Gilmore Girls
9. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: Second week of October
The Berkshires is an iconic region of Western Massachusetts that really lives up to the hype – especially in regard to fall color. Comprised of 30 towns and 2 smaller cities, there’s a lot of foliage to take in while offering a variety of charming towns to explore. With a high density of sugar maples, plus a lot of birch and other fall trees, the region turns beautiful shades of autumnal colors in October, so leaf-peeping here is pretty much never disappointing.
One of the things I love most about The Berkshires is how varied the scenery is, and how easy it is to pack a lot into one weekend. You can spend the day driving the beautiful country roads, stopping in picturesque small towns, hiking to scenic overlooks, or simply enjoying the views of lakes backdropped by foliage. It’s the kind of place where almost every drive feels perfect and packed with color during foliage season, making it easy to soak in the fall color no matter how you choose to explore.
Top Things To Do In The Berkshires In The Fall
→ Explore Stockbridge, which is a very small town that’s loaded with charm. The Main Street only stretches for a couple of blocks, but there are very cute shops and cafés, plus the iconic Red Lion Inn, which decorates their exterior with giant pumpkins.
→ Book tickets for the pumpkin show at the Naumkeag estate, which is a walk through thousands of pumpkins and fall decorations – it’s a lot of fun!
→ Hike or drive to the Mount Greylock summit, which is the highest mountain in The Berkshires.
→ Bike the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, which offers some scenic fall views along the way.
→ Head to an apple orchard, with Hilltop being one of the most popular, and other greats ones to consider are Jaeschke Orchards and Bartlett’s.
→ Explore some of the prettiest towns, including Lenox, Williamstown, Great Barrington, and Lee.
My Top Hotel Picks In The Berkshires:
🍁 The Red Lion Inn: One of the best in the area! Iconic, historic, and worth it.
🍁 The Cornell Inn: Located in Lenox, and has beautiful grounds with gorgeous room.
🍁 Courtyard By Marriott Lenox: A great option if you’re a loyalty member or have points.
10. Woodstock, Vermont
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: Mid-October
Woodstock is known as Vermont’s prettiest town, and when you get there to see it for yourself, it’s usually hard to disagree with that. Having been to Woodstock so many times over the last 20+ years, it’s a place that has yet to lose any of it’s appeal and magic to me, especially in the fall season, despite the massive crowds that visit in October each year.
Yes, it’s wildly popular now in the fall season, but it’s a place that’s worth it to me. The actual downtown doesn’t get a ton of foliage, but just outside of town is packed with sugar maples and other fall trees that light up the landscapes with red and orange tones by mid-October. It’s truly spectacular.
Woodstock also offers a great mix of fall activities for a well-rounded getaway. There’s the picturesque town with shops and restaurants, covered bridges, and fantastic dining. Then a short drive away, you’ve got plenty of scenic trails, a maple syrup farm, and another historic village that looks like a postcard.
Top Things To Do In Woodstock, VT In The Fall
→ Spend time in the downtown area, which is largely centered around the town green. The famous Middle Covered bridge is also right here, which adds so much charm to the town.
→ Head to Sugarbush Farms, where you can sample their own maple syrup and cheeses. The drive out to the farm ends on a long, very bumpy dirt road, but the views are stunning. Even right from the farm itself, you’re surrounded by mountains with tons of fall color.
→ Explore the Billings Farm & Museum, which is a working dairy barn with over 200 acres and lots of things to check out.
→ Across the street from Billings Farm is the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which is free to visit (park at Billings Farm), and has some nice and easy nature trails through the woods.
→ Remember that postcard historic village I mentioned earlier? It’s Plymouth, which is just a 20-minute drive from Woodstock, and the birthplace of U.S. President, Calvin Coolidge. The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is multiple historic buildings turned into a museum, and is also surrounded by fall foliage in mid-October. Just down the street is also the Plymouth Cheese shop, which offers samples, and is a really pretty building to see when in the area. Plus, their cheeses are fantastic.
My Top Hotel Picks In Woodstock:
🍁 Woodstock Inn & Resort: Known as Vermont’s most beautiful address, and the most luxurious resort in the area.
🍁 The Vesper: A modern, mid-century boutique hotel with a fantastic restaurant on-site.
🍁 On The River Inn: A beautiful hotel with a modern/rustic vibe that’s, you guessed it, right on the river 😉
11. Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
Best Time To Visit For Peak Foliage: First week of October
The Northeast Kingdom in Vermont is the northeast corner of the state, and it puts on a spectacular display of fall color each season. There are fewer attractions up this way, but the backroad drives, rural landscapes, and general scenery more than make up for it. It also tends to be far less crowded than places like Stowe and Woodstock.
This part of the state is especially appealing if you’re looking to experience Vermont’s fall foliage at a slower pace. The region is home to expansive hardwood forests (read: lots of sugar maples for bright foliage), rolling hills, working farms, and countless scenic spots, so it’s easy to spend an entire day just driving from one beautiful view to the next. If your ideal fall getaway is quiet, scenic, and focused on nature, it’s hard to find a better place in New England.
Top Things To Do In The Northeast Kingdom, VT In The Fall
→ Drive the Scenic Toll Road at the Burke Mountain Resort for stunning foliage views.
→ Drive the back country roads near Burke for beautiful views backdropped by foliage.
