new england road trip itinerary 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 so many fall foliage road trips and getaways in that time. It took me a while, but I’ve finally put together the perfect itinerary for you based on years of real experience.

This post details the best places to visit in New England during fall foliage season that are worth the hype (and your time), the best times to plan your road trip for peak foliage, 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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What Is The Best Time To Visit New England For Fall Color?

In a nutshell, the first two weeks of October. However, it does vary depending on where you’re heading.

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 or 3-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, as you can time your visit right for the areas you want to see.

Most people will choose to visit Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont during their New England fall road trip (and spoiler alert: I’ll be suggesting these places, too 😉), and the first two weeks of October work very well for these destinations.

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.

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

Many parts of Maine, including Acadia National Park, and the Midcoast, will typically peak around the middle of October.

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 2 or 3 week 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.

However, I always say more is always more when it comes to travel! So of course, three weeks to see all the fall foliage around New England is the ultimate goal, however, I know that’s not realistic for everyone, which is why I think 7-12 days is a great sweet spot.

If you’re local to New England, and don’t have 10 days, 7 days is again a nice amount of time. Five 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 is that they’re 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, brightest, and most abundant colors, I recommend planning a trip to Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Vermont, and Connecticut (if you have the time). However, to narrow that down even further, New Hampshire and Vermont are definitely the best to visit if you’re short on time.

So, why these areas?

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

If you don’t have a lot of time for your road trip, I usually suggest Connecticut is the first state to remove from your list, and the reason for that is because it’s so far west, and further from many of the other top destinations.

I also don’t recommend visiting places in Rhode Island during your fall foliage road trip simply because you won’t see the most amazing displays of color (I love Rhode Island, but it’s not really known for its epic fall foliage).

Some Things To Know About This Itinerary :

→ 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. However, Boston has its own cozy fall vibes that are in full swing mid to late October, so it’s truly the best place to start your fall foliage adventure.

→ 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 planned the order of the stops according to how fall foliage peaks , meaning you’ll be starting in the north, and working your way down. However, since there are so many areas to see, it’s not always possible to see very region right at peak, so you’ll be just a bit early, or late, for some places, depending on your exact dates. For example, if you want to see the White Mountains in New Hampshire at peak time, which is usually the first week in October, you likely won’t get to see Connecticut at peak, since that’s usually the third week of October – unless of course you can travel for three weeks, which is awesome!

→ 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, drive to the Franconia side of the White Mountains in New Hampshire Day 2 : Explore the White Mountains region, including The Kancamagus Highway Day 3 : Drive to Stowe, VT, and stay here or nearby for two nights Day 4: Explore central Vermont (I have great suggestions for you!) Day 5 : Drive to southern Vermont, and spend one night around the Manchester area Day 6 : Drive to The Berkshires for one night Day 7 : Drive to the Litchfield Hills region of CT, spend one night Day 8 : Drive to Salem, MA for one night Day 9 : See more of Salem or the North Shore in the morning, then drive to Boston for one night Day 10 : Spend the day exploring Boston.

The Day By Day Breakdown Of The 10 Day Itinerary – Let’s Go!

Days 1-2: arrival in boston & two nights in the white mountains, new hampshire.

Once you arrive in Boston, it’s time to hit the ground running and make the drive to the White Mountains in New Hampshire! Since this region is one of the earlier ones to peak, you’ll want to make this the first stop on your New England fall foliage road trip.

The drive from Boston to the White Mountains is about 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic getting out of the city, and where in the White Mountains you want to stay.

Where To Stay In The White Mountains : I have an entire guide on the best places to stay in the White Mountains , so that’s a good read to check out while planning your trip 😉 I would pick one place to stay for both nights, as some places have a two-night minimum in the fall season. This region is also small enough that you can see it all when staying in one place.

Here are some of my favorite hotels in the White Mountains: 🍁 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.

Best Things To Do In The White Mountains In The Fall:

→ Explore Franconia Notch State Park , which is home to quite a few things to do, which I’ll list out next for you. Even the drive through the park is going to offer you incredible foliage views!

→ Flume Gorge inside Franconia Notch State Park. This is a 2-mile trail that meanders over covered bridges in the woods, and through a natural gorge that’s such a cool thing to experience. You’ll also be treated to some stunning foliage views of the mountains along the way. I have a detailed post all about visiting Flume Gorge , if you’d like to take a peek. This will have everything you need to know about tickets, tips for planning your visit, and what to expect.

→ Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway , which is the first of its kind in North America! This ride takes you to the summit where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountain vistas. Fall is my favorite time of year to do this. I also have a detailed post on things to know about the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway , if you want to check that out.

→ Hike the Artist Bluff trail in Franconia. This is now a very popular trail in the area, and while the views are so worth it, I’d most definitely recommend you do this one at sunrise or sunset to avoid as many crowds as possible.

→ Drive the famous Kancamagus Highway , which is one of the most scenic fall foliage drives in the northeast! This highway is free to drive, and connects the towns of Lincoln and Conway along Route 112 through the White Mountains National Forest . During the drive, you’ll see amazing mountain views, and colorful trees dripping in fall color lining the side of the road, so you get the best of both words. See below for my tips and things you need to know about driving The Kanc (as the locals call it 😉).

→ Drive through Crawford Notch State Park to be rewarded with more stunning views of the mountains ablaze with foliage color!

→ Visit two of the most charming towns in the area: Littleton and North Conway . Littleton is widely regarded for having one of the best Main Streets in the U.S., and you’ll find a brewery, covered bridge, and quaint shops downtown. In North Conway, the main road runs through the town, but there are some gorgeous views to enjoy, great shops, and don’t miss Zeb’s General Store!

→ Take a ride on The Cog to the highest peak in New England – Mount Washington. This mountain railway is such a cool experience! While foliage will likely be gone toward the top of the mountain by early October, you’ll still get some nice foliage color on the way up, and enjoy incredible views from the top!

→ Drive to the Cathedral Ledge Lookout , which offers really awesome views, especially in the fall.

I have some more detailed posts on this region of New Hampshire you may find helpful:

• 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

Tips for driving The Kanc : ✓ There is no cell service, or gas stations along the drive, so be sure you’re prepared. You’ll want to offline maps to your phone before heading out, and while the drive is only about 34 miles long, just make sure you have enough gas to make the whole drive.

✓ There are some bathroom facilities at some of the parking areas, but not many. It may not be a good idea to fill up on coffee or water at the start of the drive.

✓ There are tons of places to pull over on the drive, including quick, but scenic overlooks, and parking lots for trailhead to hikes and such. Besides the overlooks, my favorite stops to make is the Lincoln Woods Trailhead, which after a very short walk from the parking area, has a really pretty bridge that makes for a great photo.

✓ You’ll need to pay a daily fee to park in any of the lots along the drive (these are separate from the designated overlooks). Be sure to find the kiosks when you park for the first time, and keep that ticket displayed on your dashboard the rest of the drive. You only need to pay once, and your ticket is good for the entire day. If you don’t plan to park in the lots along the drive, you don’t need to pay.

✓ On the Conway side of The Kanc, there’s a great little place called Cheese Louise just before the entrance to drive. This is an awesome place to grab some food before or after the drive! Especially on a chilly, fall day, a grilled cheese sandwich totally hits the spot, right?

🍁 Before hopping on The Kanc, consider downloading this great audio tour so you don’t miss the best stops to make – Click here to check out this audio tour

Days 3 & 4: Drive To Stowe, Spend Two Day Exploring Central Vermont

Next up is Vermont! The drive from the White Mountains to Stowe, VT is about 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on where in the White Mountains you came from. 

The central region of Vermont is one of the absolute best places for fall foliage in New England, and places like Stowe, Woodstock, and the surrounding countryside are going to give you all the postcard-worthy scenery you’ve been hoping for. I also love Vermont because it has more of a New England vibe than the White Mountains, so you’ll also get some of the charm the Northeast is known for. 

Where to stay in Central Vermont : I recommend that you stay in or around Stowe or Woodstock because both of these towns have lots to do in their own right, great hotels to choose from, wonderful dining options, and they’re only about 1.5 from one another. Both are charming towns, and you can’t go wrong with either. 

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: 🍁 506 Inn On The River . Located just outside of the village, this is a modern and cozy inn, well … right on the river 🍁 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!

Noteworthy stops to make on the way to Stowe : If you have the time, there are some absolutely beautiful places to check out in the countryside on this drive. Most of them require a little detour, but gosh, they’re so worth it! I’ve listed them down below for you:

→ Peachum, VT , which is a very small, rural community, but the foliage views around here are like literal postcards. 

→ Danville to do the Great Vermont Corn Maze , which is the largest in New England. It’s so big that you’ll need a couple of hours here, but it’s a very fun experience. Keep in mind that it’s only open until mid-October – be sure to check their website or Facebook page for updated info. 

→ The Owls Head Mountain Hike in Groton State Forest . This is a relatively easy hike that takes you to an incredible view overlooking Lake Groton and Kettle Pond – it’s even better in the fall season!

→ Bogie Farm in East Ryegate is a landscape that’s worthy of a postcard, and is especially beautiful in the fall. Please be respectful of the farm’s property, and enjoy the views from a respectful distance 😊

Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT In The Fall:

→ Drive Smugglers Notch , which is a short but scenic drive through mountains, and offers incredible opportunities to see fall color. 

→ Stop at the Stowe Gondola along the Smugglers Notch drive, and take a gondola ride to the top of the tallest peak in Vermont – Mount Mansfield.

→ Explore the charming downtown along Main Street , which has great shops, cafés, foliage views, and access to the Recreation Path.

→ Be sure to walk the Recreation Path , which is a paved pedestrian path that runs through town, and depending on how much of it you walk, you’ll cross pretty bridges (one of which is the Brookdale Covered Bridge!), and enjoy some more peaceful moments.

→ Visit Gold Brook Covered Bridge , which is also known as Emily’s Bridge. This bridge is said to be haunted, so it’s the perfect spooky season photo opp! Please just practice caution and respect while visiting, as it’s a bridge that’s still used by the locals – definitely don’t block traffic by standing in the middle of the road!

→ Take a drive to Waterbury , which is home to Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Ben & Jerry’s, and the Cabot Cheese Farmer’s Store (which has samples, yum!). 

→ Visit Stowe Cider , which is just perfect during the fall season.

Best Things To Do In Woodstock, VT In The Fall:

→ Walk around the charming village , which is lined with fall foliage trees, and awesome fall decorations. 

→ Snap a photo with Middle Covered Bridge , which is located right in the village.

→ Take a drive to Sugarbush Farms , which has amazing mountain views that are at their best in the fall season, and sample their maple syrup and cheeses! The drive out here is on a bumpy dirt road, so drive slowly. 

→ Visiting Billings Farm & Museum , which is a working dairy farm and museum, and is such a wonderful place to experience. 

→ Visit the town’s other two covered bridges : Taftsville and Lincoln.

→ Take a drive to nearby Quechee , which is home to the awesome Canopy Walk at VINS, Quechee Gorge, and the very cool and unique Quechee Village Shopping Center. 

→ Get a maple creemee around the village – this is Vermont’s version of soft serve ice cream, but it’s infused with local maple syrup, which is especially delightful in the fall season. 

Psst! I have detailed posts on both Stowe and Woodstock, if you want to check those out:

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

Day 5: Drive To Southern Vermont, Spend One Night

Once you’ve explored Central Vermont, it’s time to head a bit further south. And the reason I recommend you split up your time in Vermont is because this region is so worth seeing in the fall, but it’s just far away enough where it makes sense to spend a night here. 

There are also quite a few hotels around the Manchester area, so you’ll have an easier time finding places to stay that don’t require a 2-night minimum, which is harder to do up in Stowe and Woodstock.

If you happen to visit Stock and Woodstock during peak foliage, it’s possible that you’ll hit this region just as peak is beginning, but it really depends on quickly it moves that year. Just know there’s a chance you’ll be a bit early, but keep in mind that even if you’re a tad early for peak foliage in Vermont, you’ll still see a good amount of color.

Southern Vermont is just as idyllic as the Stowe and Woodstock regions, and gosh, you’ll have a great time leaf-peeing here, too! I recommend you spend most of your time in the Manchester area, but there are a few places within a short drive that are perfect for spotting gorgeous foliage. 

Where to stay in Southern Vermont: There are lots of great places to stay in this region, including in Manchester, Bennington, and the more rural towns like Sunderland. I would pick which hotel you like the most, as all my recommended things to do are a short drive away from each of these places.

Hotels I Love In Southern Vermont: 🍁 Hill Farm Inn : Absolutely incredible property in the countryside, with on-site dining in a barn, cozy rooms, and mountain views from their porch. 🍁 Kimpton Taconic : Beautiful rooms and a boutique-style hotel, located in Manchester. 🍁 Four Chimneys : One of the best inns in Southern Vermont, located in Bennington.

Notable stops to make on the way to Southern Vermont:

→ I suggest taking the Route 100 option, which only adds a few minutes to the drive.

→ If you stayed in Stowe, and didn’t make it to Woodstock, this route will pass close by Woodstock, so you could stop here for a few hours on your way to Manchester.

→ The Plymouth Cheese Shop on the way is a fun place to stop for samples, and buy cheeses to take home! There’s also really pretty foliage around here.

→ Weston to stop at the Vermont Country Store, which is a huge general store with tons of awesome goodies.

Best Things To Do In The Manchester, VT Area In The Fall:

→ Drive the Mt. Equinox Skyline Road to the top of the mountain, which is the tallest in the Taconic Mountain range! The foliage views are incredible up this way (if you can time your visit right), and it’s such a fun experience. There is a fee to drive this road, so plan accordingly. 

→ Visit Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home . This historic estate is cool to see on its own, but the views of the mountains from the back gardens are what makes it extra special in the fall season. There are also walking trails and such on the grounds to enjoy.

→ Take a drive around Shaftsbury, including Shaftsbury Lake State Park. The back roads around this town have amazing fall color.

→ Visit Chiselville and Arlington Covered Bridges , as well as the covered bridges around Bennington.

→ Spend some time in Bennington , including the Bennington Battle Monument, the historic district, the Bennington Area Trails System, and the charming downtown. Also, be sure to head to the Apple Barn Café for cider donuts and amazing baked goods (I love their apple turnovers in the fall!).

→ Walk around downtown Manchester , which is broken into two sections: the historic area up by the Equinox Resort, and Manchester Center, which is home to lots more shops and eateries, as well as some outlet stores. 

→ Visit Shaftsbury Alpacas – get a chance to learn about these beautiful animals while also petting them!

Psst! I have some posts about Vermont that you may find helpful while you plan, including:

• Where To Find The Best Fall Foliage In Vermont
• Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands
• Awesome Things To Do In Vermont In The Fall
• Coziest Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
• My Ultimate Covered Bridges Driving Tour Itinerary

Day 6 – Drive To The Berkshires For One Night

Next up, the beautiful Berkshires! 

Much like Vermont, the appeal of The Berkshires is all the rural and countryside scenery, surrounded by the mountains. And since this is probably the best place to experience fall foliage in Massachusetts, it’s a no-brainer to head here next. Plus, the start of The Berkshires is only about an hour from Manchester, VT.

However, if you’ve only got 10 days, I do recommend only one night here. There are lots of hotels to choose from, so you’ll be able to find a place to stay without a two-night minimum, and while there’s a lot you can see and enjoy, I think other areas on this list like Vermont and the White Mountains are more worth your time. The Berkshires is also a small region that you can drive around and see a lot with just a day. 

Where to stay in The Berkshires : I recommend staying in the southern park, around Lenox and Stockbridge, or even Great Barrington. This will cut down your driving time the next day to Connecticut, and you’ll have time to explore the northern parts of The Berkshires on your drive from Vermont.

Awesome Hotel Options In The Berkshires These places should allow one-night stays in the fall, too! 🍁 The Lenox Collection : A group of cozy, historic buildings-turned-inns in Lenox. 🍁 Inn at Silver Maple Farm : A homey, farmhouse-style B&B. 🍁 Red Lion Inn : A historic hotel right on Main Street in Stockbridge! It’s a very popular place to stay.

Best Things To Do In The Berkshires In The Fall:

For this part of your trip, I recommend planning your time here from north to south, and make stops along the way from Vermont, and stay somewhere closer to Lenox or Stockbridge. These recommendations are in that order so you can more easily plan:

→ Explore the cute college town of Williamstown , where there’s lots of fall foliage scenery to enjoy. The best way to experience the town is by doing the Field Farm Trail or the Sheep Hill Trail . Both are gorgeous in the fall!

→ Drive the auto road to the top of Mt. Greylock . You may just miss peak foliage at the top of the mountain, depending on when you visit, but the views from up here are incredible either way!

→ Drive Route 7 down through Pittsfield, and toward Lenox . Stop in Lenox for lots of beautiful fall foliage, and to see The Mount, Edith Wharton’s historic estate, and also walk the trails at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, if you have the time.

→ From Lenox, make a detour to Hilltop Orchards for cider donuts .

→ Head to Stockbridge , and walk the small but idyllic Main Street downtown, then visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, and swing by Olivia’s Overlook for beautiful foliage views. 

→ Head into downtown Great Barrington , which is still a small town, but more bustling, and has more dining and shopping options. 

Day 7 – Drive To The Litchfield Hills In Connecticut For One Night

Welcome to Connecticut! And guys, this is the region that inspired Amy Sherman-Palladino’s now iconic Stars Hollow town from Gilmore Girls , so you know you’re in for a real treat. Not sure what I’m talking about? Don’t worry! All I’m saying is that this area is filled with charming small towns that are extra cozy and beautiful in the fall season.

Where to stay in the Litchfield Hills : So, I’m not going to sugarcoat it for you, Connecticut is expensive , and the accommodations out this way are not budget-friendly. That said, I have some recommendations for you that allow 1-night stays in the fall season (at least, when I’ve looked for dates in October and booked stays for myself). I also recommend staying close to Litchfield since it’s furthest east. This will just make the most sense with your driving schedule the next day. However, there’s a good budget(ish) option in the western region, too, and both are totally fine!

Great Hotel Options In The Litchfield Hills: 🍁 Litchfield Inn : This is my personal favorite place to stay when visiting. 🍁 Rocky River Inn : A motel in New Milford that’s one of the most affordable place to stay at in this area.

Best Things To Do & Places To See In The Litchfield Hills In The Fall:

→ The best towns to see are New Milford, Kent, and Litchfield , and if you drive to all three in one day, it takes about an hour (plus any time you spend in each place). 

→ Washington Depot is rumored to be the actual town Amy Sherman-Palladino based Stars Hollow on , however, I actually find it to be the least charming of the towns in this area. However, Po Café and Hickory Stick Bookshop are worth the excursion over since it’s not far from New Milford!

→ In Kent, Kent Falls State Park, Bull’s Covered Bridge, and Main Street downtown are the best places to see with a short amount of time.

→ New Milford , the downtown area is so incredibly charming, and I also like to visit Lover’s Leap Bridge. 

→ Litchfield’s downtown is also rather idyllic, and a great place to walk around.

→ The drives between each destination are really pretty , and you’ll see lots of fall foliage and rural scenery during each portion of your drive around.

→ Mount Tom State Park is great for beautiful fall foliage!

→ Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates is a really fun stop to make, especially in the fall for their pumpkin chocolates. 

→ Averill Farm for cider donuts!

→ Hogan’s Cider Mill for Instagram-worthy fall drinks and the most fun fall vibes. 

Day 8 – Drive To Salem, MA For One Night

Optional Adjustment : You can also head straight to Boston for two nights, and just plan Salem as a day trip from Boston, which is very easy with the ferry option. 

Heading back into Massachusetts, you’re now on your way to one of the most iconic fall and Halloween destinations in the entire country – Salem. Known for many things, including the Salem Witch Trials, incredible history, and the home to some of the Hocus Pocus movie filming locations, there’s so much fall fun to have around Salem.

Salem’s fall foliage also peaks later in October, so it;s possible you’ll be a bit too early to see it at peak, however, it’s still very much worth a visit. 

Salem, while a city, is actually pretty small – or, at least, the area you’ll be visiting is. All the top attractions are walkable from one another (for the most part), so you can easily see it all as a day trip, which is why I’ve given you the option to also head straight to Boston, and do Salem as a separate day trip. 

Where to stay in Salem : If you choose to stay the night, most places will require a two-night stay, but I’ve found some options that are perfect for a one-night stay. If you’re up for commuting in, you can also look for places in surrounding areas like Peabody and Beverly (which usually have some chain hotels with cheaper rates!).

Hotel Options In Salem Allowing One-Night Stays In October: 🍁 Hawthorne Hotel 🍁 The Hotel Salem

Optional stops in the Sturbridge, MA area on your way:

→ Old Sturbridge Village , which is a living museum that replicates life in New England in the early 1800s. There’s lots of beautiful foliage here, a covered bridge, and overall, it’s so fun to walk around. Highly recommend! But this stop does require at least an hour or so. This stop is pretty much on your way to Salem, too!

→ Saw Dust Coffee House , which is right by Old Sturbridge Village. This is such a cool coffee shop that always has fun, seasonal drinks, and also delicious baked goods. A great place to stop for a fall drink and snack for the road.

→ Tree House Brewing in Charlton , which is just a few minutes from Sturbridge. This is easily the best brewery in New England, so it’s a great stop to make if you love craft beer. They also only sell their beer at their limited locations around New England, not in stores, which is why it’s worth a trip.

Best Things To Do In Salem In October:

→ Visit the Salem Witch Trial Memorial . This is a small little memorial by a cemetery, but it’s somehow still very powerful.

→ See The House of Seven Gables , which is the actual house that Nathanial Hawthorn wrote about in his book of the same name. 

→ Walk around the side streets around the House of Seven Gables – lots of beautiful, historic homes are found here!

→ Walk past the Witch House . I don’t think it’s necessary to go inside, but it’s one of the last-remaining buildings in Salem with direct ties to the Witch Trials, so you definitely want to at least see the outside.

→ Walk over to Chestnut Street , which is regarded as one of the most beautiful streets in the entire country. The houses over here are so stunning!

→ Have lunch at the Lobster Shanty , and if you’re up for it, get the lobster martini 😉

→ Walk up and down Essex Street , which is a pedestrian street filled with shops and such. 

→ Head to the Salem Martime National Historic Park , where you’ll find a small lighthouse you can walk to, the Friendship tall ship, and the very cool historic Sail Loft. 

→ Take a Hocus Pocus tour , which takes you to the filming locations around town! 🍁 Click here to check out the tour .

If you’re planning to stay in Boston instead, and taking a day trip to Salem, consider taking the Boston to Salem, MA ferry! Parking in and around Salem in October can be challenging, especially on weekends, and traffic getting in and out of the city can be tough, too. However, the ferry takes away all that potential stress. Driving there and back is still a good option, as the ferry prices can add up quickly, however, the ferry is a very, very convenient and fun options. Be sure to book both your outbound and return tickets, as they’re reserved in two separate transactions!

🛳️ Click here to check rates & availability for the Boston → Salem Ferry

Psst! I also have some posts you may find helpful while planning your time in Salem, including my Salem, MA day trip guide , and my guide on the best time to visit Salem, MA . 

Day 9 – Drive To Boston, Making Stops On The North Shore (optional)

Depending on your preferences, you can either head back to Boston on this day, or you can drive a bit further north to see some really beautiful foliage towns before heading into Boston. The choice is yours!

About 45 minutes north of Salem is the beautiful town of Newburyport, and it’s a bit of an under-the-radar destination for folks who aren’t local to the area. I always like to describe Newburyport as stepping onto the set of a Hallmark movie. It’s idyllic, waterfront, and packed with amazing shops and eateries. And, it’s entirely walkable. Every time I take somewhere for the first time, they can’t believe how gorgeous and cozy it is.

Newburyport is also my favorite North Shore town for fall foliage, and you’ll find tree-lined streets, and a waterfront park filled with colorful trees toward mid to late October. I absolutely think it’s worth the excursion to explore up this way. 

If you’re looking to see some of the North Shore while on your trip, but don’t want to venture all the way up to Newburyport, I also love to visit Manchester-By-The-Sea . This small town is packed with fall color around the same time (toward the end of October), and the waterfront scenery combined with historic buildings is lovely. It’s much smaller than Newburyport, and offers fewer things to do and see, but it makes for a lovely, quick stop. 

Just south of Salem is Marblehead , which is also a very cozy waterfront town to explore in the fall, and less out of the way than both Newburyport and Marblehead. I absolutely love Marblehead, and the historic district is a wonderful place to walk around for an hour or so. 

Best Things To Do In Newburyport:

→ Walk around Market Square , which is the main downtown area, and visit the shops.

→ Walk over to Tannery Marketplace to visit the shops there, and pop into Chococoa for a fall beverage, and one of their delicious homemade whoopie pies. 

→ Walk along the waterfront , and admire the fall foliage from the park. 

→ Take a drive over to Plum Island , if you have time, and explore the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which is beautiful, and has a lovely boardwalk trail through the salt marshes and along the coast.

Best Things To Do In Manchester By The Sea:

→ Park by Masconomo Park, and walk around the harbor. There’s tons of amazing foliage here if you can time your visit just right with peak. 

→ Walk up Beach Street from there, and visit the shops in town. 

→ In the opposite direction, you can also walk along Beach Street to get to Singing Beach , which is lovely. It’s named after the sound the sand makes when you cuff your feet in it just right. 

Best Things To Do In Marblehead:

→ Explore the charming historic area , which is close to the Harbor Light Inn.

→ Visit the shops in that same area , mostly along Washington Street.

→ Take a drive to Chandler Hovey Park to see the lighthouse.

→ Drive over to Castle Hill to take in amazing coastal views. If you’re comfortable with it, you can climb the giant rock, too!

At the end of this day, or late afternoon, head into Boston to spend the night! I have more detailed information on what to see in Boston in the fall in the next section. 

Psst! I have some more detailed posts on the best things to do in Newburyport, MA , and the best things to do in Marblehead, MA , if you’re interested in learning more about what they offer 😉

Day 10 – Explore Boston

The last destination on your New England fall foliage road trip, is Boston. As New England’s biggest city, it’s packed with incredible things to do, but honestly, the fall season here is magical. The city is so historic, and filled with cobblestone streets, so the cozy fall season is truly the best backdrop for all of it. 

I also saved Boston for last because of all the places mentioned in this itinerary, it’s the last to showcase peak foliage. If you want to see fall color around the city, it typically hits peak closer to the end of October, but you can usually see some fall color by mid-October, depending on the year.

While one night is definitely not enough to experience it all, you’ll definitely be able to see the highlights. And if you’re more of a city person, or you want a few nights in one place before flying back home, you can always skip the North Shore/Salem options, and head straight to Boston for a couple of days. 

Where to stay in Boston : I always recommend you stay in the downtown area, and ideally, in the Waterfront, Financial, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or North End neighborhoods. In these areas, you’ll be able to walk pretty much anywhere, unless you have mobility concerns. 

My hotel recommendations in Boston in the fall: 🍁 Boston Harbor Hotel 🍁 Revere Hotel Boston Common 🍁 The Godfrey

Best Things To Do In Boston In The Fall:

→ Walk around the Public Gardens, Charles River Esplanade, and Boston Common . The Gardens and Common are in the heart of the city, and close to each other near Beacon Hill. And the Esplanade is a bit of a further walk, but not bad at all (and totally worth it). These three areas have beautiful fall foliage, and lots of picture-worthy moments.

→ Explore the Beacon Hill neighborhood , which is close to the Public Garden. This is my favorite neighborhood in the city, and where you’ll find the most charm. 

→ Grab a fall drink and apple turnover from Tatte (pronounced like latte 😉). These cafés are so beautiful on the inside, and there are a few locations around the city. 

→ Take a spooky tour! There are so many ghost stories and lore that originate in Boston, and these ghost tours are especially fun in the fall season!

→ Walk the Freedom Trail . While this isn’t fall-specific, it’s one of the best things to do in the city. This trail winds through a big part of the city, and takes you to the most historically-significant places. 

Psst! I have some more detailed guides on Boston you may want to check out, including the best Boston food tours , and visiting Boston in the fall . 

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 an extra day to either the White Mountains or Litchfield Hills. There’s probably more actual sites to see in the White Mountains, but adding a day to either will allow you a more relaxed pace.

With an extra day in the White Mountains, you may also want to consider taking a drive to the Lake Winnepesaukee area. From the White Mountains, the drive from the eastern side (North Conway, Jackson, etc.), down Routes 113 and 25 are the best option. Some cool stops to check out on this drive are:

→ Chocorua Lake and Mountain (the Basin Lot Overlook is great!)

→ Sandwich to see Durgin Covered Bridge, Sandwich Creamery, and stop for some bites at The Foothills Cafe & Curio.

→ Moultonborough, to visit Castle in the Clouds for awesome views.

→ End in the charming town of Meredith on Lake Winnepesaukee, and be sure to drive to Cider Bellies for the best cider donuts I’ve ever had!

Option 2: Use both extra days to head up to Acadia National Park. I used to include this stop in this itinerary, but recently removed it. Why? Most of my readers have an average of 7-10 days for this road trip, and since it’s all about the best foliage, I thought other places around the region offered more in terms of fall color. Acadia is INCREDIBLE, and I recommend going out of your way on pretty much all of my other road trips, especially along the coast. So, this is an awesome option to consider. There’s some lovely foliage up in Acadia, but it’s not quite as abundant as places like VT and NH, simply because there are so many pine trees. Is it worth it, though? YES. Especially if you have 12 days or more. 

Option 3 : Add extra time to Central Vermont to see Burlington, Shelburne, and Lake Willoughby.

Burlington, Shelburne, & Lake Willoughby, VT 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.

→ If you want an especially scenic drive, drive from Stowe or Woodstock to Waitsfield, and cruise along the Appalachian Gap on your way to Burlington/Shelburne. This is a gorgeous drive through the mountains, and there’s an awesome overlook mid-way with an amazing view. This drive is just a bit out of the way, but worth it.

→ 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.

→ Lake Willoughby is a gorgeous lake, and surrounded by mountainous foliage in the fall season. It peaks a bit before the Stowe region, but you may be able to see some epic fall color. Drive around the lake, and hike the Mount Pisgah trail for view of the foliage and lake from above.

More Places To Check Out near Stowe If You Have Time :

Some of these places are further north, and will likely be past peak when you visit, depending on your specific trip timing. However, if you add an extra day to this part of the itinerary, these are some more cool places to check out:

→ 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 Waitsfield area to see more covered bridges there, and beautiful scenery along the drive. 

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, with some minor adjustments.

7 Day Road Trip Overview :

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston, drive to the White Mountains Day 2 : Explore the White Mountains Day 3 : Drive to Stowe, VT Day 4: Explore this region of Vermont Day 5 : Drive down to The Berkshires for one night Day 6 : Drive to Litchfield Hills, or Salem, MA Day 7 : Return To Boston for one night

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.

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).

→ Casual Layers . The best way to dress in the fall season is with layers. I usually wear jeans, a light t-shirt, and then a sweater or jacket over that. If it’s forecasted to be chillier than usual, I’ll add a scarf or a hat to keep me warm. New England is a pretty casual place, especially the destinations I’ve listed in this itinerary. No need to pack dresses and such.

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

→ Comfortable walking 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.

→ 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.

My Tips For Planning A Trip To New England In The Fall

→ 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 2023 road trip, I barely had service through much of New Hampshire, Vermont and The Berkshires. 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.

→ Be respectful of private property . Popular places in foliage towns have begun to restrict tourist access to roads because too many people have trespassed to get the perfect photo. Always have an awareness of when you may be encroaching on people’s private homes and land, and follow all signage. Trust me when I say, there are so many places around this entire region that are postcard-worthy, and you don’t need to break any rules to get amazing photos!

→ Stay safe while taking photos. Similar to my previous tip, never put yourself or others in danger, to get a great photo. For example, if you see a spot along a road with no safe place to pull over, or the only place to pull over is private property, move on. You’ll drive by so many postcard-worthy scenes, but you can’t snap photos of them all 😉 Allow them to safely live in your memory, and only take the photos that are safe to do so.

→ New England’s highways charge tolls . Recently, many parts of this region have switched to electronic tolling, meaning you don’t stop when going through, and your license plate will be billed for the charges. If you’re renting a car, your rental company will go over how this all works, but they will likely just charge your card on file for any tolls you incur during your trip, which is very easy!

→ 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 😉

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 is 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.

New England Fall Road Trip – FAQ

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. If it does snow, it likely won’t be a lot.

Are The Fall Colors As Bright In Person As They Are In Photos?

Honestly, yes, which is why it’s so amazing to see it in person. I know that some photographers like to amp up color saturation when they edit their photos, and for any that take it too far, you can usually tell because it looks borderline fake. But many of the photos you see online and on social media are accurate. When I edit my fall photos, I’m really careful to edit the color saturation to accurately reflect what I experienced in person.

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
• 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 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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How To Plan Your First New England Fall Foliage Road Trip: Dates, Places + Itinerary

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: August 23, 2021

Updated: August 20, 2024

There are many places you can visit in the world to see leaves transform into vibrant yellows, oranges, browns and reds. But those places pale in comparison to the US northeast’s New England, where science and nature combine to dazzle visitors with an extraordinary light show each year. We’ve driven two New England fall road trips for a total of 6 weeks, and we can honestly say they’re some of the best weeks we’ve had since we began traveling full time in 2018. In this comprehensive guide we explain everything you need to know about planning your first New England fall road trip itinerary, based on our extensive experiences. We’ll show you the dates you should travel, the places you should visit and itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 14 days.

Our Experience

So you know we’ve spent a lot of time in New England during the fall foliage season. But where did we go and how did we plan our trips?

2020 : We spent the last few days of September and the first 2 weeks of October driving a lot of miles through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. We tried to fit in every place on the map, so we were constantly on the move. It was amazing but it was also exhausting. We included Acadia and even coastal towns like Boothbay Harbor and Portland, along with popular fall foliage spots like Stowe, Woodstock and Franconia.

2023 : We learned our lesson! Instead of trying to cram, we focused mainly on Vermont and New Hampshire for almost 4 weeks. They were the two states we enjoyed most from our first trip because they had the quintessential rolling hills, dense forests, quaint towns, fun hikes and stunning photo spots we expected from a New England road trip in fall. We also did a few days in New York at the beginning and a few days in Massachusetts at the end. Now, we did not have peak fall colors for our whole trip, but we knew that would be the case. The goal was to slow down and spend more time in each place.

Using the knowledge we’ve gained, we’re going to help you plan your own road trip in this guide. But if you’re a serious planner like us, don’t forget to take a look at our popular New England fall road trip guidebook which goes into far greater detail with maps, itineraries and much more.

The Science Behind Fall Colors

First things first, you absolutely want to plan your trip so that you’re in New England for peak fall foliage colors. The peak is a small window of around 3-5 days when the colors are most vibrant in any given place. But each place has a different peak time and it’s very hard to predict. So what did we know about the science behind fall colors to give us the best chance of being in the right place at the right time?

Well, we knew that fall colors peak in the north first and then slowly work south. For instance, New England’s peak fall foliage season is a few weeks before the Blue Ridge Parkway’s peak season because that region is much further south. We also knew that elevation played an important role. Colors change first in the mountainous regions of New England before they do at lower elevations.

But the most important aspect each year is the weather conditions leading into autumn. The timing of peak colors can be impacted by climate events like a late spring or an intense summer drought.

In addition to latitude, elevation and weather conditions, there are more specific conditions once we reach autumn:

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

So what are the perfect conditions for 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. And that’s when you see the vibrant colors.

Prioritizing Vermont + New Hampshire

New England contains 6 states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. In autumn, the entire region transforms into an adventure playground for leaf-peepers and passionate photographers. But there are two states that we think you have to prioritize when planning your first New England fall road trip, especially if you’re short on time:

• Vermont : Rolling hills overflowing with charming rural towns, barns and covered bridges. The state is 80% covered in forest and that can only mean one thing, spectacular fall foliage everywhere you look. We think it’s the most photogenic place in New England.
• New Hampshire : Mountains, hikes and dramatic scenery. We think it’s the best place in New England for outdoor activities and hiking during the fall foliage season, and it even has a wonderful mini road trip called the Kancamagus Highway.

In our opinion, Vermont’s Green Mountains and New Hampshire’s White Mountains have the best scenery, colors, towns, hikes and photo spots. We also love New York’s Adirondacks (which technically isn’t in New England, gasp!) and think it’s the next best place to visit. And we also really like Acadia but it’s a long way from the core foliage areas in Vermont and New Hampshire.

You also need to make a decision about whether you want to focus on fall foliage destinations only, or combine the major fall spots with popular New England coastal cities like Boston, Portland and Providence.

We know there’s more to New England, but you should stick to inland Vermont and New Hampshire if you’re visiting primarily for the fall colors. If you do decide to tag on some days in the cities or coastal towns during peak foliage dates, you’ll have to compromise on the places we’ll cover in this guide.

What If You Have More Time?

If you have 10 days or more, you might want to consider tagging on one or two places in New York, Maine or Massachusetts. We recommend Lake Placid, NY and Acadia, ME above all other places. They offer the most bang for your buck based on the extra driving and organizing you’d have to do to accommodate them.

Lake Placid isn’t too far from Burlington and Stowe in Vermont, so it’s easy enough to include in your itinerary. Conversely, Acadia is a long way from the core foliage areas in Vermont and New Hampshire, but it’s a fantastic national park so it’s worth the effort. Our advice is to only include Acadia if you have enough time or you desperately want to see the park, otherwise leave it for another trip.

Lastly, we drove the Mohawk Trail (US-2) in Massachusetts at the end of our second New England fall road trip. It was nice, but it wasn’t as great as the other places we’ve already discussed. Maine is beautiful in the fall season but it’s enormous so you’d end up losing a lot of time driving between places.

New England Road Trip Dates For Peak Fall Colors

It’s near impossible to come up with the exact dates for a perfect New England peak fall foliage road trip itinerary. But you can give yourself the best shot by being savvy.

Here’s why dates are hard to plan:

• You can’t predict the dates for peak colors. So how do you know when to book hotels for each place?
• You can only be in one place at any given time. If Lake Placid, Stowe and Franconia have peak colors at the same time, how do you choose where to be and when?

But here’s how you can be savvy:

• You can follow the peak fall colors from north to south. If you’re lucky with your dates, you’ll start with the peak and follow it down. This is best case scenario and it’s why we always start our New England fall road trips furthest north and work south.
• Historical data can be used to play the percentages. Look at when places have peaked in the last 10 or 20 years, draw and average and aim for that date. It might not end up working, but it’s at least an educated guess rather than a stab in the dark.

Historically, the last 2 weeks of September and the first 2 weeks of October are when the colors change in New England. That means the middle of September in the far north of Maine and at altitude. And it means the middle of October in the lower lying regions of southern New England. So that would put October 1st in the middle and therefore a peak fall foliage target for northern Vermont and New Hampshire.

Here are the exact dates we recommend you aim for:

• 5 day trip : September 29-October 3
• 7 day trip : September 28-October 4
• 10 day trip : September 27-October 6
• 14 day trip : September 26-October 9
• 21 day trip : September 23 – October 13

Note : Search online for foliage trackers in the weeks leading up to your trip. They won’t be exact, but they will take live conditions leading into fall into account.

Should You Book In Advance?

We’ve always said the hardest part about planning a New England fall road trip is deciding whether to book in advance or book it all last minute. We booked last minute in 2020 and we booked the whole thing in advance in 2023. Both had pros and cons.

Booking last minute:

• Pros : Monitor live fall foliage trackers to guarantee hitting peak colors, itinerary flexibility to combat bad weather days, can choose how long to stay in each place.
• Cons : Limited hotel availability, higher hotel prices, stressful having to find and book hotels each night on the go.

Booking in advance:

• Pros : Don’t have to worry about planning on the go, can book better and cheaper hotels months earlier, far more relaxing.
• Cons : Lose all itinerary flexibility, risk not seeing peak colors, tough luck on bad weather days.

So in the end it comes down to your personal travel preferences. Are you willing to sacrifice flexibility to have it all planned before you arrive into New England? We can honestly say of all the people we met on both trips, it was 50/50 between people booking in advance and last minute.

Need help planning your New England road trip?

Our popular New England fall travel guidebook helps you with planning every aspect of your road trip, including the best places to stop, where to see fall colors, where to eat and stay, itinerary ideas and map!

Places To Visit On A New England Fall Road Trip

Let’s move onto the fun part, choosing which places you’ll add to your itinerary. Now, there’s a bunch of great spots to visit all across New England. But you might have a different style to the next visitor, so we think it’s important to cover various types of destination so you can pick the best places for your preferences. For instance, some are relaxing but others are adventurous.

Personally, we think there are certain places that absolutely should not be missed. But that’s because we’re hikers and photographers, both of which may or may not interest you. So instead of listing just the spots we like the most, we’re going to show you a total of 15 places to consider including into your itinerary, then you can decide for yourself. We’ve been to all of them, which you can see in our photos below.

1. Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia is one of our favorite US national parks . We love its short but steep hikes leading to magical views over lakes, rolling hills and the ocean. It also has lots of great photo spots and it does transform into a stunning fall foliage destination. We saw vibrant colors from mountain summits, carriage roads, the park loop road and especially around Jordan Pond. Our favorite hikes were Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail .

The problem with Acadia is figuring out how to make it fit into your New England fall road trip. It’s awesome, but it’s also 200 miles from the nearest place we cover in this guide, North Conway. We drove across to Acadia in 2020, before driving the coast to Boothbay Harbor and Portland. They were all great, but Acadia was so busy and we missed out on peak foliage colors in Vermont and New Hampshire. In hindsight, we’d have saved the coast and Acadia for a separate trip.

Things to do:

• Hike the best Acadia trails
• Walk around Jordan Pond
• Drive the park loop road
• Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
• See waves crash at Thunder Hole
• Watch sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

READ : What you can’t miss in Acadia

2. Burlington, VT

Burlington is a fun college town that might appeal if you’d prefer to stay in a lively part of New England, rather than a quaint and quiet town. You can eat and drink along the famous Church Street, walk along the shores of Lake Champlain, visit museums, taste chocolate and even cycle along a causeway cutting through the lake. We visited Burlington on both our road trips, and we enjoyed our time but we didn’t stay for long.

You can see fall colors at Ethan Allen Homestead, but it’s not a classic New England fall foliage destination so only plan to stay here if you want to include a bit more of a built up area into your itinerary for a night or two. We struggled to book hotels in Burlington because they are very limited and expensive in the fall, so you might need to look in surrounding areas like Colchester for cheaper rates.

• Eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere along Church Street
• Walk through Waterfront Park alongside Lake Champlain
• Cycle the Island Line Trail to Grand Isle
• Explore Ethan Allen Homestead
• Stand on top of Ethan Allen Tower for fall foliage views
• Taste chocolate at Lake Champlain Chocolates flagship store

READ : Top things to do in Burlington VT

3. Crawford Notch State Park, NH

Crawford Notch is a hugely underrated state park located between Mount Washington and North Conway in the White Mountains. We missed it on our first road trip, but after researching more thoroughly for our second road trip we knew we couldn’t miss it. The star attraction is a 3-mile roundtrip hike with less than 1,000 feet elevation gain to the summit of Mount Willard.

So we hiked up to Mount Willard and the views were truly outstanding. If you’re a hiker and you’re looking for off the beaten path trails with great views, you should include Mt Willard into your New England fall road trip itinerary. We also hiked Arethusa Falls Trail, which was great but not essential by any means.

• Hike Mount Willard Trail
• Hike Arethusa Falls Trail
• Visit Willey House

4. Franconia Notch State Park, NH

Franconia Notch State Park has 2 places you simply can’t miss. First is Artists Bluff, a very short but steep hike leading to a summit with sensational views. We’d actually say it’s one of the most iconic fall photo spots in New Hampshire. And the second is Flume Gorge, a 2-mile walk through narrow gorges, forested paths and waterfalls. Our favorite part of Flume Gorge is the picturesque Flume covered bridge.

There are more things to do in the area, but these are the two things you should prioritize. We’ve done both twice, and we’d do them again next time. And a bonus tip, when you hike Artists Bluff we advise you to complete the loop with Bald Mountain for more amazing views over Echo Lake. Franconia Notch is definitely one of our favorite parts of the core New England fall road trip route.

