Best Places In New England To See Fall Foliage – I didn’t know how amazing it was to see the difference between the two until I went to New England. But where should you go for the ultimate green dining experience? I have the best places to see fall foliage in New England. These places are best for fall colors—from the mountains of New Hampshire, the highlights of Vermont, and more.
From late September to October, driving in New England is like entering a fascinating, colorful world. New England is like the Olympics for journalists. This is truly a champion when it comes to fall colors. And everyone should experience this at least once! Everything from apple picking orchards, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, fall foliage and more.
Best Places In New England To See Fall Foliage
From the beautiful mountains with colors, the best roads that are covered with golden leaves or visit the beautiful cities, villages, gardens and festivals, you will see a lot to do, see and do.
Best Places To View Fall Foliage
The smell of warm and fresh apple donuts, colorful train rides, cool temperatures and beautiful fall weather. Ahhhhhh…everything can be found in New England.
Come with me to some of New England’s best fall foliage spots – you won’t be disappointed!
Fall in New England – Know Before You Go When is the best time to see the leaves in New England?
To see the foliage, it is really a matter of time. This can be complicated because it varies from year to year. But the best time is usually late September to mid-October for most of New England. This map and itinerary is useful for planning your trip and choosing dates. I also love this leaf blower from Yankee Magazine. But know that it can change from year to year!
These Are The Four Best Places In New England To See Fall Foliage
Last year we went to Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The leaves fall later so we had to change our trip to finish in Vermont and New Hampshire in the second half of the trip and we had some amazing leaves!
In mid-September, the first signs of fall begin in the Great North Woods, and the color will sweep across the state in a matter of days. Temperatures can dip into the low 40s during this season with days in the 70s here and there.
October is when the state begins to transition into fall, with temperatures at the beginning of the month ranging from the low 40s to mid-60s and ending in the high 30s to mid-50s.
The easiest way to fly is Boston-Logan International Airport. There are also airports in Burlington, Vermont and Hartford, Connecticut and Providence, Rhode Island to check prices. Although this is in all different states, the driving distance is not as bad as you might think, so I recommend checking the prices there too!
New England Fall Foliage Hot Spots
I highly recommend renting a car to get around New England. If you are here to see the leaves, this will give you the freedom and flexibility to see the leaves! Also, the skyways and freeways are really amazing!
Fall colors in New England are nothing short of spectacular. The White Mountains are covered in color and the small towns come alive with autumn festivals.
I think a week is the best time to check the leaves. But I did all that in 2 weeks, 10 days and a long weekend. If you really want to make sure you see the leaves, choose longer.
I’m breaking it down by state to make it easier for you to plan! Do you need a tour? Check out my full itinerary here.
Best Fall Foliage Trips For Fall Colors Near You
These are my top recommendations for Autumn Leaves in New England. It’s an easy drive with a great series of stops. From beautiful rivers, mountain views and of course the beautiful sea of colorful trees. I have never seen anything like it!
The Kancamagus Highway is an exciting road that takes you 34 miles from start to finish. You can do all or part of the hike, but I recommend stopping at the Ranger Station (we stopped at the Saco Ranger Station, which is really beautiful!) to pick up a park map. Or you can find them all here.
I recommend starting in downtown Conway and you’ll follow 112nd Street, northwest of Main Street.
Take at least half a day to climb Kancamagus. Traffic can be slow and there are many amazing stops to take pictures!
Fun Travel Ideas For The New England Fall Foliage Season
Stowe is like Rockefeller’s Autumn in New England. The main street looks like it’s ready for a movie: beautiful shops and cafes and a white church standing outside against the backdrop of decorated trees.
There are many things to do in Stowe in the fall. You can take a scenic gondola tour, visit the Ben & Jerry’s factory (for a taste of fall ice cream, of course), or explore one of their many hiking trails. There is also a Percy the Corn Maze for all ages! Also nearby is the VonTrapp Family Lodge – the beautiful cabin where the Von Trapp family lived after fleeing Austria – yes, the Sound of Music in real life!
As soon as you arrive at Cold Hollow Cider, you will smell the aroma of fresh and warm cider. Not only do they sell donuts, but they also have cider and lots of great souvenirs!
There are many places that sell gifts, vegetables, pumpkins and more on the side of the road. Draw when a place catches your eye!
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There is no better place for fall or Halloween than Salem! From Hocus Pocus movie locations to witch tales, Salem has the world! Some of the most haunted places here but it’s also fascinating and full of history.
Salem is so nice to walk around Chestnut Street or walk downtown and shop or eat seafood!
There is plenty to see and do in Salem, especially around Halloween. See my complete guide to Salem here.
Bar Harbor is a beautiful small town located on an island off the coast of Maine. This is one of the most beautiful autumn roads with a view of the sea and the lampposts around the landscape.
New England Fall Road Trip
Acadia National Park is also nearby and is one of the best! The autumn colors here are unreal with mountains, forests and seas all in one place.
There are many things to do in Bar Harbor, including whale watching, hiking, and visiting local shops and restaurants.
While fall in Vermont is a spectacular sight, we can’t forget all the things that make the state great for fall, like hiking and foliage! A fall trip to New England wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Smuggler’s Mansion. A circular, narrow path will lead you through beautiful foliage along the way.
Many easy and difficult trails with great views. You can also drive by the canal to see some of the best fall colors in New England!
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Woodstock is one of New England’s most charming small towns, and fall is the best time to visit. Located in the heart of Vermont, the city is home to some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the state!
I like the old Woodstock Inn & Resort you can also visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller estate, red brick mansion and dairy farm.
Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island certainly has no shortage of fall fun! Providence is a great city to explore with many cute shops, delicious food, and historic landmarks.
Let me tell you… don’t miss the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. In a word: surprise. Over 6,000 handmade pumpkins and each year has a different theme! In 2021, they celebrate American music with beautiful pumpkins that light up the night with music! The dates for 2022 are from September 29 to October 31. This year they celebrate the 75th anniversary of television. This is one of my favorites we do every trip!
Best Places For New England Fall Foliage: Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine & More
Franconia Notch is one of the most popular falls in New England, and for good reason! You may have heard of Franconia Notch, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster from Old Man of the Mountain.
Flume Canyon is a must! At the foot of Mount Independence is this 800-foot natural canyon that was discovered in 1808. An easy trail, mostly paved, takes you about two miles. You can book in advance or upon arrival at the door.
I think this is the best place for leaves in Connecticut. Fall foliage comes a little later here as it is in the southern New England states.
You can drive on the Litchfield Hills Ramble, visit the beautiful town of Kent or explore beautiful farmhouses surrounded by golden foliage. Visit Litchfield Town Hall and walk among the impressive buildings. I believe that everyone in Connecticut has a big house.
Best Places To Visit In The Fall
I love the easy but beautiful hike that gives you gorgeous views