→ Try to find your way out of the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, which is the largest in the state. Keep in mind that it’s only open through mid-October, and the exact date changes from year-to-year, so plan accordingly. They keep their Facebook page updated throughout the season.
→ Ride the Jay Peak Tram to take in foliage views from a higher elevation. This usually runs until mid-October, so plan accordingly, and verify operating hours before making a special visit.
→ Take a drive to Lake Willoughby, which is a gorgeous glacial lake that offers nice fall color in early October. The Mount Pisgah hike is also in this area, and a great fall foliage hike to take on if you’re up for it.
→ Head to Hill Farmstead Brewery, which is considered to be one of the best breweries in the country – while some even claim it’s one of the best in the world. Plus, the scenery here is pretty epic, so you’ll be sipping craft brews with incredible views.
→ Visit one of the area’s covered bridges, with Schoolhouse Covered Bridge being one of my favorites up this way.
Top Hotel Picks In The Northeast Kingdom:
🍁 Burke Mountain Hotel: A wonderful resort lodge with mountain views and on-site dining.
🍁 Wildflower Inn: A charming Vermont country inn with mountain views, a heated saltwater pool, on-site dining, and direct access to Kingdom Trails
🍁 Note on recommended timeframes: Peak foliage changes from year to year, and these are general timeframes of when to expect the best foliage in each area, based on my experience. In recent years, foliage has been arriving a bit later than historical timeframes due to global warming. For example, the end of September and early October used to be the best times to catch peak foliage in the White Mountains, but in my experience in the last 4-ish years, the first week of October has been the best time. But it’s important to keep in mind that it does change, and each year is a little different.
Fall In New England: Answering Your Questions
When Should I Visit New England For Foliage?
New England’s fall foliage season is long one, starting in late September, and ending in early November. That said, most people choose to visit in October, as that’s when many of the best areas for foliage will peak.
When you visit in October, however, depends on where you want to go. Foliage progresses from north to south, so places in northern regions like the White Mountains and Northeast Kingdom of Vermont will peak around the first week of October, while Boston and southern Maine will peak at the end of October.
I also have a detailed guide on the best time to visit New England for foliage, which has a lot more helpful information 😉
Why Didn’t Acadia National Park Make Your List?
Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in the fall are gorgeous, and I love visiting during this time of the year. But, if I’m being completely honest, Acadia has a lot more pine trees than foliage trees. You’ll definitely see pockets of color around the park, but even during peak foliage, my experience has always been that I see a lot more evergreens surrounded by some fall color, versus widespread foliage.
Don’t get me wrong – you’ll definitely see foliage in Acadia. But you just won’t see the expansive, dense displays of reds and oranges from maple trees because there aren’t that many up this way. You’ll see mostly yellows and oranges. Compared to other places on this list, I felt like Acadia just falls a bit short in terms of foliage. That said, Acadia is absolutely one of the best, most beautiful places in New England in general, and worth working into a fall itinerary if you have the time.
Which New England State Has The Best Foliage?
Honestly, all six New England states have great foliage, but for the best, my picks are Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Where Should I Go For Foliage If I Only Have A Few Days?
I would suggest either the White Mountains, or the Stowe, VT area. There’s plenty to do in the White Mountains for a few days, and while in the Stowe area, you can easily take day trips to Woodstock, Lake Willoughby, Burlington, Shelburne, and Montpelier for awesome foliage.
Another great option is southern Vermont, and spending your time in Manchester and Bennington.
What Is The Best Time To Plan A New England Fall Foliage Road Trip?
This will depend on where you want to go, but in my own fall foliage road trip itinerary, I recommend starting the first weekend in October. This will allow you start in the northern regions, and then work your way down. You’ll want to stick to areas that peak around this time, so if you’re planning a road trip longer than a week, you’ll need to pay careful attention to the order you visit each destination in, and know that you may not be able to hit peak at every destination. It’s very tricky to plan!
Tips For Planning Fall Travel In New England
→ Book well in advance. I usually suggest 7-9 months in advance. I’ve tried to book hotels in popular fall foliage spots 6 months in advance, and most of my favorite hotels were sold out. I recommend making dining reservations 1 month in advance (or the earliest the restaurant will allow) and tour reservations 3-4 weeks in advance.
→ Expect crowds. It’s easy to get an idea in your head about empty streets with falling leaves, and no one on the roads. But the reality is, it’s very crowded in the fall season – especially in popular places like Stowe, Woodstock, the White Mountains. Plan a little extra time getting around, and anticipate crowds. I often get up at sunrise to do popular activities, and I hardly ever see anyone around.
→ Be flexible, and know that foliage can vary year to year. This includes color intensity, timing, and the length of the season. Mother Nature is in control here, so sometimes, foliage arrives early, late, doesn’t last as long, and in rare cases, color is a bit more dull than usual. If the timing doesn’t work for your itinerary, plan day trips to nearby areas, and use social media to find out where color is peaking.
→ Plan to rent or have a car. Public transportation is honestly not great in this region, especially in all the places on this list. Having a car is a must, and the best way to see foliage.
→ Check weather a few days before leaving to pack accordingly. Fall weather in New England is generally what you expect – moderately warm, but crisp days, and chilly evenings. It’s also rainier than the summer season, so having waterproof gear is very helpful.
That’s A Wrap On Top Places For Fall Foliage In New England
And there you have it, all my absolute favorite places to visit in the fall season in New England. Honestly, no matter where you end up this time of the year, this region doesn’t disappoint. Happy planning!