• Hike Artists Bluff Trail
• Walk through the popular Flume Gorge
• Take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
• Hike lots more trails

5. Kancamagus Highway, NH

The Kancamagus Highway is a magnificent 35-mile scenic drive through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It’s loaded with far reaching vistas, great hiking trails and cozy riverside picnic spots. But you absolutely don’t have to hike to see the best bits along the route, it’s main highlights are accessible for everyone.

Despite only being 35 miles long, we recommend you allow at least 4 hours to drive the Kancamagus Highway. And plan for longer if you’ll be hiking. Stop as often as you can because this is pure fall foliage bliss, especially if you hit it at peak. We’ve driven it twice and it’s easily one of our favorite parts of the New England fall road trip route. You shouldn’t miss it.

• Stop at the many scenic vistas
• Hike to Sabbaday Falls
• Walk on the Rocky Gorge boulders
• Hike Mount Chocorua
• Photograph Russell-Colbath House
• See the Albany Covered Bridge

READ : How to drive the Kancamagus Highway in fall

6. Keene, NH

Keene is a small but vibrant and attractive city in southern New Hampshire. It has a great downtown area with highly rated restaurants and it’s surrounded by quaint covered bridges. We missed this area first time around, but after learning that nearby Mount Monadnock was one of the most hiked trails in the world, we couldn’t miss it on our second road trip and Keene was the perfect place to use as a base.

Mt Monadnock via White Dot and White Cross is a fun and challenging trail leading to sensational 360 degree summit views. It instantly became one of our favorite hikes in the US northeast, so we highly recommend including Mt Monadnock into your itinerary if you enjoy hiking. You’ll need to buy a hiking permit in advance, but it’s well worth it.

• Hike Mt Monadnock
• Drive south to covered bridges
• Relax in town

7. Killington, VT

Killington is the most popular ski resort in New England, so it’s peak season is winter. But it’s also a magical fall foliage destination because the mountain resort is surrounded by nothing but trees in all directions. We prioritized nearby Woodstock first time around, but we decided to spend a night at the mountain resort second time around and we’re so glad we did.

When you spend your trip in jam-packed places like Stowe and Woodstock, it’s nice to have a break, sit back and soak up the tranquility in a place like Killington mountain resort. We sat in the Grand Resort Hotel’s outdoor hot tub staring at mountain slopes covered in deep reds and oranges for hours, then the next morning we flew our drone at sunrise to capture photos with soft light. Highly recommend!

• Take a day off and recharge
• Stay at Killington Grand Resort Hotel
• Eat on the mountain road
• Cable car to Killington Peak
• Mountain biking in the forest
• Hike to Thundering Brook Falls

8. Lake Placid, NY

Lake Placid is a charming four season mountain resort village in the heart of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Although it isn’t considered New England, we’ve started both our fall road trips in Lake Placid and we will do the same again next time because it’s awesome. There’s a ton of great things to do nearby, including mountain drives, hikes and even Olympic history.

If you’re looking for a relaxing road trip with few activities, don’t bother with Lake Placid. But if you prefer to visit places overflowing with attractions and hikes, you should seriously consider making the extra effort to fit it in. Other than Stowe, we’d say Lake Placid is the best town on the New England road trip route to use as a base for adventurous outdoor activities.

• Walk around serene Mirror Lake
• Tour the Olympic ski jumping complex
• Visit John Brown barn
• Drive Whiteface Mountain auto toll road
• Take the Cloudsplitter cable car to Little Whiteface
• Walk through picturesque High Falls Gorge
• Hike Mount Marcy , the tallest peak in New York
• Visit the Olympic Museum

READ : The things you can’t miss in Lake Placid NY

9. Lake George, NY

Lake George is definitely a bit of a wildcard entry into our list. We spent a few days here at the very beginning of our second New England fall road trip, before going to Lake Placid. Now, it’s a lovely spot, there’s plenty to do and we enjoyed it. But for us Lake George is not a quintessential fall foliage destination.

It’s a slow pace kind of place, so it’ll be a great addition to your itinerary if you’re going with a relaxing, easy going road trip theme. But don’t bother if you prefer places with lots of outdoor adventure or if you just want to see the core foliage spots. Our favorite activity was the Lake George cruise with audio tour, closely followed by Fort William Henry Museum.

• Take the Lake George steamboat
• Visit Fort William Henry Museum
• Relax at the beach
• Drive up to Prospect Mountain summit
• Hike Shelving Rock Falls

10. Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular New England vacation spot for tourists and locals year round. The lake is surrounded by trees, which means stunning colors light up its shoreline during peak fall foliage. What sets Lake Winnipesaukee apart is that it has 4 very different towns to visit: Meredith, Weirs Beach, Laconia and Wolfeboro. It also has a fantastic hike to Mt Major for awesome lake views.

We spent 3 full days driving the 81 mile loop road around the entirety of the lake. In that time we took to the waters aboard M/S Mount Washington, played arcade games, visited Castle in the Clouds and hiked to Mount Major. The hike is excellent, so don’t miss it. We also took the scenic railroad which we think is great for kids but not for adults. We liked Meredith the most out of the towns, so book your hotel there.

• Cruise on M/S Mount Washington
• Visit Castle in the Clouds
• Tent a boat for the day
• Visit the Belknap Mill Society
• Ride the Lake Winnipesaukee scenic railroad
• Play arcade games in Weirs Beach
• Hike Mount Major Trail
• Visit the Wright Museum of World War II

11. Manchester, VT

Manchester is located in the heart of Green Mountain National Forest. It’s a small and quaint town enveloped by rolling hills covered in trees, so this is another unmissable stop for your New England road trip in fall. One of our favorite things to do in Manchester is simply drive around narrow roads in the area looking for great photo spots of the colors. Some of our most unique fall foliage photos are from this part of the Green Mountains.

Manchester can be split into an old historic district and a newer modern resort town. The newer part is livelier and closer to amenities but the historic district is quieter, prettier and more colorful. Two of our favorite hotel experiences across both our trips were here, first was the luxurious The Inn at Manchester and second was the budget friendly but fantastic Arcady Mountain Motor Lodge. We drove the auto toll road to Mount Equinox but Hildene was closed both times we were in town.

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

READ : Unmissable things to do in Manchester VT

12. Mount Washington, NH

Standing at a towering 6,288-feet, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in northeastern United States. It’s renowned for wild and unpredictable weather, including the recording of a world record wind speed over 230 mph. You can hike, drive or take a cog railway to reach the summit of Mt Washington. The colors were vibrant for our first visit in 2020 but it rained heavily. And for our second visit in 2023 we had a beautiful sunny day but the colors weren’t at peak. That’s just the way it goes sometimes.

We’d love to hike it one day but we didn’t have time. We also considered the cog, but tickets were expensive and only middle seats were available so it wasn’t worth it. So we drove up instead, which was equal parts incredible and terrifying! But it was definitely worth it to stand on the summit. The views are immense in all directions, plus there’s a bunch of great educational exhibits about the mountain. We highly recommend you get up to the summit one way or another.

• Hike to the summit via Tuckerman Ravine Trailhead
• Or hike from Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead
• Drive Mt Washington Auto Road to the summit
• Take the Cog Railway to the summit
• Visit nearby Glen Ellis Falls

13. North Conway, NH

North Conway is a popular place to use as a base for exploring the White Mountains. It’s on the east side of the Kancamagus Highway, and it’s not far south of both Mt Washington and Crawford Notch State Park. We stayed there on both our trips because it made sense logistically. But it also has great restaurants, a few fun attractions and a tax-free shopping outlet.

We visited Echo Lake State Park, Cathedral Ledge Lookout and Diana’s Baths. Of the three, we recommend Diana’s Baths. We also took the cheapest route on North Conway Scenic Railroad, which wasn’t great. With that said, there is a special fall foliage route which looks much better, but it’s also more expensive. The nearby small town of Jackson is also worth visiting to see covered bridges.

• Hike to Diana’s Baths
• Drive to Cathedral Ledge Lookout
• Visit Echo Lake State Park
• See covered bridges in Jackson
• Shop at the outlet mall

14. Stowe, VT

Stowe is arguably the most unmissable place to visit on a New England fall road trip. We love Stowe because it has fun hikes, scenic drives, waterfalls, stunning photo spots, great restaurants and awesome breweries. So it really ticks a lot of boxes. There’s a handful of New England fall foliage photos that you’ll see in every calendar, and Stowe’s white church is one of them. We recommend you photograph it from Salon Salon and Sunset Rock. And don’t miss a drive through the scenic Smugglers Notch, it’s awesome.

Stowe consists of three different areas: Downtown, Mountain Road and Stowe Mountain Resort. Downtown is nice to walk around and the Mountain Road is where you’ll find most hotels, restaurants and breweries. The Mountain Resort is where you’ll find Mount Mansfield, which you can drive, hike or take a gondola. We did the gondola first which was expensive and there’s not much to do at the end unless you hike up a steep trail to the summit. So we also drove the auto toll road and then hiked a gentle trail across the ridge which was amazing.

• Photograph Stowe church
• Drive Mt Mansfield auto road
• Take the SkyRide Gondola to Mt Mansfield
• Hike Mt Mansfield nose to chin
• Drive through Smugglers Notch
• Take a walk on Stowe Rec Path
• Ride a bike through Lamoille Valley
• Hike to Bingham Falls
• Hike to Moss Glen Falls
• Visit von Trapp Brewery
• Don’t miss the other breweries

READ : What you cant miss in Stowe VT

15. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock is the most picturesque and charming town you’ll visit on your New England fall road trip. It’s not adventurous but it’s extremely attractive, so this is a place to relax and pull out your camera. Two more photos you’ll find on every New England fall calendar are Sleepy Hollow Farm and Jenne Road Farm near Woodstock. Unfortunately, the roads to those farms were closed when we visited in 2023 because inconsiderate tourists were littering and even entering the properties, which is a real shame.

But the whole town of Woodstock is photogenic, so walk around the streets, find lots of covered bridges, see the cows at Billings Farm, visit Marsh Billings Rockefeller park and maybe even hike up to a Woodstock viewpoint at Mt Tom. You should also visit nearby Quechee. Woodstock is one of the most expensive places to stay in New England, but you might get a good price if you book way in advance. We’d love to stay at the Woodstock Inn but it’s not cheap!

• Walk around the charming town
• Photograph Jenne Road Farm and Sleep Hollow Farm
• Visit the various covered bridges
• Explore Marsh Billings Rockefeller Park
• See Jersey dairy cows at Billings Farm and Museum
• Visit nearby Quechee Gorge and village

READ : Fun things to do in Woodstock VT

Itinerary Considerations

Okay, so you know the best places to visit but how do you string them together to plan an efficient New England fall road trip itinerary? Well, everyone will have different ways of traveling based on things like hiking or not hiking, budget, preferring cities over villages and most importantly time frames.

So we’re going to cover two different itinerary ideas for 5 days, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days to give you lots of options and references to work with. The first itinerary for each time frame assumes flying into Montreal (or another airport further north) and out from Boston (or NYC), and the second itinerary assumes flying into and out from Boston (or NYC). This should cover most visitors.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before we get into the itinerary ideas:

• How many days do you have available for your trip?
• Which places are top of your list? Vermont? New Hampshire? Acadia?
• Are you in New England primarily for fall colors?
• Or are you focused on hiking with foliage as an added bonus?
• Do you want to book accommodation in advance or take it day by day?
• Will you stay in towns or remote rural areas?
• What is your budget? Can you afford to splurge on activities?

Remember, the itineraries below are just examples. Use them to help plan your route, but adapt them to suit your style of travel. For instance, we like to see and do as much as we can when we travel, whereas you might prefer to take things slow and spend more time in each place. Note : We cover 15 different itinerary ideas in much greater detail in our New England fall guidebook .

5 Days New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

We’ll be honest, 5 days isn’t a lot of time to get through much. You have 2 choices, either spend your trip in just a few places or drive a lot to pack in as much as you can. We’d do the latter, so here are two different ways to plan a 5 day trip:

Itinerary 1: Stowe VT to Manchester VT

• Day 1 : Stowe
• Day 2 : Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch
• Day 3 : Kancamagus Highway
• Day 4 : Woodstock
• Day 5 : Manchester

This itinerary hits the major fall foliage spots in both Vermont and New Hampshire in just 5 days. You won’t have long in each place and there’s a fair bit of driving involved, but you’ll see the best bits.

Itinerary 2: Lake Winnipesaukee to Manchester VT

• Day 1 : Lake Winnipesaukee
• Day 2 : Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch
• Day 3 : Stowe and Burlington
• Day 4 : Lake Placid
• Day 5 : Woodstock and Manchester

This itinerary has even more driving and even less time in each place. But it takes in 3 more places than the itinerary above. We’d cut Lake Winnipesaukee first if we wanted to free up more time somewhere else.

7 Days New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With a week you can relax a bit more, but we’d still stick to those core fall foliage spots to save losing time on longer drives. Here are two different ways to plan a 7 day trip:

Itinerary 1: Lake Placid NY to Manchester VT

• Day 1 : Lake Placid
• Day 2 : Stowe
• Day 3 : Franconia Notch
• Day 4 : Mt Washington and Crawford Notch
• Day 5 : Kancamagus Highway
• Day 6 : Woodstock
• Day 7 : Manchester

This itinerary is action packed but it covers the best spots in a week. You can accomplish quite a lot with one full day for each stop, so this is a great route to follow if you have 7 days and prefer to fit in as much as you can.

• Day 2 : Kancamagus Highway
• Day 3 : Franconia Notch and Stowe
• Day 4 : Burlington and Lake Placid
• Day 5 : Lake Placid and Woodstock

This itinerary shows how you can split up certain places into half day visits. Combining stops can significantly increase your efficiency if you’re shorter on time. Again, we’d cut Lake Winnipesaukee first if we wanted to free up another day.

10 Days New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Having 10 days available is when you start to get into the more difficult decisions like including Acadia or Keene for Mt Monadnock versus spending more time in each of the core spots. Here are two different ways to plan a 10 day trip:

• Day 3 : Stowe
• Day 4 : Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch
• Day 5 : Mt Washington
• Day 6 : Kancamagus Highway
• Day 7 : Woodstock
• Day 8 : Woodstock and Killington
• Day 9 : Manchester
• Day 10 : Manchester

This itinerary gives you more time in the most popular fall foliage spots like Stowe, Woodstock and Manchester. This is how we would do 10 days if seeing the fall colors was our top priority.

Itinerary 2: Acadia ME to Keene NH

• Day 1 : Acadia
• Day 2 : Acadia
• Day 3 : North Conway and Crawford Notch
• Day 4 : Mt Washington
• Day 5 : Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch
• Day 6 : Stowe
• Day 7 : Stowe
• Day 8 : Lake Placid
• Day 9 : Lake Winnipesaukee
• Day 10 : Keene

This itinerary is how we would spend 10 days if hiking was our top priority. It involves and awful lot of driving, but this route has amazing trails at each of the stops.

14 Days New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Two weeks gives you a good balance between being able to see more places at a slower pace and also keeping costs at a reasonable level. Although an even longer trip would be great, you do start to get into the super expensive trip category. Here are two different ways to plan a 14 day trip:

Itinerary 1: Lake Placid. NY to Keene NH

• Day 2 : Burlington
• Day 4 : Franconia Notch
• Day 6 : Mt Washington
• Day 7 : Acadia
• Day 8 : Acadia
• Day 9 : Acadia
• Day 10 : Lake Winnipesaukee
• Day 11 : Woodstock
• Day 12 : Woodstock and Manchester
• Day 13 : Manchester
• Day 14 : Keene

This itinerary hits plenty of great spots at a quick pace and it includes Acadia. Three days in Acadia might sound a lot but remember it’s a 4 hour drive there and back to pick up the route.

Itinerary 2: Lake Winnipesaukee to Keene VT

• Day 2 : Franconia Notch
• Day 5 : Stowe
• Day 7 : Burlington
• Day 8 : Burlington and Lake Placid
• Day 9 : Lake Placid
• Day 10 : Lake Placid and Woodstock

This itinerary doesn’t include Acadia so you can see how much more time that gives you in places like Lake Placid and Stowe. We think this route has a fantastic mixture of hiking, photo spots, relaxing and limited driving.

Planning Tips

• It’s logistically better to start in the north and work south
• Drive VT Route 100 from Woodstock to Manchester
• Booking hotels in advance is cheaper but you’ll lose flexibility
• Plan your trip around a core of places you like the look of
• Pack for all types of weather
• We had a very rainy first trip and a very sunny second trip
• Always carry lots of water and snacks in the car
• Try to find elevated vantage points as often as possible
• Some of the most unique fall photos are along rural country roads
• Take multiple spare batteries and SD cards for your camera
• Read our road trip packing essentials guide
• You can use a drone in certain parts of New England
• Don’t worry too much if you miss peak colors
• Read our road trip planning guide

The Morgan Conclusion

What we like : We absolutely love how photogenic New England is in the fall. It’s such a diverse road trip route with great places to hike and take photos. Vermont and New Hampshire in particular are stunning when the colors turn. We really like the towns of Stowe, Woodstock, Manchester, Lake Placid and Keene. They’re great places to spend a night or two along the way.

What we don’t like : The weather can be hit or miss, it rains a lot and without flexibility that can put a real damper on the experience. Hotels are limited and expensive in many of the towns along the route, especially when left until the last minute. Places like Stowe and Woodstock are jam-packed during the peak fall foliage weeks, which can make it slightly less fun.

Is a New England fall road trip worth it? Yes, New England in fall is one of the most memorable road trip routes you can drive in the US. It’s beautiful, rural, picturesque, and it’s filled with quirky attractions and great hikes. After spending almost 6 weeks driving around New England in the fall, we can confidently say it’s one of our favorite road trip destinations.

More From New England

• Fun things to do in Burlington VT
• Top things to do in Woodstock VT
• Best Kancamagus Highway stops
• How to visit the Flume Gorge
• Top things to do in Lake Placid NY
• Unmissable things to do in Stowe VT
• Top things to do in Manchester VT
• Fun Acadia National Park activities

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

Please let us know if you have any questions 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 “How To Plan Your First New England Fall Foliage Road Trip: Dates, Places + Itinerary”

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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• The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip for 2 Weeks

Visiting New England in the fall has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. After spending two weeks exploring the region and taking thousands of pictures of the stunning fall foliage, I can confidently say that it was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken!

Planning this New England fall road trip was pretty challenging though, as there are so many amazing places to visit so it took me several weeks to put it all together.

To make your life easier, I’m going to share the exact itinerary we followed which includes all the must-visit spots and insider tips to help you plan your own perfect New England road trip.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit New England for Fall Colors

Before we dive into the itinerary, let’s talk about the best time to visit New England for those iconic fall colors. The peak foliage season in New England typically runs from late September to mid-October, but it can vary slightly depending on the year and the region.

The northern parts of New England will see the leaves change color first, then it gradually moves down towards the southern parts. Due to this, it’s practically impossible to experience peak fall colors everywhere (unless you drive way up north and then all the way down south) but that’s okay!

For a two-week New England fall road trip, I recommend visiting in the first two weeks of October. We did this road trip between 2-17 October and I think it was the best timing. At the beginning of the trip, Boston and Woodstock were still a bit green but once we reached Stowe and continued onwards, we caught the peak colors everywhere else.

I would also recommend checking the New England Fall Foliage Prediction Map to get an idea of when and where the colors will be at their best during your trip. I found this map to be pretty accurate!

Needless to say, having a car is essential for a fall road trip in New England. We always use Discover Cars to find the best car rental deals and I recommend you do the same!

Overview of Your New England Fall Foliage Road Trip

Breakdown of your 2 weeks in new england.

Here is a quick overview of all the places we visited during our two-week New England fall road trip.

• Day 1: Boston (I recommend arriving the previous day if possible)
• Day 2: Drive from Boston to Woodstock, VT
• Day 3: Woodstock, VT
• Day 4: Woodstock, VT, and drive to Stowe, VT
• Day 5-6: Stowe, VT
• Day 7: Mount Pisgah Trail North and drive to Colebrook, NH

Day 8: Dixville Notch

Day 9: franconia notch.

• Day 10: Scenic drive to Acadia NP via Kancamagus Highway

Day 11-12: Acadia National Park

• Day 13: Portland, Maine
• Day 14: Salem, MA and drive back to Boston 

Where to stay during your New England road trip

If you want to follow our exact itinerary, I recommend staying in the following places:

• Boston:  1 night (or 2 nights if you can arrive the previous day)
• Woodstock VT:  2 nights
• Stowe VT:  3 nights
• Colebrook NH:  2 night
• Lincoln NH:  1 night
• Bar Harbor ME:  3 nights
• Salem MA:  1 night

I also will give you some hotel recommendations for each location in the itinerary below!

Accommodation in New England can be quite expensive, especially during the fall season. Since there aren’t many options in the small towns, I recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible.

If you don’t find any options in the above towns, I suggest checking out nearby towns or cities in a 30-mile radius. Since you’ll have your own car, it doesn’t really matter where you stay exactly as long as it’s not too far away.

Map for your New England fall road trip

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this New England fall road trip itinerary.

I marked the different parts of the road trip with different colors so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks

Now, let’s dive into the detailed itinerary for your perfect New England fall road trip. I’ll be sharing all the must-visit spots, recommended activities, and insider tips to help you plan an unforgettable two weeks in this stunning region.

Day 1: Boston

We started our New England road trip in Boston. If possible, I recommend arriving the previous day and spending two nights here so you can have at least one full day in Boston.

You won’t need a car for this day, so it’s enough to pick it up on day 2. There is a free shuttle that connects the airport with Boston South Station, so I suggest taking advantage of this!

Explore Boston

The Freedom Trail is the number one attraction in Boston. This 2.5-mile connects 16 of the city’s most historic sites and takes you through Boston’s rich history. Some of the must-visit spots along the trail include Faneuil Hall, Old State House, Paul Revere’s house, and Boston Common.

You can either join a guided tour or do it yourself and stop at each site for photos and to learn more about its history.

For lunch, I recommend heading to Quincy Market, a lively food hall with plenty of options for all tastes. If you love seafood, Boston will be a paradise for you! We went for the classics – New England clam chowder and lobster mac and cheese – and both were amazing.

You have a couple of different options for the afternoon. You can either visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum , head out to Fenway Park which is home to the Boston Red Sox, or join a Harvard University tour led by students.

In the evening, take a stroll around Beacon Hill. You’ll find the famous Acorn Street here, one of the most photographed streets in America.

My favorite viewpoint in Boston was Longfellow Bridge where you can get a perfect view of the Boston skyline. We went during sunset and it was truly magical!

For a more detailed itinerary, check out my blog post about how to spend one day in Boston .

Where to stay in Boston 

As you’ll only have a short time in Boston, I recommend staying as central as possible. You can read my in-depth guide about the best areas to stay in Boston or you can check out my recommendations for different budgets below.

• Luxury:  The Eliot Suite Hotel
• Mid-range:  Battery Wharf Hotel
• Budget:  Moxy Boston Downtown

Day 2: Drive from Boston to Woodstock VT

Driving time: 2 hours and 20 minutes (140 miles/225 km) direct from Downtown Boston or 5 hours and 15 minutes (237 miles/381 km) via the scenic route to Woodstock VT

It’s time to pick up your rental car and hit the road! The driving time to Woodstock VT is around 2.5 hours from Boston if you go directly, but I recommend taking a longer and more scenic route.

It will take you around 5 hours, but trust me, it’s totally worth the extra time.

Scenic drive from Boston to Woodstock VT

We took the scenic route to Woodstock and our first stop was Madame Sherri Forest. This is an abandoned castle-like structure that used to be a summer home for Madame Antoinette Sherri in the early 1900s.

It was only a short hike to reach the castle ruins, but it was so good to finally see some fall foliage (this is what we came for after all!). You can also spend more time here if you want to explore the whole Wantastiquet Hiking Trail.

Our next stop was the Hogback Mountain Country Store because I read that there is an amazing viewpoint right next to the store. I was not disappointed! The views from the observation deck were breathtaking and we could see all the different shades of red, orange, and yellow in the mountains.

This place used to be home to the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum but unfortunately, the museum is now closed.

There are two small towns worth stopping by on the way to Woodstock – Bennington and Manchester. Both are charming and have plenty of options for food and shopping.

Manchester is home to the Hildene , the former home of Abraham Lincoln’s son. The property is now open to visitors and features beautifully landscaped gardens, a historic home tour, and a farm with friendly animals.

Hildene is only open until 4:30 pm and it’s also closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. I really wanted to visit but unfortunately, it was closed when we drove past. Next time!

Where to stay in Woodstock VT

Woodstock is a small town and it’s very popular during the fall season. Remember to book ahead to secure a hotel in the town center or plan to stay a little further out. As I mentioned before, I recommend booking 2 nights in this area.

In case Woodstock is fully booked out, you can take a look at accommodations in  Quechee ,  Killington , or even  Rutland .

Although Rutland is a 45-minute drive from Woodstock, this was the closest place where we found a room when booking our accommodation (we booked around 2-3 weeks before our trip).

We stayed at Days Inn by Wyndham Rutland/Killington Area , nothing fancy but it was perfect for a good night’s sleep.

If you book well ahead of time and want to stay in Woodstock itself, take a look at these hotels depending on your budget.

• Luxury: Woodstock Inn & Resort
• Mid-range: 506 On the River Inn Woodstock
• Budget: The Birch Grove

Day 3: Woodstock VT

On the third day of your New England fall road trip, you’ll spend a full day exploring Woodstock VT, and its surrounding areas.

Woodstock is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vermont in the fall , with its charming small-town feel and stunning fall foliage. There are plenty of things to do in Woodstock , so here are some top recommendations for your day.

Explore Woodstock VT

If you want to start your day with a hearty breakfast, I recommend heading to  Mon Vert Cafe for some delicious pancakes and coffee. This cozy cafe is located in the heart of Woodstock and it also has a patio with outdoor seating if the weather is nice.

Woodstock is actually pretty small, so you can easily explore the town on foot. Make sure to visit the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre and take a stroll around the shops in town.

The general stores are super fun to visit and you can find a lot of locally made products here. I recommend checking out F.H. Gillingham & Sons and the Vermont Flannel Company for some cozy fall clothes.

Take a photo of Jenne Road Farm

Driving time: 15 minutes (8.5 miles/13.5 km) from Woodstock

Jenne Road Farm is a picturesque farm located just outside of Woodstock. It’s a popular spot for photographers and Instagrammers, with its red barn and beautiful fall foliage in the background.

The farm is private property so you can only take photos from the road. It’s also a great place to purchase some homemade maple syrup!

2024 UPDATE:  Unfortunately, access to Jenne Road was limited in 2023 for the month of October, so most likely it will be the same in 2024. Be prepared that you might need to skip this spot on your New England fall road trip itinerary.

Drive through the Taftsville Covered Bridge

Driving time: 20 minutes (12 miles/19 km) from Jenne Road Farm

After visiting the farm, take a short drive to the Taftsville Covered Bridge. This iconic bridge is a must-visit spot in Woodstock and it’s one of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont .

You can drive through the bridge but it’s also a good idea to park and wander down to the riverside to see the waterfall. 

Explore the sights of Quechee 

Driving time: 5 minutes (3.5 miles/5.6 km) from Taftsville Covered Bridge to Quechee Covered Bridge, then 12 minutes (7.1 miles/11.5 km) from Quechee back to Woodstock

Quechee is a small village located just outside of Woodstock. It’s home to the Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon” and another covered bridge – the Quechee Covered Bridge.

This is a great photo op as the bridge is really scenic and I also loved the waterfall on the side.

The Quechee Gorge is another must-see when visiting this area. There is a great viewing platform at the Quechee Gorge Bridge which provides an amazing view of the gorge and Ottauquechee River.

The viewpoint was more than enough for me but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike down to the bottom of the gorge. Just be prepared for a challenging climb back up!

Day 4: Woodstock VT and Drive to Stowe

There are a few other great spots to visit around Woodstock VT so I recommend spending at least half a day more in the area before heading to your next destination, Stowe VT.

Sleepy Hollow Farm

Driving time: 7 minutes (2.8 miles/4.5 km) from Woodstock

Sleepy Hollow Farm is another picturesque spot located in Pomfret, Vermont. It’s actually one of the most photographed places in Vermont and for good reason – it’s absolutely stunning.

The farm is located on a rolling hill surrounded by vibrant fall colors. I loved the view so much, it was impossible to stop taking photos!

The farm is private property but you can park along the road and take some amazing photos from there. Just be respectful and don’t enter the farm itself.

It’s a very famous photo spot so it gets insanely crowded during the day. I would recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid having to wait in a long line of cars!

2024 UPDATE: Unfortunately, access to Cloudland Road was limited to locals only in 2023 (from 23 September to 15 October). They will likely make a similar restriction in 2024 too, so plan accordingly.

Sugarbush Farm

Driving time: 15 minutes (4.8 miles/7.7 km) from Sleepy Hollow Farm

Your second farm of the day is one for the foodies:  Sugarbush Farm  is responsible for some of the best cheeses and maple syrup varieties in Vermont!

This 500-acre farm is owned by the Luce family and is open to the public. You can wander around the farm grounds, follow a designated nature walk in the forest, and pop your head into workshops.

They take visitors through the entire process of making maple syrup and they also have a cheese factory. Best of all, we got to taste samples of both maple syrup and cheese. And let me tell you, they were delicious!

There is no entrance fee for the farm but if you love the samples (like I did), you can purchase some of their products from the shop.

Billings Farm & Museum

Driving time: 10 minutes (4.5 miles/7.2 km) from Sugarbush Farm

If you’re interested in learning more about farm life and Vermont’s agricultural history, then the Billings Farm & Museum is a must-visit. This working dairy farm also has a museum that showcases the evolution of farming in Vermont.

You can take a guided tour of the farm to see how cows are milked and learn about other aspects of farm life. We were also able to see some baby cows and they were so cute!

There are also various exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day, so be sure to check their schedule. And if you’re feeling hungry, there’s a restaurant on-site that serves farm-fresh meals.

Where to stay in Stowe VT

Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes (72 miles/115 km) from Billings Farm to Stowe

After spending much of the day exploring around Woodstock, it’s time to hit the road and head to your next destination – Stowe, Vermont.

You will need to book accommodation for 3 nights in Stowe, making this one of the longest temporary bases during your New England fall foliage road trip. 

Accommodation in Stowe is quite limited and pretty expensive, so you might need to look at other towns nearby. Waterbury , Montpelier , and Burlington are all great options.

As we booked only a few weeks before our road trip, there were no options left in Stowe so we ended up staying at Days Inn by Wyndham Colchester Burlington . This was a 45-minute drive from Stowe so it was a bit inconvenient but that’s what happens when you don’t plan ahead!

If you can book early enough, here are my top picks for different budgets.

• Luxury: Trapp Family Lodge
• Mid-range: Sun & Ski Inn and Suites
• Budget: Timberholm Inn

Day 5-6: Stowe, Vermont

I really loved Woodstock so I didn’t think any other place could top it. But then I arrived in Stowe and realized how wrong I was!

Stowe is incredibly charming and has a quintessential American small-town feel. The entire town is surrounded by the Green Mountains and with fall foliage, it’s an absolute dream.

There are countless amazing things to do in Stowe so I recommend spending two full days here. Here are some of my favorite activities.

Explore Stowe VT

The town itself is very small and walkable, so I recommend starting your day with a stroll around Main Street. There are many cute shops and cafes to check out, as well as the famous Stowe Community Church.

If you’re interested in history, don’t miss out on a visit to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum . You should also check out Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge, which is a beautiful covered bridge in the town.

For a little workout, you can either walk the Stowe Recreational Path or hike up to Sunset Rock. I must admit, I expected a better view at the top of Sunset Rock, but it was still a nice hike with fall foliage.

Smugglers’ Notch State Park

Driving through Smugglers Notch State Park was hands down my favorite activity in Stowe. The winding scenic drive is just spectacular and the fall colors were out of this world!

There are also various hiking trails throughout the park, so if you have time to spare I highly recommend exploring them. But even just driving through the park is an experience in itself.

Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in Vermont at 4,395 feet. You can either hike to the summit or take the Gondola Skyride from Stowe Mountain Resort.

It’s a pretty strenuous hike (especially during fall with slippery leaves) so I would definitely take the gondola! Unfortunately, the weather was always cloudy whenever we drove by so we didn’t go up to the top, but I imagine the views would be stunning on a clear day.

Covered bridges

There are a few famous covered bridges near Stowe that are worth checking out.

Gold Brook Covered Bridge is probably the most scenic one. The bridge is also called Emily’s Bridge and there is a spooky legend surrounding it about a woman named Emily who leaped from the bridge after being stood up on her wedding day.

Another covered bridge worth checking out is the Grist Mill Covered Bridge. I particularly loved the river with the mini waterfalls that runs under the bridge!

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour

If you’re a lover of ice cream (and who isn’t?), then you can’t miss out on taking a tour of Ben & Jerry’s Factory in nearby Waterbury. It’s a fun and delicious experience, plus you get to learn about the history of the brand and see how their famous ice cream is made.

You can also visit the Flavor Graveyard where discontinued flavors are laid to rest, and of course, indulge in some free samples at the end of the tour.

Day 7: Mount Pisgah Trail North and Drive to Colebrook

Today you will check out of your Stowe accommodation and drive towards Colebrook NH, making a stop at Mount Pisgah Trail North along the way.

Hike the Mount Pisgah Trail North 

Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes (52 miles/84 km) from Stowe

The Mount Pisgah Trail North is a moderate hike of 4.8 miles (7.7 km) that offers stunning views of Lake Willoughby and the surrounding mountains. It’s a pretty steep hike with 1,650 feet (503 meters) elevation gain but the payoff at the top is totally worth it!

The trailhead is located off of Route 5A in Westmore, VT. Make sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes because the trail can be slippery, especially if it rained recently.

It took us around 2 hours to reach the top and the view was absolutely out of this world! Seeing the fall foliage from above was one of my favorite moments on our New England fall road trip.

Where to stay in Colebrook NH

Driving time: 1 hour (44 miles/70 km) from Mount Pisgah

We were pretty tired after the hike so we drove straight to our accommodation for the night in Colebrook NH. We managed to snag up a room at  Colebrook C.C. & Motel  and it was the perfect base to explore the Dixville Notch area.

If they’re all booked out or you’re looking for something else, here are some other great options:

• Mid-range: Mohawk Cottages
• Budget: Ladd Pond Cabins and Campground

Today we will explore the beautiful Dixville Notch area and then spend another night in Colebrook.

Breakfast at Mostly Muffins

First things first, breakfast! Head over to Mostly Muffins in Colebrook for some delicious baked goods and coffee. They have a variety of muffin flavors and their maple latte is also amazing.

We had a lovely chat with the owner while waiting for our order and she gave us some great tips for the area.

One of the tips was to visit the nearby Beaver Brook Falls, which is a 5-minute drive and has some lovely picnic tables if you want to enjoy your muffins with a view.

Table Rock Hike

Driving time: 15 minutes (10 miles/16 km) from Colebrook

Our next stop was Dixville Notch State Park, which is known for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.

We did the Table Rock Trail, a short but moderately challenging hike that offers beautiful views of the notch and surrounding mountains. It’s only 1.5 miles (2.4 km) out and back but it’s pretty steep with 750 feet (229 meters) elevation gain so make sure you have good hiking shoes.

I’m not going to lie, it was quite a workout to get up there but the view from the top was breathtaking. It’s definitely one of the best spots to see fall foliage in New England!

Be careful at the viewpoint though, it’s a pretty steep drop-off so make sure to watch your steps.

After completing the Table Rock hike, it’s worth taking a stroll around the shores of Lake Gloriette as well. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot with lovely views of the surrounding mountains.

Huntington Falls

Driving time: 2 minutes (1 mile/1.6 km) from Table Rock Trailhead

The Table Rock hike ate up most of our energy so we were looking for an easy activity for the afternoon. Huntington Falls is just a short drive from the trailhead and it’s a beautiful spot to relax and admire the waterfalls.

Once you park up on NH-26 at the Dixville Notch Wayside parking area, you’ll see a smaller waterfall first but a short walk through the forest brings you to a second, bigger waterfall. It’s a truly beautiful spot and the walk through the forest was also really lovely.

Dinner at Black Bear Tavern

Driving time: 15 minutes (12 miles/19 km) back to Colebrook

Once you’re back in Colebrook, my recommendation for dinner is the  Black Bear Tavern .

If the weather is comfortable, you can sit out on the terrace and enjoy a sundowner before eating. In addition to wines, beers, and spirits, the tavern has a great spread of signature cocktails. 

The food is high-quality American pub fare with the likes of burgers, grills, and shareable sides. In a nutshell, it was exactly what we needed after a day of hiking and exploring!

You will check out of your Colebrook accommodation this morning and head towards Lincoln NH with some scenic stops on the way in Franconia Notch State Park. 

Hike to Artist ’s Bluff 

Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes (65 miles/105 km) from Colebrook

Artist’s Bluff was my all-time favorite hike on our New England fall road trip and you definitely can’t miss it!

It’s a really short 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loop trail that takes you up to a viewpoint with magical views over Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain.

The hike is quite steep but we literally made it up in 8 minutes so it’s not too bad. The view on the other hand will take your breath away!

We were lucky enough to catch the fall colors peaking and it was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.

I recommend leaving the car in the Cannon Mountain Rv Park as this is the closest one to the trailhead. The start of the trail is on Profile Road, you will see a wooden sign pointing you in the right direction.

You will come across a fork during your climb – make sure to keep right and follow the sign to Artist Bluff! The other trail is going up to Bald Mountain which is an amazing hike as well but definitely longer.

Flume Gorge 

Driving time: 10 minutes (6.5 miles/10.5 km) from Artist ’s Bluff

Flume Gorge  is located just outside of Lincoln, New Hampshire and it’s one of the most popular attractions in the White Mountains region. It’s a natural gorge that was completely carved out by glaciers many years ago.

You can explore this stunning natural attraction by following a 2-mile (3.2 km) nature trail through the gorge. The walk is super easy and it takes about 1.5 hours to complete the loop.

I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance as tickets sell out pretty quickly in the fall season and they typically don’t accept walk-ins.

Where to stay in Lincoln, NH

Driving time: 10 minutes (5 miles/8 km) from Flume Gorge

After a long day of hiking and exploring, you’ll be ready to check into your accommodation for the night. I recommend booking one night in Lincoln, NH to rest up for another day of adventure tomorrow.

We ended up staying in Lincoln NH before the weekend of Colombus Day and it was absolute madness. We could barely find any free accommodation and ended up booking a room at Parker’s Motel .

It was my least favorite place during our New England road trip and it was also the most expensive one due to the holiday weekend but it was the only option we had left.

Here are some other accommodation options in Lincoln for different budgets:

• Luxury: RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain
• Mid-range: Woodwards White Mountain Resort BW Signature Collection
• Budget: Riverbank Motel and Cabins

Day 10: Scenic drive from Lincoln to Acadia National Park

Today will be all about road tripping, as you will drive all the way to Acadia National Park from Lincoln. You will drive through one of the most scenic roads in the US, the Kancamagus Highway, where you can stop to see different attractions.

The whole driving time is 4.5 hours (245 miles/395 km) without any stops or traffic jams so essentially, you’ll spend the whole day on the road.

I recommend leaving as early as you can as the Kancamagus Highway is known for its insane traffic, especially during fall!

Breakfast at Flapjacks

As I mentioned, this day will be all about driving so make sure to grab some breakfast before you hit the road.

My recommendation is Flapjacks  on Main Street. It’s a cute little spot in Lincoln and they are famous for their homemade pancakes (aka flapjacks, as they call them) and delicious breakfast dishes.

Flapjacks is really popular and gets busy quickly so I recommend getting there early to avoid waiting in line. They usually open at 7 am which is perfect for an early start.

Kancamagus Highway 

Driving time: 45 minutes (35 miles/56 km) to Conway from Lincoln via the Kancamagus Highway (excluding stops and traffic)

The Kancamagus Highway is one of the best fall drives in New England. It’s technically a 45-minute drive without stops from Lincoln to Conway but I would budget at least 3 hours so that you can stop at the amazing attractions as you pass through the White Mountains. 

I’ve written a complete guide about the  Kancamagus Highway fall foliage drive  with every possible information you could ever need to plan your drive.

Here are some of the top attractions and viewpoints along the way:

• Hancock Overlook: a scenic viewpoint overlooking the mountains
• Sabbaday Falls: a short, 15-minute hike to a beautiful waterfall
• Rocky Gorge Scenic Area: a picturesque spot with views of waterfalls and gorges
• Lower Falls: another pretty waterfall along the road
• Albany Covered Bridge: a charming historic covered bridge over the Swift River

Lunch break in Conway NH

Conway is a great place to take a lunch break on your way to Acadia National Park. It’s a cute little town with plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from.

My personal recommendation is Sweet Maple Cafe  which serves delicious homemade breakfast and lunch dishes. Another great place to try is Fire 21 Pizza  if you’re in the mood for some tasty pizza.

Conway NH also has two covered bridges you can visit, the Saco River Bridge and Swift River Bridge. Both are great photo spots and are located close to the town center.

Where to stay in Acadia National Park 

Driving time: 4 hours (211 miles/340 km) to Bar Harbor from Conway

After exploring Kancamagus Highway and stopping for a quick food break in Conway, you need to get back to your car as there is a long drive ahead of you.

The drive from Conway to Bar Harbor takes around 4 hours which was the longest driving day of our trip New England fall road trip.

Bar Harbor is the closest town to Acadia National Park and has plenty of accommodation options. Alternatively, you can stay a bit outside Mount Desert Island for cheaper options.

I recommend booking three nights here so you can have two full days exploring Acadia National Park.

We stayed at Acadia Gateway Motel which was a 15-minute drive from the park entrance. It was a simple, budget-friendly option so it was good, but I regret a bit not staying in Bar Harbor because I loved the town so much!

Here are some great options to stay in Bar Harbor:

• Luxury: Bar Harbor Inn and Spa
• Mid-range: Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B
• Budget: Bar Harbor Manor

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the US, and it’s even more breathtaking during fall. I was absolutely blown away by the stunning landscapes, vibrant fall colors, and coastal views in Acadia!

You can easily explore Acadia with your own car, basically, you just have to follow Park Loop Road which will take you to all the main attractions and viewpoints in the park.

Alternatively, you can leave your car in Bar Harbor and take the free shuttle buses that run frequently between the town and different stops in Acadia.

I’ve put together a very detailed 2 days in Acadia National Park itinerary with all the must-see sights, hikes, and activities in the park. If you’re short on time, I also have a one day Acadia itinerary that covers the highlights of the park.

Here are some of my favorite activities for a quick overview.

Cadillac Mountain 

Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the East Coast and offers stunning panoramic views of Acadia National Park. It’s actually the first place in the US to see the sunrise which is a pretty epic experience!

You can drive all the way up to the summit so no hiking is required. However, you must reserve a timeslot in advance for driving up so keep this in mind.

Sunrise spots are really hard to snag and we weren’t lucky enough to get one, so we decided to reserve a sunset spot instead. It ended up being one of the highlights of our New England fall road trip so I highly recommend doing this!

Hiking in Acadia National Park

There are plenty of hiking options in Acadia, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Some of the best hiking trails in Acadia National Park include:

• Jordan Pond Path (easy): a scenic loop around the beautiful Jordan Pond with stunning views of the Bubbles mountains
• Bowl Trail (easy): a short out-and-back trail leading to The Bowl, a peaceful pond nestled between two mountains
• Beehive Trail (strenuous): an exhilarating hike that involves rock scrambling and ladders with rewarding views at the top
• South Bubble Trail (strenuous) a challenging hike up to the summit of South Bubble mountain with stunning views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains
• Precipice Trail (strenuous): the most challenging hike in the park with steep cliffs and ladders, only recommended for very experienced hikers

We did part of the Jordan Pond Path and we also found out that you can combine the Bowl Trail with the Beehive Trail so you can skip the rock scrambling part but still get the epic views. I’ve written about this route in my 2 days Acadia National Park itinerary so check it out for more details!

Jordan Pond

This picturesque pond is a must-visit spot in Acadia National Park. The water is crystal clear and the view is absolutely breathtaking! You can walk around the whole lake or just relax and enjoy the views close to tha parking lot.

Jordan Pond House is the only restaurant within the park so it’s perfect for a lunch break. They are also famous for their delicious popovers which are basically oversized fluffy rolls served with jam and butter. Yum!

Ocean Path is a scenic route that connects Sand Beach with Otter Point. It runs right next to the Park Loop Road so you can also just drive from one point to the other and make stops at some of the viewpoints along the way.

For a more scenic experience, you can hike the whole 2-mile trail, it’s an easy and flat walk. On the way, you’ll come across Thunder Hole, a natural rock formation where waves crash against the rocks and create a loud “thunder-like” sound. It’s pretty cool to see!

If you’re done with visiting the park, I can also recommend spending a few hours in Bar Harbor. This charming coastal town is full of shops, restaurants, and galleries. I loved the vibes so much!

We stopped here for breakfast and dinner every day, my favorite places were 2 Cats Bar Harbor, Cafe This Way, and Side Street Cafe.

Day 13: Portland ME and Drive to Salem MA

It’s time to check out from your accommodation and drive to one of the spookiest places you’ll visit on this trip – the one and only Salem, Massachusetts! But before that, I recommend stopping in Portland, Maine for a few hours.

If you leave early enough, you can spend pretty much the whole day here and still arrive in Salem by the evening.

Explore Portland, Maine

Driving time: 3 hours (175 miles/282 km) from Bar Harbor to Portland

Portland, Maine is a charming coastal city known for its delicious seafood, historic Old Port district, and picturesque lighthouses. It’s the perfect stop on your way to Salem from Bar Harbor!

Alternatively, you can also drive here the previous evening and spend the night in Portland. This will give you more time to explore the city and its surroundings.

The lighthouses in Portland are definitely worth a visit, especially the iconic Portland Head Light. It’s considered to be one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and it’s easy to see why!

My other favorite was Bug Light, a small but charming lighthouse located in a beautiful park with picnic tables and views of the Portland skyline.

Other popular activities include strolling around the Old Port district, visiting the Portland Museum of Art , or taking in the view from Portland Observatory .

If you love seafood, make sure to try some of the local specialties like lobster rolls or clam chowder. Portland is also really famous for its donuts, so don’t forget to grab one (or a dozen) from The Holy Donut. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

For a more detailed guide on what to do in Portland, check out my one day in Portland, Maine itinerary .

Where to stay in Salem, Massachusetts

Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes (97 miles/156 km) from Portland to Salem

After spending the day (or at least a couple of hours) in Portland, get back to your car and drive 1.5 hours to your final stop on this New England itinerary: Salem, MA.

A final reminder about how quickly accommodation in New England gets booked up in the fall season! Of all the places, Salem is one of the busiest especially as you inch closer to Halloween when people flock here to get a taste of the spooky atmosphere.

If you’re staying in Salem during peak season, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance. Here are my recommendations:

• Luxury: The Merchant
• Mid-range: The Hotel Salem
• Budget: Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites

Day 14: Salem MA and Drive Back to Boston

It’s the last day of your fall foliage New England road trip! You’ll spend the day in Salem before heading back to Boston to complete the itinerary.

Explore Salem MA

Salem is known for its witch history and it’s the perfect place to visit during the Halloween season. However, if you’re not a fan of spooky stuff, there are still plenty of things to do in Salem in the fall that don’t involve witches.

One of the main attractions is the Salem Witch Museum , which tells the story of the 1692 witch trials through life-size figures and narration. You can also visit the House of the Seven Gables , made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, or check out Peabody Essex Museum to see a collection of art and historical artifacts.

For a more immersive experience, you can take a walking tour around the city to learn about its history and visit some of the most iconic sites. The Haunt and History Guided Night Tour is a popular choice, and the 1692 Witchcraft Trials Walk is a good alternative for daytime.

Salem was also the filming location for the popular movie “Hocus Pocus”, so you can also visit some of the iconic spots like Allison’s house and the Ropes Mansion. It was really fun to spot these places while walking around the city!

If you’re visiting in October, make sure to check out the Haunted Happenings festival for some Halloween fun. The program runs throughout the month and includes events like parades, spooky movie screenings, costume balls, performances, and bespoke ghost tours.

Last but not least, no one does Halloween decorations better than Salem! I loved walking around the neighborhoods and seeing all the spooky and creative displays. And of course, taking hundreds of photos!

Drive back to Boston

Driving time: 30 minutes (22 miles/35.4 km) to Boston

After touring all the spooky places in Salem, all that’s left to do from your New England itinerary is to drive back to Boston and return your rental car. The drive should take approximately 30 minutes, so you can plan to leave Salem in the late afternoon and arrive in Boston by early evening.

Once you return your car, you can explore more of Boston or head straight to the airport to catch your flight back home.

I hope you enjoyed this New England fall road trip itinerary! It’s truly the perfect way to experience the beautiful fall colors this region is famous for and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Planning a trip to New England?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about New England. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Vermont in the Fall: Travel Tips & Best Places to Visit
• 16 Best Things to Do in Woodstock VT
• 17 Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont
• 16 Incredible Covered Bridges in Vermont You Need to Visit

New Hampshire:

• Best Stops on Kancamagus Highway in the Fall

Massachusetts:

• How to Spend One Day in Boston: Itinerary & Best Things to Do
• 13 Best Day Trips from Boston You Can’t Miss
• Where to Stay in Boston: 6 Best Areas & Hotels
• 17 Spooky Things to Do in Salem MA in October
• How to Spend One Day in Acadia National Park
• The Perfect 2 Days in Acadia National Park Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park in the Fall
• How to Spend One Day in Portland, Maine
• 5 Prettiest Lighthouses in Portland Maine You Can’t Miss

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Home » Blog » The ULTIMATE New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

The ULTIMATE New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

The Northeast USA is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the entire world during fall. For that reason you NEED to add a New England fall road trip to your bucket list!

Prior to this trip, exploring the northeast had been on my travel radar for the longest time. I am stoked to say that New England definitely lived up to the hype and I am excited to share this New England fall road trip itinerary with you all! (3 day, 5 day and 7 day itineraries)

Read on to find out all the must-see places for fall foliage, where to stay, what to pack, the top hikes to take, photography inspiration, and more! I even provide you with a handy map to use for planning and navigation. In my opinion this is the BEST New England fall road trip and I hope you get the chance to take it!

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Before we jump into it, I do want to add a disclaimer that this road trip was my own experience during the 2018 fall season . Every year is different, some more magical, and others less so.

I will do my best to help you plan the perfect New England fall road trip itinerary, but you will need to go in with an open mind! Honestly, some of the best trips I have ever taken have been when things haven’t gone to plan. Sometimes all the planning in the world cannot change the weather!

Okay, let’s jump into how to plan a fall New England road trip !

How to plan a New England fall road trip

There are generally two ways to approach planning for a New England fall road trip. The first is to meticulously plan everything in the attempt to not waste a moment, and the second (the option we went with) is to pretty much not plan at all. Sounds weird right? Why would you not plan and wouldn’t that potentially waste you time and money? Well, at this time of the year, it kind of works in the opposite way.

The reason for this is that fall colors gradually change from green, to yellow (or orange, red, purple) until they fall off. Not all trees in an area change at the exact same time. There’s a point in the fall transition where most trees are changed to their beautiful shades of yellow, orange or red prior to falling off and with minimal green trees. This is considered “peak fall foliage” or “peak fall color”.

Peak color doesn’t happen at the exact same time every year (usually varying a week or so either way). It can vary due to a variety of factors but this is mostly due to weather. By not booking hotels or camping prior to your Northeast fall road trip, this allows you to be flexible. You can go to the areas that are at “peak color” rather than spend time in a spot that isn’t yet fully changed or worse, the leaves have fallen.

When to start planning your New England fall road trip itinerary

Advantages and disadvantages come with this method of not planning. The major advantage of not booking all your accommodation in advance is flexibility . You won’t miss the colors because they happened to be a week late or earlier than expected. You can drive to wherever the colors happen to be best in that moment.

This comes with a downside though… accommodation prices and availability. Fall is extremely busy in this part of the country . Like you, many others choose to take East Coast fall road trips in the hope of seeing the incredible beauty that comes with the changing of seasons. This means hotels and vacation rentals can book out well in advance, leaving the remaining last-minute bookings quite expensive.

We ended up opting to mostly find accommodation as we went along, including some last-minute vacation rentals and hotels /motels. We tried to stay at a budget of around $80-150 USD per night, which did narrow down our search a little but overall the places were more than adequate, use Expedia to get price comparisons across multiple booking sites and save you time searching for a place to stay. A couple of times we did have to drive to places slightly further out of town to find a more affordable price but this was an okay compromise to have the extra flexibility.

If you need to rent a car, check out Kayak for price comparisons from rental agents. Or you could use this road trip to test out van life! Rent an RV or camper from Outdoorsy , and you won’t have to worry much about accommodations.

Another option is to bring camping gear .

Keep in mind though, at this time of the year some of the campgrounds are beginning to close. Some places we traveled through didn’t seem to have many tent camping options. In saying that, there was the possibility of sleeping in your car. I have a guide all about sleeping in your car on road trips – check it out!

If you are thinking of camping, you can check sites in the area on The Dyrt where you can see which are open and the facilities available as well as reviews from previous campers. Click here , or use my code reneeroaming for a free 30 day trial .

With all that being said, how you want to plan your Northeast fall road trip is up to you. Do you want to take the chance of potentially missing the peak colors and pre-book more affordable/convenient accommodation? Or do you want to pay slightly more for accommodation and make sure you are seeing the best of the colors? It’s up to you. Either way, we found this be the most accurate and up-to-date map of where the colors are peaking .

Mid-October is often the best time to take a New England road trip for leaf peepers, but it’s helpful if you can be flexible with your date. For reference, we took our fall New England road trip on October 8 – 12, 2018 . But don’t take those dates as a sure thing because peak color can change year to year! Just remember to pack your camera to capture those autumnal colors. You can see the equipment I use further down in the post.

Best New England fall road trip itinerary

Below I’m sharing a suggested itinerary for your New England fall road trip, based on our own adventure. First off, here is a map with all the best spots linked and pins for each day of the itinerary, see below.

Now let’s talk through the day-to-day itinerary…

Day 1 – Dixville Notch State Park

Fly into Boston , Massachusetts and pick up a rental car . From here, drive 4 hours north to Dixville Notch to begin your New England fall road trip. Dixville Notch is a very small area, but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty!

The main road that travels over Dixville Notch initially winds its way past some cute farmland surrounded by rolling hills. The drive then passes stunning Lake Gloriette , up over Dixville Notch and down the other side of the pass-through incredible fall foliage to a couple of serene picnic areas and walks.

Plan to do the stunning Table Rock trail which is a short one at only 1.5 miles round-trip, but a relatively steep 700 feet climb. This gives you epic 360-degree views over Dixville Notch from above, and the photos are beautiful! If you have timed it right, you might even be able to enjoy sunset from up there.

Unfortunately when we were there, the clouds were low and covering the views.

Instead, we parked at what is labeled Whittemore Family Cemetery on GoogleMaps and hiked a short trail that leaves from the parking lot. This is a great alternative if the weather is not cooperating.

This trail made its way through a vibrant forest that leads to a cute little bridge and stream. The hike would only take 10-15 minutes round-trip without stopping. It was a great way to stretch the legs and take a moment to snap some photos of our first glimpse of fall colors.

After finishing your hike at Table Rock, or the alternative trail, head back to nearby Colebrook for dinner and a good night’s rest in your hotel . You can also book into this great cottage on a farm or Tentrr’s Signature Site for luxury glamping.

Day 2 – Stowe

Wake up early, grab some breakfast at Mostly Muffins in Colebrook (so yummy!) and then drive west towards Stowe , Vermont. On the way, you will pass loads of beautiful fall foliage and small rural towns including the memorable Island Pond. The Great Vermont Corn Maze is also a fun stop if you’re into that sort of thing.

After a beautiful drive to Stowe, you can spend the rest of the day exploring its charm, cute gift stores, and scenic walks. We had lunch at the Green Goddess Cafe and it was amazing! We then took a quick walk along the bike path which leaves from behind the Stowe Community Church and runs along the river. You can also take a brewery tour in Stowe to sample locally made beer, spirits and ciders.

From this vantage, there are some great views of the church worth photographing. Finish the night off with a delicious pizza at Piecasso in town – we definitely recommend this restaurant! Stay the night in Stowe at The Green Mountain Inn or in The Loft at Hobble Inn .

Day 3 – Smugglers Notch & White Mountains

Day 3 of your Northwest fall road trip will be a busy one! Wake up early and head to Smugglers Notch . This area has a road that goes up and through a small gap between two mountains (referred to as a “notch”). It is quite similar to Dixville Notch, but in my opinion, Smugglers is even more spectacular.

This was one of the spots we were most looking forward to on our New England fall road trip, and it didn’t disappoint! The mountains on either side are HUGE, and there are so many beautiful twists and turns in the road to photograph and check out.

Definitely drive this to the other side and back before moving on to your next location. Another option is taking the Gondola SkyRide at the Stowe Mountain Resort, for beautiful aerial mountain views.

From Smuggler’s Notch, drive south to Pomfret, Vermont .

Taking Cloudland Road south from Pomfret to Woodstock will take you along cute dirt roads lined with fall colors, rolling hills, and quaint farms. A necessary stop along this route is the farm located opposite “Elm Grove Farm” on GoogleMaps, often referred to as “Sleepy Hollow Farm” . It’s a great little photography stop that captures one of the most photogenic farm properties you will ever see.

Sugarbush Farm is another local property you can visit, though we didn’t go there ourselves. I hear their maple syrup is delicious!

Now, time to head back to New Hampshire! Your scenic drive today will take you through Franconia Notch State Park. At the base of the White Mountains, the town of  Lincoln is a good place to end day 3 of your New England fall road trip. Stay at Woodwards White Mountain Resort or the Loon Mountain Apartment .

Day 4 – White Mountains

Your New England fall road trip would not be complete without a drive along the famous Kancamagus Highway . Leaving early on day 4 from Lincoln, there are a lot of epic road-side views on this stretch of road. A number of pull-outs also allow for some great photo opportunities. Continue east until you hit the Rocky Gorge Parking Lot. Here you can take a walk along the beautiful Swift River and get views of the beautiful Falls Pond . North Conway is a cute town on the east end of the Kancamagus Highway, and a great spot for lunch or a stroll around town.

From Rocky Gorge, we backtracked a short distance to drive up  Bear Notch Road . Bear Notch provides a scenic drive along a mountainside and more roadside pullouts for some gorgeous photo opportunities.

At the end of Bear Notch Road, drive north to Crawford Notch State Park . Here, you can explore the backroads and snap photos of all the beautiful fall colors. A side-trip option in this area is a hike up the Mount Willard trail . It’s a relatively steep, but short 3.2-mile round-trip hike to a clifftop overlooking Crawford Notch. The views from there are unreal! Again, unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating so we had to skip this one.

Next, continue north where you have the option of taking a short detour to the Mt Washington Cog Railway . Here, you can catch an old-school train up to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeastern US at 6,289 feet. Due to the bad weather, we kept driving, but if you are a fan of trains then this should not be missed!

To end your day, depending on availability you can stay in the nearby towns of Carroll, Franconia, Littleton, or Bethlehem.

We stayed in Franconia ourselves and chose to drive to Bethlehem to have dinner at the Cold Mountain Cafe . It if works out with timing, we highly recommend it as a delicious way to end a busy day.

There are great hotels to chose from, the Hampton Inn in Littleton and Stonybrook Motel & Lodge in Franconia are lovely options or you can opt for vacation rentals. On the Mountain Suite in Carroll, Rustic Log Cabin in Sugar Hill and Kilburn Place in Littleton are worth checking into.

Day 5 – White Mountains

Day 5 is the last day of your New England fall road trip, and what better way to start than with a sunrise hike up to Artist’s Bluff . This is a short 1.4-mile walk up to a stunning hilltop that overlooks Echo Lake , and the fall foliage here is insane! Unfortunately, it was raining when we drove past here (a common theme on our trip!) so we opted to skip the hike as the clouds were hiding most of the views.

We continued on to Flume Gorge which is a relatively easy 2-mile loop hike and one of our favorite stops of the trip. Multiple waterfalls, streams, and covered bridges keep the eyes entertained for the whole 2 miles. Do note that there is a $18 per person entry fee (I definitely recommend making advance reservations) but we felt it was very much worth it. In fact, we spent a couple of hours exploring this area and even in the rain it was absolutely gorgeous!

By now your Northeast fall road trip is coming to an end. It’s probably time to head back towards Boston to catch your flight… or onward to your next destination (see more below!)

7 day East Coast fall road trip

If you really want to take an incredible Northeast fall road trip and have some extra days ( 1 week total ), here is what I would recommend. Add a couple of days in between Stowe/Smuggler’s Notch and the White Mountains. It would be fun to spend a day in Burlington and walk along Lake Champlain, or check out Waterbury, Vermont. With these extra days, you can drive further into Upstate New York and the Adirondack Mountains , where the colors were absolutely incredible. There are also abundant hiking opportunities, and the beautiful town of Lake Placid to explore. Lake Placid has some amazing accommodation options and beautiful views so it is definitely worth spending a night there. Try the Crowne Plaza or this Rustic Room or search cabins in the area for larger groups.

As an alternative to the Adirondacks, you could scoot over to Maine and visit Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park . Acadia has some really unique scenery, boasting both coastal views and mountain tops! Bar Harbor has plenty of great vacation rentals available.

Check out my blog, How To Prepare for Hiking Trips , ahead of time to prepare!

As I know many of you will ask, we opted to take a sunset hike in the Adirondacks (see photo above), however I have been asked by locals to please not share the exact location. There are some concerns about the potential damage of increased trail traffic and it was pointed out to us that parking spots are also very limited.

I urge you to be responsible and always abide by Leave No Trace Principles when exploring the outdoors. You can read my blog, Hiking Trail Etiquette Rules You Should Know , to learn more and click here to read my in-depth guide on How To Follow Leave No Trace Principles.

3 day New England Road Trip

You could do this New England fall road trip in 3 days with some adventurous spirit! It would be kind of rushed, and you wouldn’t always be able to be in the best spots for sunrise or sunset. That being said, if it’s all you have, go for it! It’s definitely doable and would also be a blast. I hope you don’t mind missing out on some sleep though 😉

Some options to put together a shorter Northeast fall road trip itinerary would be to cut out the Pomfret / Sleepy Hollow Farm section, as that does add some driving hours. Another way to cut downtime would be to combine your visit to Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch into one day.

New England fall road trip packing guide

There are some essential items you should pack for your Northeast fall road trip to make it as enjoyable as possible! I hadn’t explored much of New England or Upstate New York before this trip and found the weather to be a little up and down. In fact, one minute it was sunny and the next freezing and rainy! You’ll definitely want to pack some additional layers for your leaf peeping adventures.

This packing guide is also tailored towards people who enjoy hiking. If you don’t plan to hit the trails, simply leave off the hiking-specific items when using the guide. For those choosing to camp, I have an entire guide and packing list for car camping essentials , so make sure to check that out!

Insulated jacket

Mid-layer :.

Perfect for chilly mornings and evenings. Opt for something lightweight like a fleece or pullover. Recommended mid-layer .

Insulated jacket :

It’s likely to get colder than you are expecting, especially if you plan to be out during sunrise and sunset hours. In fact, it even snowed in New Hampshire towards the end of our trip! So I would highly recommend packing a puffy jacket or a parka that has insulation. Recommended insulated jacket .

Rain jacket :

Do not attempt to take a Northeast fall road trip without a rain jacket/coat ! It rained at least once every day we were on the East Coast. Although it didn’t ruin our trip, it could have if we didn’t have adequate rain protection. Recommended rain jacket , recommended windbreaker .

Casual clothes :

Pack some casual and/or nicer outfits if you plan to eat out at restaurants. This is of course optional though! Check out my Favorites page on Backcountry for some recommendations.

Hiking shoes:

I was VERY happy that I packed waterproof boots for our East Coast fall adventure! We experienced wet, muddy, and cold conditions and waterproof boots made a huge difference. I suggest choosing a pair that can be worn both casually and also when hiking. If you prefer a more solid, supportive hiking boot the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice. We also have a guide on all the best hiking shoes , so don’t forget to check that out when shopping for new hiking boots!

Merino wool socks :

Wool socks are the best for preventing blisters and also letting your feet breathe. Recommended hiking socks .

Hiking pants & Leggings:

Don’t stress too much about bottom layers, just make sure they are comfortable and practical for road tripping. I personally like wearing leggings, jeggings, or comfy jeans on road trips, as then I can transition from car, to around town, to hiking, and more. Choose whatever feels comfortable and practical for you! Recommended hiking pants ; hiking shorts ; hiking skort , hiking dress , hiking leggings .

Beanie & Gloves:

As I mentioned above, it even snowed during our New England fall road trip! I would highly suggest packing a beanie and some warm gloves .

Day pack/hiking backpack :

Choose something with hip and chest straps for optimal comfort and practicality. Recommended backpack . When taking short walks or exploring roadside stops I often prefer to opt for a small hip pack instead of a backpack. Just something to fit my phone, lip balm , sunglasses , and any other essentials.

Navigation :

When driving, have Google Maps or Maps.Me handy. We often lost phone service when driving in the mountains of New England and down back roads. For hiking, carry a physical map and a compass , and download offline maps onto your phone. I use Gaia GPS – click here to get 20% off a Premium membership!

Camera + batteries :

Optional but trust me, you will want a camera to capture the incredible fall foliage! Check out the camera gear I use to capture my travel photos and the camera bag I pack it all in!

Every road trip requires snacks! We found it challenging to find food between towns and also after hours. Bring whatever your favorite snacks like nuts, seeds, granola bars, dried fruit, etc. My go-to snacks . If you enjoy drinking coffee then it’s best to bring along a reusable mug or tumbler. Recommended mug ; insulated tumbler . Having your own travel utensils / cutlery is a great way to cut down on single-use plastics when ordering take-out food.

Road trip playlist + Podcasts:

Don’t forget to download some good tunes and podcasts for your road trip. For music, check out my playlists on Spotify . For podcasts, we have an entire guide on the best road trip podcasts !

Want more packing & gear tips?  Check out our guides on what to wear hiking , car camping gear essentials , how to plan a national parks trip , and the best hiking shoes .

I hope that helps you plan an incredible New England fall road trip! With a little flexibility you’re guaranteed to have an epic road trip, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate the whole time. Have an amazing time and feel free to leave a comment and let me know how you got on 😊

PIN for later planning!

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30 comments

Thanks for sharing this update about the New England fall road trip, and this is a beautiful place in this season. I saw a lot of people like to be here.

Thank you for sharing this detailed and inspiring New England fall road trip itinerary! Your insights and practical tips, especially about the flexibility needed to catch peak foliage, are beneficial and have piqued my interest in exploring this beautiful region during the fall.

Your thematic exploration is a true marvel, forging a narrative path that ventures into uncharted intellectual terrain, igniting a spark of curiosity that has yet to be kindled.

This New England fall road trip guide captures the essence of autumn’s beauty and adventure perfectly. It resonates with my love for exploring nature’s vibrant colors, much like the Kokoda Challenge encourages perseverance and teamwork in outdoor pursuits.

Greetings!What are your suggestions for including Salem MA in a 5 day trip? Thank you so much!

• Pingback: New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary - 4 days in New Hampshire & Vermont - Laura Peruchi | NYC

HELLO! Thank you for posting the perfect Fall road trip. I would love to take your advice and incorporate and extra two days to go up into the Adirondacks. Can you please suggest the best place to go and things to do with that two days? I need to book ASAP because we are going the last week of this September. If you could please get back to me quickly, it would be most appreciated. We are from Florida and know nothing of the area, so any advice would be very helpful. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Chris in Florida

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Your blog is packed full of helpful information and absolutely beautiful photos!

I was curious if you could recommend an itinerary that would also include Niagara Falls?

I love your photos! Do you offer tours? Thanks!

Hi Renee, Love this post! My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon to the Adirondacks this fall, so I loved your suggestions and your photographs are beautiful! I was wondering if you knew where you got the grey hoodie you’re wearing in several of your pictures? It’s so cute and looks prefect for fall day hikes.

Hi! Thanks for the wonderful info! We’re just starting to plan a trip for next year. Question, is there nothing to see on the four hour drive from Boston to Dixville Notch? Again, we’re just starting on this, but it appears you’re going up the same way you’re coming back? Thank you so much for the help and this awesome site! 🙂

Gorgeous photos! I’ve spent time in New England in the fall its incredibly idyllic. (Lived in Maine and Massachusetts for 3 years) The White Mountains is truly one of God’s masterpieces. Excellent post!

Hey there!!! As far as the smugglers notch and Stowe area… is it redundant to do the gondola ride as well as take the drive up smugglers notch? Should we pick one or the other? Thanks!

• Pingback: New England Fall Road Trip: The ULTIMATE Leaf Peeping Itinerary - Renee Roaming - Fitness Sport und Gesundheit

Thank you for the Google Maps — so helpful!

Planning a trip for this October, but we have only 3 days! Trying to decide how to see the most of everything! lol any recommendations for “must sees” for only 3 days!?

I can’t wait to travel to the east coast this fall! (I live in California, and we don’t get much of a fall here). Thanks for sharing your itinerary, I’m planning on a road trip and didn’t know where to start! I was wondering where the second picture was taken? (Of you and the water in the background) Thanks!

Did you find out where that 2nd photo was taken? I also would like to go there this October.

I would like to know the shooting spot of the second photo (Stowe?)

This blog post is just amazing and the pictures so beautiful ! Thank you for sharing your experience. I love travelling and was looking for new ideas, this is definitely one 🙂

Wow, these fall colors looks awesome! Thank’s for this helpful post, Renee!

Thank you for reading Laura!

Thanks for sharing your stunning pictures! I totally agree with what you said about not planning in order to find the best colors. The fall we spent living in Upstate NY and hiking all over the NE contained many of my favorite days of my life so far, there truly isn’t a bad hike when it’s that colorful! It makes up for the 6 months of winter that follows. 🙂

What a magical time that must have been!

Thankyou for all this indepth info Renee. Should be super helpful when I plan my own fall trip. And of course stunning photos that I really enjoyed.

Thank you!!

Wow, the nature there looks amazing. And your Photos are loveley. Thank you both for this blogpost. Maybe, we can travel there one day. My wife and I live in the North of Germany. Last weekend we took our own Fall Roadtrip in the Harz National Park. The first blogpost of this trip is now online. It’s about the lovely oldtown in Quedlinburg 😉 best wishes Christian

Thanks Christian! That sounds like an amazing road trip, I’ll add it to my bucket list 😉

i’d love to see Christian’s blogpost about Quedlinburg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). I was there last year and it was wonderful. My grandparents live in the Harz Mountains, Please share a link, Christian.

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The Perfect 5 Day New England Fall Road Trip (New Hampshire and Vermont)

September 12, 2023.

If a New England road trip in the fall is on your bucket list, you’re in the right place! New England is known for its charming small towns, epic hiking trails and some of the brightest fall foliage you’ll ever see. It’s no wonder so many people visit when the foliage is at its peak.

If it’s your first time visiting and you’re limited on time, I recommend exploring New Hampshire and Vermont. Both states are beautiful and have endless opportunities for leaf peeping, but they each have a distinct personality. To me, New Hampshire (specifically the White Mountains area) is better for hiking, while Vermont is better for exploring small New England towns that you may have seen in movies.

No matter where you go and what your itinerary is, New England feels magical in the fall. You’re sure to find something to love whether you’re a nature lover or you just enjoy a scenic drive and charming shops.

This itinerary provides all of my top recommendations if you have 5 days to spend in New Hampshire and Vermont. If you have more time, you can also check out my 7 day version of the itinerary . And if you’re also visiting Maine during your trip, make sure to check out my Acadia National Park itinerary as well.

This itinerary is based on my experience spending several weeks in New England in Fall 2022.

Table of Contents

When is the best time to see fall colors in new england, where should you fly into for a new england road trip, where to stay in the white mountains, where to eat in the white mountains, hike to artist’s bluff at sunrise, drive the kancamagus highway, visit the top of mt washington, where to stay in stowe, explore woodstock, where to stay in woodstock, final thoughts, is a new england road trip worth it, how many days do you need in new england, what are the must-do’s on a new england road trip, what is the best month to visit new england states, how crowded is new england in the fall.

Peak foliage in Vermont and New Hampshire varies annually, making it challenging to plan a trip around the leaves. Generally, higher elevation areas experience foliage changes first, followed by the valleys. To maximize your chances of seeing the best colors, I recommend visiting anytime from the last week of September to the first two weeks of October. This window typically offers a great opportunity to experience the stunning fall colors in both states.

As your trip approaches, check the foliage trackers for Vermont and New Hampshire to find the best areas to visit. If witnessing peak foliage is essential, consider booking refundable stays and remain flexible. However, missing the exact peak day isn't a big concern, as foliage can vary due to lighting and time of day.

In 2022, peak foliage occurred around October 5th - 12th. I explored New Hampshire and Vermont from September 24th - October 10th and enjoyed stunning foliage in both states.

Most of the towns in New Hampshire and Vermont are quite small, so you’ll find a lot more flight options if you fly into Boston. Plus, it’s really not a far drive from Boston to all of the beautiful places in New Hampshire and Vermont.

For this New England road trip, you should fly into Boston and rent a car for the duration of your trip! If you want to explore Boston as well, I’ve also included some of the best things to do in Boston on day five of this itinerary.

New England Road Trip: 5 Day Itinerary Overview

• Day One: Fly into Boston, drive to New Hampshire and do a short hike if you have time.
• Day Two: Explore the White Mountains with a popular hike, a scenic drive and visit to the tallest peak in the Northeastern US.
• Day Three: Drive to Vermont and explore Stowe.
• Day Four: Tour a maple syrup farm and explore Woodstock.
• Day Five: Drive back to Boston and explore the city if you have time.

For day one, I suggest flying into Boston, renting a car, and driving to the picturesque New Hampshire White Mountains. This should take two to two and a half hours. Consider making a stop at a grocery store to stock up on hiking snacks and travel meals for added convenience.

When you arrive in the area, start with a short hike if you have time. Champney Falls, a 3 mile moderate hike to a unique waterfall, or Mount Willard, a 3.1 mile hike that leads to a stunning vista of a valley and Crawford Notch Road.

The White Mountains offer a couple of small towns where you’ll find numerous options for hotels and Airbnbs. For a centrally located stay, I personally recommend staying in Lincoln or nearby, which provides easy access to the Kancamagus Highway and Artist's Bluff. Consider the Holiday Inn Express & Suites for a comfortable standard option, or check out the Wilderness Inn Bed & Breakfast if you’re looking for something more unique.

Glamping enthusiasts will love Lumen Nature Retreat , offering A-frame and safari tents with all amenities. I’d love to check out this beautiful property during my next visit!

Read about one of my favorite glamping experiences in Moab, Utah.

Personally, I stayed in a modern cabin on Airbnb . It was located next to a river, pet-friendly and offered fast wifi for remote work.

Here are my favorite places to eat in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!

• StrEatz - A stationary food trailer with an eclectic menu featuring several vegetarian options.
• Cheese Louise - A delicious spot serving unique takes on - you guessed it - grilled cheese! This quirky eatery gets creative with their sandwiches by offering fixings such as BBQ shredded sweet potatoes, Nashville hot chicken, pesto and more.
• Gypsy Cafe - This homey restaurant offers food from all over the world. You’ll find Egyptian Brussel Sprouts, Malai Kofta, Indonesian peanut noodles and many more options.
• White Mountain Bagel Co - This convenient spot is the perfect place to fill up on a flavorful bagel breakfast sandwich and coffee during a day of hiking.

Spend a full day exploring the New Hampshire White Mountains by doing an iconic hike and taking some epic scenic drives.

Artist’s Bluff is a popular and iconic trail in New Hampshire, offering stunning views of Echo Lake surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. It’s extremely popular, so I highly recommend visiting during sunrise on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Plus, the lighting is beautiful at sunrise!

The trail can be done in a couple different ways. The shortest version is to hike a half mile round trip beginning from the Cannon Mountain RV Park. However, you can also make the hike into a 1.5 mile loop trail that includes Bald Mountain.

I recommend adding on Bald Mountains because it’s less crowded and will offer you another beautiful view of the area.

Both trails involve some rock scrambling, so proper hiking shoes and water are essential. Despite the crowds, Artist’s Bluff remains a must-visit spot for stunning fall colors in New Hampshire.

You can’t go wrong with a scenic drive during a New England fall road trip and the Kancamagus Highway (nicknamed “The Kanc”) is one of the best there is. The route is 35 miles and connects Lincoln and Conway with numerous picturesque viewpoints along the way.

Be aware that there is a $5 fee for parking at the various stops along The Kanc highway. If you have an America the Beautiful pass, that will cover the fee. Other tips for driving the Kanc include to keep your distance from wildlife (you could see a moose!), not fly a drone within a quarter mile of the road (it’s against the rules) and be prepared to have little to no cell service.

Pro Tip: Download the Guide Along Audio tour of the Kancamagus Highway to learn about stops along the way while you're driving!

The best stops on The Kanc highway include:

• Hancock Overlook, Panoramic Overlook & Pemigewasset: Three overlooks that offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and fall colors.
• Lily Pond: Park on the side of the road and make a quick stop to see a calm pond. You’ll walk a few feet through the forest to reach the pond.
• Sabbaday Falls: An easy 0.7 mile trail that will lead to a unique waterfall. The water is a bright, turquoise color and it flows through a gorge that seems to make a right angle turn.
• Rocky Gorge: This area has a narrow gorge area where water flows and creates a waterfall in the Swift River. There is a bridge so you can see the waterfall from above.
• Lower Falls: Lower Falls is another beautiful waterfall that you shouldn’t miss while driving The Kanc. It’s a short walk from the parking lot. This is a great place for a picnic and popular for swimming during the summer months (exercise caution if the water is high).

There are several others to check out if you have enough time, but these are a great starting point! Read my full list of stops in my guide to the best things to do in the White Mountains .

At 6,288.2 feet, Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States! With an elevation that high, it certainly offers breathtaking views on a clear day.

You can reach the summit via hiking, driving, or taking the unique Cog Railway, which climbs with a 25% grade. Since this is a quick itinerary, I recommend either driving or taking the Cog Railway.

I drove up the historic Mount Washington Road and loved taking in the views along the way. Note that it’s a steep drive and you’ll need to put your car in low gear when you drive back down so as not to overheat your brakes. The drive also has some steep drop offs.

At the top, there is plenty of space to walk around, a gift shop, a small museum area, a food court and more. You’ll also see a sign indicating where the fastest surface wind was ever recorded in the Northern and Western Hemisphere at 231 mph!

The weather can change rapidly at the summit and it’s not uncommon to experience high winds, fog and cold weather. Make sure to come prepared with warm clothing.

Make your way from the White Mountains to Stowe, Vermont - a quintessential Vermont town that is beautiful in the fall.

If you’re interested in another scenic mountain drive, Mt Mansfield is the highest point in Vermont and offers beautiful views of the surrounding Green Mountains. You can either hike, drive or take the gondola to reach the top. I recommend trying to go early in the day, as the road closes early if they’ve reached capacity.

A few things to do in Stowe, Vermont include enjoying the view of the Stowe Community Church from Salon Salon, walking on the Stowe Recreation Path, visiting the nearby Moss Glen Falls, trying your luck at the Percy Farm Corn Maze and eating at Idletyme Brewing Company.

Other iconic places near Stowe include the Cold Hollow Cider Mill (they have delicious apple cider donuts and cider) and the Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters (they offer tours, or you can visit the gift shop and get ice cream).

Stowe is a gorgeous town and has a lot to offer, but expect crowds and a lot of traffic. It gets extremely busy during autumn.

Stowe has several hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, but be sure to book early to avoid the highest prices.

For a more affordable hotel that is still super chic and in a great location, check out the Field Guide Lodge . They have well-designed rooms and are within walking distance of downtown Stowe.

If you want to be in the center of downtown Stowe, check out Green Mountain Inn . This historic hotel has welcomed guests since 1833 and also has a nice restaurant.

Another place to stay near town is the Timberholm Inn . This cozy lodge offers outdoor amenities such as a fire pit and a hot tub and is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

Drive south to another adorable Vermont town - Woodstock. Woodstock is located about an hour and a half south of Stowe. However, I recommend taking a detour to tour the Baird Maple Syrup Farm. This may easily become a highlight of your New England road trip!

Vermont is renowned for its abundant maple syrup production, surpassing all other states with over 2.5 million gallons in 2022. A quintessential Vermont experience is touring a maple syrup farm, and I highly recommend Baird Farm . This family-owned 560-acre farm in Chittenden, VT offers free tours that allow you to see their maple trees, sugarhouse and production process. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance!

During my tour with Jacob, I gained valuable insights into their process, witnessing a portion of their extensive collection tubes and syrup filtering. The highlight was sampling 7 distinct syrup types, including delightful infusions like a mint-infused syrup.

Situated less than 2 hours from Stowe and under an hour from Woodstock and Killington Peak, Baird Farm is a worthwhile addition to your Vermont itinerary. Whether you choose this farm or another, experiencing a sugarbush tour in Vermont is a must, and supporting a small business like Baird Farm is a rewarding choice if possible.

After your tour of Baird Farm, explore the small town of Woodstock. Highlights include Mont Vert for coffee and pastries, a Maple Cremee from Woodstock Scoops and the Middle Covered Bridge.

2023 Update: Due to high crowd levels at the Sleepy Hollow Farm, the town of Pomfret will be closing the road off to non-residents from September 23 - October 15. Enjoy my photo and focus on the other beautiful places around Woodstock.

The most famous photo location is the Sleepy Hollow Farm. This privately-owned farm is a favorite of photographers who want to capture the feeling of fall in New England. The home is surrounded by rolling hills and features a rustic barn and peaceful lake. It’s a really popular place, so expect crowds. And make sure to abide by parking rules and only stay on the road while taking your photos.

If you’re looking for an affordable stay in the heart of Woodstock, check out The Shire or The Vesper . The Shire is a cozy hotel that offers river views and The Vesper is a lovely family-owned bed & breakfast.

If you’re looking for something more quiet, look for a home outside of town. Check out this cozy cabin with mountain views and a firepit, or this rustic cabin right next to a stream.

Spend your final day driving back to Boston to catch your flight. The drive should take about 2 and a half hours.

One option for a quick Vermont road trip stop (right on the way) is Quechee State Park, where you can enjoy a view overlooking the gorge. You can see it a short walk from the parking lot or enjoy a longer hike if you have time.

If you have time to explore Boston, here are some of the top things to do :

• Take a walk around the Boston Public Library Central Branch, which is known for its impressive architecture and massive size. Don’t miss Bates Hall!
• Have dinner in the North End, known as “Boston’s Little Italy.” One place I loved was Dino’s Cafe for their 16” Italian subs! It’s also worth trying a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry or both.
• Do some portion of the Boston Freedom Trail. If you only visit one spot, I recommend checking out the Granbury Burying Ground. Many famous figures in the American Revolution are buried here.

New England is a dream destination for a fall road trip, with its charming small towns, epic hiking trails, and vibrant fall foliage. New Hampshire's White Mountains are perfect for hiking enthusiasts, while Vermont's has some of the most picturesque small towns in the region. A New England road trip is the perfect way to embrace the enchanting magic of fall.

In my humble opinion, yes! New England is a beautiful part of the United States and has something for everyone, from outdoor activities to charming small towns to breathtaking scenery. I think that everyone should visit New England during the fall at least once in their lives.

If you want to visit Vermont and New Hampshire, I recommend a minimum of 5 days so that you can properly experience the area. I also have a 7 day itinerary if you have a bit more time!

If you want to visit other New England states ( Connecticut Rhode Island and Maine), I recommend adding more time. You can see a lot of Connecticut and Rhode Island by adding one day for each. If you want to add a visit to Maine and visit Acadia National Park , I recommend adding at least 4 more days to factor in driving time and seeing the park.

• Go on a hike in the New Hampshire White Mountains
• Take a photo of the Sleepy Hollow House in Vermont
• Hike, drive or take the cog railway to the tallest mountain in the Northeastern US, Mt Washington
• Eat a maple creemee in Vermont
• Tour a maple syrup farm

If you want to see the fall foliage, you should visit at the end of September or early to mid October. However, this area is beautiful to visit year round.

Some areas covered on this itinerary get very crowded during peak foliage times. The most crowded areas I mentioned are Stowe, Vermont (the traffic gets bad as there aren’t a lot of alternatives) and the hike to Artist’s Bluff in the New Hampshire White Mountains.

As with any popular destination, plan accordingly to beat the crowds by getting an early start when you can, visiting on weekdays when possible and being patient. It is also advisable that you book your dinner reservations, hotels and activities early.

For more New England Travel Guides, check out these blogs:

• An Epic 10 Day New England Road Trip
• How to Spend One Day in Boston
• The Perfect 7 Day New England Road Trip
• The Best Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park
• The Best Day Hikes in the New Hampshire White Mountains
• The Best Things To Do in the New Hampshire White Mountains
• A Fall Guide for Acadia National Park
• The Perfect Day Trip to Connecticut

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The perfect New England fall-foliage road trip for 2023

Oct 2, 2023 • 8 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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10-Day New England Fall Road Trip for Ultimate Gilmore Girl Vibes

Jun 11, 2024

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What do fiery oranges, sultry yellows, candy-apple reds, quaint cabins, and Gilmore Girl towns all have in common? New England in the fall.

The best way to experience all that and more is with a New England fall road trip itinerary.

So in this post, we’re going to spill all the tea (or pumpkin spice?) on how to pull off the best NE itinerary including information I’ve gathered from three separate New England fall trips I’ve taken over the years.

We’ll cover multiple itineraries: 10 days, 5 days, and 3 days—mainly focused on Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine (maps included).

To start, we need to cover some must-know planning details before you embark on your trip!

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Planning Your New England Fall Road Trip

Let’s start with a quick peep at some planning 101’s.

Where is New England📍 — New England is a compilation of US states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

States with the Best Foliage🍁 — New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont—all covered in this post.

When to Go❓ — Late September, Mid-October—First week of October is usually a good ballpark.

Trip Length⏰ — 10 days is ideal—5 to 7 is great too (all covered in this post)

Fly✈️ — Start in Boston or Albany, New York. Check KAYAK for flights starting at $53.

Rental Car🚗 — Also check KAYAK for the best prices in Albany or Boston !

Now, we need to dive into my top “need to knows” for planning your trip.

When is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in New England in 2024?

The best time to see fall colors in New England is beginning to mid-October.

After three years of experience, I have always had the best luck exploring the first week of October.

The peak time to see colors can change depending on how much water the trees receive leading up to the fall season. A dry season can result in less vibrant leaves!

Insider Tip: As you plan, keep a daily eye on the New England peak fall foliage map —which leads us to the next must-know.

Fall Colors Are (Semi) Unpredictable

Planning fall trips to New England can be a tricky business. You see, you’re playing with a season, and seasons can be unpredictable. 

My advice: be as flexible as possible with your New England fall trips.

Daily, you’ll want to keep an eye on the leaf monitors to ensure you’re getting the most accurate reading of colors.

During my trips, I found that sometimes the leaves would change color overnight! 

Insider Tip: Don’t get tied up in going to a single spot for New England fall foliage. Instead, have a general list of places you want to see and go from there. This blog will provide you with plenty of options!

Choosing Your Starting Point

From experience, starting your New England fall road trip itinerary in Albany, NY or Boston, MA (Boston-Logan International) will give you the best flexibility and EPIC itineraries .

My favorite trips have always been a loop, beginning in NY, heading North, and ending in New York’s Adirondacks .

I want to make sure you have options, though.

So first, we’ll cover a 10-day itinerary from Albany, NY. Then as a bonus, we’ll cover starting from Boston (in case you want to do that instead).

Let’s start with the Albany itinerary.

Insider Tip: Leaves tend to change north first and gradually work their way south. When in doubt, hit your northern fall foliage destinations first and move down! 

10-Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary Starting in New York

• Day 1 — Arrive in Albany, NY ; Berkshires
• Day 2 — White Mountains ; Kancamagus Highway
• Day 3 — Franconia Notch State Park
• Day 4 — Crawford Notch State Park
• Day 5 — Acadia National Park
• Day 6 — Acadia National Park
• Day 7 — Dixville Notch State Park
• Day 8 — Stowe, VT ; Smuggler’s Notch
• Day 9 — Lake Placid, NY ; Adirondacks
• Day 10 — Head to Albany, NY

Below is a map that includes all the destinations I listed for the ten-day New England fall road trip and the bonus locations we’ll cover later. 

The map has layers for our alternative itineraries (coverd later), recommended things to do, and places to eat we’ll cover in this post!

Click here for a live version of the map!

You can thank me later ;).

Let’s dive in! Each day has its own list of things to do, places to eat, and where to stay.

Day 1 — Berkshires, MA

Day 1 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~2 hours)

• Morning: Arrive in New York and pick up car
• Afternoon: Drive to Berkshires, ~2hrs
• Evening: Visit Mount Greylock
• Stay: Tourists , The Williams Inn

Now let’s look at the details!

After flying into New York and picking up your car , your New England foliage adventure will begin in the Berkshires, MA. 

I suggest arriving to Albany the evening before day one OR early to late afternoon on day 1 .

This way, you have enough time to drive to the Berkshires and explore the area.

Insider Tip: I love this itinerary so much because starting in Albany allows you to explore the NY Adirondacks too (we discuss this in the post)!

Your drive to the Berkshires from Albany, NY, will be about 1 hour and 20 minutes—it’s a great place to start the fall fun!

Start by heading to Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, which stands at 3,489ft.

Don’t worry; I’m not making you hike the very first day you get here.

Drive up to the top of Mount Greylock and admire the fall views from above!

For food in the area, Korean Garden is the place for tasty Asian dishes!

Another option is Pera Bistro which offers a Mediterranean menu.

Insider Tip: To and from Mount Greylock, you’ll have stores like Walmart available in case you need supplies and snacks!

Where to Stay Near The Berkshires

Adams and Williamstown are where you’ll find amazing mountain resorts tucked away in the woods—perfect for fall.

Here’s a quick list of places you’d like:

Tourists ($$$) — Luxury accommodations that will make you think you’ve just entered the mountain escape of your dreams. Pet friendly, great food, great music, even BETTER vibes.

The Williams Inn ($$$) — Luxury hotel nestled in the mountains that will make you feel like east coast royalty. Great for couples with spacious, clean rooms and super cozy beds—check out the bar and The Log restaurant!

If camping is more your vibe, you’ll be a bit out of the way, but the Savoy Mountain State Forest has options for tent camping, car camping, and log cabins.

You must reserve a spot ahead of time, though before choosing to camp here during your fall road trip in New England.

Insider Tip: Tomorrow will be one of the longer driving days because you’ll want to head to the White Mountains from here, so rest up!

Day 2 — White Mountains, New Hampshire

Day 2 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~5 hours)

• Morning: Drive the Mohawk Trail Scenic Drive
• Afternoon: Drive to White Mountains, New Hampshire
• Late Afternoon: Explore Kancamagus Highway
• Stay: The Stonehurst Manor , Ledge & Lake Chalet , North Conway Grand Hotel

If day one didn’t satisfy your hunger for pumpkin spice and fall vibes, day two will!

Drive the Mohawk Trail

Before leaving Massachusetts, you’ll drive the Mohawk Trail —one of the most scenic New England foliage drives! 

The entire trail stretches about 69 miles.

The drive includes plenty of mountainside vistas that’ll make you fall in love with MA—see what I did there ;).

Insider Tip: Make sure you bring something like a Sony a6400 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for some pictures!

Lincoln, NH

After 4 hours, you’ll arrive in Lincoln, NH — a town in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and a well-known hub for visitors.

Once there, grab something to eat at Gypsy Cafe or a coffee at Half Baked & Fully Brewed ( The Moon Cafe & Bakery is a great alternative)!

Alternative: None of that your vibe? Black Mtn Burger Co is another popular place to eat in Lincoln, NH!

Explore the Kancamagus Highway

Today, you’ll explore some popular attractions along the Kancamagus Highway !

Driving the entire Kancamagus Highway takes about an hour.

The Highway goes 37 miles through the White Mountains, starting in Lincoln, NH, and ending in Conway , NH (where you’ll be staying next). 

Unfortunately, there are no gas stations or food options along the Highway, so bring snacks!

All vehicles must pay a $5 entrance fee. You can read more online at KancamagusHighway.com

Here are a couple of my favorite stops:

Hancock Overlook —Located along the Kancamagus Hairpin Turn, Hancock Overlook will seriously leave you in awe with its view of rolling hills and mountains COVERED in vibrant fall foliage.

Sabbaday Falls —One of New Hampshire’s most visited waterfalls!

Click here to grab a Kancamagus audio tour!

Insider Tip: Lincoln, NH is pretty small, so you’ll be better off driving the entire Highway and staying in the Conway, NH, area.

Flume Gorge

A MUST on your drive is to stop at what’s called Flume Gorge.

It’s famous for its red covered bridge which makes a great photo spot.

To enter Flume Gorge , you’ll have to pay $18 (if you grab your pass online).

In-person passes are $21.  Click here for more details !

Fun Fact: covered bridges are known as “kissing bridges” because of their privacy. Make your way through the Highway until you reach Conway.

Where to Stay in Conway, NH

Conway, NH is a fairly big city and you’ll probably find more things to do in the North Conway area.

So when considering accommodations, try to stay there!

Here are some places to consider:

The Stonehurst Manor ($$$) —A glorious mansion in North Conway where you’ll enjoy a romantic-style room complete with a fireplace! With your stay you can enjoy free dinner and breakfast.

Ledge & Lake Chalet ($$) —A cozy chalet nestled in the White Mountains. Enjoy a fall foliage view from your windows before taking a short walk to Echo Lake!

North Conway Grand Hotel ($$) —A great hotel with everything you could ask for! Enjoy the spa, pool, and proximity to outdoor adventures. You can even cozy up in a king room complete with a personal hot tub (if that’s your style).

Insider Tip: Want a cabin getaway? Check out this guide: Cozy Cabin Rentals in North Conway, NH

Day 3 — Franconia Notch State Park (Amazing New England Fall Road Trip Sunrise)

Day 3 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~2 hours)

• Morning: Artist Bluff
• Afternoon : Explore Franconia Notch State Park
• Evening: Check out more of North Conway

On Day 3 of your New England fall road trip itinerary you’ll get to see the popular Franconia Notch State Park and explore one of my favorite New Hampshire towns: Conway—woohoo!

Hiking Artist Bluff Trail

First stop: Artist Bluff Trail for some leaf peeping in New England this morning!

I’ve gone here for sunrise in the past, but a mid-morning hike is a great choice too!

The drive here from Conway will be about 1 hour, but it’s worth it!

The trail is about 1.9 miles round trip with very minimal elevation gain.

Artist Bluff is where you will get the famous New England foliage view of Echo Lake — prepare for your jaw to DROP . I mean, just look at the pictures.

Insider Tip: The trail gets SO windy at the top, so don’t wear anything that can fly away. 

Franconia Notch State Park

After your hike, take some time to explore the rest of the park!

Below are some attractions to consider:

Echo Lake Beach —You already saw the lake from above. Now go explore the fall-covered shoreline! Click here to book parking reservations —parking is limited.

Hike More Trails —Lonesome Lake Trail, Mt. Pemigewasset Trail, and the Appalachian Trail are more fall hikes you can enjoy.

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway —Enjoy fall views from 4,000 feet in the sky! Taking the sky tram up Cannon Mountain will give you views of New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, AND Canada.

This is a pretty scenic area of New Hampshire—I enjoyed just driving around!

Insider Tip: If you don’t have time to see too much, I at least recommend exploring Echo Lake — it’s just too pretty!

North Conway, NH

After your adventures, head to North Conway . 

Since you already explored the Highway yesterday, you can go straight through!

North Conway, New Hampshire like the New England mountain town of your dreams, complete with a little railroad *choo choo* and boutique shops.

It’s a gem nestled in the White Mountains.

Surrounded by endless trees that go orange in the fall, North Conway is the perfect place to snack on pumpkin spice everything while you cozy up in oversized knit scarves and sweaters.

So, duhhhhhh, it has to be a stop on your itinerary.

You can shop, eat, or hang out at Schouler Park —a large grassy area perfect for a picnic.

Make time to check out the Conway Scenic Railroad. 

If you didn’t get coffee earlier,  The Met  is the place to be! Want something sweet to end your day?

I also recommend you check out the  White Mountain Cupcakery ! Chocolate peanut butter cupcakes— SIGN ME UP.

Insider Tip: Popular food spots for when you arrive in Conway include Chef’s Bistro , Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro , and Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub .

Black Cap Trail (Optional)

If you’re in the mood for another hike, Black Cap Trail is great for fall foliage!

Black Cap Trail is about 610ft in elevation gain and a 2.3 miles round trip .

At the top, you’ll have sweeping mountain views of the Presidential Range .

You’ll stay in Conway again— tomorrow will be your last night here!

Insider Tip: Black Cap is a pretty easy hike, so if you didn’t feel like doing Artist Bluff Earlier, this is a great alternative.

Day 4—Crawford Notch State Park (My Fave New England Fall Foliage Stop)

Day 4 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~1.5 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Crawford Notch State Park
• Afternoon: Visit Mount Willard Trail
• Late Afternoon: Frankenstein Cliffs & other major attractions

Today we’re heading a little bit north and going to Crawford Notch State Park where you’ll be deep in the White Mountains—prime spot for fall colors!

Crawford Notch State Park Hiking

Crawford Notch makes up a large pass that carves straight through the White Mountains.

In New Hampshire’s smallest town, Hart’s Location , Crawford Notch State Park, is the hidden mountain gem you didn’t know you needed in your life.

If everything aligns, you could see peak fall colors here, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Fall will paint the trees with the most intense red color, leaving any fall lover speechless!

One of the best parts about Crawford is that you can bring your furry friends there!

On my last trip to NE, I brought my pup along, and he LOVED this portion of the White Mountain National Forest.

And if you’re heading to Crawford Notch, you must do at least one hike !

That’s the best way to see the colors.

Here are a couple of trails to consider:

Mount Willard Trail —Hike for a jaw-dropping valley full of fall colors. The trail is approximately 3.2 miles round trip with 950ft of elevation gain. 

Frankenstein Cliffs —A more challenging trail that will take you to Arethusa Falls. Some parts of the trail will take you close to parts of the park’s railroad (Frankenstein Trestle)! 

Insider Tip: Since the park lines a small section of the White Mountain Highway, it’s pretty easy to get around.

Crawford Notch Scenic Stops

If hiking isn’t your thing, though, there are plenty of other neat fall experiences you can enjoy here:

Enjoy a Scenic Overlook —You can enjoy tons of overlooks and pullouts as you drive around Crawford. Some have views of fall foliage along the Saco Rover (the river that lines the whole park).

Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad —From Crawford Station, you can ride the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Mountaineer route, which is a ridiculously scenic fall ride through the mountains.

Go Back in Time at Willey House —Visit the historical Willey House and look at old park photographs, eat ice cream, or enjoy the surrounding outdoor scenery.

Saco River —Enjoy exploring the Saco River and the gorgeous foliage around it!

Insider Tip: For the night, you’ll stay in   Conway   again before we continue on your New England fall road trip itinerary—Maine is up next and it’ll be a longer drive!

Day 5—Acadia National Park, Maine

Day 5 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~4 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Acadia National Park
• Afternoon: Bar Harbor
• Evening: Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for sunset
• Stay: The Primrose , The Inn on Mount Desert , Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

Today’s leg of the road trip will take you all the way up to Maine!

Bar Harbor, Maine

Maine has to be one of my favorite states for New England fall foliage because you get a unique mix of autumn colors and ocean views.

While this is a 4-hour drive, you don’t have to be anywhere until sunset hits. 

So if you have some time to spare, grab some food in Conway and some snacks for the road before continuing your leaf-peeping New England adventures!

And the drive up to Acadia will be beautiful!

You’ll be in the mountains LITTERED with fall colors—ooo la laaa!

Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island, surrounded by gorgeous cliffs and the ocean.

Known for its stunning coastal vibes and boating, Bar Harbor is the perfect place to enjoy a lobster roll after a full day of exploring the park.

If that sounds like your vibe, you must check out  The Travelin Lobster !

You’ll spend two nights in Bar Harbor—the gateway to Acadia National Park.

Insider Tip: While you’re here, I recommend you take a tour around Bar Harbor and Acadia NP !

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

For your first sunset in Acadia National Park, I suggest visiting the classic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse . 

Bass Harbor Head was constructed in 1858 and was considered significant for its aid, making transportation possible in Maine.

You may not see much New England fall foliage here, but it’s the easiest way to enjoy your first evening in Acadia National Park.

Expect parking to be limited and hectic! 

For dinner, I recommend checking out  Cafe This Way !

They have something for everyone, from fresh lobster to a vegan burger!

Cafe This Way also has a great breakfast menu, just saying.

Insider Tip: Bass Harbor Head is a popular photography spot but a must-see for visiting the park—plan to get here almost an hour before sunset.

Where to Stay in Bar Harbor

The hotels in Bar Harbor are just as dreamy as the views—check them out:

The Primrose ($$) —An elegant hotel where you’ll be just a mile from Acadia! The Victorian-style rooms will leave you in awe, but so will the fluffy pumpkin pancakes!

The Inn on Mount Desert ($$) —A charming guest home is an adorable Bar Harbor neighborhood. You’ll love staying here for its proximity to downtown and cozy beds that practically hug you to sleep.

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel ($$) —A gorgeous hotel property modeled after the elegant 19th century Bar Harbor homes that used to line the city. It’s centrally located to the beach, park, and downtown—everything is within walking distance!

You’ll start tomorrow with a sunrise mission, so get plenty of rest!

Day 6—Acadia National Park

Day 6 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~1 hour)

• Morning: Adventure through Acadia National Park
• Afternoon: Cadillac Mountain, Jesup Path
• Evening: Beehive Trail for sunset

Today will be your time to see as many things to do in Acadia National Park as possible!

Cadillac Mountain

While exploring Acadia National Park in the fall, you may as well see the first sunrise in the USA!

During October, the sun rises over Cadillac Mountain before anywhere else in the country, so it’s a popular park attraction! 

Staying in Bar Harbor will put you about 15 minutes away. 

After sunrise, I suggest driving 15 minutes back into Bar Harbor for some breakfast! Try  Jordan’s Restaurant !

Insider Tip: To ensure you get parking, head there about an hour before sunrise. 

Hiking Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop

In the afternoon, head to  Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop !

It’s an AMAZING trail for seeing New England fall foliage.

The trail is only 1.5 miles round trip and pretty much flat the entire time. 

The loop takes about 30-60 minutes to complete, and you’ll walk along tall trees covered in color the entire time.

If you’re not up for going on Jesup, try one of these awesome things to do:

3-Hour Private Tour —Take a private tour that’ll bring you through the best of what the park has to offer including Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, and Sand Beach!

Foodie Tour —Spend the afternoon exploring Bar Harbor and eat your heart out! This highly rated foodie tour will have you eating lobster rolls, crab cakes and more.

Bike Around —See all of Acadia’s best views by biking around! Rent an e-bike and you’ll get to explore the entire park on your own time all while enjoying a breezy ride through fall colors.

You can also just explore more of Bar Harbor!

Insider Tip: You don’t have to hike the entire Jesup Path if you don’t want to— turn around at any point!

Beehive Trail for Sunset

And now it’s time for sunset—hit that  Beehive Trail ! Make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots !

Beehive Trail is relatively short, sitting at about 1.5 miles round trip , and will take you up a cliffside where you’ll see coastal views and an ocean of fall colors .

You can make a loop out of the hike or turn around at the top of the main cliff.

When I hiked Beehive Trail, rather than making a loop out of it, I went to the top of the cliff and then back down the same way.

It was easier to navigate back to the car since the trail was pretty dark after the sun went down.

So pro tip, bring a headlamp for your sunset excursion! 

Insider Tip: I should also note that this hike includes ladders , which adds to the adventure, hehehehe, but if that scares you, then skip this trail.

Jordan Pond (Alternative)

An alternative would be to head to Jordan Pond and hike a 3.3-mile moderate loop around it.

You can get there by parking at the Jordan Pond parking lot on Park Loop Road.

Parking can get busy, so you’ll still have to get there early.

At Jordan Pond, you’ll get views of The Bubbles , two identical mountain formations that (you guessed it) look like bubbles—they’ll be covered in fall foliage!

Insider Tip: Tomorrow you won’t have to be anywhere until sunset for your leaf peeping New England adventure, BUT this will be a long driving day since you’ll be heading back to New Hampshire.

Day 7—Dixville Notch State Park (Best New England Fall Foliage Sunset Hike)

Day 7 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~4 hours)

• Morning: Relax and eat in Bar Harbor, Maine
• Afternoon: Drive to Dixville Notch State Park
• Evening: Visit Dixville Notch, hike Table Rock
• Stay: Northwoods House , Home with a View , Private Cabin

Dixville Notch is pretty out of the way, but trust me when I say the trail you’ll be exploring is a once-in-a-lifetime hike.

Colebrook, NH

Tonight, you’ll be staying in Colebrook, NH.

There isn’t a whole lot going on in this part of New Hampshire, but Colebrook will have everything you need to fuel up for the next leg of the trip.

Since you don’t have to be anywhere until sunset, you could take your time getting here .

However, you also could drive to Colebrook early (about 15min from Dixville Notch), check into your stay, get something to eat, then make your way towards your sunset hike: Table Rock.

Colebrook is a small town. Some shops and restaurants close early, so this may be a good time to stop at a grocery store for snacks or food you can eat in your hotel room!

Hiking Table Rock New Hampshire

It’s one of the best hikes for New Hampshire fall foliage, and it’s easy to see why—look at the pics! 

The view sits above Lake Gloriette and is a short 1.5-mile trail . 

The only downside to this hike is that it is relatively steep in a very short distance (about 750ft in elevation gain). If you’re weak on the knees, bring trekking poles .

The parking lot for Table Rock is SMALL—plan to be there about 1 to 1.5 hours before sunset. 

Getting to the trailhead early will give you more time to relax at the top! 

When you finish your hike, I suggest going to Colebrook and grabbing some dinner;  House of Pizza  is a popular food option.

Not in the mood for a hike? You can also make a pit stop at Lake Gloriette to have a shoreline view of the colors.

Insider Tip: I imagine Table Rock would look equally great for sunrise, so if that works out better for your New England fall road trip itinerary, you could go that route. 

Where to Stay in Colebrook

For accommodations, Vrbo could be your best bet. Check out these rentals:

Northwoods House ($$) —Stay in this cozy, updated home nestled in the woods! After you explore for the day, you can come back to this home away from home and watch Netflix while you snuggle up on your extra comfy king bed. Pet-friendly.

Home with a View ($$$) —Breakfast and panoramic views of fall colors? Sign me up! Enjoy incredible views of NH from above while you make breakfast, sit on the patio, or look out your window—pictures don’t do it justice.

Private Cabin ($$) —Escape to the woods in this private cabin. A great property to stay for the night while you fall asleep to the sounds of the running stream.

Insider Tip: Tomorrow you’ll be heading into Stowe, Vermont, which will be about a 2 hour drive, so you won’t have to be up super early to continue your leaf peeping New England adventure!

Day 8—Stowe, VT and Smugglers Notch

Day 8 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~3 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Stowe
• Afternoon: Explore Stowe, VT attractions
• Evening: Smugglers Notch
• Stay: The Stowehof Hotel , Timberholm Inn , Green Mountain Inn

I know I’ve talked about pumpkin spice, Gilmore Girls, and fall vibes a lot, but this place feels like it is meant to celebrate fall and ONLY FALL. You’ll see.

Things to do in Stowe, Vermont for Fall

There are plenty of things to do in Stowe, VT in the fall ! So let’s talk about ’em:

Eat —If you’re a veggie lover like me, then give Green Goddess Cafe a try! Not feelin’ in? Head to Piecasso pizza ! They even have vegan cheese you can sub with.

Get Lost in a Maze —The Percy Farm Corn Maze is the place to be if you want some spooooooooky fall vibes—ooooooo, enter if you daaaaAAAre.

Grab a Coffee — Black Cap Coffee and Beer is hipster AF, and we love it, but PK Coffee is where you’ll find a bomb @$$ apple crumble that tastes like an explosion of fall in your mouth—I will NEVER FORGET IT.

Sip on Some Cider —Did I mention you can drive to an APPLE CIDER MILL WHERE YOU CAN HAVE APPLE CIDER? Scott and I love Cold Hollow Cider Mill and would recommend it to anyone as a stop on their New England fall road trip itinerary.

Hop on a Zipline —get up close and personal with the fall foliage by hopping on one of the longest ziplines in the country!

Take a Brewery Tour —Enjoy some hard cider and locally brewed beers on a 5 hour, small group tour!

Click here to book your Stowe day tour!

Insider Tip: Want to see it all? Book an epic day tour that will take you to Smuggler’s Notch, the Cider Mill, Ben & Jerry’s, downtown Stowe, and the Outdoor Center at the Trapp Family Lodge for some epic views of the Green Mountains!

Smugglers’ Notch State Park

Most folks come here to explore Smuggler’s Notch Pass.

Smuggler’s Notch Pass goes through Vermont and has some fantastic New England views!

It’s well-known for its extremely windy road that bobs and weaves through endless fall colors in Vermont’s Green Mountains —don’t skip the drive!

You can spend a chill day in nature enjoying one of the Smuggler’s picnic areas.

To learn more about the park, visit  VTStateParks.com .

Insider Tip: If you want to hike around, check out Hellbrook Trail, Sterling Pond Trail, or Long Trail.

Where to Stay in Stowe, VT

Stowe is the place to book a BOUJIE hotel. This is a bucket list type town, and there are some beautiful resorts!

Check them out:

Timberholm Inn ($$) —The Timberholm Inn is tucked away in the Stowe mountains. This is the perfect place to get your cabin fix in a cozy environment that’ll put you in the middle of prime fall foliage! 

The Stowehof Hotel ($$) —Staying at The Stowehof will make you feel like you’re in a European country. The views here are spectacular, but the interior is extra special. The beautiful fireplaces and library you can enjoy will be the perfect places to rest up after a long day of exploring! Fab location too.

Green Mountain Inn ($$) —Located in Stowe’s Historic Center is this magical inn with an ornate lobby, romantic rooms, and a heated pool you’ll love! Being in the center of town will put you in the middle of all the action.

Insider Tip: If you want a shorter trip, check out my guide on a fall weekend in Vermont !

Day 9—Lake Placid and the Adirondacks

Day 9 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~3 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Adirondacks
• Afternoon: Explore Heart Lake or Indian Head
• Evening: See Lake Placid
• Stay: Crowne Plaza Lake Placid , Mirror Lake Inn , High Peaks Resort

The drive from Stowe, VT to the Lake Placid, NY area will be about 2 hours! This is outside of New England but it’s worth the drive.

Adirondacks

When you arrive, head into the High Peaks Wilderness and hike  Indian Pass and Heart Lake Loop Trail .

Heart Lake Loop is a little over a mile and is a GORGEOUS fall foliage hike! 

You can read about parking for the trailhead on the  Lake Placid website .

Another hike I highly recommend you do is  Indian Head and Rainbow Falls . It’s an easy 11mi hike that will lead to a stunning fjord-type formation surrounded by fall colors! 

After your hike, grab a caffeine fix at  Old Mountain Coffee Company  in Keene, NY. 

They sell chocolate bars there, and I have never had better chocolate—grab one!

Insider Tip: Alternatively, you can go to Mirror Lake and walk the shoreline—another popular destination in the area.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid, New York, is known for its access to the outdoors and, more notably, the winter Olympics—and it’s where you’ll stay for the night!

Mirror Lake sits in the town center.

When you get here, I recommend taking a walk in the downtown area.

It is quaint, cute, and ADORABLE in the fall and has lake views everywhere.

You can shop along Main Street, grab a pastry, or  rent a canoe  and coast along Mirror Lake.

OR, if you want an authentic New England fall foliage adventure, you can get a view of the foliage from above by booking a scenic flight with Payne’s Air Service.

Insider Tip: For food, I suggest capping off your last official day in your fall road trip in New England with a drink and some food at  Lisa G’s !

Woodstock, Vermont (Alternative)

If seeing the Adirondacks doesn’t feel like your vibe, I recommend staying in Stowe, VT, another night and taking a day trip to Woodstock, Vermont .

The drive will be about an hour.

You can enjoy more of Vermont’s fall foliage when you’re there and explore the quaint Woodstock area.

We’ll talk more about Woodstock, VT in our “BONUS” stops section—keep reading!

Insider Tip: Woodstock is also home to the Sleepy Hollow Farm—a must-see for spooky fall vibes!

Where to Stay in Lake Placid, NY

Like Stowe, Lake Placid has some amazing places to stay.

Here are my recommendations based on previous trips I took here:

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid ($$) —This amazing hotel includes all the amenities you need for an extra comfortable stay and has a GORGEOUS view overlooking Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake Inn ($$$) —A fantastic property overlooking Mirror Lake that has the perfect spa to end your trip with. The entire time you’re there, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Adirondacks!

High Peaks Resort ($$) —Located right in the middle of all the action, this gorgeous resort has private beach access you can use to enjoy Mirror Lake and the surrounding foliage. Pet-friendly too!

Insider Tip: Tomorrow will be a travel day back to Albany, New York!

Day 10—Drive to Albany, NY

Day 10 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~2 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Albany, NY
• Stay: Albany, NY, or depart

Now it’s time to wrap up our New England fall road trip!

Drive to Albany

This day is short and sweet.

You’ll be driving the 2-hour drive back to Albany, New York, where you might be departing, or you will stay the night and leave the next day. 

Either way, plan your travel accordingly!

If you have time to grab coffee before leaving Lake Placid, I suggest trying  The Coffee Bar !

The lake views here are *chef’s kiss* and will be a great way to cap off your leaf-peeping New England adventure.

Otherwise, that’s a wrap!

Let’s quickly discuss what this trip would look like if you started in Boston, MA.

Insider Tip: Additionally, you can head to the New York Catskills to see more fall foliage (covered in the bonus sections).

BONUS New England Fall Road Trip Itineraries

Let’s quickly go over the other ways you call pull this trip off.

After this, we’ll talk about bonus stops!

10-Day Fall Road Trip in New England Starting in Boston

Alternatively, you can arrive at the Boston-Logan International Airport and drive 2 hours to Conway, NH. 

This would mean your first night would be in Conway, NH. 

You would then proceed with days: 2 through 8 from the Albany itinerary.

Then, on day 9, head towards Boston and stop in Woodstock, VT.

Woodstock, VT is where you can see the Sleepy Hollow Farm. 

Finally, on day 10, you can explore Boston, MA, and prepare to depart!

The map below illustrates what your route would look like.

5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Only have five days?

I recommend flying into Manchester, NH, and focusing your time and efforts on seeing New Hampshire and Vermont.

In that case, fly into Manchester, NH, and drive about 2 hours to Conway, NH.

With Conway as your hub, you can have a BLAST exploring the White Mountains (days 2 through 4) AND make a stop in Stowe, VT (day 8).

If you end in Stowe, you’ll have a 2.5-hour drive back to the Manchester area. 

3 Day Fall Foliage Trip

If you only have three days to work with, I suggest exploring New Hampshire fall foliage.

You can spend three days going around the White Mountains and have a fantastic time!

A road trip like this would look similar to days 2 through 4 on our extensive itinerary.

You’d fly into Manchester, NH, and stay in Conway, NH.

If you’re up for it, take a day trip to Stowe from Conway (about a 2.5-hour drive).

New England Fall Foliage Bonus Stops

Regardless of where you start your trip, you should know that there are plenty of unique places we didn’t cover!

Want to switch things up or add additional destinations to your fall road trips in New England?

This section is for you.

Sleepy Hollow Farm in Woodstock, VT

Spend an extra night in Stowe and take a day trip to Woodstock’s Sleepy Hollow Farm. It’s possibly one of the most photogenic farms in Vermont. The best part?

The farm is less than an hour from Stowe, so you don’t have to drive too far! 

If you can, I recommend exploring Woodstock during the day.

You’ll enjoy some hella New England vibes and great coffee (like at Soulfully Good Cafe ). 

Connecticut

If you’re looking to  switch it up , add Connecticut to your list!

During your East Coast fall road trip, you can opt to take Route 9 through the Connecticut River Valley. 

And if you want a unique way to see fall colors, ride on the historic  Essex Steam Train ! 

The Essex will take you on a scenic journey through some of Connecticut’s most beautiful fall views. 

For an authentic leaf-peeping New England experience,  try a fall foliage cruise  (available in other New England states too).

Portland, Maine

There is so much to do in Portland, Maine !

You can go apple picking or even take a tour of a Sugar House where a farmer will let you try some of their fresh maple syrup. 

For example, Merrifield Farm and Sugar Shack have maple cotton candy and fresh vanilla ice cream with maple syrup visitors can buy.

Of course, you can get pancakes here too!

AND…AND, if you want to have a real Portland, Maine experience, you can  book a fall foliage private sightseeing cruise . 

Honestly, I don’t think it gets any more New England than that.

Make sure you grab a lobster roll and head to Portland Head Light too!

Catskills, New York

This region ended up being one of my favorite spots during my fall road trips in New England!

The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway is a great place to end your fall foliage adventure. 

Minnewaska State Park will make all your leaf-peeping dreams come true! For some of the better foliage views,  hike to Kaaterskill Falls . 

If you’re into cabin vibes, I suggest booking a stay in a luxe country home like this for the night.

It is spacious and has a hot tub, one of my favorite ways to end a long trip. 

The Lake Minnewaska area is about 2 hours from Albany airport.

Finger Lakes Area

In New York, I suggest visiting Taughannock Falls State Park or Watkins Glen at some point on your New England fall road trip itinerary. 

Both of these stops are in the Finger Lakes National Forest area.

It’s a bit out of the way, but it could be worth the visit if you want to explore more of New York.

You can also opt to visit the Seneca Lake area and do a whole  Seneca Lake Wine Tasting Tour . 

I have PACKED this New England fall road trip itinerary with some of my best fall color recommendations.

Whether you’re a fellow PSL lover or just a fan of autumn, I genuinely hope you enjoy your East Coast fall road trip! If you want to see more epic fall adventures, I recommend checking out my New England blogs!

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I'm a burrito loving explorer who got fired from corporate America and turned that into my dream career as a photographer and blogger. Now I'm here to help you explore life's magic. Thanks for stopping by!

The Ultimate New England Road Trip Itinerary for All 6 States ❤️

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Are you planning the ultimate New England road trip? Let me help! After exploring New England for more than 20 years, I have put together this comprehensive guide to exploring the region. The best way to see New England is by car, and this 2-3 week itinerary offers a grand tour of New England, covering the best places to visit , especially for first-time visitors.

Spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, this itinerary shows you the best of New England, from quaint coastal towns to lush mountain landscapes. The itinerary is also well-paced to allow you to spend time seeing the sites, enjoy local activities, and cross items off your New England bucket list . And, the itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to your needs, interests, and desired trip length.

Whether you’re in for the full journey or seeking shorter road trip variations (I’ve included those, too!), this guide caters to your wanderlust, ensuring a memorable and personalized exploration of New England’s beauty. Let’s go!

PS: Pop this New England playlist on—it’s perfect for a road trip!

Table of Contents

New England Road Trip FAQ

When’s the best time of year to road trip new england.

New England is gorgeous in all seasons, but for the easiest driving (and best New England road tripping experiences), summer and fall are ideal.

If you want the fall foliage experience, late September and early October are the key weeks to plan for. Of course, these times of years are also peak tourist season, so expect more traffic and higher hotel prices.

(PS: If you want to do a shorter road trip or a route that’s perfect for fall, check out my 7 day New England Fall Road Trip itinerary!

One of my favorite times of the year in New England is mid to late May. The weather is beautiful, and the region’s roads and attractions are generally less busy. The budding greenery is especially gorgeous and fresh, too.

Early September can also be lovely, just after kids have returned to school and summer has ended. Expect crisp temperatures and leaves just beginning to change colors.

A winter road trip may be doable, but remember, New England can be quite snowy, so you’ll want to have a reliable vehicle outfitted with snow tires, and you’ll need to stay aware of changing weather conditions and road closures.

How many days do you need for a road trip to New England?

You need 2-3 weeks for a comprehensive road trip around New England. This is the ideal amount of time needed to cover the major highlights of all six New England states.

If you don’t have that much time, you can still pack a lot into a shorter trip. A minimum of 7 to 10 days is ideal for a thorough yet relaxed New England road trip. For a 7-10 day trip, consider my Southern or Northern New England itineraries, or do shorter segments of the full 2-3 week itinerary.

Where should I start my road trip through New England?

I’ve started this New England travel itinerary in Boston, as it’s the biggest city in New England and home to a major airport, Boston Logan International. This airport is easy to fly into and rent a vehicle. Boston is also a great destination on its own, so my itinerary includes a couple days exploring the city.

Ps: Ready to rent a car for your New England drive? Click here to find the best rates on rental cars !

The Perfect New England Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: boston, massachusetts.

You’ll start your New England excursion from Boston, Massachusetts: an absolutely fantastic city.

Boston is a well-known place that’s filled to the brim with history. From famous historical events like the Boston Tea Party to its reputation as a modern-day sports town, you’ll never be bored here.

Some great things to do in Boston :

• Visit the North End and dine on amazing Italian food . Don’t miss grabbing cannoli from Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry.
• Stroll around quaint Beacon Hill
• Tempt your taste buds with a Boston Food Tour
• Go shopping on classy Newbury Street
• Follow the Freedom Trail to learn Boston’s revolutionary history
• Join an expert-led walking tour for a more in-depth experience of the city
• Check out one of the many great Boston museums, including the Museum of Science which I especially love
• Join a Boston Duck Tour and ride in one of the famous amphibious vehicles

Hotel Suggestion in Boston: Fairmont Copley Plaza

Need more guidance for Boston? Check out my post on The Top Things to Do in Boston for first timers , and I’ve also got some recommendations on where to grab coffee, breakfast , a beer, or a bite to eat in Boston , too !

PS: Looking for a shorter road trip from Boston? Check out my New England trip itinerary focusing on the journey from Boston to Acadia National Park .

Days 3 & 4: Newport, Rhode Island

On Day 3, drive from Boston to Newport. This is a straightforward route, with about 2 hours of drive time. Glitz and glamour. That’s what you’ll find in Newport, Rhode Island. This town is perhaps best known for its iconic Gilded Age mansions . These opulent buildings were once the summer cottages of America’s rich and famous families.

Today, many of them have been converted into museums that you can wander through and admire some of New England’s opulence past.

Some of my favorite things to do in Newport:

• Visit a mansion or two. I recommend The Breakers if you only have time for one of Newport’s mansions
• Hop on this fun Gilded Age Mansions Tour, which takes you around via trolley
• Stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk
• Dine at the White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest operating restaurant

Hotel Suggestion in Newport: Hotel Viking

For further Newport ideas : Click here to read more about the top things to do in Newport, including beaches, restaurants, hotels , and vacation rentals too!

READ NEXT   15 Festive Things to Do for Christmas in Newport RI

Day 5: Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut is a wonderful little seaside town that feels like a must-do on a New England adventure. It is one of my favorite places in New England, and there is plenty to do here: history, culture, art, sailing. And, for seafood lovers, Mystic’s coastal location offers a variety of delicious seafood dining options

Like pretty much every other scenic New England town, there’s a cute little downtown area with great shopping, dining, and activities.

A few terrific things to do in Mystic:

• Explore Mystic Seaport , a historic shipyard and museum destination you could spend hours touring
• Watch the Mystic drawbridge (the Mystic River Bascule Bridge) go up, especially while enjoying some Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream !
• See the adorable beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium
• Browse the epic shops in Olde Mystick Village including my personal favorite: Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop

Hotel recommendation for Mystic: The Whaler’s Inn

Further reading on Mystic: Check out my tips for all the fun things to do , best restaurants to eat at , and the best places to stay in Mystic!

READ NEXT   25 Best Beach Towns in New England for Coastal Fun

Day 6: Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

As you roadtrip New England, your next destination is the enchanting Litchfield Hills . This is another easy drive day, as the distance from Mystic to the Litchfield region is a short 2 hours. And if you’re traveling in the fall, the Connecticut fall foliage along this route creates a magical backdrop. To me, this area in the northwest corner of the state is a hidden gem .

Here you’ll find all the classic New England pastimes you know and love. In particular, there is an abundance of outdoor activities (hiking, paddling, fishing) as well as exceptional antique shops.

The Litchfield Hills make up a large portion of this region, and include towns such as Torrington, Woodbury, Kent, Cornwall, and Washington (very English sounding names, aren’t they?)

A few excellent things to do in the Litchfield Hills:

• Live out your Gilmore Girls Dreams. This region is well known for being the inspiration for the iconic tv show that perfectly encapsulates New England small town charm .
• Grab ice cream from Arethusa Farm
• Go covered bridge chasing – Bulls Bridge in Kent has a worthwhile nearby hiking trail
• Hike to Campbell Falls, a beautiful waterfall (this trail technically takes you over the border into Massachusetts, too, so it’s a 2-for-1!)

Recommended hotel in the Litchfield Hills: The Mayflower Inn & Spa : legend has it that it was the inspiration for Lorelei Gilmore’s inn, the Dragonfly.

READ NEXT   18 Wonderful Weekend Getaways from Boston

Day 7: Lenox, Massachusetts

Continue on your New England road trip into the Berkshires of Massachusetts . Here you will encounter art, nature, and culture combined. This region has been very popular among vacationers for many years.  And the town of Lenox is the center of it all.

Best things to do in Lenox:

• Enjoy a concert at the famous Tanglewood (these are a staple in summer, and you can hear everything from leading symphonies to folk singers like James Taylor
• Take in a performance at Shakespeare & Company. This theatre produces excellent shows; I’ve been twice!
• Take a hike on one of the area’s many scenic trails
• Step back in time at the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, a 1890s home that’s open for tours.
• If you are interested in literature, you may also wish to stop by the Mount, Edith Wharton’s turn-of-the-century estate.

Where to stay in Lenox:

More resources for your trip to Lenox and the Berkshires: 🍁 Best Restaurants in Lenox 🍁 10 Charming Cabins in the Berkshires 🍁 Best Hikes in the Berkshires

Day 8: Manchester, Vermont

Finally, you’ve made it into the spectacular state of Vermont (my personal favorite, if you couldn’t tell). It’s a fairly easy drive from the Berkshires in Massachusetts up to Manchester in the southwestern corner of Vermont, only a couple of hours. And this is another route that is especially glorious if you opt to do a New England fall road trip .

Manchester is one of the most beautiful places in Vermont, marrying quaint village charm with touches of modern luxury. It’s no surprise that it’s very popular among travelers.

Some of my favorite things to do in Manchester:

• Tour Hildene , the beautiful Lincoln family home (Yes, some of Abraham Lincoln’s children lived here!)
• Drive to the top of Mt. Equinox on Skyline Drive (or consider hiking the trail up to the summit)
• In the fall, pick pumpkins from the patch at Equinox Valley Nursery (and don’t miss the cider donuts!)
• Shop til you drop at Manchester’s many outlet stores
• Dine at the stately Ye Olde Tavern
• Pop into Northshire Bookstore , one of the leading independent bookstores in New England

Hotel Recommendation for Manchester: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

More resources on Manchester: Read my entire Manchester VT travel guide for more of the top Manchester activities, as well as these articles on the best restaurants , breakfast spots , and hotels in Manchester .

READ NEXT   25 Best Hikes in New England: New England Hiking Options for Everyone

PS: If you’re very interested in exploring Vermont, a trip through Manchester, Burlington, and Stowe make the ideal Vermont road trip itinerary .

Day 9: Burlington, Vermont

Just around 2 hours north of Manchester (taking the beautiful and scenic Route 7) you’ll find yourself in Burlington: Vermont’s biggest city. It’s also often mislabeled as Vermont’s capital, but that honor goes to Montpelier. Still, you’re likely to run into Bernie Sanders in either town!

Burlington is where my husband and I lived for several years. It’s a fantastic town that is hip, artsy, and full of good, local food . Seriously, in Vermont, you need to eat. There’s so much delicious cheese, coffee, beer, maple syrup, and much, much more.

To get you started on your culinary adventures, check out this post on my favorite Burlington breweries and bars , and this one on my beloved coffee shops. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy brunch in BTV . We do breakfast here right.

The gem of Burlington is Lake Champlain, the sprawling, sparkling lake that the city overlooks. Here is the chance to go sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, or take a ferry across to New York state.

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, visit one of the many beautiful parks and natural areas. Burlington is amazing for outdoor activities. If you want to get moving, the Burlington Bike Path stretches for miles, hugging the lake’s edge. This is ideal for running or cycling. You can even rent bikes right on the bike path.

More epic things to do in Burlington VT:

• Sail on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise
• Walk down Church Street for shopping, eats, people-watching, and more
• Hike Mt. Philo, a nearby easy hike with the payoff of a fantastic view

Hotel recommendation in Burlington: Hotel Vermont

Even more resources for your Burlington trip:  🍁 21 Hikes Near Burlington VT to Add to Your Bucket List  🍁 10 Can’t-Miss Free Things to do in Burlington VT  🍁 9 Incredible Day Trips from Burlington VT 🍁 Where to Stay in Burlington VT in 2023: Best Burlington Hotels

PS: Considering visiting Burlington in 2024? It’s one of the cities that the total solar eclipse will pass fully over on April 8, 2024, so start planning ASAP!

Days 10 & 11: Stowe, Vermont

From Burlington, head south on I89 to Exit 10. From there, you’ll take the scenic Route 100 past Waterbury and out to Stowe. When people think of the classic Vermont places, they’re likely thinking of Stowe.

It’s absolutely gorgeous: a charming town surrounded by mountains. The short Main Street and its side streets boast a white-steepled church, an old-timey general store, and a ski museum.

Simply put, Stowe is adorable. I have been to Stowe countless times and I highly recommend it as one of the premier New England road trip destinations!

Wonderful things to do in Stowe:

• Traverse the trails and property at the Trapp Family Lodge , and grab a beer afterwards at their European-style brewery and Bierhall
• Shop the adorable shops on Main Street
• Visit a haunted covered bridge if you dare (Emily’s Bridge)
• Spend a day skiing on one of the area’s fantastic ski mountains
• One of my number one tips: on your way to Stowe, stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill for all things apple (a must-visit in the fall) and the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory tour .

Where to stay in Stowe: Field Guide Lodge , Topnotch Resort , or the Trapp Family Lodge

More on Stowe: I have an entire post dedicated to Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont, the best restaurants , the best breakfast , the best hikes , the best hotels , everything!

READ NEXT   15 Gorgeous VRBO & Airbnb Stowe VT Vacation Rentals (2023)

READ NEXT   Stowe Vermont in Summer: 11 Fun Things to do for All Ages

Days 12 & 13: The White Mountains, New Hampshire

No adventure in New England could be complete without some mountain time. And this is especially true if you’re planning a New England fall road trip .

New Hampshire’s White Mountains are impressive and exciting. They’re the tallest in New England (with Mount Washington tallest of all) and offer spectacular hiking and more. There are several places you could base yourself during this portion of the road trip, but I recommend North Conway, Lincoln, or North Woodstock, as they each offer lots of amenities and accommodations, and are a reasonable distance from the most popular attractions in the region.

Unmissable things to do in the White Mountains:

• Take in some of the coolest natural wonders of the White Mountains , such as the Basin, a granite “pothole” that is found at the base of a waterfall in Franconia Notch State Park
• Go hiking! This is the #1 item on any New Hampshire bucket list . And here is a guide to some of the best hikes in New Hampshire .
• Meander through Flume Gorge. This is a natural ravine that formed over many years and now a hiking trail with a boardwalk passes through it. This is a wonderful hike with some amazing scenery. Another spot that is extra special with the fall foliage
• Clark’s Trading Post in Lincoln, an old-fashioned New Hampshire classic
• A scenic drive along The Kancamangus Highway. This epic stretch of road runs 26 miles between Lincoln and Conway and is one of New Hampshire’s most scenic roads . There are many great spots to stop and explore further and this is undoubtedly one of the best places to see New England fall foliage.
• Shop in North Conway, and don’t miss Zeb’s General Store for a taste of pure nostalgia.
• Tube or paddle in the Saco River. On a friend’s recent bachelorette party trip, we used Saco River Tubing and had an absolute blast!
• Near Bartlett you can stop by Diana’s Baths, a beautiful area of cascading waterfalls and gentle pools. On a hot summer’s day, it’s the perfect place to cool off.

Where to Stay in the White Mountains: Lumen Nature Retreat

More White Mountains travel guides:  🍁  Best Things to Do in North Conway, NH  🍁  Best Things to Do in Lincoln, NH  🍁  Best Things to Do in Franconia, NH  🍁  15 Amazing Cabins in the White Mountains, NH

READ NEXT   Your Guide to Mt Washington NH: The Highest Peak in the Northeast!

Days 14 & 15: Portland, Maine

Finally, the last state on the great New England road trip. This is Maine, “the way life should be.”

Maine is massive so there’s no way to do the state justice in this itinerary; I’m essentially covering a few of the must-see areas. You could spend weeks on a road trip of Maine alone. (See also these  8 autumn scenic drives in Maine delivering up insane fall colors).

If you do wish to explore the rest of Maine (and you absolutely should) I recommend taking a look at my epic list of 50+ Fun Things to Do in Maine , as well as this guide to the top places to visit in Maine . But let’s continue with our amazing road trip!

Stop for a bit in Portland, a modern portside town that may surprise you. There’s a hip city right on the water in Portland, Maine, and this is a hot spot for restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, bakeries , and entertainment .

Fun things to do in Portland:

• Visit a brewery. Beer lovers will be happy to know that Portland has 18 breweries all its own .
• Check out one of several lighthouses in the area . There are 5 less than 20 minutes’ drive from Portland, including the iconic Portland Head Light.
• Grab some of that famous Maine lobster.
• Stuff your face with Maine potato donuts from local staple The Holy Donut
• Walk the pretty Old Port and patronize the eclectic shops and restaurants
• Don’t miss dining at Hot Suppa , a West End restaurant where I enjoyed the best breakfast of my life (and a spectacular maple latte)
• Traveling with kids? The Children’s Museum of Maine on Thompson’s Point is a total blast!

Portland hotel recommendation : Hotel Francis in the West End

Further resources for discovering Portland:  🍁 The Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine  🍁 Weekend in Portland Itinerary  🍁 7 Spots for the Best Breakfast in Portland Maine  🍁 14 Exceptional Airbnb Portland Maine Rentals 🍁 12 Best Hotels in Portland Maine

Days 16 & 17: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine

Now we travel north to Bar Harbor. Admittedly, it looks like a far drive on the map. In reality, from Portland to Bar Harbor is just over a 3-hour drive. And trust me, visiting Mt. Desert Island is SO worth it.

Bar Harbor is the seaside town that will be your base for exploring Acadia National Park . You will be in awe over this beautiful part of Maine. Here is where rocky cliffs tumble into the sea, with iconic lighthouses at the top.

There’s abundant wildlife on land and in the sea, and countless opportunities for terrific hiking.

But the region is not just about the outdoors. Bar Harbor has lovely shops, restaurants, and extremely cozy inns . Truly, the region is ideal for travelers of all kinds. You’ll also find great camping, cabins , and vacation rentals in and near Acadia, too.

My top recommendations in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor:

• Tackle the exhilarating Beehive Hike, that involves a bit of climbing and rewards you with unparalleled views
• Order popovers at the Jordan Pond House (delicious!)
• Take a whale watch or other wildlife tour from Bar Harbor
• Drive up Cadillac Mountain before dawn to catch the sunrise from the first place light touches in the Continental US
• Marvel at the natural wonder of Thunder Hole
• Bike the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor hotel recommendation: The Bar Harbor Inn

More on Acadia: Check out my 3 Day Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park Itinerary for an awesome trip!

Read Next :  10 Coastal Towns in Maine That are Hidden Gems

Day 18: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Your New England driving tour itinerary is nearing its end, but you’ve got a few more stops to make—-stops you won’t want to miss.

Portsmouth is first. We’re back in New Hampshire now! Between Maine and Massachusetts, New Hampshire is home to a very small strip of coastline. The hub of the Seacoast is Portsmouth, a small yet lively city with a great deal of history. You can see colonial architecture all over this beautiful city.

Taking a New England winter road trip? Portsmouth should definitely be on your list, as they do a month of celebrations and events with Vintage Christmas, one of the most magical New England Christmas celebrations !

Best things to do in Portsmouth:

• Strawbery Banke Museum: an outdoor living history museum.
• Dine at one of the many awesome restaurants: Portsmouth has become a major foodie destination in recent years
• Go shopping at the numerous boutiques around town. Some standouts: Gus & Ruby Letterpress , Pickwick’s Mercantile , and G. Williker’s Toy Shop
• Be surrounded by books and grab a tasty beverage at Book & Bar
• Wander the lovely Prescott Park
• Attend some award-winning theatre at Seacoast Repertory Theatre

Hotel suggestion in Portsmouth: The Hotel Portsmouth

Further Portsmouth NH travel resources for your trip : 🍁 The Best Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH 🍁 Top 10 Bars in Portsmouth NH

READ NEXT   18 Magical New England Christmas Towns that are Straight Out of a Hallmark Movie

Day 19: Salem, Massachusetts

Your final stop is the historically infamous Salem, Massachusetts. And though you’ll definitely want to spend time exploring its history with the Salem Witch Trials, there’s plenty to do in the area that isn’t witchy, too.

You can hit the highlights of Salem in one day, or extend for another 2-3.

If possible, you don’t necessarily want to plan your trip to Salem to coincide with Halloween. Although the town has a distinct, fun vibe this time of year, October is also its busiest and most crowded month.

No matter when you go, however, there are definitely some things not to be missed:

• Go to The Witch House, an atmospheric home you’ve definitely seen on Instagram, and a building that is one of the only Salem locations with direct ties to the witch trials. (One of the judges lived here).
• Get witchy in the magickal shops. Whether you want something more fun and touristy, or you’re after the real deal, Salem has a wide range of shops selling all kinds of goods.
• Tour the House of the Seven Gables
• Walk the neighborhoods around Federal Street and admire the stately historic homes
• Find the Hocus Pocus film locations! (Use my guide to take a DIY Hocus Pocus tour )
• Get spooked on a nighttime ghost tour ( top recommendations here !)
• Grab a photo with Samantha at the Bewitched Statue

Hotel recommendation for Salem : The Hawthorne Hotel or Hotel Salem (they have a great rooftop bar)

More on Salem: Check out its great restaurants , scope out some of its haunted history , and maybe even stay overnight in one of Salem’s classic New England inns or Airbnbs ! Nearby towns of Rockport, Gloucester , and Marblehead are worth visiting too if you’d like to explore more of this area of coastal New England.

READ NEXT   12 Fun and FREE Things to Do in Salem MA

Day 20 / End: – Boston, Massachusetts

You did it! You’ve completed an epic New England road trip! Congratulations! You’ve seen some of the prettiest places in the country, and you did it all by car!

Days 21+: Optional Add-Ons: Cape Cod/Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard

You may be wondering why I didn’t include some of New England’s coastal gems on this New England road trip itinerary? I did this because destinations such as Cape Cod , Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard are harder to get to and don’t fit in well with the traditional road trip format. After all, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are islands, so they are not an easy destination to access without in-depth planning.

Not only are they more complicated to travel to, these Massachusetts coastal destinations are terrific and truly worthy of their own vacations . I highly recommend devoting a trip specifically to exploring New England’s amazing coast.

If you wish to add to your road trip, by all means, hop in the car and continue the drive to Cape Cod. From there you can easily take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. And I hope these resources will help you as you plan:

More travel ideas here:

• 25 Things to Do on Cape Cod (Besides the Beach!)
• 13 Best Hotels on Cape Cod: Where to Stay on the Cape
• 10 Best Hotels on Nantucket: Where to Stay for a Nantucket Getaway
• 25+ Fun Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard

The Ultimate New England Road Trip Map (2-3 weeks)

The map below includes all of the destinations I’ve outlined above.

In need of some extra New England road trip ideas? If you’re limited on time, check out my Northern and Southern New England road trip itineraries. These are ideal for 5 day, 7 day, or 10 day New England road trips. Your own personal planning maps are below!

Northern New England Road Trip 7-10 Day Itinerary

• Woodstock, VT
• Waitsfield, VT
• Lincoln, NH
• Portland, ME

Here’s a great New England road trip route if you just don’t have time to go everywhere, but you want to see the highlights of northern New England. In any trip you’ll have to make some choices about what to see and what to miss, sadly, but with this road trip itinerary, you’ll definitely have a broad experience of Northern New England.

This one week New England itinerary contains many of the same stops you’ll find on the ultimate version (that covers all six states). But this one also has the addition of Woodstock, Vermont, which is a classic New England spot, really a ‘Currier and Ives town.’

Southern New England Road Trip 7-10 Day Itinerary

• Provincetown, MA
• Newport, RI
• Providence, RI
• Stonington, CT
• Litchfield Hills, CT
• Gloucester, MA

The Southern New England road trip route is ideal for those who really seek a coastal trip, or who aren’t quite as interested in exploring the mountains. This trip adds a whole bunch of extra stops so you can really dive into coastal New England.

It gives you a feel for the more outdoorsy areas of these southern New England states, too, as the itinerary brings you through the Berkshires, and through charming parts of Connecticut. Definitely an option for a lovely New England summer road trip itinerary.

Shorter Scenic Drives in New England

Are you just looking for a short scenic route that allows you to see dramatic coastal cliffs, mountainscapes, scenic countryside, and more of New England’s charm?

Whether you’re looking for fall scenic drives in New England, beautiful routes along the coast, or just a short yet pretty New England drive, you might just find what you’re looking for on this list of short, scenic drives in New England.

Scenic Drives in New Hampshire

The Coastal Byway (Route 1A)

Location: Portsmouth to Seabrook 

Distance: 18.5 miles 

Where to Stop:  

• Hampton Beach
• Surf Portsmouth , Portsmouth 
• Strawbery Banke Museum , Portsmouth

Robert Frost Scenic Byway

Location: Southern New Hampshire

Distance: 43 miles (The Old Stagecoach Byway and the Robert Frost Byway combined) 

Where to Stop: 

• Robert Frost Farm State Park , Derry 
• Civil War Memorial, Chester
• Matthew Thornton House, Derry 
• Town Beach, Hampstead

New Hampshire Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway)

Location: Conway to Bath

Distance: 56.39 miles 

• Sabbaday Falls 
• Albany Covered Bridge 
• Swift River Lower Falls  
• Russell-Colbath House 
• Sugar Hill Scenic Overlook

The Lake Winnipesaukee Loop

Location: The Lakes Region 

Distance: 97 miles

• George’s Diner , Meredith 
• Mt. Major Trail, Alton 
• Dewey’s Ice Cream Parlor and Cafe , Center Harbor 
• Cotton Valley Rail Trail , Wolfeboro 
• Abenakee Tower , Tuftonboro

Scenic Drives in Maine

• Moosehead Lake

Location: Kennebec and Moose River Valley

Distance: 59 miles

Where to Stop:

• Lily Bay State Park
• B52 Crash Site
• Mount Kineo
• Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe

U.S. Coastal Route 1 

Location: Kennebunkport to Bar Harbor

Distance: 200 miles

• Goose Rocks Beach , Kennebunkport
• Portland Head Light , Cape Elizabeth
• Old Orchard Beach Boardwalk, Old Orchard Beach
• The Holy Donut, Portland
• Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland
• Jordan’s Restaurant , Bar Harbor

Acadia All American Road from Trenton to Acadia

Location: Trenton to Bar Harbor

Distance: 40 miles

• Thunder Hole
• Bar Harbor Inn & Spa

Scenic Drives in Vermont

Location: Wilmington to Jay 

Distance: 184 miles

• Molly Stark State Park, Wilmington
• Dot’s Restaurant , Wilmington
• The Vermont Country Store ,  Weston
• Green Mountain Sugar House ,  Ludlow
• Moss Glen Falls, Granville
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory , Waterbury
• Cold Hollow Cider Mill ,  Waterbury Center
• Trapp Family Lodge ,  Stowe

Route 9 – The Molly Stark Byway

Location: Brattleboro to Bennington 

Distance: 40.1 miles

• Vermont Country Deli , Brattleboro
• Creamery Bridge, Brattleboro
• Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, West Marlboro
• Hogback Mountain Scenic Lookout, Wilmington
• Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington
• The Apple Barn and Country Bakeshop – Bennington

Location: Bennington to Burlington 

Distance: 122 miles

• The Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington
• The Robert Frost Stone House Museum , Shaftsbury
• Cider donuts at the Equinox Valley Nursery , Manchester
• Downtown Murals, Rutland
• Woodchuck Cider , Middlebury
• The Burlington Waterfront – Burlington
• Church Street/Downtown – Burlington

Rhode Island Scenic Drives

Ocean drive.

Location: Fort Adams Park to Bellevue Ave

Distance: 10 Miles

• Castle Hill Lighthouse
• Brenton Point State Park
• Fort Adams Park
• The Breakers
• Marble House
• Rough Point
• The Red Parrot Restaurant

Scenic Drives in Connecticut

Connecticut state route 169.

Location: Norwich to Woodstock

Distance: 36 miles

• Lisbon Meadows Park, Lisbon
• Prudence Crandall Museum , Waterbury
• New England Center of Contemporary Art, Brooklyn
• Roseland Cottage , Woodstock

Connecticut Shoreline Drive

Location: New Haven to Stonington Borough

Distance: about 80 miles (depending on which routes you take!)

• Eat in Little Italy, New Haven
• Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
• Harvey’s Beach, Old Saybrook
• Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
• Mystic Aquarium, Mystic

Scenic Drives in Massachusetts

The berkshires.

Location: Stockbridge to Williamstown

Distance: 35 miles

• Norman Rockwell Museum , Stockbridge
• Berkshire Botanical Garden,  Stockbridge
• The Mount, Edith Wharton House , Lenox
• Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield
• Hancock Shaker Village, Hancock
• Mount Greylock , North Adams
• Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art , North Adams
• Williams College – Williamstown

Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

Location: Gloucester to Newburyport 

Distance: 24 miles

• Hammond Castle Museum, Gloucester
• Crane Wildlife Refuge, Essex
• Eat at the Clam Box , Ipswich MA
• Plum Island Beach, Newburyport
• Maudslay State Park, Newburyport

Wrapping Up this Northeast Road Trip

I hope this New England travel guide has given you all the information you need to help you plan a trip to the region’s most exciting and gorgeous places. With multi-day options to choose from and choices that are great for every season, I have aimed to cover all of the top places to road trip throughout these six amazing states.

Even more resources for your New England adventures: 🍁 25 Fantastic New England Day Trips 🍁 Hidden Gems in New England: 15 Secret Places to Visit 🍁 Best Fall Foliage New England Tours Worth Your Money

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The Ultimate 7-Day New England Fall Foliage Road Trip Itinerary

July 11, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away

If you are looking for the best 7 day fall foliage road trip in New England, you have come to the right place! I am a HUGE fan of fall foliage, being a Florida girl, this isn’t something that I ever got to see in my life, so when I tell you this is the best itinerary, you can trust me!

From the rugged mountains of New Hampshire to the quaint streets of Stowe, Vermont, and the charming orchards of Connecticut, this 7-day Fall foliage road trip is your ticket to a palette of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds.

I’ve laid out the very best itinerary for fall foliage in New England, so let’s get started!

Best Dates To Take This Fall Foliage Trip

The best time to take a fall foliage road trip…..changes ever year! I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but it is the truth!

There are great fall foliage prediction maps that you should check out! These change every year, so wait until it updates for this year, and then use it as a guide. Of course, this is just a prediction and things can change, but it is a good guide to check!

Personally, I DO NOT recommend going during the end of September, UNLESS there are very strong predictions that the foliage will be peaking around this time and it will be an early fall.

I have done fall foliage road trips starting in the end of September and it has never been much and some years it is totally green. NOT what you want!

I do recommend doing this trip in the first two weeks of October. Again, do your research as it DOES change every year! Check the foliage calendar, but this is a pretty good bet you will see great foliage.

If you want to go LATER in October, focus on the Connecticut portion of this fall foliage road trip. Since Connecticut is further south than Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, the foliage stays here a bit later!

If you plan to visit New England in the last few weeks of the month, I recommend checking out my Connecticut Fall Road Trip Itinerary or sticking to southern Vermont/New Hampshire which may still have some good foliage.

Remember, it changes each year!! Make sure to book EARLY!!! Places fill up early in Vermont and New Hampshire. In CT you will have much better chances of booking later!

Getting There and Getting Around

Kickstart your New England road trip adventure by flying into Boston Logan International Airport.

I find that Boston has the cheapest and best flights to fly into!! To maximize your time, choose the earliest morning flight!

Then you are going to want to rent a car. Renting a car is the ONLY way to do this itinerary. Don’t worry, once you leave the hustle and bustle of Boston, driving in New England is quite easy and enjoyable!

From Boston, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, your first destination. Ready to breathe in that crisp autumn air?

Days 1-3: Exploring the White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are like the ultimate place for fall foliage and where I have seen the most vibrant insane foliage that looked like Photoshop, but in real life!!

For Days 1-3 I recommend staying at the same accommodation and using it as a base to explore the White Mountains and all they have to offer.

Day 1: Drive the Kancamagus Highway

I highly recommend taking time to explore the Kancamagus Highway, affectionately known as “The Kanc.”

This is the perfect introduction on your first day!!

This route is a 34.5-miles long and home to some of the best fall foliage in New Hampshire, and really in the world!!!

I couldn’t believe my eyes!!!!

If your trip lines up this way, you MUST do this drive on Friday [or even Saturday of the October holiday weekend. I have done it on Sunday and Monday of this holiday weekend multiple years in a row and the driving is a MESS!! I’m talking sitting in the car for an hour to go 2 miles.

Do it on Friday or Saturday and thank me later!!

Kancamagus Highway Stops I Love:

Albany covered bridge.

Kickstart your trip with a stop at the Albany Covered Bridge. It’s one of those perfect New England spots where you can snap a great photo surrounded by a mix of amber and ruby leaves. I LOVE covered bridges and they scream “fall” to me!

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area

Don’t miss the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. It’s a great place to experience the serene beauty of the White Mountains with trails that meander alongside a lively river. This place was beautiful!!!! But could be crowded with tour busses depending on when you go!

Sabbaday Falls

A little further along The Kanc, pull over for Sabbaday Falls. It’s a short walk to this enchanting waterfall, making it a refreshing pit stop where you can stretch your legs and breathe in the crisp autumn air. This is a beautiful waterfall to see on your New England fall foliage road trip!

Hancock Overlook

This is a great stop just to check out the views and keep moving! I don’t really hike from here, just look at the view and move on! But I think it is worth it!

Lincoln Woods

Yet another beautiful stop!!! This can get busy but since you are going on a Friday you should be okay!!! A beautiful gorge surrounded by fall foliage!

Otter Rocks

This is a hidden gem! It is a picnic area with bathrooms and if you walk a little you will see a beautiful river surrounded by foliage. It isn’t ever that busy so a great spot for some photos and to see some amazing fall foliage!

Day 2: White Mountains Foliage And Hikes

Today is about exploring more of the White Mountains! I am not a huge hiker so most of these hikes are super easy. You can choose to hike more or less depending on what your interests are!!! This day takes you to some of my favorite places to see the best and most epic foliage in all of New England!

Hiking Artist’s Bluff

Now that you are done visiting the Kanc, it is time to hike Artist’s Bluff. It’s an easy (but steep) trail and the payoff? Spectacular panoramic views of the mountains, now dressed in their fall best. This is where I have seen the best fall foliage in New England and I am not even kidding you!!!!

The trail is short but steep. PLEASE wear proper hiking shoes as sooooo many people don’t!!!!! I have seen girls hiking this in heels. It is very rocky and steep, but worth it as it is a very short hike!

Flume Gorge

Next up is Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park. Walk through this natural gorge and marvel at the towering rock walls and the lush, colorful canopy overhead.

There is a really cool covered bridge here. Please note the walk into the gorge itself is quite long, way longer than I expected!!!! So keep this in mind!!

St. Matthew’s Chapel

St. Matthew’s Chapel is one of the most picturesque chapels in all of New England! There are beautiful trees surrounding it and it is right near Franconia and a super quick drive from the Artist’s Bluff area if you are looking for cool and cute photos!

Crawford Notch State Park

If you’re up for more adventure, Crawford Notch State Park is your go-to. Whether you’re here for the scenic drives or the challenging trails, it’s a place that showcases the dramatic beauty of the area.

There are lots of stops in this area, it is kind of like the Kancamagus Highway where there are tons of things to do!

Crawford Notch is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that range from easy walks to challenging climbs. Some notable hikes include:

• Arethusa Falls : Hike to the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire, a stunning 160-foot drop.
• Mount Willard : A moderate hike that offers one of the best views of Crawford Notch for relatively little effort. The summit provides a panoramic vista of the entire valley.
• Ripley Falls : A beautiful 100-foot waterfall that’s accessed via a relatively easy 1-mile trail.

Even if you just have time to drive through, it is still worth it.

Day 3: Day Trip To Dixville Notch State Park

This place provides EPIC views of stunning fall foliage. Since it is in Northern New Hampshire, check the foliage map as this region often reaches peak foliage before the White Mountains!

Climbing and hiking in Dixville Notch can vary in length and difficulty, depending on which trails or routes you choose. For those interested in a more moderate hike that still offers stunning views and the full experience of the fall colors, the Table Rock Trail is a popular choice. This trail is relatively short but steep, covering about 1 mile each way.

The hike up Table Rock takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the breathtaking vistas or to catch your breath.

It’s a bit of a scramble in parts, which adds to the adventure and fun of the experience. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Dixville Notch’s dramatic cliffs and beautiful fall foliage in the valley!

Where To Eat In The White Mountains/Lincoln/Franconia Area

Modify where you go out to eat depending on where you stay! If you are near the Littleton area of this region for your three nights then choose restaurants that are closer! If you are in the Lincoln area, choose ones closer to you!

Polly’s Pancake Parlor – This is a must-visit spot for breakfast or brunch. Polly’s has been serving homemade pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast items since 1938. The views and the maple syrup are as authentic as it gets!

Thai 9 – If you’re craving some Thai food, Thai 9 is highly recommended. They serve authentic Thai dishes ranging from mild to fiery, all made with fresh ingredients. I went here multiple times during my trips nad I can highly recommend it!

One Love Brewery – This brewery offers a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, paired with a menu that includes German-inspired dishes and American classics. It’s a great spot for a casual meal in a lively setting.

Horse & Hound Inn – Located in a renovated 1940s inn, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that features locally sourced ingredients, serving American and European dishes in a cozy, elegant setting.

Where to Stay in The White Mountains of New Hampshire

You will stay here for the first 3 days of your New England fall foliage road trip itinerary! Choose anywhere within your budget, and start booking your accommodations NOW as they sell out and get VERY expensive!

Here are some of my favorites!

• Omni Mount Washington Resort: This is the crème de la crème of mountain resorts, offering stunning views and top-notch amenities.
• The Kancamagus Lodge: Ideal for those who want a comfy place to rest without straying far from the scenic spots.
• Sugar Hill: These accommodations feature stunning gardens and a restaurant and bar that is to die for. Patios and pools too!
• The Franconia Inn : This classic New England inn provides a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

Day 4-5: Stowe, Vermont

Say goodbye to the beautiful white mountains and hello to Vermont! It is time to head to Stowe, Vermont, about a 2-hour drive away. Stowe is picturesque and packed with activities, making it the perfect next stop on your fall tour.

It literally looks like you are in a Hallmark Movie!!! I couldn’t believe my eyes!

Day 4: Exploring Stowe

For day 4 we are going to drive from the White Mountains and arrive in Stowe. Here is what you can get up to on your first day in town!

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

One of the first places you should hit up is Cold Hollow Cider Mill. The cider here—especially the donuts—are legendary. Everything is made on property including the cider and baked goods.

Walk around Downtown Stowe

Spend your afternoon wandering through downtown Stowe, exploring its quaint shops and cozy cafés. I love walking through the downtown area, which features a range of boutiques, art galleries, and local craft stores. It’s perfect for picking up unique gifts or souvenirs.

Stowe Church Viewpoint

If you are looking to get the quintessential Stowe church viewpoint for your photos, I got you!!!! Put the name “Salon Salon” on your GPS and it will bring you right to the parking lot!

You can also easily walk here from Downtown Stowe!! It is an easy walk, just follow your GPS!

I think this is a spot that is worth it for memorable photos as it is a unique viewpoint!

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches

For some quintessential fall fun, check out Percy Farm Corn Maze for a bit of challenge and laughter, and swing by Winslow Farms to pick the perfect pumpkin.

Day 5: Stowe Scenic Drives

For Day 5, we are going to continue exploring the Stowe area and drive one of the most beautiful drives in the USA!!!

Smugglers Notch

Driving through Smugglers Notch is an experience unlike any other. The road, flanked by 1,000-foot cliffs, is narrow and winding, and the views are just breathtaking.

This is home to some beautiful foliage! I think it is worth a drive, but since you just did the Kancamagus Highway I do think the Kanc has better foliage.

Nonetheless, I recommend driving Smuggler’s Notch as it is a must-do in this area and super scenic!

Stowe Gondola Ride

Take a ride on the Stowe Gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield for some of the best aerial views of the foliage. It’s a smooth ride up, with even more stunning sights at the top.

You can also drive the access road to the top. Both of these experiences are quite expensive so if you are on a budget, I recommend skipping them!

Apple Picking

For apple picking, head to Stowe Farm . The variety is great, and the setting is picturesque—ideal for a leisurely afternoon.

Covered Bridges

There are loads of covered bridges in the Stowe area!!! I love them, they scream “New England” to me!!! I highly recommend checking out a few. They are historical and also super pretty for photos!

VonTrapp Lodge

The lodge, famous for its connection to the von Trapp family, whose story inspired “The Sound of Music,” offers a unique blend of Austrian hospitality and Vermont natural beauty.

You can spend the day exploring the extensive grounds, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You DO have to pay for parking in order to access the amenities!

The property features various walking trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. After exploring, you can visit the on-site brewery, von Trapp Brewing, where you can sample a range of lagers brewed in the traditional Austrian style.

Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at one of their restaurants, which serve authentic Austrian cuisine made with Vermont-fresh ingredients. The experience is a wonderful way to enjoy the atmosphere and scenic beauty of this iconic location.

Where To Eat In Stowe

There are TONS of places to eat in Stowe! My favorite is Idletyme. It is 10/10 and soooo tasty! It can get busy, so keep that in mind!

Everywhere I have eaten in Stowe has been good, so you can’t go wrong!

Idletyme Brewing Co. – This brewpub is a great choice for those who appreciate craft beers paired with delicious, hearty meals. Their menu features classic pub fare, as well as more refined options, all in a relaxed, friendly environment. Get the beer cheese pretzel, you won’t regret it!

Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge – Widely regarded as one of the best places for pizza in Stowe, Piecasso is famous for its delicious, hand-tossed pizzas, vibrant atmosphere, and eclectic decor. They offer a wide range of specialty pizzas and classic combinations. I have eaten here many times and it is amazing and they do takeout!

The Matterhorn – A popular spot for fondue, The Matterhorn offers a casual après-ski inspired atmosphere where you can enjoy cheese fondue among other menu items. It’s a great place to unwind and savor the warm, cheesy goodness. I am obsessed with fondue so this is like, my perfect restaurant!

Doc Ponds – For a laid-back vibe and a menu that’s perfect for sharing, head to Doc Ponds. This eatery is popular among locals and visitors alike for its eclectic, music-themed decor and a diverse menu that caters to all tastes.

Where to Stay in Stowe

You will stay here for two days [day 4 and 5] of your fall road trip in New England. As with our first stop, I suggest that you start booking your accommodations NOW as they sell out and get VERY expensive!

Here are some of my favorite hotels in Stowe:

• Trapp Family Lodge: This lodge offers a blend of history, comfort, and natural beauty.
• The Lodge at Spruce Peak Destination by Hyatt Residence: For more luxury seekers: this place has everything. Golf course, spa, restaurants, and more!
• Field Guide Lodge: A modern, boutique option for those who appreciate a stylish stay.

Day 6-7: Fall Foliage In Northern Connecticut

Bet you didn’t expect Connecticut to be on this itinerary!

You are in for a true surprise, as Connecticut is a New England hidden gem, and my favorite part of any New England fall road trip.

If you are coming later in the season, some of the other stops on this post such as northern New Hampshire may have already turned, but stopping in Connecticut will allow you to follow the foliage down south!

Either way, you are in for a treat, the foliage is AMAZING, and not a lot of people go!

For your final two days of your fall road trip in New England, I recommend staying at the same place in Northern Connecticut. You will be able to easily drive around to all of these spots and it is one less place to move your luggage from to maximize your time seeing the incredible fall foliage.

Let’s get started exploring my favorite fall stops in Connecticut!!!!

Day 6: Stowe To Connecticut

It is about a 3.5 hour drive from Stowe all the way down to the Hartford area of Northern Connecticut where we will be basing out of for this itinerary!

There are some great places to stop along the way!!

Woodstock, Vermont

If you’re planning a fall foliage road trip through New England, make sure to carve out time for Woodstock, Vermont. It is on the way from Stowe to Connecticut and just off the highway!

This quintessential Vermont town embodies the spirit of fall with its vibrant, leaf-draped landscapes and historic charm. Woodstock’s beautiful setting is perfect for strolls through its quaint downtown, where you’ll find unique boutiques and galleries nestled among colonial architecture.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous covered bridges or the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, where you can explore beautifully maintained trails and an operating dairy farm.

Emily Dickinson Museum

The Emily Dickinson Museum is also RIGHT off the highway in Amherst, Massachusetts, directly on your way down to Hartford!

Here you can visit the home of one of America’s most beloved poets. It’s a serene spot that seems straight out of a storybook during the fall. I loved the tour here!

If you don’t have enough time on your way down from Stowe, you can also day trip up as it is only an hour away from the Hartford Area!

Basketball Hall of Fame

Sports enthusiasts aren’t left out! The Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, is an easy drive just pas Amherst and a fun way to spend a few hours. I did both of these on the same day as you pass right by Emily’s house on the way to the Hall Of Fame.

My travel partner loves basketball so that is why we stopped and I wanted to make a mention for anyone else traveling with basketball lovers! It isn’t exactly “fall” themed, but it was still a fun stop!

More Fall-Themed Activities In Northern Connecticut

Depending on how long the drive takes you and how early you leave Stowe, here are more fun fall activities!

• Fall Foliage Cruises on the Connecticut River : Take a scenic fall foliage cruise from Hartford down the Connecticut River. Companies like RiverQuest offer sightseeing cruises that highlight the spectacular autumn colors along the riverbanks.
• Hiking and Biking : Take advantage of the cooler weather to explore some trails. Penwood State Park , located in Bloomfield just a short drive from Hartford, offers excellent trails for hiking and mountain biking with beautiful overlooks to view the changing leaves.
• Heublein Tower in Talcott Mountain State Park : A moderate hike up to Heublein Tower offers panoramic views of the Connecticut landscape ablaze in autumn colors. The tower itself is historically significant and offers a glimpse into local history.

Day 7: The Best Fall Stops In Connecticut

For your final day of this fall foliage road trip in New England, you will explore all of my favorite fall stops in Northern Connecticut!

This place is a total hidden gem and just BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

Hogan’s Cider Mill

Start your final day with a taste of local tradition at Hogan’s Cider Mill in Burlington. Sip on some crisp, freshly made cider and don’t miss trying their hard ciders if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more kick.

I recommend their cider topped with a cider donut and whipped cream! It is only served on certain days of the week so make sure to call ahead if you want to be 100% sure!

I always grab donuts and a pint of cold apple cider to go so I can enjoy during the day!

Castle Craig

One of my favorite lesser known spots is Castle Craig in Meriden. Towering above Hubbard Park, this stone observation tower offers jaw-dropping views of the fiery foliage below. It’s a perfect photo op spot, so keep your camera handy!

This place is super unique and the foliage in the valley is gorgeous! Make sure to check the closing times as the road up there is not open all day!

Lost Acres Orchard

Lost Acres Orchard in North Granby is a total local favorite if you are looking for a hidden gem. They have tons of baked goods but my favorite that I highly recommend is the Mile High Apple Pie.

Their pumpkin whoopie pies are also amazing, but VERY spicy/seasoned so keep that in mind!

Marvel At The Connecticut Homes

The homes in Connecticut are STUNNING!!!!! Some of the best I’ve seen and I think the prettiest in all of New England.

I love just driving along or walking along and enjoying some of the beautiful homes blanketed in the best fall foliage!!!!

Seriously, you don’t even have to do anything other than drive to your final destination and you will pass so many gorgeous autumnal homes!

Where to Stay in Northern Connecticut:

I personally stay in the north-west side of Hartford, near the town of Avon. If you want to stay in Downtown, of course you can, but with traffic and all of the excursions being outside the city, I find staying in the suburbs to be easier!

But I support you in choosing wherever you want to stay!

These accommodations do not book up as fast as other spots on your road trip through New England, so that is good to keep in mind, but don’t wait too long, just in case!

• The Simsbury Inn – A quaint hotel with cozy rooms perfect for chilly fall evenings.
• Avon Old Farms Hotel – Set in a beautiful, pastoral landscape, this hotel offers comfort and classic New England charm.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Hartford Avon – Located in Avon, this hotel caters to guests looking for extended stays with studio, one- and two-bedroom suites equipped with kitchens. Amenities include free breakfast, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol – Situated in Bristol, to the west of Hartford, this hotel features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant. It’s also close to the ESPN headquarters and the New England Carousel Museum.

Sadly, your New England fall trip has come to a close!

You can easily drive the 2 hours back to Boston, or you can do a one-way car rental and drop it in Hartford and fly home from there!

I have personally done both options.

The drive back to Boston is super easy. To make the most of your time, you can even book a later evening flight so you have even more time to explore during the day on your way back to the airport.

Ultimate New England Fall Road Trip: Best 3-10 Day Itinerary

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When it comes to experiencing the full splendor of autumn, few places on Earth can rival New England. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking the ultimate New England fall road trip, then this guide is exactly what you’ve been waiting for!

Last year we created the perfect New England itinerary that included both the must-see sites and more off-the beaten path towns for fall foliage in New England. It may just be our favorite trip we’ve ever done.

We know that planning this trip can be stressful with trying to time peak foliage and avoiding high priced accommodations, so we’ve put together this guide to make your experience as seamless as possible. So take a deep breath and get excited for all the red, yellow, and orange leaves you’re about to chase!

In this post, we’ll take you through a detailed 10-day New England fall road trip itinerary, with options for 7, 5, and 3-day adventures as well.

Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve explored New England before, this guide will ensure you don’t miss a thing. We’ll explore popular spots and hidden gems alike, provide you with tips on where to stay, and let you know the best times to go, what to pack, and which photo-worthy stops you absolutely cannot skip.

Get ready to immerse yourself in all the quintessential New England experiences—crimson maples, scenic byways, covered bridges, cozy inns, and more.

Prefer a video? Watch us explore New England with our Fall Foliage Roadtrip playlist, where we visit many of the spots we share in this guide!

Your PERFECT 2024 New England Fall Road Trip: Best 3-10 Day Itinerary

Table of Contents

Is fall in New England worth it?

Yes! It might just be our favorite trip we’ve ever done! There are not many places in the world that turn into a fall wonderland quite like this place. I don’t think we’ve ever been as happy as we were during this trip!

Where should you fly into?

To kick off your New England fall road trip, the best place to fly into is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) . Boston is a major hub with excellent flight options, so it’s convenient no matter where you’re coming from.

Don’t forget to put your purchases onto a card that allows you to maximize your travel miles ! Checkout our favorite travel credit cards!

Once you land, rent a car directly from the airport to give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace. Pro tip: Be sure to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak foliage season, to ensure availability and get the best rates.

What is the best time to see fall colors in New England?

The best time to see fall foliage in New England is from  late September to mid-October,  with peak foliage typically occurring in the first two weeks of October. November would be too late.

During our trip in 2023, we arrived on October 3rd and left on October 14th, and managed to catch peak foliage in New Hampshire and Vermont. Timing can vary slightly each year, so you can use three different ways to help you plan your trip:

• View the  past fall foliage reports  to see when leaves have changed in the past
• New England Fall Foliage Forecast
• Peak Fall Foliage Map
• Farmer’s Almanac Predictions
• If you live in the area, search the destination you are visiting on Instagram to see how the leaves look in other people’s photos and stories that were taken today.

Besides leaf-peeping,  October in general is definitely a good time to visit New England. The weather is cooler, making it perfect for being outdoors, and the summer crowds have thinned out. Daytime temperatures usually range from the high 50s to low 60s, so be sure to pack layers to stay comfortable.

How many days do you need to see fall foliage in New England?

You’d think that seeing leaves day after day would get boring, but the beauty of New England is that each destination offers a different experience . Some places have scenic roads, some have fun fall train rides, some even offer leaf-peeping via kayak!

In order to get a taste of it all, 10 days is perfect. We work full-time jobs, so with our itinerary, you can maximize your PTO by arriving on a Friday morning for Day 1 and leaving in the evening of Sunday on Day 10. That way you only need to take 5 days off!

We’ve also put together options for you to see New England in 3, 5 or 7 days. It’s totally possible, and we’ll make sure you get to see the best of the best in those shorter amounts of time!

When should you start planning a New England Fall Road Trip?

Coming from California, we didn’t have the luxury of being able to roll in whenever we heard more updated foliage reports. Instead, we relied on the past foliage reports to determine that visiting in the first 2 weeks of October was our highest chance for hitting peak foliage in at least 1 spot.

We purchased our tickets in May for our October trip, and it helped us to be able to nail down our accommodations before the prices rose. The sooner the better when it comes to planning! In the end we ended up witnessing peak foliage in the most important spots for us: New Hampshire and Vermont.

Those who live closer, could also be a little more spontaneous, but keep in mind that accommodations might be harder to find. If that’s the case, try looking further on the outskirts of the main destinations!

Where is the best place to see New England in the fall?

Most people will say that the best places to see New England in the fall are New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Stowe, Vermont. We would agree! However, there are 3 special places that are totally underrated that also have some fun fall festivities with less crowds, and those are Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island.

Don’t worry, we’ll tell you all about it in our New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary 😉

Can you travel in New England during fall on a budget?

Experiencing a New England fall road trip doesn’t have to break the bank! With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the stunning autumn scenery without overspending. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you stick to your budget while still making the most of your trip:

• One of the easiest ways to save money on the road is by preparing your own meals. Look for hotels, motels, or vacation rentals with kitchen facilities, so you can whip up breakfast, pack lunches for the day, and even cook dinner.
• While it’s tempting to stay in the heart of charming New England towns, accommodations there can be pricey, especially during peak foliage season. Consider booking a place just outside the main tourist areas. You’ll often find more affordable rates, and the extra drive is a small trade-off for significant savings.
• If you’re up for an adventure, camping is a fantastic budget-friendly option. New England is home to many beautiful campgrounds where you can pitch a tent for a fraction of the cost of a hotel. Just be sure to book your spot early, as campsites can fill up quickly during the fall.
• New England is full of natural beauty, much of which you can enjoy for free. Take advantage of scenic drives, state parks, and hiking trails that don’t require an entrance fee. Many charming small towns offer free events and festivals in the fall, where you can soak up the local culture without spending a dime.
• Travel with Friends ! Splitting the cost of accommodations, gas, and even meals with friends or family can significantly reduce your expenses. Plus, road trips are more fun when shared!
• Gas prices can add up, especially on a road trip. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel stations along your route, and try to fill up before you hit the more remote areas, where prices tend to be higher.

10-day New England Fall Road Trip Map and Itinerary Starting in Boston

• Day 1 — Arrive in Boston, MA and drive to Bar Harbor
• Day 2 —  Bar Harbor, Maine ; Acadia National Park
• Day 3 — White Mountains, NH; Lincoln, NH
• Day 4 — White Mountains, NH; Kancamagus Highway
• Day 5 —Conway Scenic Railroad; Conway, NH
• Day 6 — Stowe, VT
• Day 7 — Stowe, VT  ; Smuggler’s Notch
• Day 8 —  Mystic, CT
• Day 9 — Mystic, CT
• Day 10 — Bristol, RI

🍁Get your FREE New England Fall Map!

To help you navigate the best of New England, we’ve created a handy New England map. This map highlights all the must-visit spots mentioned in this guide, making it easy for you to plan your trip to New England in the fall.

Click here for your FREE Map!

Day 1: Arrive in Boston, MA, and Drive to Bar Harbor, ME

Total Drive Time: ~5 hours

Why Bar Harbor, Maine? We recommend starting your trip in Bar Harbor, Maine because since it’s further north, the colors would change there first. Acadia National Park  is a fantastic place to see fall foliage that  often gets overlooked .. But Bar Harbor and Acadia offer something unique—fall colors PLUS spooky foggy vibes 👻

Prefer a video? Watch us explore Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park , where we visit many of the spots we share in this guide!

Start your New England fall road trip by flying into Boston early in the morning. After picking up your rental car, hit the road towards Bar Harbor, Maine. The drive is nothing short of spectacular— you’ve officially made it to New England in the fall!

On your way into Bar Harbor, make a stop at the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse . Built in 1858, this iconic lighthouse stands at the southwestern edge of Acadia National Park . It’s one of those rare spots where you can capture stunning fall colors right next to the beach! This was one of our favorite places to snap photos, and we’re sure you’ll love it too.

Where to stay in Bar Harbor

After soaking in the views, head into Bar Harbor and check into your hotel. Here are some great options based on your budget:

• Main Street Motel: A no-frills option in a fantastic location—within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor and just minutes from Acadia National Park. This is where we stayed during our trip!
• Acadia Hotel : A charming inn right in the heart of Bar Harbor, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
• Bar Harbor Inn: Ideal for those celebrating something special! This is one of the best luxury hotels in the area and has stunning waterfront views.
• White Birches Motel (Hancock): If Bar Harbor hotels are fully booked or out of your budget, this nearby motel offers budget-friendly rates and easy access to Acadia.

Bar Harbor hotels can sell out quickly, especially during peak foliage season, so make sure to book your stay well in advance. If availability or prices are an issue, consider staying in nearby towns like Ellsworth or Hancock.

After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around downtown Bar Harbor. It’s a compact area, so you can explore most of it in about 20 minutes—unless you’re tempted to stop in every shop along the way (like we were!).

For a truly New England experience, grab a lobster roll at The Thirsty Whale Tavern . This cozy, laid-back spot in the heart of Bar Harbor is famous for its fresh lobster roll and creamy clam chowder.

For more detailed recommendations on where to eat in Bar Harbor, check out our Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine !

Day 2: Bar Harbor, Maine and Acadia National Park

Total Drive Time: Minimal (Local driving around Bar Harbor and Acadia)

Start your day with a delicious taste of Maine—grab a blueberry macchiato at Acadia Perk and blueberry donuts at Graffiti Donuts . You’ve got to try the Maine blueberries while you’re here!

Once you’re fueled up, take a leisurely stroll along the Shore Path . This scenic walk along the waterfront offers stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. Even if the weather’s a bit foggy, you’ll find that the mist only makes the fall colors pop even more! This was one of our favorite free things to do in Bar Harbor.

Mid-Morning

After your stroll, it’s time for the highlight of your Bar Harbor experience— leaf-peeping from the water ! We joined Coastal Kayak Tours for their harbor kayak tour, and it was an unforgettable experience. Paddling through the calm waters, we watched as the vibrant autumn leaves contrasted beautifully against the foggy morning sky.

If kayaking isn’t your thing, consider taking a boat tour instead. Several companies offer cruises with panoramic views of the coastline, nearby islands, and the stunning fall foliage . These tours often include narration about the area’s history and wildlife!

For a different perspective, you could also rent a paddleboard and explore the area on your own if the weather is nice.

After your adventure on the water, head to Dog and Pony Tavern for a meal that you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve left Bar Harbor. Their lobster mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food–creamy, cheesy goodness with generous chunks of fresh lobster.

Pair it with a local blueberry ale for the full Maine experience. If the weather’s good, enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio.

Now, it’s time to explore Acadia National Park . The beauty of Bar Harbor is that Acadia National Park is only a few miles away! This iconic park is open year-round, but fall is when it truly shines. Here are some top spots for fall foliage:

• Beehive Loop Trail: A challenging but rewarding hike for experienced adventurers, featuring iron rungs and ladders. The views from the top are stunning—unless, of course, it’s foggy, in which case you might want to choose another trail.
• Jordan Pond Path: This easy hike offers breathtaking views of fall foliage!
• Jesup Path: An accessible boardwalk trail that’s great for all levels of mobility

• Cadillac Mountain: Famous for its sunrise views and fall foliage, this spot is a must-see. Just remember to reserve your spot in advance, as it’s one of the most popular locations in the park.

• Park Loop Road : A 27-mile scenic drive through Acadia, perfect for admiring the fall colors, especially on a foggy day when hiking might be less appealing. Our favorite stops included Sand Beach , Thunder Hole , Otter Point , Otter Cliff , and the eerily beautiful Otter Cove . Checkout our article on the Must-See Stops on Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park !

Read next → Ultimate Guide to Fall in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine

Pro Tip: Check out the Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor web cameras to see the current weather conditions before you go. Fog is pretty common here, and it can completely change your experience!

You are of course going to want to bring a camera on your fall foliage trip! The best camera is the one you have at the moment, but if you’re curious what cameras and gear we use,  check out our gear list .

After a day of exploring, continue your lobster adventure with a unique twist— lobster pizza at Pat’s Pizza . It’s affordable and oh so yummy!

There’s tons more to see in Bar Harbor, Maine! Swap out any of these activities or restaurants with any of the spots we mention in these articles!

• 12+ Very Best Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine
• Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine

Ultimate Guide to Fall in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine

• Must-See Stops on Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park

Day 3: Drive from Bar Harbor, Maine to Lincoln, NH

Why Lincoln, NH? When you think of fall in New England, the image you have in your head is probably the White Mountains of New Hampshire! This place is an autumnal playground! From exploring one of New Hampshire’s best scenic drives to leaf-peeping train rides, there’s something for everyone in this area.

Prefer a video? Watch us explore New Hampshire , where we visit many of the spots we share in this guide!

Today is mostly a driving day, but don’t worry—it’s a more relaxed one. Use this time to unwind, enjoy the scenic route, and get excited because you’re heading to one of our favorite stops on this entire road trip : the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Where to stay in the White Mountains

After arriving in Lincoln, it’s time to settle into your accommodations in the White Mountains. While Lincoln and Conway are popular places to stay since they are on either end of the Kancamagus Highway, we highly recommend staying at the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa in Whitefield, NH.

Located about 45 minutes from Lincoln, this luxurious resort is perfect for those looking to turn a pit stop into a vacation. We loved the peaceful setting away from the crowds, and the resort offers unique activities like axe throwing, llama hikes, visits to their farm, and even golf with breathtaking views of the White Mountains.

Tonight, you can enjoy roasting s’mores by the firepit , grab some fresh cider from their farm, or simply soak in the panoramic mountain views from your room! Plus their onsite restaurant is delicious, so you don’t even need to leave the property today if you don’t want to!

If you prefer to stay closer to the action, Lincoln and Conway have plenty of great options too:

• Indian Head Resort ($$): Family-friendly with beautiful lake views and on-site dining.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln East – White Mountains ($$): Convenient location with free breakfast and an indoor pool.
• RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain ($$$): Luxurious suites, on-site winery, and stunning mountain views.
• North Conway Grand Hotel ($$): Offers a convenient location next to Settlers Green Outlet Village, with indoor and outdoor pools.
• The White Mountain Hotel and Resort ($$$): Golf course, spa, and incredible views right in the heart of the White Mountains.

Pro Tip: For more detailed lodging options, including charming B&Bs and budget-friendly motels, check out our hotel list in the Ultimate Guide to the Kancamagus Highway for Fall Foliage !

Afternoon and Evening

After checking in, it’s time to explore Lincoln, NH and The White Mountains . We recommend driving Crawford Notch , an amazing scenic drive in New Hampshire.

There are tons of spots to pull out and observe waterfalls and beautiful vistas. It’s much less crowded than the Kancamagus Highway, but still equally as stunning! You can read more about it in our guide to the Top 4 Must-See New Hampshire Scenic Drives !

Read next → Top 4 Must-See New Hampshire Scenic Drives

Had enough driving today and want to do something different? Here are some more recommendations!

Top Things to Do in Lincoln, NH:

• Flume Gorge : A stunning natural gorge with a boardwalk that takes you through waterfalls, covered bridges, and incredible autumn scenery.
• Windy Ridge Orchard : The orchard offers apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and a farm store selling fresh cider, homemade pies, and other treats. Windy Ridge also has nature trails and a petting zoo, making it a great destination for families. Don’t forget to try their famous cider donuts!
• Franconia Notch State Park: Hike around Artist’s Bluff Trail to see a view of Echo Lake, or take the aerial tramway up Cannon Mountain for panoramic views.

Read next → 25+ Things to do in Lincoln, NH for Every Type of Traveler

Afterwads, we grabbed a delicious Bavarian pretzel and beers at One Love Brewery for dinner. However, if you’re looking for something different, here are some more recommendations!

Best Restaurants in Lincoln, NH :

• Gypsy Cafe: A local favorite offering an eclectic menu with something for everyone.
• Black Mtn. Burger Co.: Known for its hearty burgers and relaxed atmosphere—perfect after a day of exploring.
• The Common Man: A cozy, rustic restaurant offering classic New England dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.

For more dining options, don’t miss our 17 Best Restaurants in Lincoln, NH that you NEED to try!

Day 4: Explore the Kancamagus Highway

Total Drive Time: ~2-3 hours (depending on stops)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Flapjack’s Pancake House in Lincoln—if you’re not in a hurry, that is! Be warned, this local favorite often has a line out the door, but the fluffy blueberry pancakes with whipped maple butter and bottomless coffee are worth the wait.

If you’re looking to hit the road early, a grab-and-go breakfast at your hotel might be the better option.

Before you set off on the Kancamagus Highway, swing by The Purple Tomato in Lincoln to pick up a picnic lunch. They also serve breakfast if you’re still looking for a bite to eat. With your lunch packed and your car filled up with gas, you’re ready to embark on one of the most scenic drives in New England.

Mid-Morning to Afternoon:

Today, we drive the Kancamagus Highway (or “The Kanc” as the locals call it)! This is a 34.5-mile stretch of Route 112 that cuts through the White Mountain National Forest, and is the most scenic beautiful drive we’ve ever done.

You are of course going to want to bring a camera on your New England Fall Foliage trip! The best camera is the one you have at the moment, but if you’re curious what cameras and gear we use,  check out our gear list .

Known for its breathtaking fall foliage, it’s the quintessential New England drive, and today is all about taking your time to soak it all in.

Pro Tip: There are no gas stations, restaurants, or services along the Kancamagus Highway, so be sure to fill up your tank and bring snacks and water before you start your journey.

For all the best stops along the Kancamagus Highway , be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to the Kancamagus Highway for Fall Foliage , but here are some must-see spots to get you started:

• Hancock Overlook Start your journey with a stop at Hancock Overlook, the first major viewpoint if you’re beginning your drive from Lincoln. This spot offers expansive southwest views overlooking a unique hairpin turn!
• Pemigewasset Overlook For a truly breathtaking view, stop at Pemigewasset Overlook. This vantage point offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Sugar Hill Scenic Vista Here you’ll be treated to stunning eastward views. This overlook is particularly magical in the morning!
• Sabbaday Falls Take a break from driving and stretch your legs with a short hike to Sabbaday Falls. This easy, under-a-mile round-trip trail leads you through the forest to a picturesque waterfall.
• Rocky Gorge Scenic Area Rocky Gorge is one of the most beautiful and popular stops along the Kancamagus Highway. The area features a scenic bridge, a path along the river, and a short hike up to Falls Pond.
• Russell Colbath House This 19th-century homestead is surrounded by vibrant fall foliage, with a particularly striking red tree right in front. It was one of our favorite spots to take photos on the Kancamagus Highway.
• Albany Covered Bridge Step back in time with a visit to the Albany Covered Bridge, a charming relic from the 1800s that spans the Swift River. It’s a quintessential New England photo op, so don’t forget your camera! Just be cautious, as the bridge is still operational, and you’ll need to watch out for cars.

Read next → Ultimate Guide to the Kancamagus Highway for Fall Foliage

After a day of exploring the Kancamagus Highway, it’s time to refuel with a delicious meal. You have a few great options in Lincoln:

• Woodstock Inn Brewery: Perfect for craft beer lovers with a full menu of pub favorites.
• Nachos Mexican Grill: Craving something different? This spot serves up flavorful Mexican cuisine.
• Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta: A cozy spot for pasta lovers, with hearty portions that hit the spot after a long day.

Of course, if you’re staying at a hotel with a great restaurant, like the Mountain View Grand Resort , dining in is also an option!

Day 5: North Conway and the Conway Scenic Railroad

Total Drive Time: ~1 hour

Start your day with a scenic drive from your accommodations to North Conway , NH. This charming town is on the other side of the Kancamagus Highway, and a perfect stop on your New England fall road trip!

Upon arriving, grab a bite to eat at The Met Coffee House . Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast options, The Met is a local favorite for a grab and go style breakfast.

After breakfast, take some time to stroll around North Conway. The town is filled with unique shops, local boutiques, and classic New England architecture.

Midday to Afternoon:

The highlight of your day is a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad , specifically the Mountaineer Train that takes you through the breathtaking scenery of Crawford Notch. This fall foliage train ride was an absolute must for us on our trip!

Prefer a video? Watch us ride the Conway Scenic Railroad!

Pro Tip: Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as this popular train ride can sell out quickly, especially during peak foliage season.

Don’t worry too much about which side of the train you’re seated on —the train turns around at one point, so everyone gets the same spectacular views. That said, we recommend opting for the highest class possible for the most comfortable experience. If there’s availability in the dome car, definitely grab it! These are the most sought-after seats!!!

During our trip, we opted for first class and loved the comfortable seats and old-fashioned decor. We were seated in LAL 48, seats 1 and 2 , which gave us sweeping views at the start of the journey—a spot we highly recommend if you can snag it!

The train ride lasts from 11:30 AM to 4:15 PM , and with food available on board, there’s no need to worry about buying the lunch they offer on the website.

Alternative Option: If the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Mountaineer Train is sold out, don’t worry—try booking a ride on the Granite State Scenic Railway instead. It offers a similar experience with beautiful views of the New Hampshire White Mountains.

After the train ride, swing by Cathedral Ledge Viewpoint for sunset! This popular overlook offers stunning views of the Saco River Valley and the White Mountains.

After your scenic train ride, wrap up your day with dinner at Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub . Located in North Conway, this rustic spot is perfect for a relaxed, hearty meal surrounded by mountain-themed-decor.

There’s tons more to see in the White Mountains of New Hampshire! Swap out any of these activities or restaurants with any of the spots we mention in these articles!

• Ultimate Guide to the Kancamagus Highway for Fall Foliage

17 Best Restaurants in Lincoln, NH that you NEED to try!

• Top 4 Must-See New Hampshire Scenic Drives
• 25+ Things to do in Lincoln, NH for Every Type of Traveler

Day 6: Drive to Stowe, VT

Total Drive Time: ~2 hours (White Mountains to Stowe)

Why Stowe, VT? So far we’ve seen fall on the coast and have done a few incredible drives and train rides to experience the beauty of fall in the mountains, but Stowe, VT is all about autumnal food and small-town vibes. It really feels like a Hallmark movie here!

Prefer a video? Watch us explore Stowe, VT!

Rise and shine extra early today, as you’ll be driving from The White Mountains to the charming town of Stowe, VT . On your way, join the virtual waitlist for Butler’s Pantry , one of Stowe’s most beloved breakfast spots. Trust us, you’ll need to get in line as soon as you wake up if you want a chance to taste their renowned breakfast fare!

While the wait might be long, it’s worth every minute. Butler’s Pantry is famous for their French toast, which locals swear is “better than cr*ck.” Drenched in Vermont maple syrup, it’s the perfect way to kick off your day in Stowe.

For those who prefer savory over sweet, their biscuits and gravy, made with maple sausage gravy, are also spectacular.

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Stowe. There’s something magical about seeing this quaint town decked out in its fall finest.

Use this time to pick up a few souvenirs! Bear Pond Books Store is a must-visit for book lovers, with a well-curated selection that includes local Vermont literature. For a wider array of souvenirs, Stowe Mercantile is the place to go, with everything from traditional keepsakes to local Vermont snacks and candies.

Also make sure to visit the iconic Stowe Community Church . This picture-perfect white steeple is one of Stowe’s most photographed landmarks, and for good reason.

You can either walk up to the church or take in the view from the Stowe Community Church View Point , our favorite lookout.

Before leaving town, stop by the picturesque red covered bridge , another of Vermont’s most photographed landmarks, and a quintessential spot for your New England fall road trip album.

For lunch, head over to Piecasso , which many consider the best pizza joint in Vermont . It may look like your average pizza parlor, but the menu offers a lot more than the traditional pies. Be sure to order the Snow Daze Pizza , featuring white sauce, ricotta, sweet sausage, green onions, and bacon!

After lunch, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Mount Mansfield , Vermont’s highest peak. The views are nothing short of spectacular, especially with the fall foliage in full display. While there might be a bit of a wait, the panoramic vistas at the top make it well worth it. For a smoother experience, buy your ticket online ahead of time.

At the summit, you can choose to explore one of the hiking trails or simply relax with a waffle and a hot drink at the Waffle House . If you’re in the mood for a more substantial meal with a view, the Cliff House Restaurant is a reservation-only spot that’s highly recommended.

After descending from Mount Mansfield, drive through the legendary Smuggler’s Notch . This narrow, winding road curves around massive boulders and offers one of the best scenic drives for fall foliage in Vermont. The views here are nothing short of breathtaking.

End your day with dinner at the Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall , located within the scenic grounds of the Trapp Family Lodge . Yes, it’s that Von Trapp family—the same one that inspired “The Sound of Music.”

The Bierhall offers a delightful mix of Austrian and Vermont flavors, serving traditional Austrian-style lagers brewed on-site, alongside hearty dishes like pretzels with beer cheese and grilled bratwurst sandwiches.

Where to Stay in Stowe:

Stowe offers a variety of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. Here are our top picks:

• Grey Fox Inn : Our stay here was perfect! This affordable option is close to downtown Stowe and offers spacious rooms, a heated indoor pool, and even kitchen-equipped rooms!
• Field Guide Lodge : A stylish boutique hotel that blends modern touches with rustic charm. It features uniquely decorated rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and a cozy lounge area with a fireplace.
• Trapp Family Lodge : This lodge, owned by the family made famous by “The Sound of Music,” offers Austrian-inspired accommodations and stunning mountain views. Even if you’re not staying here, a meal at their on-site restaurant and brewery is a must.
• Talta Lodge : Designed for adventure lovers, this contemporary and sleek lodge offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It’s located near a variety of outdoor activities and even features a fitness center and bike rentals for guests.

Or maybe you prefer to stay at a cozy bed and breakfast ? Check out these 7 Charming Bed + Breakfasts in Stowe, VT for a Cozy Getaway

Day 7: Stowe, VT

Total Drive Time: ~1 hour (local driving around Stowe and Waterbury)

We’ve got a packed day ahead, so start your morning with a quick and delicious breakfast at Black Cap Coffee in downtown Stowe. Their maple latte is a must-try, and we highly recommend pairing it with their maple sausage breakfast sandwich.

Add on an extra day in Stowe, VT by following out 3-Day Stowe, VT Itinerary!

After breakfast, stretch your legs on a leaf-peeping walk along the Stowe Recreation Path . This scenic trail winds over rivers and through meadows and forests. If you’re traveling with a bike, this path is also perfect for cycling. So many people miss this gem, but it was one of the highlights of our time in Stowe!

Next, take a short drive to Waterbury to visit the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Factory . For just $7, you can enjoy a quick and entertaining tour of the factory. The guides here are hilarious! The tour wraps up with some delicious ice cream samples, of course!

After your ice cream, continue the sugar rush and head to Cold Hollow Cider Mill for a true taste of Vermont. Watch a cider-making demo, indulge in a freshly made apple cider donut, and grab lunch in the cider house. If you’re not the designated driver, don’t miss out on their hard apple cider flights!

No trip to Vermont is complete without some maple syrup tasting! There are so many maple farms to visit, in fact, we wrote a Traveler’s Guide to Vermont Maple Syrup Farms! If we had to pick one, we’d recommend Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks .

Sample different grades of maple syrup during their free tasting, explore their maple trail, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a maple creemee—a local favorite! This spot is free to visit and a great place to stock up on maple products to take home.

Read next → Traveler’s Guide to Vermont Maple Syrup Farms (Tours + Free Tastings!)

After a day full of sweet treats and local flavors, end your day with a delicious dinner at one of Stowe’s top restaurants.

This would be a great time to explore some of Stowe’s best breweries! In fact, we wrote a whole guide to The Best Stowe VT Breweries for Craft Beer Fans.

Whether you choose The Bench for its cozy atmosphere and comfort food, Ranch Camp for its unique blend of casual dining and outdoor adventure, or Idletyme Brewing Company for craft beers and hearty fare, you’re in for a treat.

For more dining inspiration, check out our Foodie’s Guide to the Best Stowe VT Restaurants for a list of our favorite restaurants and breweries.

There’s tons more to see in the Stowe, VT! Swap out any of these activities or restaurants with any of the spots we mention in these articles!

• A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Stowe, VT Restaurants
• Traveler’s Guide to Vermont Maple Syrup Farms (Tours + Free Tastings!)

7 Charming Bed + Breakfasts in Stowe, VT for a Cozy Getaway

• The Best Stowe VT Breweries for Craft Beer Fans (Right Now)
• The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Fall in Stowe, VT

Day 8: Arrive in Mystic, CT

Total Drive Time: ~4.5 hours (Stowe, VT to Mystic, CT)

Why Visit Mystic, CT? Mystic, CT, might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a New England fall road trip, but it’s an underrated gem that should be on everyone’s radar. This charming coastal town offers a unique mix of history, scenic beauty, and New England charm.

Prefer a video? Watch us explore Mystic, CT , where we visit many of the spots we share in this guide!

After your drive, head straight to Red 36 , arguably the best seafood restaurant in Mystic, CT. Nestled in a marina, this restaurant extends over the water, offering some of the best views in town.

As you walk in, you’ll pass by a raw bar showcasing the day’s catch—oysters, littlenecks, and cherry stones. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Talbot Prey, is a culinary journey through various global cuisines, but what really stands out are the many ways they incorporate lobster.

We couldn’t resist ordering the Lobster Carbonara and a Lobster Roll (served hot and buttery), both of which were simply outstanding. Enjoy your meal on the outdoor deck while taking in the serene Mystic breeze—this is the New England experience you’ve been dreaming of.

After lunch, take some time to explore downtown Mystic . Start with a visit to the iconic Mystic River Bascule Bridge , a charming drawbridge that has been lifting on the hour every hour since 1922.

Watching the massive counterweights raise the 218-foot span is both a marvel of engineering and a must-see spectacle in Mystic. The bridge is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, so you can get up close and enjoy the view from the sidewalk on either side.

As you wander through downtown, you’ll find it’s incredibly walkable and bursting with quaint shops and delightful little nooks to explore. Make sure to sneak behind the shops on Main Street to catch views of the water and watch boats sail by.

For some shopping, we recommend stopping by Trove , a men’s store packed with unique finds, Queenie’s Gift Emporium , where you’ll laugh at the quirky souvenirs, and Bank Square Books , an adorable bookstore with a great selection of local authors.

Where to stay in Mystic, Connecticut

When you’re ready, check into your hotel. We stayed at The Whaler’s Inn , and it was an absolute highlight of our time in Mystic. Located in the heart of downtown, this charming inn was the perfect base for exploring the town center.

We stayed in the Hoxie House , a room with everything we could ask for: a cozy in-room fireplace, a view of the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, and nautical-themed decor that made us feel like we were in a coastal living magazine photoshoot.

For dinner, we highly recommend dining at Shipwright’s Daughter , located within The Whaler’s Inn. This isn’t your average hotel restaurant—it’s a culinary powerhouse that has won numerous awards, including Best Restaurant in Connecticut for 2023.

Helmed by Chef David Sandridge, who brings over 13 years of experience and two Michelin stars to the table, Shipwright’s Daughter offers a farm-and-sea-to-fork menu that changes daily.

On our October visit, we were treated to a garden salad that was as beautiful as it was delicious, followed by a negroni for Martín and a mocktail for me. For mains, Martín enjoyed a roasted seacoast mushroom dish, while I had the best strip loin steak I’ve ever tasted. The perfect medium rare cut with a peppered crust was so good, I nearly refused to share!

Mystic, CT has a surprising number of incredible restaurants, so be sure to read about them all in our Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Mystic, CT

After dinner, retreat to your room at The Whaler’s Inn . Spend the evening relaxing by the fireplace and watching the Mystic River Bascule Bridge rise and lower. The adventures continue tomorrow!

Day 9: Mystic, CT

Total Drive Time: Minimal (Local driving around Mystic)

Start your day with breakfast at one of our top recommendations for the best breakfasts in Mystic — Mystic Depot Roasters .

Nestled next to the bustling train tracks, this understated coffee shop re-romanticizes the world of rail travel. As you step inside this active train station, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the rustic allure of vintage train memorabilia transports you to a bygone era.

We love Mystic Depot Roasters for its simple yet delicious breakfast sandwiches, cleverly named after train-themed words like The Conductor and The Commuter . With pillowy soft bread baked fresh each morning, it’s no surprise this spot has been named the Best Breakfast in Connecticut.

Read next → Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Mystic, CT

One of the best free things to do in Mystic, CT is to take a leisurely drive along River Road . This scenic route winds along the Mystic River, offering stunning views of the water and the massive estates that line its banks.

We found ourselves daydreaming about what it must be like to live here, especially with the fall foliage at its peak. If you have some extra time, park your car and take a stroll to fully appreciate the scenery.

Ready for our favorite thing to do in Mystic ? Head over to B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill , the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States.

Open seasonally from September to December, this charming spot is a must-visit for all things apple. After standing in line and passing by various apple-packed local products, treat yourself to a hot apple donut with a side of fresh cider. If you’re not driving, you can also enjoy an apple cider mimosa out back.

You are of course going to want to bring a camera on your Mystic, CT trip! The best camera is the one you have at the moment, but if you’re curious what cameras and gear we use,  check out our gear list .

Next up is the Mystic Aquarium , one of the best things to do in Mystic, CT, with kids—or if you’re a kid at heart! While it’s not the biggest aquarium you’ll visit, it’s definitely still worth a visit.

The aquarium features an array of marine animals, including penguins, seals, and sharks. But where did we spend most of our time? Hanging out with the beluga whales!

Pro Tip: Admission prices vary depending on how far in advance you purchase your tickets, so plan ahead to save a few bucks. Tickets range from $33-$47 for adults and $26-$35 for children (3-13). Kids under 2 get in free.

Read next → The 14+ Very Best Things to do in Mystic, CT (Right Now)

After all that exploring, a Bavarian pretzel and craft beer at The Jealous Monk will hit the spot—they have over 32 beers on tap and a delicious food menu, making it one of our favorite restaurants in Mystic.

Afterwards, explore the surrounding area at Olde Mistick Village! This shopping area is full of specialty shops that are so fun to explore!

One of the most iconic attractions in Mystic is the Mystic Seaport Museum , the largest maritime museum in the United States. We arrived expecting to see a few ships but were blown away by the sheer size of the museum—it spans over 19 acres!

You could easily spend a whole day here, exploring the recreation of a 19th-century seafaring village, complete with churches, schoolhouses, and grocery stores. Each building offers a different demo, from harpoon-making to operating a printing press.

The highlight, of course, is walking aboard the Charles W. Morgan , the oldest commercial ship still in existence. We were able to see the living quarters up close and personal, imagining what life was like for those who once hunted whales aboard this historic vessel.

If we had one regret, it was not dedicating more time to this incredible museum. We recommend setting aside at least half a day if you can!

For an authentic New England dining experience, head to the Captain Daniel Packer Inn . This historic pub, dating back to the 18th century, offers a cozy, old-world atmosphere that’s perfect for your last night in Mystic.

We’ve eaten a lot of lobster rolls on our journey through New England, but this was one of the best—hot, buttery, and served in a perfectly toasted bun.

End your evening with dessert at Bar and Bonbons , a hidden gem tucked around the corner from the famous Sift Bake Shop. While many people come to Mystic just to eat at Sift, Bar and Bonbons is equally worth a visit.

Instead of pastries, this spot focuses on dessert cocktails. We highly recommend the salted caramel martini, made with salted caramel Grey Goose, house-made ganache, and a piece of salted caramel on top. It’s almost too pretty to drink—but trust us, you will.

Pair your cocktail with one of their huge s’mores-flavored marshmallows or a pavlova, and you’ve got the perfect sweet ending to your day in Mystic.

There’s tons more to see in the Mystic, CT Swap out any of these activities or restaurants with any of the spots we mention in these articles!

The 14+ Very Best Things to do in Mystic, CT (Right Now)

• 7+ Best Spots for Breakfast in Mystic, CT (Right Now)
• Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Mystic, CT

Day 10: Bristol, RI

Total Drive Time: ~1 hour (Mystic, CT to Bristol, RI) + ~1 hour (Bristol, RI to Boston Airport)

Why Bristol, RI? Known as the most patriotic town in America, Bristol’s tree-lined streets, historic mansions, and scenic waterfront create a picturesque setting that feels like stepping into a classic American film. During the fall, Bristol is the perfect escape from the busier areas of New England, and there is still some incredible foliage to witness!

Do note that in Connecticut and Rhode Island, the leaves change later in the month, so these are great spots to visit if you aren’t able to travel in the beginning of October!

Watch us explore Bristol, Rhode Island and visit many of the places we share in this guide!

Start your final day in New England with breakfast at Beehive Cafe . Located just a short walk from Independence Park, this quaint two-story café offers stunning views of the coastline. We couldn’t resist indulging in their all-American breakfast, featuring two eggs, ham, bacon, French toast, hash browns, Vermont maple syrup, and honey butter.

Another standout dish is the Beehive Benny, with its house-made English muffin, grilled tomato, poached eggs, smoked ham, arugula, and a rich four-cheese sauce. After placing your order at the downstairs counter, you’ll be handed an adorable animal figurine instead of a typical table number—we were delighted to receive an orange dinosaur. 🦖

Late Morning

After breakfast, take a stroll through Independence Park and watch the ships bob in the harbor. You can walk along the boardwalk or even use this spot as a launching point for kayaking or fishing!

Then, stroll along Hope Street or Thames Street through downtown Bristol, Rhode Island. Peek into the gift shops selling all sorts of charming New England souvenirs , and contemplate redesigning your entire house like we did 😉

Late-morning is a great time to make a visit to the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum .

Picture this: a sprawling 33-acre estate that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a Gatsby party scene. The family who owned this place, the Van Wickle family, were the kind of folks who probably never had to worry about money in their life.

Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle had their fortune in the coal mining business, and this was their summer home. Today it still stands as the most fully-developed and intact example of the Country Place Era in the United States.

The mansion itself is a 45-room wonder, and you could spend quite some time here appreciating the hand-painted wallpaper and family heirlooms. But what makes this place so grand isn’t the mansion, it’s the gardens.

Bessie herself described her vision for “a park with distinctive features, using the house as a centre.” And she nailed it. There’s trails, forests, Japanese-inspired gardens, the tallest redwood this side of the Mississippi, and so many beautiful flowers.

After exploring the mansion, it’s time for lunch. Here are three standout restaurants in Bristol :

• DeWolf Tavern: Situated in a renovated boat house on Bristol Harbor, this restaurant blends classic New England ingredients with global flair. Don’t miss the fluffy fresh-baked naan with coconut-infused lamb curry, or the lobster popover—a light and airy pastry stuffed with lobster meat, sherry cream, Brussels sprouts, and cornbread hash.
• The Lobster Pot: For a traditional seafood experience, head to The Lobster Pot, located right on the waterfront. Whether it’s pan-seared scallops, a lobster salad roll, or crispy fried clams, this spot offers a quintessential Rhode Island meal with fresh, straight-from-the-boat seafood.
• Leo’s Ristorante: If you’re craving Italian, Leo’s Ristorante serves hearty pasta dishes, pizzas, and more in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Try the white pizza, chicken piccata, or lobster mac and cheese, perfectly paired with a glass of Chianti.

Read next → The 8 Best Restaurants in Bristol, Rhode Island (Right Now)

Spend your afternoon exploring Colt State Park , known as the “Gem” of the Rhode Island State Parks System. This 464-acre park offers panoramic views of the bay, lush lawns, and meticulously maintained flower beds.

We recommend the Colt State Park Loop , a 5.3-mile paved trail perfect for biking, rollerblading, or walking. The loop offers beautiful views of both the woods and the coast.

Entry and parking at Colt State Park are free, making it one of the best free things to do in Bristol. You can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, or picnicking, and it’s a great spot for kids and pets to explore.

After your afternoon in the park, it’s time to head back to Boston Logan Airport to catch your evening flight home. We hope you had a fantastic trip!

LOOKING FOR MORE THINGS TO DO IN RHODE ISLAND? CHECK OUT OUR RHODE ISLAND GUIDES AND VLOGS!

• BEST OF RHODE ISLAND – 24 hours in PROVIDENCE and BRISTOL (travel guide)
• The 8 Best Restaurants in Bristol, Rhode Island (Right Now)

Fun Things to do in Bristol, Rhode Island (1 Day Itinerary)

7-day new england fall road trip itinerary:.

It’s definitely possible to cut down this itinerary to 7 days by removing Bristol and Mystic and the day in New Hampshire where you take the Conway Scenic Railway! Here’s a revised version of the itinerary:

• Day 1— Arrive in Boston, MA and drive to Bar Harbor
• Day 5 — Stowe, VT
• Day 6 — Stowe, VT  ; Smuggler’s Notch
• Day 7 — Return to Boston

5-Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary:

For a 5-day trip, you can focus in on the must-see stops, which would be the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Vermont!

• Day 1— Arrive in Boston, MA and drive to the White Mountains in New Hampshire
• Day 2 — White Mountains, NH; Lincoln, NH
• Day 3 — White Mountains, NH; Kancamagus Highway
• Day 4 — Stowe, VT
• Day 5 — Return to Boston

3-Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary:

For the shortest possible trip that still offers a quintessential New England fall experience, focus on White Mountains and the Kancamagus Highway.

• Day 2 — White Mountains, NH; Kancamagus Highway
• Day 3 — Return to Boston

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7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary: The Perfect Fall Getaway

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Have you been dreaming of witch trials sites, fiery maple trees, and scenic rural drives? For fall lovers, one week exploring the vibrant foliage of New England is the ultimate bucket list experience. An adorer of autumn myself, I wrote the perfect 7 day New England road trip itinerary to fulfill your leaf peeping dreams.

This itinerary is inspired by my own road trip through New England last year, which included New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Although my home state of Ohio has gorgeous falls too and I’d already seen Massachusetts at peak coziness, I yearned to more deeply explore the hilly forests and farmland of the Northeastern United States. Sneaking in a lobster roll or two while revisiting Massachusetts wouldn’t hurt either!

New England’s compactness makes it easy navigate, while offering charming small towns, rewarding hiking trails, and coastal views. As this road trip covers three states, I’ve carefully planned this itinerary for the most efficient New England sightseeing route. Are you ready to get witchy in Salem, MA and cozy in Woodstock, VT? Let’s get into it.

Ultimate 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

I have mapped out the below itinerary to further ease your navigation between these amazing New England destinations.

Related: 61 Awesome Bucket List Ideas for Your Best Fall Ever

Day 1: Massachusetts – Arrive Into Boston

This 7 day New England road trip itinerary kicks off in Boston, whose urban streets transform under autumn’s spell, particularly in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. If you are flying, you’ll land at Boston Logan International Airport, so grab a 10-minute Uber/Lyft into the city. Arriving either in the morning or the night before allows you to have a full day of sightseeing what they call “Beantown” .

The best thing to do during one day in Boston is to follow the Freedom Trail past sites significant to Boston’s Revolutionary War history. Either join a guided tour or simply follow the red line on the pavement from Boston Common. This self-guided app also provides an informative tour at your own pace.

Afterwards, stroll the boutiques and cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill or consume seasonal treats on the Underground Donut Tour .

Finish by dining at one of many Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End before turning in for the night. Don’t forget to stop in for a cannoli at Modern Pastry or a Boston cream donut at Bova .

Craving a spooky experience, but tired of walking? Take this Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour .

Suggested Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station

Day 2: Massachusetts – Salem, MA

No single 7 day New England itinerary would be complete without a visit to the Witch City, or Salem, MA, where the infamous 1692 witch trials took place. To make the 45-minute drive from Boston, pick up your rental car the morning of day two (we rented ours at the airport).

Note: If visiting during the super busy month of October, get into Salem by 9am to ensure you find parking and avoid traffic jams. An alternative is to stay in Boston for one more night and take a 30-minute train or ferry into Salem . I recommend booking a room at Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station to be close to both the train and Freedom Trail.

Here is the best way to spend one day (also consider following my Salem day trip itinerary ):

• Visit the Salem Witch Museum (purchase a timed entry ticket online)
• Stop into the Salem Witch House
• Stroll past the wand shops, fortune tellers, and apothecaries of Essex Street
• Take a spooky witch trials walking tour

For a nice dinner with lots of ambiance, dine at Ledger Restaurant . For less fuss and laid-back vibes, get a lobster roll and beer at The Lobster Shanty ; they serve delicious clam chowder too!

Suggested Stay: In Salem at the Hampton Inn Salem Boston or in Boston at the Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station

Related: 13 Best Things To Do In Salem , MA In October

Day 3: New Hampshire – Artist Bluff Trail

It’s time to get out of the city and into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which deliver sweeping views over fall’s colorful tree canopies. On the morning of day three, depart from Massachusetts and drive about two hours north to Lincoln, New Hampshire. While there are plenty of hotels in and around Lincoln, you may opt to stay in a cozy cabin instead.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln East – White Mountains

You can find cabins all around the area, so I recommend doing a search on Airbnb and seeing what’s available during your travel dates. My husband and I stayed in this adorable dog friendly cabin in Wentworth, New Hampshire last year, where the stargazing looked like a sheet of glitter over the sky.

After settling in, it’s time for your first hike of the trip: the 1.5-mile Artist Bluff Trail in Franconia State Park. This steep loop trail leads to panoramic views over the fiery-colored treetops framing Echo Lake. For less climbing, take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway just one mile away, which lifts you 4,080 feet to the peak of Cannon Mountain.

If you still have time and energy, also consider hiking the gorgeous two-mile Flume Gorge loop trail , which follows along an 800-foot natural gorge at the base of Mount Liberty. Just remember this trail has an entry fee of $18 online ( book here ) and $21 at the trailhead.

After hiking, visit a local brewery, like Rek-Lis Brewing Company , for dinner and drinks. As we were staying closer to Plymouth, NH, we stopped into Sole Track Brewing to share a tasting paddle. For dinner, we grabbed burgers at The Last Chair , a ski-themed brewery that had tasty burgers and peanut butter porter.

Day 4: New Hampshire – Kancamagus Highway

The next day in New Hampshire, you will experience the state’s most iconic leaf peeping adventure: the Kancamagus Highway . This 34.5-mile stretch of roadway between the towns of Lincoln and Conway leads past beautiful mountainscapes and other gorgeous natural scenery.

Keep in mind there are no gas stations along this route, so fill up before heading out. Also, you must pay $5 per day to park in White Mountain National Forest . You can simply put the cash or check in an envelope to leave at a drop box at the first stop along the highway.

Don’t be afraid to pull over frequently along the Kancamagus Highway. Otherwise, this enchanting stretch only takes about one hour to complete without stops.

Here are the must-see sights along the Kancamagus Highway, in order heading east:

• Otter Rocks
• Hancock Overlook
• Panoramic Overlooks
• Pemigewasset Overlook
• CL Graham Wangan Overlook
• Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
• Sabbaday Falls: Most popular hike along the way, only .5 mile trail that leads to a waterfall
• Russell-Colbath House
• Campney Fall: 3.1 miles out and back, .6 miles additional miles to reach the summit of Mount Chocorua, which has gorgeous 360-degree views
• Rocky Gorge: lovely in fall and nice place to picnic
• Lower Falls: this super short hike to a waterfall is the most popular stop of the drive
• Albany Covered Bridge

Stay overnight near Lincoln, NH again. If you are staying in a cabin, consider having a cookout or bonfire to make s’mores!

Otherwise, dine out at Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery in North Conway before turning back to drive the Kancamagus Highway in reverse. You could also visit Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock upon completion of the drive.

Day 5: Vermont – Woodstock

The next morning, it’s time for the last leg of your trip: the friendly small towns of Vermont where even the automated speed signs scold you politely.

The drive to charming Woodstock (the one in Vermont, not New Hampshire) will only take about and hour and a half from Lincoln, NH. You could stay in a hotel in Woodstock or simply book an Airbnb in the surrounding area (we loved this adorable hobby farm ).

Recommended Hotel: The Village Inn of Woodstock

This route around Woodstock will be the delight of any 7 day New England road trip itinerary:

• Quechee Gorge: Visible from an overpass along Route 4, this 165-feet gorge (Vermont’s deepest) was formed by glaciers 13,000 year ago. You can park in a lot off Route 4 to quickly view the gorge or hike the Quechee Gorge Trail at Quechee State Park .
• The Skinny Pancake : A great breakfast/brunch stop in Quechee. I loved my savory crepe with apple, brie cheese, and a locally sourced blueberry compote.
• Woodstock: Explore the antique shops, cafes, and lovely covered bridges of this charming small town. Don’t forget that all parking is paid – even along the street!
• Billings Farm and Museum : For $17 you can explore the grounds and stables of this working farm tucked among the rolling hills. I purchased a small apple cider to sip as I strolled past dairy calls being milked, goats perched on top of fences, and horses grazing. Check their calendar for daily events.
• Woodstock Farmers Market: The perfect stop for locally produced products, like cheese and maple syrup.
• President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site : The site of several preserved buildings from Calvin Coolidge’s childhood home at Plymouth Notch, including his family homestead. Also see where the 30th president of the United States attended church, his father’s store, the post office, and Coolidge’s summer white house office inside of a dance hall.

Make a reservation to dine in downtown Woodstock at The Prince & The Pauper Restaurant or Santé .

Travel Savvy Tip

With the rise of social media, certain farms around the Woodstock area have become popular photo spots for Instagrammers. Sadly, this has escalated into a problem for local residents, with visitors clogging roads and trespassing onto private property.

Local governments have begun taking action, closing roads leading to Jenne Farm and Sleepy Hollow Farm during the month of October. Please respect these rules – there are plenty of other gorgeous locations all around Vermont to photograph!

Day 6: Vermont – Grafton

To get a true small town Vermont experience, drive one hour south of Woodstock to the tidy little village of Grafton. Grafton is especially pleasing during peak foliage season, when bright shades of red, orange, and yellow frame tall white church steeples and local shops.

However, don’t confuse Grafton’s impressive collection of well-preserved historic buildings for an open-air museum. This is a functioning, tight-knit community that still holds Gilmore-Girls-style town meetings to this day.

Just be sure to download any maps before heading out, as I found the town’s cell service to be weak to nonexistent.

Here are the best points of interest to check out in Grafton’s quaint and walkable town center:

• Learn about making maple syrup at Plummer’s Sugar House before buying some to take home with you.
• Hike a trail at the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center . Grafton also has a cute welcome sign a bit further south down Grafton Road.
• Journey to the past at the Grafton Historical Society.
• Sample local cheese varieties at the Grafton Village Cheese Company .
• Browse locally produced gifts and home goods at Mercantile and adjacent Dover House Antiques.
• Wander into the Turner Hill Interpretive Center to learn the story of Alec Turner, who settled in Grafton and to raise his family after escaping slavery.
• Check out the Nature Museum to learn about native New England flora and fauna and wander down various nature trails.
• Discover unique copper sculptures honoring Northeastern Native Americans at Jud Hartman Gallery .

If you get hungry, the Grafton Village Store has you covered for coffee, pastries, and simple meals. For a sit-down dinner, book a reservation at the rustic Phelps Barn Pub or the cozier 1801 Tavern at The Grafton Inn .

Day 7: Complete Your New England Road Trip Itinerary at Boston Logan Airport

Just as the leaves must eventually fall to the ground, this New England road trip itinerary must reach its end too. Hopefully you had the fall foliage experience you’ve been dreaming about and are already planning your return trip!

If you drove from your house, then it’s time to make the trek back home. Otherwise, the drive from Woodstock, Vermont to Boston Logon International Airport will take about two and a half hours. I recommend arriving two to three hours before your flight to have time to drop off your rental car, check any bags, and find your gate.

Is Your New England Road Trip Itinerary Longer Than 7 Days?

There are so many options for New England itinerary add-on’s:

• Consider spending one extra day in Boston.
• Stay in Salem, MA for two days and day trip to nearby Danvers (formerly Salem Village) to see even more witch trials sites!
• Explore additional charming towns along the Vermont and New Hampshire border, including White River Junction, Windsor, Hanover, and Battlebro.
• Add an extra day to New Hampshire to take advantage of countless more hiking trails.
• Add an additional state: Maine! Explore trendy Portland, eat lobster rolls in Bar Harbor, or go hiking at Acadia National Park .

There you have it – the recipe for a dreamy and memorable 7 day road trip itinerary through New England. It’s the best combination of the bustling Atlantic coast of Massachusetts, the mountains of New Hampshire, and the farms of Vermont. You’ll see exactly why New England is beloved by leaf peepers, maple syrup addicts, and outdoor lovers alike!

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What dates were you in New England? I’m going to be in Woodstock late Sept (26-28) and hoping to see some good color….

This was around that same time – late September. As far as color, that timeframe is likely to be a little on the early side. First to second weekend of October is more ideal. That said, the leaves were starting to change during our visit.

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12 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary (Vermont, New Hampshire, & Coastal Maine)

Last updated on August 23rd, 2024

In this guide we’re sharing a 12 day New England fall road trip itinerary that includes some of the best sights to see in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, based on our own trip to the area. Visiting New England in the fall was a dream of ours for YEARS! And finally, in 2021 we were able to make it happen and it exceeded all of our expectations. 

For over a month , we drove around parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine in search of the best fall foliage, cute towns, delicious food, and beautiful nature. And what we found were some of our top hikes of the year, one of our new favorite national parks, some of the friendliest locals, and more colorful trees than we had ever seen in our lifetime. New England in the fall gets a lot of hype, but we can confirm, it’s 100% magical. And we’re excited to help you experience it for yourself! In this 12 day New England fall road trip itinerary we’re sharing a condensed version of our road trip (cutting out all of our boring work days we had between adventuring), plus all of our tips for visiting the region in the fall, where to stay each night, and so much more!

Looking For More Things To Do In New England?

• How to spend 2 days in Boston
• 7 day Vermont road trip Itinerary
• The ULTIMATE guide to driving the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire
• The BEST things to do in the White Mountains in New Hampshire
• The Best Things to do in Acadia National Park
• How to backpack the Cutler Coast in Maine
• Acadia National Park Itinerary

About New England

New england road trip route, fall in new england (weather, when to visit + foliage tracking).

• Where to stay during your New England Fall road trip
• Other things to know before your New England Fall Road Trip

What to bring on your New England Fall Road Trip

12 day new england fall road trip itinerary.

New England is the northeast region of the United States and includes Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. This area got the name “New England” back in 1616 from an English explorer named John Smith and was soon settled by English immigrants.  It’s known for charming towns, coastal views, delicious and fresh seafood, epic fall foliage, mountainous adventures, ivy league schools, cold winters, loads of history, and so much more. There’s a little something for everyone in New England!

Important disclosure about this guide:

This guide is only covering Vermont, New Hampshire, and coastal Maine and is based on our experience and the places we were able to visit. While we unfortunately couldn’t visit all of New England and there are many amazing locations not included in this guide, we highly recommend these spots and itinerary to see some of the best scenery the region has to offer!

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

Below is a map of the general route that we’ll be covering in this itinerary, to help give you an idea of where you’ll be going. This route was created with the intention of visiting places in order of when they experience peak foliage, but we cannot guarantee that you’ll hit peak in every spot. We’re sharing more information about fall foliage and when to plan your trip a little further down in this guide! 

Flying to New England

The route map above assumes you’ll be flying to visit New England and the best airport to fly into will be the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) , which is a massive airport that is serviced by all major airlines and offers nonstop flights from many destinations in the United States. The drive from Boston to the first stop on this itinerary is about 3.5 hours, so we highly suggest booking an early flight so you can take advantage of extra time in New England. Have extra time to spend in Boston? Check out our two day Boston itinerary !

Driving to New England

If you’re driving to New England, the road trip route above may need to be modified a bit, as your road trip will possibly start in a different city than Boston. One thing to keep in mind when driving to New England is that many routes have tolls. If you want to avoid paying for tolls, make sure to turn off tolls on your Google Maps settings. We were able to get around New England by avoiding tolls and didn’t spend too much extra time in the van.

How to get around New England

Since this is a road trip itinerary, you’ll definitely need to rent a car or drive your own to fully enjoy all of the sights on this guide, as public transportation isn’t really an option between all of the towns without hiring a tour guide. When visiting New England in the fall, any type of vehicle will work just fine on a road trip, as none of these stops require 4×4 to get to and you should not encounter snow. Our Sprinter van was able to navigate New England well and we didn’t run into too many issues parking a larger vehicle either!

While New England offers activities for all four seasons, including skiing in the winter, fresh maple syrup in the spring, and hiking in the summer, one of the best times to visit is in the fall, when the trees explode with oranges, reds, and yellows, the air is crisp, and the fresh cider donuts just taste extra heavenly. However, visiting in the fall can require a bit more planning, tracking, and things to know, as the window to see this foliage can be unpredictable and small. Below is everything you need to know before visiting New England in the fall.

During our month in New England we experienced highs in the 50s-70s, and lows in the 30s-40s. The days were not too chilly, but cold enough that in the mornings a hot cider just really hits the spot. While most days were sunny or partly sunny, we did have a handful of days where it was foggy or there were torrential downpours. We thankfully had the flexibility to adjust plans and avoid adventuring on most rainy days. But do expect some variety of weather and come prepared to enjoy the area rain or shine. 

What causes the leaves to change colors?

We aren’t scientists, but the quick explanation of why leaves change is that during the spring and summer, the leaves are rich in chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight and turns it into food for the tree through photosynthesis. This gives the leaves the bright green color you see during this part of the year. During the fall, as the days become shorter and cooler, the leaves stop this process and the chlorophyll breaks down. This causes the colors of the leaves to change to the red, orange, and yellows you see in the fall. A big factor of when this process happens is the weather. The perfect equation is a mix of sunny, warm days and cool (but not freezing) nights. And since it requires such science, we hear that some years can be less vibrant than others. But regardless of the vibrancy, it will be beautiful. 

When is peak foliage?

Since fall foliage relies on weather, peak foliage varies year to year and is hard to predict. One good thing to know is that leaves change in higher elevations first and then work their way down to lower elevations. So if you find yourself on the coast in early October and the leaves have yet to change, you can likely find colors if you go up into the mountains. While the timing of peak foliage does vary, here are some general timeframes where each region on this guide experiences the best colors. As well as what dates we visited this region and what our experience was like, plus the fall foliage trackers we used. Tip: Besides the trackers we are including below, we suggest looking at AllTrails and Instagram for recent photos of spots you plan to visit to get a better idea of what fall foliage is currently like.

Vermont was the first stop on our New England fall road trip. While we timed our visit a bit too early, we still did get to see some colors in higher elevations. For Vermont, we used this tracker to see current reports of foliage conditions, as well as signed up for these reports . But here are general timeframes for both Vermont regions we will cover in this guide. Stowe: Early October We were in the Stowe area from September 26-29, 2021 and there was still a lot of green. A week or two after this would’ve been extra colorful we think. We were slightly bummed to not see this area popping with color. But the spots later on during our road trip made up for it. Northeast Kingdom: End of September-early October We visited this region on October 1, 2021 and the colors were definitely a lot more colorful than Stowe. We think we were there within a week of ultimate peak foliage, but what we saw was phenomenal. 

New Hampshire

The only region of New Hampshire we are covering on this guide is the White Mountains. This area is home to the highest elevations in the state and therefore peaks earlier than the more southern areas of New Hampshire.  We used this tracker for New Hampshire and read these reports and found them to be pretty accurate. It appears that the White Mountains typically peak around the second week of October (starting October 7). We visited October 6-8 and the colors were probably the best we saw the entire trip!

Coastal Maine

Coastal Maine is one of the later regions to experience fall color, as it is at or only slightly above sea level. For Maine, we used this tracker to track the foliage.  Acadia National Park: Mid-October We visited Acadia October 18-19 and we believe this was around peak. Since there is a large mix of types of trees in the park, not every tree will be colorful, but there are still good pops of color. Portland: Mid-October We visited Portland on October 21-22, which was the timeframe that the coastal cities in Maine were experiencing peak foliage. Portland isn’t really a foliage hotspot (you go more for the coastal aspect than the foliage in our opinion). But it was still nice to see some color!

Our suggestion of when to visit

For this itinerary, we suggest timing your road trip somewhere between the last week of September-mid October. During our visit, the first couple weeks of October proved to be the best time for foliage for the majority of areas. But this can vary every year.  It’s extremely hard to perfectly time your trip to have every spot be at peak foliage. Our top tip for exploring New England in the fall is to be flexible and enjoy what you can see! While some spots may be a bit duller, others will likely be bursting with color. 

Below is our suggested 12 day New England itinerary. The itinerary includes the best spots to experience fall in Vermont, New Hampshire, and coastal Maine, based on our experience. It is almost identical to our trip, minus a couple spots that are a bit more out of the way. This itinerary can of course be adjusted to what you want to do, how much you want to do in a day, and how much time you have. We have also included a variety of activity options for some days, that way you can adjust it to your preferences and abilities. And we have included some add-on options if you have more time and are looking for more things to do!

Day 1: Travel to Vermont (+ enjoy Maple Syrup!)

For the first day of your New England road trip, head to Stowe, Vermont. This is about a 3.5 hour drive from Boston , for those flying to the area. If you arrive early enough, we suggest spending part of the day learning and tasting one of the most iconic food items in Vermont…maple syrup! Vermont is the largest maple syrup producer in the United States, with 2.22 million gallons produced last year, over half of the total production for the US. Every year, starting in late January or early February, sugaring season occurs. This is when sap is collected from trees and maple syrup is actually made. The process lasts for 4-6 weeks. Although fall is not during the sugaring season, it’s still worth visiting a farm to learn about the process and of course, try maple syrup! The easiest way to learn about maple syrup is to go to Sugarbush Farm , who offers self guided tours of their farm. While there, make sure to get a maple creemee, which is an extra creamy maple soft serve ice cream. They have a delicious sweet, maple taste. We LOVED them! For a more in-depth maple syrup tour experience, we HIGHLY recommend touring Baird Farm , which is in Chittenden, Vermont. This is a 4th generation family farm that is located on a gorgeous property. And has incredibly kind, passionate, and knowledgeable owners. Unlike Sugarbush Farm and many other maple syrup farms in Vermont, who offer self guided tours, Baird Farm actually takes you on a tour themselves (for FREE)!  The only downside of Baird Farm is that they only offer tours in the mornings on certain days of the week. So it may not work with your schedule. If it does, please book in advance! Watch part of our tour at Baird Farm to get a better idea of what to expect and learn some maple syrup facts. Regardless of which tour you experience, it’ll be a sweet start to your road trip! After getting a bit of a sugar rush, head to the Waterbury and Stowe area for the night. For dinner, some suggested spots to check out are:

• Piecasso (a pizza spot we loved!)
• Idletyme Brewing Company
• von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall (the family from the Sound of Music!)
• Trattoria La Festa

Where to stay

For day 1, we suggest staying in the Waterbury and Stowe areas. This is where the next two days of your road trip will be! Here are some suggestions of where you can stay there! Hotels: Best Western Plus Waterbury-Stowe , Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterbury Stowe , Trapp Family Lodge , Green Mountain Inn , and Timberholm Inn . Airbnbs: The Coffee Roost , True Vermont Cabin , Bright & Airy Guest House , Cozy Bungalow Home , and Classic Stowe Ski Chalet . Campgrounds: Smuggler’s Notch State Park Campground , Gold Brook Campground

Optional Add on: Day in Burlington, Vermont Burlington is a vibrant, welcoming, and beautiful city that is located on the shore of Lake Champlain. It is the most populous city in Vermont and is home to the University of Vermont, many local restaurants and shops, parks, and lake views.  We really enjoyed spending one day here ( watch our experience ). But since it doesn’t boast as much fall foliage as other areas, we are not including it in the main itinerary. To see how we suggest spending a day in Burlington, check out our Vermont road trip itinerary , where we share tons of tips!

Day 2: Waterbury + Stowe

About Waterbury & Stowe

Waterbury and Stowe are likely some of the most popular areas to visit in Vermont and it’s no secret why! Nestled in the Green Mountains, the towns are quaint and charming, the views are amazing, there are great local businesses, and plenty of activities year round. The two towns are located about 15 minutes apart and connected by the Green Mountain Byway, with Waterbury to the south and Stowe to the north, making them easy to visit together. There are many things to do and places to eat or drink in the area. So we’re providing many options in this day’s itinerary so you can choose what you’re most interested in.

Watch us explore Waterbury and Stowe, including apple cider donuts, a corn maze, and a covered bridge!

• Have a sweet start to the day with apple cider and apple cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill ! This place is so amazing and makes some insanely fresh tasting cider and donuts, both of which you can watch them make! They have a room in the back where you can learn a bit about the apple cider process. Plus you can watch them work and in the front, you can see them frying up fresh donuts.  If you want something savory as well, they have a restaurant next door that serves breakfast, lunch, and hard cider. For the coffee lovers, some good coffee shops in the area are Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea (Waterbury), Black Cap Coffee & Beer (Stowe), Woodland Baking and Coffee (Stowe), and PK Coffee (Stowe).
• Spend the morning and afternoon exploring Waterbury and Stowe! Here are some options, listed in order from Waterbury up to Stowe, which you can mix and match to plan your perfect day. Kayak on the Waterbury Reservoir : The Waterbury Reservoir is the 9th largest body of water in Vermont. It was created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservations Corps as a way to protect nearby towns from floods. There is a state park on the reservoir called Waterbury Center State Park . Here you can rent kayaks and enjoy the mountain views from the water. Note: dogs are not allowed here. Visit Ben & Jerry’s : Ben & Jerry’s started in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont in 1978. And today its factory and headquarters are located in Waterbury. They offer factory tours, ice cream by the scoop, and even a flavor graveyard where you can see flavors from the past, with headstones. See the Gold Brook Covered Bridge: There are 104 covered bridges in Vermont, the highest density of covered bridges in the US. These bridges were originally created to protect bridges from the harsh New England weather. But today they make for great photo opps! And a popular covered bridge between Waterbury and Stowe is the Gold Brook Covered Bridge , also known as Emily’s Bridge. It gets its name because of a very sad story of a girl named Emily who hung herself from the bridge after her lover that she was supposed to elope with never showed up. Hike up to the Stowe Pinnacle Overlook: Just down the road from the Gold Brook Covered Bridge is the Stowe Pinnacle Trail . This trail is 3.7 miles with 1,604 feet of gain (it’s pretty steep!) and takes you to an overlook of the Green Mountains. Walk around Stowe: When we think of a classic New England town, we think of Stowe. The town is tucked in the mountains, has beautiful Colonial style buildings, and an iconic New England church steeple. It’s a great place to walk around, shop a bit, grab lunch, a sweet treat, or beer. Here are some spots to check out: – Grab a sweet treat at Laughing Moon Chocolates . – Grab lunch or beer at Idletyme Brewing Company . – Tour The Alchemist Brewery , which is currently only offering daily tours at 5 PM. Bike the Stowe Path: A popular thing to do in Stowe is to go on the Stowe Recreation Path . This is a 5.5 mile (one way) path that takes you through Stowe and by farms and restaurants. This pathway is best on a bike, but we enjoyed walking Kona on part of the path as well! Get lost in a corn maze: For a fun fall activity, make sure to check out the Percy Farm Corn Maze . Every year Paul Percy mows a unique maze in his farm’s corn field. It costs $8 per adult (cash or check only), for visitors to try to conquer. We found it to be trickier than expected and it took almost an hour to get out! Chase some waterfalls: The Stowe area is home to a handful of beautiful waterfalls. We hiked to Moss Glen Falls , which is only about 0.25 miles from the trailhead (parking is pretty limited). This trail takes you to a gorgeous, multi-tiered waterfall. Another popular option in the area is Bingham Falls , which is a 0.5 mile round trip hike!
• Have dinner at Piecasso , which is a delicious pizza spot in Stowe (we loved it!). A couple other options are Idletyme Brewing Company , von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall (the family from the Sound of Music!), or Trattoria La Festa , an authentic Italian spot.

We suggest staying in Waterbury or Stowe again for this night!

Curious how we get FREE flights and hotels? Check out our list of our favorite travel cards that have saved us thousands of dollars!

Day 3: Mount Mansfield

About Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield is the tallest point in the state of Vermont at 4,393 feet. The mountain is known for looking like someone laying down. And different portions of the mountain are named after different features, including the forehead, nose, upper and lower lips, and the chin, which is the summit. 

Watch us hike to the top of Mount Mansfield on a foggy day!

How to get to the top of Mount Mansfield

There are three main ways to get to the top of Mount Mansfield: hiking, driving, or a gondola. Hiking (our top pick!): If you choose to hike to the top of Mount Mansfield, there are tons of trail options. But we suggest the Mount Mansfield Loop , which is 7.3 miles and gains 2,880 feet. This trail starts at Underhill State Park ($5/adult fee). It is about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Waterbury and Stowe. If you go this route, we suggest taking the Maple Ridge Trail up and Sunset Ridge Trail down. The Maple Ridge Trail has two trickier spots, including a gap to jump and a rock wall you have to climb up, which is easier going up than down. We show these spots in better detail in this video . These spots can be tricky with a dog, but we were able to get Kona through them safely. You can also hike up and down the Sunset Ridge trail, which is still steep and rocky, but has less tricky spots. Despite us having ZERO views at the top, we had a blast hiking this trail, as it offered some challenges along the way to keep things interesting! We suggest arriving early, as parking can get full on a busy day, as can the summit, since there are many ways to get to the top. Driving: To drive up Mount Mansfield you’ll take the Auto Toll Road , which costs $29 per car + $11 per passenger. The road takes you to 3,850 feet, where you can either enjoy the views from there, or continue on the Long Trail for about 1.25 miles each way. Note: RVs and campers, bicycles, motorcycles, or dually trucks are NOT allowed on this road. Gondola: The final way to the top is to ride the Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola . This costs $40 per adult and $26 per child for the ride up and down the mountain. Once off the gondola, you can take the Cliff Trail to the Long Trail to the summit for under 1 mile each way. 

What to do after Mount Mansfield

After making it to the top of Mount Mansfield, we suggest driving the Smugglers Notch Scenic Drive (Route 108) back towards Stowe. This drive goes through the forest and has unique rock outcroppings. Once back in Stowe, grab food at one of the spots we shared on day 2 (we loved Piecasso!). And if you have more time, do any other activities listed on day 2 that you didn’t have a chance to check out!

For day 3 you could either stay in Waterbury or Stowe one more night or head towards your final destination in Vermont, the Northeast Kingdom. The Northeast Kingdom is under 1.5 hours from Stowe. If you choose to stay closer to the Northeast Kingdom, here are some options: Hotels: Comfort Inn & Suites Near Burke Mountain Airbnbs: Cozy Cottage in the Northeast Kingdom , Waterfront Lake House on Crystal Lake , and Remodeled 2 bedroom + loft lakefront cottage Campgrounds: Whitecaps Campground , Will-O Wood Campground , Belview Campground , and Kingdom Campground

Day 4: Northeast Kingdom

About the Northeast Kingdom

The Northeast Kingdom (abbreviated NEK) is an area in northeast Vermont. And it got its nickname from a former US Senator and governor, George Aiken, who loved the area and thought it should be a kingdom. And we couldn’t agree more…it is magical! The Northeast Kingdom is home to small towns, forests, farmland, mountains, and beautiful Iakes. Including Lake Willoughby, which is the second largest lake in the state and looks like a mini Norwegian fjord. This region of Vermont was our absolute favorite! We highly recommend the trek up there, especially if visiting during fall foliage.

Watch us explore the Northeast Kingdom, including two epic hikes! And to learn more about our favorite hikes in the area, read our Mount Pisgah and Bald Mountain guides!

• Get an early start and hike up Mount Pisgah (4.1 miles round trip, 1,653 feet of elevation gain). This hike has phenomenal views of Lake Willoughby from a few different viewpoints. It is relatively short, but steep, and it can get busy, so we recommend starting around sunrise if you can. You can learn more about the hike, including what to expect and photos from the different viewpoints in this guide .
• Spend the rest of the morning hanging out at Lake Willoughby! Lake Willoughby has two beaches. The North Beach is much larger and more of a “lay out” kind of beach. While the South Beach is more of a cove for boats, but in our opinion has the better view. There is also a clothing optional cove near South Beach. If you want to kayak on the lake, White Caps Campground offers rentals to the public. Clyde River Recreation , which is located north of the lake, does as well and can drop off the kayaks for you!
• Grab lunch at The Parker Pie Company , which is about 25 minutes away from Lake Willoughby.
• End the day with a late afternoon or sunset hike up Bald Mountain (4.2 miles round trip, 1,463 feet of elevation gain). This hike takes you to an old fire tower, with incredible 360º views at the top. We share more about the hike, including more information about the fire tower in our Bald Mountain guide!

You could stay in the Northeast Kingdom one more night. But we suggest driving 1-1.5 hours to the White Mountains so that you can get an early start in the morning! There are quite a few options when it comes to where to stay in the White Mountains, including Littleton, Lincoln, and the North Conway area. For a longer list of options, check out our guide to the White Mountains . But here are a few choices to consider. Hotels: Hampton Inn Littleton , Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln , Residence Inn North Conway , Home2 Suites North Conway , White Mountain Hotel and Resort Airbnbs: Dream A-Frame , Relaxing Resort Getaway , The Overlook , Mountain Chic New Hampshire Family Getaway   Campgrounds: Twin Mountain/Mt. Washington KOA , Lafayette Place Campground , Hancock Campground , Big Rock Campground   Boondocking: Haystack Road , Gale River Road , Walmart in Littleton

Day 5: White Mountains

About the White Mountains

The White Mountains are quite possibly the best kept secret in the US. Covering about 25% of New Hampshire, plus part of Western Maine, these mountains are some of the most rugged in all of New England. The range is a part of the Appalachian Mountains, with a high point of 6,288 feet, the highest point in the northeast. In this area you can find small towns, waterfalls, ski resorts, state parks, unique activities, and tons of mountain peaks. Including the majority of the state’s 48 4,000 footers . These are peaks over 4,000 feet tall and with a prominence of at least 200 feet.

Watch us explore the White Mountains, including shorter hikes, scenic drives, unique sights, and delicious food! And to learn about even more things to do in the White Mountains, check out this guide !

• Start your time in the White Mountains with sunrise at Artist Bluff . This is a 1.5 mile trail that takes you to an overlook of Echo Lake and Franconia Notch. Because of its short distance (although it is pretty steep and rocky at the end) and view, it is a very popular spot. We suggest arriving around sunrise for the best chance of some solitude, however, don’t expect to be alone. It was very busy even on a cloudy weekday morning!
• Grab breakfast at Polly’s Pancake Parlor . This is said to be THE PLACE to get breakfast in the White Mountains. We suggest calling them right as you’re finishing the hike to get your name on the list, as the wait can be long.
• Make sure to make a reservation for a time slot in advance, as it can get busy and certain times may fill up. 
• Dogs are not allowed in the Flume Gorge, so make sure they have a safe place to be.
• The gorge closes in mid to late October and while part of the park is accessible in the winter, the actual gorge is not (they remove the walkways).
• Travel up Mount Washington , the highest peak in New Hampshire and the northeast! It is known for having some of the most insane wind at the top. With the highest recorded being 231 MPH in 1934, the second highest wind speed ever recorded on earth. And it still has hurricane force winds about once every three days. Which means you never really know what you’ll get at the top! You can either get to the top by car, cog railway, or by foot (this will take a whole day). Driving If you drive , it costs $45 for the car and driver, with additional fees for passengers ($10-$20) and motorcycles ($35). So while not a cheap experience, it makes for a memorable drive! There are vehicle restrictions though and our van was not allowed to drive this road. Make sure you know the rules beforehand so you don’t have to find out the hard way when arriving. Cog Railway The Cog Railway is a unique way to get to the top of the Mount Washington summit! This was the world’s first mountain cog railway, created in the 1860s, and on the 3 hour ride you will get to experience history and see amazing views. There is also a museum at the base, where you can learn more about the history of the cog railway. This experience is not cheap, which is why we skipped it, although it did look like a blast. Pricing does vary based on the type of train and you can see rates and the schedule here .
• Have dinner at either Black Mtn. Burger Co. (Lincoln), Rek-Lis Brewing Company (Bethlehem), or Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers (North Conway). 

You will want to stay the night in the White Mountains. We provided some suggestions under day 4!

Day 6: White Mountains

• Today’s big activity: driving the Kancamagus Highway (Kanc-ah-mah-gus), also known as the Kanc. This 34.5 mile scenic drive is named after Chief Kancamagus. He was a Native American known as the “Fearless One” and ruled Southern New Hampshire in the 17th century. The road started as two separate, unconnected roads, one road from Lincoln and one in Conway. And in the 30s, the CCC worked to connect the two roads, which took 25 years to finish. It’s now one of the most popular and accessible things to do in the White Mountains! There are many stops to make along the way. Check out our detailed guide to driving the Kancamagus Highway to see our must-visit stops. Tip: We suggest starting right before sunrise so you can see the sunrise at the Hancock Overlook. This will also help you beat the crowds. Plan to spend half a day driving and stopping.
• At the end of the Kanc is a magical stand full of cheesy goodness called Cheese Louise . We highly recommend grabbing a fancy grilled cheese here after your drive!
• If you still have some time left, spend the rest of the day at Crawford Notch State Park . This park has a gorgeous drive with towering peaks, but also has different hikes and sights to see! Our favorite stop was the 3.1 mile hike to Mount Willard . At the end of this trail you’ll have epic views of the valley below. And if you time it right with peak colors, an explosion of golden trees!
• Have dinner at Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers or Flatbread Company in North Conway. 

We suggest staying one more night in the White Mountains!

Day 7: White Mountains + Drive to Maine

For your final day in the White Mountains, we suggest doing a longer hike in the area. We recommend the Franconia Ridge Loop . This tail is 9.3 miles and gains 3,809 feet of elevation as it takes you to the top of Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette. Plus you’ll go by a hut that sells goodies. It took us a total of 7 hours to hike this, including stops. This hike has been rated the #1 trail on AllTrails for New Hampshire. And is said to have some of the best views in New England. While we still need to hike more in New England to confirm that, we can say that the views on this hike are INCREDIBLE!

Watch us hike the Franconia Ridge Loop, the #1 hike in New Hampshire! And for more information, check out our detailed guide for the hike!

If you want some other trail ideas, we share more hikes in this guide ! We suggest starting your hike at sunrise to beat crowds and get done early. Because after your hike, it’s time to drive to Maine! And first up: Acadia National Park, which is about a 5 hour drive. This will be a long day, so if you’re not up for this much in one day, you could just spend the day driving to Maine and skipping a hike. 

We suggest staying near Acadia National Park so you can get an early start tomorrow! Here are some lodging options: Hotels: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel , The West Street Hotel , The Inn on Mount Desert , Hampton Inn Bar Harbor , Hampton Inn Ellsworth Vacation Rentals: Secluded Hilltop Home , Renovated downtown Bar Harbor apartment , Amazing Ocean Front View Campgrounds: Acadia’s two campgrounds , Bar Harbor Campground , Smuggler’s Den Campground , KOA Bar Harbor/Oceanside Holiday . Boondocking: Walmart in Ellsworth

Optional Add on: Cutler Coast The Cutler Coast is one spot we visited that we did not include as its own day. And it’s not because we didn’t love it (we thought it was incredible!), but more so because it’s remote and would be hard to do in this timeframe.  Located near the Canadian border, it’s about 5.5 hours from the White Mountains, 4 hours from Portland, and 2 hours from Acadia. We’d suggest adding this on as your first stop in Maine if you choose to visit. That way you can work your way down the coast from there. To learn more about visiting the Cutler Coast, including how to backpack it or day hike it, check out this guide .

Day 8: Acadia National Park

About Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is primarily located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, with 5% of the park also on the Schoodic Peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean. And it is the only United States National Park in the Northeast. The park is the 8th most visited US National Park and for good reason. With gorgeous scenery everywhere you look, a mix of easy and challenging hikes, an iconic food item, and a great town nearby, Acadia offers something for everyone.

Watch our first time at Acadia National Park! We saw sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, hiked the Precipice Trail , and ate the park’s iconic popovers! For more information about Acadia, read our guides with more things to do in Acadia National Park and 2-4 day Itinerary for Acadia National Park .

• The best way to start your time at Acadia National Park is sunrise on top of Cadillac Mountain ! Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard at 1,530 feet. And from early October to early March it is the first place in the United States to view the sunrise. This is one of the most iconic things to do in Acadia National Park. Over the years has become so popular and busy that the park now requires a vehicle reservation to drive the road anytime of the day, including at sunrise. These reservations can sell out VERY fast (in under a minute!). If you’re unable to get one, you do have other options and can hike to the top on a couple different trails or ride a bike. Read our guide to learn more about how to see the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, including when permits become available and how we were able to snag one.
• It gets pretty steep and rugged towards the top and requires use of your hands. 
• Dogs are technically allowed, but Kona had a hard time with the top part and we wouldn’t take her again.
• Enjoy popovers and tea at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant . This is a classic Acadia experience that dates back over 100 years! The restaurant gets very busy, so try to arrive right before they open to get your name on the list. It’s worth it though to sit outside on their back lawn and enjoy popovers with a view. Curious what a popover is? It is a light roll made from an egg batter, with a high proportion of liquid in the batter that creates steam that causes the popovers to puff up, similar to Yorkshire Pudding in England.
• Head over to the west side of Mount Desert Island and hike the Beech Cliff Ladders (1.8 miles round trip). This is one of the four iron rung hikes in the park, which are hikes that have ladders, iron rungs, ledges, and other challenging features to use to climb up steep rock faces. Beech Cliff is one of the easiest iron rung hikes and was one of the best surprises of our time in the park. Located in a less busy area of the park, we hardly saw any people on this trail. And the mix of challenging features and views made it a blast! Once you get up the four ladders, you have great views of Echo Lake. Continue onto the Beech Cliff loop for even more views!
• Head into Bar Harbor and grab dinner. There are tons of restaurants to choose from and while we personally did not eat a meal in Bar Harbor, we can attest that Mount Desert Island Ice Cream is amazing! 

You’ll want to stay at the same lodging as the night before, as you have one more day at Acadia National Park.

Day 9: Acadia National Park

• Head to the park right before sunrise and hike either the Beehive Loop (1.4 miles round trip) or Precipice Loop (2.1 miles round trip). These are the two most popular iron rung hikes in the park. During our visit we did the Precipice Loop, which is the most challenging and exposed of them all and LOVED it. You can watch our experience here and learn more about the hike in this guide . Regardless of which you choose, make sure to start early to ensure you have time to enjoy it without lots of people!
• Head to Sand Beach, which is the only sandy beach at Acadia National Park. The clear, bright blue water and soft sand will transport you to somewhere more tropical. While there, hike the Great Head Trail (1.6 miles), which is an easy stroll with great views of the coast.
• If you are up for more, continue onto the Ocean Path . This is a flat, well maintained path that takes you along the ocean and Park Loop Road, with different sights along the way. From there, you can also go up Gorham Mountain for stunning views of Sand Beach, the coast, and Mount Desert Island from above. We did Great Head, Ocean Path, and Gorham Mountain as one big 5.6 mile loop and loved it!
• Spend the rest of the day in Bar Harbor, grabbing dinner and walking around town. If you time your visit correctly, you can also go to Bar Island . This is an island right across from town. It is actually part of the national park and during low tide, you can walk across to it! If you do this, it is only safe and accessible to walk across 1.5 hours before and after low tide. So please make sure to study tide charts to ensure you stay safe and don’t get stuck! 

We suggest staying one more night near Acadia!

Day 10: Drive to Portland, Maine + go lobstering!

Today’s big goal is to drive to Portland, Maine, which is about 3 hours from Acadia National Park. Depending on how early you leave, you could stop in some of the coastal towns along the way, like Camden , which is a charming town (we recommend driving up Mount Battie !), grab a tasty treat at Wild Oats Bakery & Cafe , and swing by the massive L.L. Bean flagship campus in Freeport. Once arriving in Portland, we HIGHLY recommend going on a lobstering cruise with Lucky Catch Cruises . This was one of our favorite things we did in New England!  On this lobstering tour you will go out on the water and learn about how lobsters are caught. Plus hands-on experience, from baiting and emptying traps, measuring lobsters, banding claws, learning the difference between males and females, and so much more.  The crew really makes you feel like you’re a fisherman and puts you to work. It was one of the most fun and educational tours we have ever been on! (Watch our full experience here !) And at the end, you have the option to buy a lobster from the boat at market price (ours was $10). You can then take it over to Portland Lobster Company , where they’ll steam it and provide some sides, like fries, corn, and coleslaw for only $12. While we definitely preferred our lobster in roll form, it was so fun to catch lobsters and eat one fresh right afterwards! Tip: make sure to bring cash to buy a lobster AND for a tip!

Hotels: Hampton Inn Portland Downtown – Waterfront , Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront, Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port , Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront , Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront Airbnbs: East End, Walk to the Old Port , Extraordinary Architectural Masterpiece Downtown , Bright & Spacious Apartment with Amazing Shower Campgrounds: Bayley’s Camping Resort , Saco / Old Orchard Beach KOA Holiday , Old Orchard Beach Campground Boondocking: Falmouth Walmart , Freeport Village Station

Day 11: Portland, Maine

About Portland Maine

Portland is the largest city in the state of Maine, with 40% of Maine’s residents living in the general area. But despite this, it still retains a small city feel, with historic buildings and no giant skyscrapers. And while the city itself is beautiful to look at, what we loved about Portland is that it has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a fine dining foodie or prefer a good food truck (like us!), enjoy museums and art, love to walk around parks and experience history, or prefer to be out on the water, there is no shortage of things to do in Portland, Maine for any type of traveler.   While not a fall foliage hot spot, this is a great city to end your adventures!

Watch how we spent one day in Portland, Maine, hitting up the spots on this day’s itinerary! For more ideas of things to do in Portland, Maine, check out this guide .

• Grab coffee at Tandem Coffee Roasters . They not only roast their own coffee, but also makes breakfast biscuits that we hear are solid (arrive early to snag one). This coffee shop is located in a converted 1960s gas station. And you know it’s good when locals are lined up before it even opens.
• Enjoy donuts at The Holy Donut for their famous Maine potato donuts. They have a unique texture from a regular donut, but are so hearty and delicious. We got three donuts total, including a Chocolate Sea Salt, Pumpkin Head, and Maple Bacon, which was hands down our favorite. They also have gluten free and vegan donuts too!
• Head to Fort Williams Park for the morning and afternoon. This is a free park that was formerly a military fort. Construction of the fort began in 1873 and the fort became officially named Fort Williams in 1899. During World War 1 the fort was manned by artillery companies and National Guard troops. And during WWII it served as the headquarters of the Harbor Defenses of Portland, before becoming more of a training site in 1951. Today there are a couple batteries to check out, an old mansion , and one of the most iconic lighthouses in the US, called the Portland Head Light . This lighthouse was the first lighthouse completed and put into service by the government under the Lighthouse Act of 1789. It was first lit in 1791, using 16 whale oil lamps. The tower and keeper’s quarters have changed a bit over time and the tower now stands at 80 ft tall. And it is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in America, and also the oldest in Maine.
• Right in Fort Williams Park is Bite Into Maine , which was said to have one of the best lobster rolls in town. We tried their Maine style rolls, which are cold and are tossed in mayo and have chives on top. Plus the Connecticut style, which is hot and has melted butter that they pour on top right in front of you. We loved them both! They also have delicious homemade Whoopie Pies, which is Maine’s official state treat. It’s two chocolate cake-like rounds with a creamy filling between them and is said to have been popular in Maine since 1925. It was delicious! And we washed it all down with the state fruit of Maine, but in soda form, Blueberry soda. Lobstered out? Try Eventide Oyster Co. for oysters and other seafood, Duckfat for duck fat fries (they also have a frites shack in town), poutine, and sandwiches, or Terlingua for BBQ.
• Walk around the Old Port neighborhood, which is extremely walkable and has so much historic charm, different shops and boutiques, and tons of restaurants.
• Enjoy your final meal at one of the spots we suggested above!

We suggest staying one more night in Portland!

Day 12: Head back home

And now for the worst part of the road trip…leaving! Whether you have more adventures planned in New England (or elsewhere) or are heading home, this officially marks the end of our itinerary. We hope you enjoyed these areas of New England as much as we did and got to experience some great foliage!

things to know before your New England Fall Road Trip

Before you go, here are a few important things to know before hitting the road on your New England road trip!

Download offline maps

There were a few areas where we didn’t have the best cell phone service, which can be tricky if you’re trying to figure out where to go, both on the road or on the trail. We highly recommend downloading offline AllTrails Maps and offline Google Maps so you can navigate without cell phone service and don’t get lost!

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Traveling in an RV? Harvest Hosts are a lifesaver!

Since we travel in a van, we typically sleep in our van at night, instead of hotels or Airbnbs, and preferably for free. However, boondocking out east in general can be pretty tricky, with very limited free public land. So many nights were spent at Walmarts and Harvest Hosts ! Harvest Hosts is a paid membership that lets you stay at farms, breweries, wineries, golf courses, and other spots for FREE. With the expectation that you will support the business. While this means you do need to spend some money and it’s not totally free, it’s usually a unique experience and you get to support a local business.  We slept at a total of 4 Harvest Hosts while in Vermont. Including a cider mill, farm, golf course, and maple syrup farm, with other options of places to stay we did not use Harvest Hosts in New Hampshire or Maine. If you’re also traveling in a van or RV, we highly recommend Harvest Hosts while in the area.

Want to get 15% off a Harvest Hosts membership? Click this link and then use the code HHFRIENDS15 !

Almost everything is dog friendly

The majority of the spots on this guide are dog friendly, including most of Acadia National Park! It is pretty rare that dogs are allowed on trails in a national park, so this was a very awesome surprise. To see which trails in Acadia allow dogs (and which do not), check out this page .

Learn how we travel with a dog and what we do with Kona when she cannot join us on our adventures.

Start early

Our #1 tip anywhere we go is to start early! It can get crowded with tour buses (we got stuck behind a few huge bus groups), as well as other leaf peepers during peak foliage. We tried to start our days early and hit the trails around sunrise and it paid off every time! And if you can, try to avoid hot spots like Stowe, Acadia National Park, and the Kancamagus Highway on the weekends in the fall. They’ll be extra busy from New England locals trying to sneak a peek of the foliage. 

A common question we get when sharing our adventures is what we bring with us. We have almost all of our gear listed here , but here are some items we especially recommend bringing to New England!

Hiking Gear

Since most of the best things to do in New England include outdoor activities, you’ll want to bring plenty of outdoor gear and clothing. To see everything we take hiking, as well as our favorite clothing, check out our hiking gear . 

The weather can vary in New England, so layers are good to have! During our trip we experienced warmer days, colder days, and rainy days, so having a variety of jackets, hand warmers , beanies, and scarves will be helpful. We also suggest bringing a mix of nicer and outdoorsy clothing so that you have options for both city and nature adventures.

Visiting New England in the fall is a photographer’s dream! If you like to snap photos, don’t forget to pack your camera gear, a tripod, extra batteries, and a charger. If you’re curious what photography gear we use, you can check it all out here . Note: Some areas on this guide do NOT allow drones, like the Kancamagus Highway and Acadia National Park. Please read up on drone laws for each area if you plan to fly your drone.

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10 Best Fall Road Trips in New England

Ready for an autumn New England road trip? From back roads and small towns to coastal spots, these New England road trip ideas offer a wonderful way to enjoy the season.

By Aimee Tucker

Oct 03 2022

The Vergennes-to-Montpelier road trip includes a stop at the top of Appalachian Gap.

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful time of year in New England than the fall, when rich swaths of red, orange, and yellow make the landscape glow. It’s a season when apple orchards, farm stands, corn mazes, agricultural fairs, hot cider doughnuts, and quiet coastal towns all beckon with their sights, sounds, and aromas. For maximum fun, a foliage-inspired road trip is a great way to make the most of autumn New England. So grab your camera, make a playlist, and get ready. Here are the 10 best New England road trip routes for fall — some big and busy, and some just the right amount of quiet.

10 Best New England Road Trip Routes for Fall

Vergennes to Montpelier, Vermont

Yankee  has called this fall road trip “a roller-coaster ride through the heart of Vermont.” Starting in. Starting in Vergennes, the state’s oldest city, fill up with a hearty breakfast at 3 Squares Café before traveling east on Route 17 through farmland with views of South Mountain and Mount Ellen. Arriving in Bristol, you’ll find a number of shops celebrating the work of local artists, such as  Art on Main . Continue on to admire the sweeping views from the top of Appalachian Gap before hitting Waitsfield, where you’ll follow the Mad River, then the Winooski River, to reach Montpelier, the smallest state capital in the country. There, make time to grab lunch (if you arrive before 2 p.m., try  Down Home Kitchen ,  a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick ), then head to  Hubbard Park for a short hike and views of the city. Nearby Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks offers Vermont gifts, cheese, maple syrup, and maple creemees. Distance:  About 60 miles one way.

Want more? Find complete directions for this Vermont fall road trip, plus additional things to see and do,  here .

Get Your FREE Guide to Autumn in New England!

Whitefield to Wiscasset, Maine

Starting in the Midcoast town of Wis­casset, leave behind the hustle and bustle of Red’s Eats , the town’s legendary lobster roll spot, for a scenic jaunt along Route 218 and the Sheepscot River to North Whitefield and back. Notable pull-over options en route include the 1811 Lincoln County Museum & Old Jail , the Sheepscot General Store  (for fresh produce or something to nibble on from the café), and the Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company (note: tasting room open weekends only).  Distance:  About 40 miles round-trip.

Want more? Find complete directions for this Maine fall road trip, plus additional things to see and do,  here .

Lake Winnipesaukee Loop, New Hampshire

Offering glimmering waters bordered by jewel tones of autumn color, New Hampshire’s largest lake, Winnipesaukee, and its smaller neighbor to the northwest, Squam, provide the ideal backdrop for a gentler Granite State road trip than the mountainous Kancamagus. Plus, this lake loop offers arguably more opportunities for shopping and snacking. Start in Alton Bay, at Lake Winnipesaukee’s southern tip, then head west on Route 11 toward the lively boardwalk scene at Weirs Beach. Ice cream fans will love the sundaes at the Swiss-inspired Kellerhaus . Head north to Meredith, where the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and  Moulton Farm  are just two of the many spots worth pulling over for. Continue up to serene Squam Lake, where the 1981 film On Golden Pond was filmed, then cruise through charming Sandwich and Moultonborough (be sure to stop for a bag of penny candy at the Old Country Store & Museum ). On the northern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee you’ll breeze into Wolfeboro, whose Main Street beckons with shopping, good food, and lake views. A final stretch south brings you back to Alton Bay.  Distance: 75 miles round-trip.

Want more? Find complete directions for this New Hampshire fall road trip, plus additional things to see and do,  here .

South Hadley to Turners Falls, Massachusetts

Following the Connecticut River through Western Massachusetts, this New England road trip feels like taking a journey back in time. Starting in South Hadley, grab coffee and a pastry at the Thirsty Mind coffeehouse to get fueled up for your trip. Heading north on Route 47, admire the cows grazing at Barstow’s Longview Farm in Hadley, then drive through Skinner State Park to the summit of Mount Holyoke for river views. The North Hadley Sugar Shack is the go-to for stocking up on all things maple-y and sweet, while a Route 116 detour to the top of Mount Sugarloaf in South Deerfield offers spectacular lookout-tower views of the river and the Holyoke Range. Back on Route 47, continue north to Montague for a stop at the Montague Bookmill , hailed by Yankee as one of the best used bookstores in New England , to enjoy a leisurely browse and lunch at the mill’s café. Farther north, Turners Falls offers more strolling opportunities and, at  2nd Street Baking Co. , an impressive roster of breads, cupcakes, and pastries.  Distance:  About 50 miles (with summit detours).

Want more? Find complete directions for this Massachusetts fall road trip, plus additional things to see and do, here .

Farm Coast, Rhode Island and Massachusetts

Tucked between Cape Cod and Newport, the Farm Coast region of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island is a place that Yankee has called “a slice of picture-perfect country life reserved for New Englanders in the know.” Start in the village of Padanaram, in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, for lovely views of Apponagansett Bay. As you head west, cornfields and stone walls lead to Westport, where the 380-acre  Westport Rivers Winery offers tastings and tours, and  Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures provides the chance to rent a kayak and paddle around the Westport River. Ready for refreshments? The  Head Town Landing Country Store  is a popular spot for coffee, homemade doughnuts, ice cream, and Del’s Frozen Lemonade . At the border, the small village of Adamsville, Rhode Island, is home to the historic Grays’ Grist Mill . You can pick up a bag of stone-ground jonnycake meal before continuing on to the  Commons Lunch , in charming Little Compton, for a plate of the real deal . After filling up, stroll the grounds of the white-steepled Union Congregational Church and the Old Commons Burying Ground for a dose of history. Mosey north on Route 77 past  Walker’s Roadside Stand (though you may want to stop for produce, pumpkins, and fresh flowers) to the rural artist haven of Tiverton Four Corners , a hidden gem that’s home to shops, galleries, and some of the creamiest scoops in New England at Gray’s Ice Cream .  Distance:  About 25 miles one way.

Want more? Find complete directions for this Massachusetts and Rhode Island fall road trip, plus additional things to see and do,  here .

Granby to Goshen, Connecticut

History, sweeping scenery, and (what else?) fall color are the hallmarks of this winding route through the northwestern corner of Connecticut. Begin in Granby, about 20 miles northwest of Hartford. As you head west on Route 20, available stops include  Honey Hill Pottery for a unique gift or Holcomb Farm for 13 miles of walking trails. Documenting your drive? A left onto Route 219 to Route 318 offers Instagram-ready views of  Saville Dam , with its stone gatehouse and backdrop of sugar maples, oaks, and pines. Motor on through the American Legion State Forest before a stop at the Riverton General Store, at Hogback Dam, to enjoy coffee or sandwiches on the outdoor patio. Ten miles to the west lies Norfolk, home to Haystack Mountain State Park , where you can drive halfway up and then hike to the top (the 1929 tower offers views in all directions). Continue south on 272 to Route 4 toward Goshen, your last stop. Here, you won’t want to miss Thorncrest Farm , where the cows supply a key ingredient for Milk House Chocolates’ gourmet sweets. A box or two just might be the perfect New England road trip souvenir. Distance: About 55 miles on way.

Want more? Find complete directions for this Connecticut fall road trip, plus additional things to see and do, here .

Route 100, Vermont

Stretching 200 miles from Massachusetts to Lake Memphremagog at the Canadian border, Vermont’s Route 100 has been called the best foliage drive in the state — and even the most scenic foliage drive in all of New England. It’s a long stretch, so you may not be able to tackle it all in one day if you want to make a lot of stops (and you should). South-to-north highlights include the art galleries and craft stores in Wilmington, the famous  Vermont Country Store in Weston, the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, samples of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream at the factory tour in Waterbury, and  just about everything in the mountain resort town of Stowe . Yankee may have summed up autumn on Route 100 best: “Leaf-peeping, after all, is about more than just leaves. It’s about the foliage experience — farmstands and country stores, craft galleries and hot cider — and Route 100, with its many off-the-beaten-path side trips, offers all of that in one long winding package.” Distance:  About 200 miles one way.

Want more? Find additional things to see and do along Vermont’s Route 100 here .

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) in New Hampshire has just about everything you could want in a scenic New England road trip. Crossing 30 winding miles of White Mountain forest from Conway to Lincoln , you’ll enjoy views of foliage-draped mountains, boulder-strewn rivers, and crystal-clear ponds. Start your day in Conway with breakfast at the  Stairway Café , a  2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick , or take a provisions-focused swing through Zeb’s General Store . Favorite stops along the Swift River include the Albany Covered Bridge, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond. Continuing on, the Kanc climbs nearly 2,500 feet before reaching a pair of truly breathtaking overlooks, one facing east (C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook) and one facing west (Pemigewasset Overlook). Finally, you descend into Lincoln for a bite at another Yankee  favorite, Gypsy Café . Distance:  About 50 miles one way.

Want more? Find additional things to see and do along the Kancamagus Highway  here .

Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

The Mohawk Trail, one of the nation’s first official “scenic tourist routes,” has been a favorite New England road trip since it first opened in 1914. While technically it represents the northwest section of Route 2, stretching from Millers Falls to the New York border, the real action happens between the towns of Greenfield and Williamstown, where mountains, rivers, farmland, and quintessential small towns make up the scenery. Favorite stops include the Bridge of Flowers and candlepin bowling in Shelburne Falls , the photogenic entrance to the 1870s Hoosac Tunnel  in Florida, the view of the Connecticut River from Mount Sugarloaf in South Deerfield, the  Hail to the Sunrise monument in Charlemont, and the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. But that’s just barely scratching the surface. As  Yankee  put it: “The Mohawk, one of the oldest scenic byways in the country, doesn’t so much blast around territory as bring you into it, slicing through Berkshire villages and some of the most scenic beauty in all of New England, maybe the country.”  Distance:  About 42 miles one way (Greenfield to Williamstown).

Want more? Find additional things to see and do along the Mohawk Trail  here .

Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine

The Park Loop Road, located on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island , is a great New England road trip for nature lovers and foliage enthusiasts alike, offering both mountain vistas and coastal foliage views of Acadia National Park . Start at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center in Bar Harbor  and continue on, choosing from such popular stops as Jordan Pond and the drive-up summit of  Cadillac Mountain .  Distance: 27 miles.

Have a great suggestion for an autumn New England road trip? Share your favorite routes below!

This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE: 10 Places to Visit in New England in Fall Best Fall Food Festivals in New England 10 Best Summer Road Trips in New England

Aimee Tucker

Aimee Tucker is Yankee Magazine’s Home Editor and the Senior Digital Editor of NewEngland.com. A lifelong New Englander and Yankee contributor since 2010, Aimee has written columns devoted to history, foliage, retro food, and architecture, and regularly shares her experiences in New England travel, home, and gardening. Her most memorable Yankee experiences to date include meeting Stephen King, singing along to a James Taylor Fourth of July concert at Tanglewood, and taking to the skies in the Hood blimp for an open-air tour of the Massachusetts coastline.

New England Fall Foliage Wonderland: A 5-Day Itinerary (NH & VT)

Every autumn, the legendary fall foliage in New England becomes the region’s most enchanting spectacle. It’s hard not to be immediately taken by the symphony of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows that has made New England in the fall a famous destination for leaf-chasing all around the world!

In this immersive 5-day itinerary, I’ll be taking you through the picturesque landscapes of Vermont and New Hampshire, capturing the very essence of fall. We’ll be hitting quintessential New England towns, breathtaking viewpoints with panoramic forest views, and plenty of fall foliage hikes! When you’re done with these 5 days of colorful autumn goodness, you’ll have experienced every shade the fall colors in New England have to offer.

When to Plan Your New England Fall Foliage Trip

The fall colors in New England are unpredictable and there and there are dozens of sources keeping track of the leaf watch as the fall season draws closer. However, there are so many factors that influence leaf color that it’s almost impossible to guarantee good foliage, so a leaf-peeping trip is always a surprise to some extent!

To aim for the best New England fall foliage, I recommend planning your trip between the last week of September and the first week of October. Any earlier and too many locations will still be wearing green leaves, any later and you risk having mostly dead trees.

Here are some good sources to stay up-to-date with the live leaf watch. I recommend bookmarking these and checking them obsessively as your trip gets closer. Colors can change within a day!

• New England Peak Fall Foliage Map : They have a great animated map that tracks the colors by the day.
• Jeff Foliage : Insanely detailed daily articles from a New England fall foliage enthusiast, including predictions for the year starting as early as February!
• Visit New Hampshire Foliage Tracker : Similar to the first link but specifically for New Hampshire, including more detail than the New England one.

How to Plan a Successful Fall Trip to New England

As for actually planning your New England fall foliage trip, there are two ways to do it: book everything in advance, or DIY as you go. Booking everything in advance is less expensive, but because you are committing to a location several weeks out, you run the risk of not experiencing the best foliage. When I say that the fall colors in New England are unpredictable, I mean that the foliage can literally change overnight depending on weather conditions!

DIY as you go is definitely more expensive because most hotels and lodging will be completely sold out, but if you have the time and flexibility you can hit wherever is peak on any given day. If you’re into camping or van life, this is also a good bet because many campgrounds are first-come first-served.

How to Get to New England

The fall foliage in New England is located in relatively more rural areas and therefore, it takes a bit of effort to access! You will definitely need to drive some, and potentially fly (depending on where you are coming from.)

If you’re flying into New England from out of state, these are good airports to fly into:

• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, New Hampshire (MHT)
• Boston, Massachussetts (BOS)
• Burlington, Vermont (BTV)
• Montreal, Quebec (YUL)

If you’re starting your itinerary in New Hampshire, as I suggest, then MHT is your closest airport. If you want to flip the script and start in Vermont, then BTV or BOS are both fairly good bets (BTV is closer to the action, but you’ll have to do a bit of backtracking in the driving department).

I do not suggest flying into any of the New York City airports if you want to do this trip. While New York is arguably the best city in the world (and I’m not biased just because I live there, I promise), it’s around a 6-hour drive from the fall foliage scene and you’ll have to use up an entire day between flying and driving.

Speaking of driving, let’s talk about necessary drives.

You will need a car to make this road trip. The best fall foliage in New England is out in the countryside and there is no public transit of any kind. Here are approximate drive times from popular cities:

• New York City: 6 hours
• Boston: 2.5-3 hours
• Montreal: 3-4 hours

Keep in mind that traffic at this time of year can inflate drive times by an insane amount, and it’s very normal to be stuck in standstill traffic on major roads. If you can, I recommend making the drives early in the morning or late at night to avoid the worst of the congestion.

If you are looking for a rental car , there are plenty of options in this region. But I would suggest making your reservation well in advance because everyone else will also be vying for a car at this time of year no matter where in New England you are!

The 5-Day Stunningly Vibrant New England Fall Foliage Itinerary

Now that we’ve gotten all the logistics out of the way, let’s dive into the actual New England fall foliage trip itinerary!

5 days is a great amount of time for a fall foliage road trip. Generally, New Hampshire and Vermont are considered the best states to see the best fall colors in New England, so I’ll be focusing this itinerary on these two states. This is a tried-and-true itinerary that I’ve done myself!

If you have more than 5 days, of course you can either do this itinerary more leisurely or go explore the surrounding states as well. If you don’t have all 5 days to spare, you can shrink this itinerary into 4 or even 3 days by cutting out items that are lower priority. However, I would advise staying at least 3 days if at all possible, since any shorter means that you’ll have to skip some of the highlights.

This itinerary starts in New Hampshire and ends in southern Vermont. I recommend this route because it avoids too much backtracking and reduces the amount of driving you have to do. You can always do this trip in reverse (start in Vermont and end in New Hampshire), but I tend to find that the colors in New Hampshire turn a little bit earlier than in Vermont, which is why I think starting in New Hampshire is just a tiny bit superior.

Day 0: Arrive in New Hampshire

if you’re taking a flight, ideally you would take it the night before to settle in before the action starts tomorrow. Plus, you have to make the drive to New Hampshire, which depending on where you’re coming from, can be 3, 4, or even 6 hours.

We drove up from New York City and it definitely takes about 6 hours. This isn’t to say that you can do it on day 1 if you don’t have a day 0 (I know it’s cheating a little to include day 0 in a 5-day itinerary!), but you won’t have as much time on day 1 if you don’t square away all the New England arrival logistics early on.

🗽 Coming from a trip to New York City? I need to share the beauty of Brooklyn with you! Check out my must-visit Brooklyn Guide (from a New Yorker).

I recommend staying in Lincoln as it’s close to the center of all the action in New Hampshire. Unlike Vermont, which is a bit more spread out, most of the best fall foliage in New Hampshire is concentrated in the northern area. I prefer staying at the same hotel for the entire duration of New Hampshire so you don’t have to worry about changing hotels, checking in and checking out, and moving your stuff while you’re also trying to chase the leaves.

Day 1: New Hampshire

If you were able to sneak in the drive on Day 0, then you’re already waking up in New England amidst the gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows. However, if you weren’t fortunate enough to have a Day 0, you’ll want to complete your drive to New Hampshire as early as possible to avoid congestion and traffic.

Just in case of any traffic mishaps, I didn’t include any super early morning activities (like sunrise) on today’s schedule.

Dixville Notch State Park

The first stop is Dixville Notch State Park . New England has a lot of “notches,” which are basically thin, wiggly paths between two mountains. They make for excellent winding roads lined with great foliage and towering hills on either side!

The most impressive spot in Dixville Notch is Table Rock Trail , which boasts some of the best fall colors in New England. This trail is only 1.5 miles but is decently steep with 700 feet of elevation gain. You don’t need to be an excellent hiker to finish any of the trails on this itinerary, but the trails might be a bit more tiring than expected. All the paths lead straight up!

The parking lot at Table Rock is extremely small. In fact, it’s not even a parking lot at all—you just park along the side of the road. You shouldn’t have much trouble if you arrive in the morning, but if you want to hike this trail at sunset, I recommend arriving 1-1.5 hours before sunset. That way, you should have enough time to find parking and also make the hike upwards.

However, I personally prefer the lighting in the morning. At sunset, the sun will set behind you, casting backlighting, and the surrounding mountains will cast shadows over the beautiful foliage in front of you.

The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular, with fiery-colored hills in every direction and a beautiful blue lake to your left. This is Lake Gloriette , which itself offers gorgeous foliage if you want to walk down to the lake.

Obviously, with 700 feet of elevation gain, you’re very high up and it can be windy at the top. The rock path leading out towards the viewpoint is also fairly narrow. Watch your step and be careful, especially if there are a lot of people around!

Crawford Notch State Park

Next, it’s time to drive out to Crawford Notch State Park . I recommend getting lunch somewhere along the way—you’ll pass through a few large towns on the way down. There are two great sights at Crawford Notch, and they’re basically right next to each other!

Mount Willard Trail

The first is Mount Willard Trail , a fantastically steep 3.2-mile trail with 950 feet of elevation gain. This is much longer and steeper than Table Rock Trail, so if you had trouble with the former, you’ll want to gear up for Mount Willard.

I’ve heard that the view from the top of Mount Willard has some of the best of New Hampshire’s fall foliage, and I’ve seen plenty of photos. However, it was raining when we arrived at the top and we couldn’t see a thing (literally, the only view was a vast expanse of white fog). So take it from someone who still decided to hike Mount Willard in the rain: it’s not worth it! But if you’re blessed with a clear day, you won’t want to miss this stop.

Conway Scenic Railroad

The other noteworthy stop is the Conway Scenic Railroad at Frankenstein Cliffs. Specifically, the Frankenstein Trestle is a relatively secret spot with amazing views! This is an elevated old railroad that overlooks a stunning orange-and-yellow valley.

Note that the Conway Scenic Railroad is an active railroad. However, the train only runs a few times a day. So if you want to catch the train as it passes by, you’ll want to schedule your visit specifically around one of the times the train runs. If you want to walk on the tracks, you’ll obviously want to avoid those times by as wide of a margin as possible!

To reach this spot, park at Arethusa Falls Trailhead as far up the trail as you can go. Then you’ll start walking along the railroad tracks to the right for around ten minutes until you reach the trestle’s expansive fall foliage view. Don’t worry, you’ll know it when you see it!

I’ve seen gorgeous footage of the sunsets here, but we got unlucky and just faced a lot of rain and fog! Thankfully, the fall colors are still gorgeous even without great visibility. And it’s so peaceful and quiet, I can definitely see this being one of my favorite spots in New England in the fall!

Then I recommend grabbing dinner and turning in early. You’re already tired from two hikes and tomorrow’s first hike is as early as it gets!

Day 2: New Hampshire

Day 2’s itinerary starts bright and early in the stunning White Mountain National Forest . If you’re like me and decided to stay in Lincoln, you should only be a 5-15 minute drive away from the first stop on today’s schedule.

Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is extremely popular due to its easily accessible location. Artist Bluff Trail , a 1.9-mile hike with relatively little elevation gain, is one of the most popular fall foliage hikes in New England and gets extremely crowded during the day! Therefore, I recommend showing up early in the morning, ideally at sunrise or just past sunrise if you can.

Artist Bluff Trail

Artist Bluff boasts a famous view of Echo Lake , as well as the crisscrossing network of roads in the town below. It’s not very high up, but high enough to show off the spectacular fall colors in every direction. However, it gets very windy at the top, so I recommend packing an extra jacket or blanket if you plan to hang out at the bluff.

Echo Lake itself has a gorgeous beach with a beautiful shoreline covered in vibrant fall leaves. The lake offers incredible reflections in the morning when the lake is stillest. You’ll need to book a parking reservation in advance ($5 per person), but Echo Lake is the perfect place to have a picnic while admiring the New Hampshire Fall Foliage in peace.

Kancamagus Highway

The famous Kancamagus Highway is a gorgeous fall foliage scenic route in New Hampshire lined with trees and mountains for 35 miles. It starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway, though you can also drive in the other direction if you wish. However, there are no gas stations or food amenities located along the highway, so you’ll want to bring snacks and fill up on gas before you go.

The entire length of the Kancamagus Highway is stunning! It’s one of the best places to visit in New England in the fall for a reason and you definitely don’t want to miss this iconic drive. Here are some of the best stops located along the highway:

• Rocky Gorge : A stunning river lined with huge rocks and beautiful fall trees. There are also a few small waterfalls here and you can climb as close to the river as you wish. Be careful because the rocks here can be quite slippery.
• Hancock Overlook : One of the most famous stops on the Kancamagus Highway for its U-bend curve surrounded by stunningly vibrant New Hampshire fall foliage. This is a must-visit stop if you have a drone! Without a drone, it’s not as spectacular to look at, but still enjoyable.
• Falls Pond : One of the more hidden stops along the highway, near Rocky Gorge. The trees here are a bit greener because there are more evergreens here, but the reflections in the pond are gorgeous. I was ambitious here and attempted a drone shot as well; however, you have to fly much higher than I expected and I wouldn’t recommend this in even slightly poor weather conditions.
• Unnamed Pullout : Yes, that’s the actual name of this overlook. However, the foliage here is nothing short of stunning! You get incredible panoramic views over the fiery-colored hills and there are usually no people here.
• Sabbaday Falls : Another popular stop along the Kancamagus Highway for its set of picturesque waterfalls.

After driving the highway, I recommend stopping in whichever town you end on either side to have lunch.

Bear Notch is actually connected to the Kancamagus Highway. About halfway through, you can pull off the highway and into this maze of smaller scenic roads, which are composed of winding mountainside paths with beautiful autumn trees and plenty of roadside pullouts for photo opportunities.

We were stunned that as soon as we turned off the Kancamagus Highway and into Bear Notch, the crowds completely disappeared! It was as if we had the entire area to ourselves. Bear Notch is much quieter and the roads are narrower, making it feel more cozy and rustic.

However, I will say that even though the Kancamagus Highway and Bear Notch are literally right next to each other, the foliage can vary a surprisingly large amount between the two. We definitely were enjoying peak fall colors on the Kancamagus Highway, but some of the roads in Bear Notch were still quite greenish.

After exploring so many fall foliage roads for the day, it’s time to head back to Lincoln to wash up and enjoy dinner.

Day 3: Vermont

Good morning foliage chasers! Today we cross the state border to admire the beautiful Vermont fall foliage.

Lake Willoughby

Lake Willoughby is situated right on the Vermont-New Hampshire border and is one of my favorite places to catch the fall colors in New England. The autumn foliage here is just fantastic, especially with the surrounding rolling hills and the contrast with the beautiful blue lake. If you have a drone like me, I highly recommend taking some drone shots here! The videos we captured were just beyond stunning.

Lake Willoughby is fairly long. I recommend first parking at the South Beach to step out of the car and admire the patchwork of red, orange, and yellow over the blue-green lake. The south shoreline is the most exposed part of the lake, whereas further up the lake you’ll have to contend with the roads and private vacation cabins. However, it’s definitely worth taking a drive up the length of the lake when you’re done exploring the South Beach!

Victory State Forest

On your way down from Lake Willoughby, you can drive through Victory State Forest if you have the time. It’s much quieter than the hot spots we’ve been to so far and the colors here are beyond beautiful. However, you can skip this one if you already went to Bear Notch or if you simply don’t have enough time (we accidentally spent an extra 2 hours at Lake Willoughby because it was just so gorgeous and had to cut Victory State Forest out of our itinerary).

I also recommend grabbing lunch before heading to the next location.

Burtt’s Apple Orchard

A fall trip to New England wouldn’t be complete without picking some juicy apples! Autumn is apple season in the northeast, and there are plenty of apple orchards available. However, Burtt’s Apple Orchard is one of the most popular options because they really have it all: a massive apple orchard with over a dozen varieties of apples, a smaller pumpkin patch, cider donuts, and fresh-pressed apple cider.

You pay for apples by the pound, not by the bag, so pick as few or as many as you like. We ended up not picking too many because a lot of the trees were already picked clean, but the apples we did get were delicious.

Burtt’s is one of the most popular apple orchards in Vermont, so expect to be sharing the space with lots of other people. Also, if you go in peak season like us, there may not be that many apples left. I’ve been to better (and more photogenic!) orchards, but Burtt’s is a safe choice. If you’re interested in other orchards, here are some other highly-ranked apple orchards in Vermont:

• Hackett’s Orchard
• Chapin Orchard
• Scott Farm Orchard
• Happy Valley Orchard

Nichol’s Ledge

Nothing like ending the day with a beautiful sunset hike over some of the best fall foliage in Vermont. Nichol’s Ledge is a very short 0.6-mile out-and-back trail that takes about 26 minutes to climb. The path is quite steep and can get muddy if it’s been raining recently.

The view from the top is just otherworldly! From the tiny ledge, you can see two stunning lakes, a vast expanse of vibrantly colorful New England fall foliage in every direction, and a beautiful sunset (if you’re lucky with the weather).

However, I will say that Nichol’s Ledge is extremely popular and the ledge is very small, so you’ll want to arrive early. The ledge is a bit of a hazard with many people—it’s a long way down—so be careful when navigating with crowds. But the sunset here is definitely worth it!

Day 4: Vermont

Day 4 of your New England fall foliage trip hits some of the most famous spots in Vermont for leaf-peeping, so let’s get going!

Hillside Acres Farm

If you know anything at all about Vermont fall foliage, you know Sleepy Hollow Farm—a tiny picturesque property in central Vermont that has become insanely popular due to social media. In fact, it’s become so popular that the road to the farm was closed to the public this year and there are talks about closing it off permanently during the fall foliage season.

So if you can’t go to Sleepy Hollow Farm, Hillside Acres Farm is my next choice for the most picturesque farm in Vermont. If the road to Sleepy Hollow is open, feel free to skip this one and save Sleepy Hollow Farm for Day 5 (see below).

Hillside Acres has a completely different vibe to Sleepy Hollow Farm but is iconic all the same. The long winding road to the property, the iconic red barn, and the rolling Vermont hills with lovely yellow and orange trees make it an autumnal beauty. We also flew the drone around a bit and the surrounding farmland was so gorgeous!

Of course, this is still private property, so don’t drive too close to the house. Stay far enough up the road and respect the people who live here.

Smuggler’s Notch

Smuggler’s Notch is an incredibly picturesque region of Vermont tucked between two mountains. While the whole route is beautiful, the most famous part is the section of super-windy road lined with gorgeous trees. You can’t quite grasp exactly what this part of Smuggler’s Notch looks like without an aerial view, though you’ll no doubt feel the effects from having to take the turns at 5 miles an hour!

However, the entire area of Smuggler’s Notch is really nice, including the boardwalk path at Barnes Camp that has beautiful trees and a view of the notch in the mountains at the end. We actually hadn’t planned to take this walk at all and only found out about it when talking to a ranger—according to him, it’s the best view in the area.

Sky Gondola

The famous Sky Gondola is located adjacent to Smuggler’s Notch and may or may not be your cup of tea! The repurposed ski lift, which only operates in the non-snow season, costs a hefty $40 per person. However, there are very famous panoramic views at the top, offering a sweeping viewpoint from which you can see all of Vermont’s fall foliage in its fiery, vibrant glory.

If you have the money and time to spare, I would definitely put the Sky Gondola on your list. They do offer online ticket reservations but you’ll still have to wait in line to pick up your ticket anyway, so the staff there recommended to us to just walk in early. They also run out of tickets quite quickly so make sure to at least arrive before lunch.

We didn’t know about the ticket situation and were hoping to get tickets for golden hour or sunset, but they ran out of tickets well before 4 PM and we didn’t end up going.

The charming town of Stowe , Vermont is one of the must-see stops on any fall trip to New England. While there are plenty of cute local shops to explore, the most picturesque spot is the beautiful Stowe Community Church. This church is emblematic of white clapboard New England churches and has a lovely backdrop of fall foliage to boot!

To get the best view of the church, you’ll want to head to the Tangerine & Olive gift shop or simply type in “Stowe community church viewpoint” into Google Maps. The gift shop has a small parking lot in the back with a great view of the church and the nearby river.

I recommend getting lunch in Stowe and then heading to the church before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring the town and its charming shops.

Day 5: Vermont

Day 5 is sadly the last day of the New England fall foliage trip. It’s time to wrap up the leaf peeping and enjoy the classic charm of Vermont’s towns before heading home for the end of foliage season.

Sleepy Hollow Farm

If Sleepy Hollow Farm is open for the season, this is one stop you cannot miss. This privately owned property is so synonymous with Vermont fall foliage that for many people, it’s the only thing they know about fall in New England!

However, because the farm has gained so much popularity due to social media in the last few years, the authorities have been closing the road to Sleepy Hollow Farm to the public. You should definitely check to see if the farm is going to be open before leaving for your trip.

If Sleepy Hollow Farm is on your list, it’s definitely also on everyone else’s list. Come as early as you can to avoid crowds—as much as possible, anyway. Photographers might show up even before sunrise to snap photos, and visitors’ cars will clog up the road for miles on end during the day. Definitely block off some extra time if you want to visit!

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Since you’ll be passing by the Cold Hollow Cider Mill , around 8 miles south of Stowe, you might as well stop by for a bite. You can check out the cider mill and also try their fresh-pressed cider and extremely famous cider donuts. Seriously, they are legendary status in New England.

After enjoying central Vermont, it’s time to drive 1.5 hours down to Woodstock , Vermont. Woodstock is one of the largest towns in this region of Vermont and also one of the most picturesque! The main street features a famous New England-style covered bridge and lots of stoops decorated with pumpkins and fall flowers.

Check out Pleasant Street, known for its super-cute houses and white picket fences, and the stores that line Central Street. You’ll probably hear about the Woodstock Inn as well, which I personally think is rather meh, but there are plenty of charmingly decorated shops and restaurants all around town.

Make sure to enjoy a proper meal in Woodstock in the fresh countryside air before packing up and making the drive home. Wherever you are headed back to, I wish you safe travels!

This stunning guide through the quintessential New England fall foliage experience passed through quaint towns and winding roads, each new area revealing fiery fall colors. New Hampshire truly features some of the best fall colors in the White Mountains and along the scenic highways! Meanwhile, Vermont’s fall foliage, with its rolling hills and charming farms, offers a picturesque backdrop straight out of a postcard.

Though every year I’m sad to see the end of the mesmerizing fall foliage season and say farewell to the magnificent fall colors in New England, I always find solace in knowing that next year’s ever-changing hues will be back! If you weren’t able to finish everything on this itinerary in one go, fear not: there’s always next year.

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Fall Road Trips: Chasing Early September Foliage in the USA

As summer fades and autumn approaches, nature puts on a spectacular show of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. If you are keen to witness this annual transformation, September offers a perfect opportunity to embark on a fall foliage road trip with the family.

While many associate peak fall colors with October, several regions in the United States boast early color changes, making September an ideal time for leaf-peeping adventures. From the rugged coast of Maine to the towering peaks of the Rockies and the pristine lakes of Minnesota , these destinations promise unforgettable autumn scenery.

Why September for Fall Foliage?

September marks the beginning of fall in many northern and high-elevation areas of the country. Deciduous trees begin their colorful transformation as nights grow longer and temperatures cool. The changing leaves of maples, oaks, and aspens create a breathtaking mosaic across the landscape.

Early fall travel can help you beat the October crowds while still enjoying milder weather outdoors. Additionally, September often offers more stable weather patterns, reducing the risk of early winter storms that can strip trees of their leaves prematurely.

September provides a unique opportunity to witness the transition of seasons, particularly in the most northern states. Some trees are already ablaze in autumn hues, while others still cling to their summer greens, creating a diverse and dynamic visual experience.

Top US Destinations for Early Fall Colors

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Peak: Mid-September to early October

Acadia National Park, perched on Maine’s rugged Atlantic coast, offers a unique blend of maritime and mountain scenery draped in fall colors. The park’s 27-mile Park Loop Road is a must-drive, winding past rocky beaches, through dense forests, and up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain.

For a truly spectacular experience, time your visit to catch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain – the first place to see the sunrise in the United States. The contrast of fiery autumn foliage against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean creates unforgettable vistas. We’d also suggest hiking the Jordan Pond Path, where fall colors reflect perfectly in the still waters, creating a photographer’s dream.

2. White Mountains, New Hampshire

Peak: Mid to late September

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are renowned for their stunning fall foliage, and the Kancamagus Highway (“the Kanc”)is the crown jewel of leaf-peeping routes. This 34-mile scenic byway winds through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys awash in autumn colors. Numerous pullouts and hiking trails provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the fall landscape of New Hampshire .

For a different perspective, why not ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway ? This historic train climbs to the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak, offering breathtaking views of the colorful valleys below. The White Mountains also boast charming New England towns like North Conway, where you can enjoy local fall festivals and sample seasonal treats like apple cider and pumpkin pie.

3. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado, is synonymous with fall foliage, thanks to its namesake aspen trees that turn a brilliant gold in September. Climbing over 12,000 feet, the drive over Independence Pass, part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, is unmissable. You will be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys blanketed in shimmering gold aspens.

Next up, head to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for an iconic Colorado fall scene . Here, the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells are perfectly reflected in Maroon Lake, framed by a forest of golden aspens – one of the most photographed scenes in Colorado. Hiking trails around the area, such as the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail , allow you to immerse yourself in the aspen groves and experience the fall colors up close.

4. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park offers a dramatic backdrop for fall foliage, with the jagged peaks of the Teton Range rising abruptly from valleys painted in autumn hues. The 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive provides an excellent overview of the park’s fall splendor. The Snake River Overlook is a favorite leaf-peeper stop where you can see the winding river framed by golden cottonwoods and aspens, with the Tetons towering in the background.

Another must-see is the drive around Jenny Lake , where the still waters perfectly reflect the surrounding fall colors and mountain peaks. For a more immersive experience, take a boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, where you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant colors of changing aspens and underbrush.

5. Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a fall color paradise, with vast forests of maple, birch, and aspen transforming into a sea of reds, oranges, and golds. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a highlight, offering 60,000 acres of old-growth forest and miles of hiking trails. The Lake of the Clouds overlook provides a stunning panorama of fall colors stretching to the horizon.

For a unique fall experience, drive the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway to Tahquamenon Falls State Park . Here, you can witness the impressive Upper Falls (one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi), surrounded by a forest ablaze with autumn colors. The contrast of the amber-colored water (caused by tannins from cedar swamps) against the fall foliage creates a truly magical scene.

6. Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest offers a less crowded but equally spectacular fall foliage experience. Take the Sawtooth Scenic Byway for stunning views of the jagged Sawtooth Mountains rising above valleys filled with golden aspens and cottonwoods. A stop at Stanley Lake is a must – here, the serene waters reflect the surrounding fall colors and the towering peaks of the Sawtooth Range.

Another option is the Salmon River Scenic Byway , which follows the Salmon River through a colorful canyon. Along the way, you’ll find numerous hot springs where you can soak while surrounded by fall foliage. We’d also recommend a stop at the ghost town of Custer, where abandoned buildings stand amid trees sporting their autumn colors, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene.

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

Peak: Mid-September

Glacier National Park’s rugged mountain landscape provides a dramatic setting for fall colors. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel that bisects the park, offers countless viewpoints where you can see golden larch trees and red huckleberry bushes contrasting with the park’s glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks. As you drive, watch for wildlife preparing for winter against the backdrop of fall colors.

Alternatively, take a boat tour on Lake McDonald, where the colorful hillsides are perfectly reflected in the crystal-clear waters. With its Swiss chalet style, the historic Lake McDonald Lodge provides a perfect base for exploring the park’s fall beauty. Hiking trails like the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake offer intimate encounters with the changing colors of the forest understory.

8. Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness , offers a unique fall foliage experience dominated by the vivid yellows of birch and aspen mixed with the deep reds of maple trees. The North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior provides 142 miles of spectacular coastal views , with numerous state parks and pullouts where you can stop to admire the contrast of fall colors against the lake’s vast blue.

Be sure to visit Gooseberry Falls State Park , where you can see multi-tiered waterfalls framed by autumn foliage. For another unique experience, take a canoe trip into the Boundary Waters, where you can paddle through a maze of lakes and streams surrounded by pristine wilderness in full fall color. The reflection of the colorful trees on the still waters creates a mesmerizing, mirror-like effect.

9. Door County, Wisconsin

Peak: Late September to early October

Door County, a peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan, offers a quintessential Midwest fall experience. The beautifully curved Door County Coastal Byway loops around the peninsula, providing 66 miles of scenic driving with stunning views of fall colors contrasting against the blue waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Peninsula State Park is a must-visit, offering hiking and biking trails that wind through forests of maple, beech, and birch trees in their autumn splendor.

We suggest climbing the Eagle Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding fall landscape and islands. While in the area, visit some of Door County’s famous orchards, where you can pick apples and enjoy fall treats surrounded by the season’s colors. A drive down the tree-lined road to Cana Island Lighthouse provides a classic Door County fall scene, with the historic lighthouse framed by trees in their autumn best.

Tips for Planning a Fall Family Road Trip

As you plan your fall foliage adventure, remember that the joy is as much in the journey as the destination. The winding scenic byways, unexpected vistas, and hidden gems you discover along the way all contribute to the magic of a fall road trip. Here are just a few extra tips to help you get the most out of a fall family road trip:

• Check foliage reports : Stay informed about the progression of fall colors by using online foliage trackers and reports such as visitNH.com or explorefall.com . These tools can help you time your trip to coincide with peak colors in your chosen destination.
• Book accommodations early : Fall is a popular time for travel in many of these destinations—in fact, it can be even busier than summer! Make your reservations to ensure you have a place to stay, especially on weekends in smaller towns or near national parks.
• Pack layers : Fall weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. Bring a mix of clothing options, including warm layers, rain gear, and comfortable hiking shoes, and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Plan flexible itineraries : While having a general plan is good, allow for spontaneity. Some of the best fall color spots might be unexpected discoveries (and avoid frustrating traffic jams!). Leave room in your schedule for unplanned scenic detours or extended stops at stunning locations; it’s not a race.
• Bring a camera : Fall foliage provides countless photo opportunities. Whether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone, make sure you have a way to capture the stunning landscapes you’ll encounter. Consider bringing a tripod for stable shots in low-light conditions.
• Consider less-traveled routes : While popular scenic byways offer reliable beauty, don’t be afraid to explore secondary roads. These less-traveled routes often provide unique views and a more intimate experience with fall colors, away from the crowds.
• Start early, stay late : Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for viewing and photographing fall colors. Plan to be at scenic viewpoints around sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting on the colorful landscapes.
• Engage with local communities : Many towns in prime leaf-peeping areas host fall festivals and events. These can be great opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine while enjoying the autumn scenery.
• Be prepared for driving conditions : Some scenic roads can be winding and narrow, especially in mountainous areas. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and be prepared for potential weather-related road issues in higher elevations.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles : Remember to respect nature as you enjoy the beautiful fall scenery. Stay on designated trails, properly dispose of waste, and avoid disturbing wildlife or picking plants.

For more Autumn Inspiration, You May Also Want to Read Next

• The 4 Best Driving Routes in the North East This Fall
• Our Suggested 5-Day Driving Itinerary Through New England
• The Beach Places to Enjoy Fall on the East Coast
• Epic US National Parks to Visit in Autumn
• The Most Colorful Spots in the Pacific Northwest

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New England road trip: Where to see the most spectacular foliage this fall

N o place in the United States puts on a more breathtaking display of changing fall foliage than New England — particularly the region's densely forested, ruggedly mountainous interior. Here, you'll find vast forests of the trees best known for their eye-popping color: Maple trees lead the charge, but beech, birch, oak, elm, ash and willow trees also stand out for their dazzling plumage.

This New England road trip lazily meanders along country roads, crossing New Hampshire's White Mountains, Vermont's Green Mountains, the beautiful Berkshires of western Massachusetts and the Litchfield Hills of northwestern Connecticut.

Although this trip abounds with brilliant shades of crimson, rust, mustard and chestnut in autumn, it still offers unparalleled beauty, sophisticated dining and lodging, and a bounty of cultural diversions the rest of the year.

Planning advice

Best start and end points.

This trip is lovely no matter which direction you decide to follow.

Begin in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, on Lake Winnipesaukee and loop up through Vermont; then, zigzag your way south into western Massachusetts and end in Litchfield, Connecticut. Or, do this drive in reverse. Either way, flying into one of the several airports in southern New England allows you to drive a loop, thereby avoiding one-way car rental fees.

Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut, is a relatively compact, user-friendly facility that's served by most major domestic airlines. It's less than an hour from Litchfield and 3 1/2 hours from Wolfeboro.

Another easy option is the even smaller Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). It's just over an hour from Wolfeboro and about three hours from Litchfield. It's served by American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, JetBlue and Sun Country Airlines.

The region's largest facility, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), is about two hours from Wolfeboro. It offers countless direct flights, but it also tends to have higher car rental rates and requires contending with Boston's notorious traffic.

Something of a sleeper choice, northern Vermont's Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) also sits directly along the route. It's easy to navigate and is served by most major airlines (minus Southwest and JetBlue). However, it has fewer flights per day and, generally, slightly higher fares.

When to go for peak foliage viewing

The region's foliage begins changing color earliest in northern New Hampshire and Vermont in mid-September, with the Berkshires and Litchfield Hills typically peaking closer to early October.

If you're short on time and want the biggest bang for your buck, a good strategy is to spend the bulk of your trip in Vermont and New Hampshire during the last week of September or the first week of October.

Related: Leaf-peeping season is here: Where to see spectacular fall foliage across the US

If you have a week or more, start in New Hampshire the first week of October and gradually make your way south. You'll encounter plenty of color up north, and you'll continue to experience amazing color in the Berkshires and Litchfield Hills if you pass through these areas the second week of October.

Keep in mind that you will encounter steep airfare, as well as higher car-rental rates and hotel prices, during the fall foliage season.

When to visit for outdoor adventure

Thinking about making this trip during another time of year? The whole region is absolutely stunning in summer and even in late spring, a period hugely popular for hiking, boating and other outdoorsy activities. So, these periods are also considered high season price-wise.

Much of interior New England is popular for skiing and snowboarding from December through March, as well. Outside of ski areas, though, businesses sometimes shut down or reduce hours during this period, and winter driving can be treacherous. The post-foliage shoulder season (roughly mid-October through November) is a great time for scoring bargains and can still be quite beautiful — and snowy at high elevations.

Times to avoid

Whatever you do, avoid the wet, muddy early spring months of April and May (especially in Vermont and New Hampshire), which are prone to unpredictable weather and biting black flies.

Time needed to drive the route

Give yourself no fewer than five days and as many as 10 to complete this full itinerary. If you only have time for a long weekend, focus on a portion of the trip — Litchfield County and the Berkshires are easy to explore from the New York City area and Philadelphia corridor. New Hampshire and even parts of the Berkshires and Vermont are pretty accessible for weekend trips from Boston and Montreal.

Wolfeboro to Mount Washington

Wolfeboro, alton bay and mount major.

Begin your trip on the southeastern shore of the largest lake in New Hampshire — Lake Winnipesaukee — in the tidy, upscale village of Wolfeboro, which has been drawing vacationers since the 1770s.

Fully leaning into its claim as the nation's oldest resort community, the postcard-perfect town curves around a quiet bay and offers an endearing mix of neatly kept shops, galleries and eateries. The Yum Yum Shop bakery, the Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Bar, Black's Paper Shop and the Country Bookseller are some highlights.

As you circle counterclockwise around the southern tip of the lake, it's fun to watch seaplanes take off from narrow Alton Bay. For a relatively easy hike with spectacular lake and forest views, you can make the 3-mile round-trip trek up a series of granite ledges to the top of 1,786-foot-tall Mount Major.

Weirs Beach and Meredith

As you continue up and around Winnipesaukee's jagged western shore, you'll encounter the nostalgic, family-friendly amusements of Weirs Beach and the neighboring town of Meredith. Think video arcades, candy and ice cream counters, and hot dog and burger shops. The scene can be fun or grating, depending on your tolerance for hokey diversions. Still, one worthwhile activity this time of year is taking a scenic cruise around the shoreline on the historic M/S Washington.

In Meredith, you'll encounter a campus of popular hotels and restaurants along the lake's edge, plus a marina where you can rent kayaks and canoes.

Holderness to Tamworth

Follow U.S. Route 3 to Holderness for a look at the smaller but arguably even more beautiful Squam Lake, which is surrounded by several inviting country inns. The lake is well-known as the filming location of the sentimental Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn movie "On Golden Pond." Be sure to stroll the nature trails and admire the gardens and animal enclosures of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Follow Route 113 east to Tamworth, where you can sample artisan spirits at Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile, explore the offbeat Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm , and watch a performance at the 1931 Barnstormers Theatre (which presents first-rate plays through September).

Related: World's best destinations to see beautiful fall foliage without the crowds

Fryeburg to Jackson

Route 16 leads north through the eastern side of New Hampshire's fabled White Mountains, a gorgeous tract of craggy, pristine wilderness that covers about a quarter of the state. It's home to 48 peaks with elevations greater than 4,000 feet.

If it's the first week of October, consider making a short detour just a few miles over the Maine border to attend the bustling Fryeburg Fair , a legendary agricultural expo that dates back to 1851.

After creeping through the inevitable traffic of lively (but touristy) North Conway, continue to the utterly charming village of Jackson. Here, you'll find an Instagram-worthy covered bridge, several excellent country inns and cozy taverns.

Mount Washington

A bit farther north, you'll come to the tiny town of Glen, the main jumping-off point for exploring lofty Mount Washington. At 6,288 feet, the mountain is the highest peak in the Northeast. Hiking this mammoth promontory is a difficult and extremely vertical undertaking — it's a little more than 8 miles round-trip via the shortest routes.

Through early November, weather permitting, you can drive to the top via the Mount Washington Auto Road. This 7.6-mile route twists and turns some 4,000 feet up a very narrow road and can be a test of nerves if you're uneasy about heights. At the top, you can visit the justly named Extreme Mount Washington museum , where the strongest gust of wind ever was recorded by a weather station (231 mph in 1934).

Guided tours up the mountain in custom vans are also available, but be sure to pack extra layers, as snow is a distinct possibility even as early as September.

Where to stay

Steps from Wolfeboro's lakefront and colorful shops and eateries, the posh Pickering House Inn (rates start at $770 per night) offers the most sophisticated accommodations on Lake Winnipesaukee. Its on-site restaurant, Pavillion Food & Spirits, turns out superb farm-to-table cuisine.

On Winnipesauke's western shore, the town of Meredith is home to Mill Falls at the Lake (rates start at $194 per night). The resort comprises several distinct lodgings and restaurants, along with an expansive spa.

Up in the eastern White Mountains, the busy town of North Conway has plenty of hotel rooms, from budget chains to rambling Victorian inns. The village of Jackson feels more relaxed and has several upscale lodgings, including The Inn at Thorn Hill (rates start at $130 per night). The 18-room property is a short walk from one of the best dining experiences in New Hampshire: the Thompson House Eatery.

For proximity to Mount Washington, you can't beat The Glen House (rates start at $334 per night) — a modern, eco-conscious boutique hotel at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road.

Mount Washington to Stowe

Kancamagus highway.

Return south along Route 16 to the town of Conway, where you'll cross over into the western side of the White Mountains via the famous Kancamagus Highway (aka Route 112, though most locals simply call it "The Kanc.").

This tree-lined National Scenic Byway ascends through an alluring stretch of alpine scenery that's been thankfully protected from any kind of commercial development or road signage. Try to drive this road early on a weekday to avoid heavy leaf-peeping traffic; you can break up the drive with an easy half-mile hike to refreshing Sabbaday Falls.

Lincoln, North Woodstock and Franconia Notch State Park

Route 112 continues west into a couple of family-friendly ski and recreation towns, Lincoln and North Woodstock. Their unabashedly goofy attractions — like the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves — have been delighting kids for generations.

Turn north onto Interstate Highway 93, which soon narrows from a typical freeway into a single scenic lane in each direction as it pierces a deep, lush valley for 8 miles within Franconia Notch State Park . There, you can hike through the dramatic Flume Gorge and view a massive granite cliff. (Until it collapsed in 2003, the cliff had a distinctive rock formation named Old Man of the Mountain. Its facelike profile still appears on New Hampshire license plates.)

Franconia, Bethlehem and Littleton

In the idyllic town of Franconia, the verdant grounds of The Frost Place museum, which honors the one-time home of American poet Robert Frost, are a fine place to take in the fall colors. The area is also home to a nearly century-old breakfast tradition, Polly's Pancake Parlor, which doles out hefty platters of flapjacks with enticing toppings.

As you approach the Vermont border, consider stopping in two more charming villages that abound with galleries, funky shops, brewpubs and cafes. In Bethlehem, you can treat yourself to a luscious dessert at Super Secret Ice Cream. In Littleton, you can visit the stylish Schilling Beer Co. taproom for great pizza and German-style ales on a terrace overlooking the crystalline Ammonoosuc River.

Vermont's 'Northeast Kingdom'

As you cross the Connecticut River and enter Vermont's sparsely populated "Northeast Kingdom," sweeping panoramas of the state's stunning Green Mountains range — which forms an angular 250-mile spine from north to south — lie ahead.

These forested peaks are generally lower in elevation than those in New Hampshire, but they stand out for their exceptional beauty and for the many endearing hamlets surrounding them. They are filled with quaint general stores, maple syrup-producing sugar houses, and peaceful farms and meadows.

St. Johnsbury, Montpelier and Waterbury

Make a stop in the area's largest town, St. Johnsbury, for a walk through the pet-friendly preserve Dog Mountain, Home of Stephen Huneck Gallery , and to explore the engaging Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium .

Follow U.S. Route 2 west through a series of cute villages to Montpelier, the nation's least populous state capital (with a little more than 8,000 residents). Then, turn northwest and parallel the Winooski River to Waterbury, home to Ben & Jerry's very first factory. This famously socially conscious ice cream maker offers amusing factory tours that include a visit to its Flavor Graveyard (where you can lament the discontinuation of beloved concoctions like Bovinity Divinity and Holy Cannoli).

The vibrant fall colors really burst to life as you follow Route 100 north to the classic country hamlet of Stowe, with its handsome inns, bistros and shops. Famous for skiing and snowboarding in winter and mountain biking and hiking in summer, it's also a beautiful spot to spend an autumn day — or weekend.

In early October, it also hosts the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival . Continue north up one of the prettiest roads in the Green Mountains, Route 108, which becomes extremely narrow along a several-mile-long stretch of boulders and rocky outcroppings that lead through Smugglers' Notch.

Related: Best family ski resorts in the US

In the western White Mountains, the Lincoln-Woodstock corridor has the largest selection of hotels and ski lodges. But look to the area's smaller towns for distinctive accommodations. Sunset Hill House (rates starting at $146 per night) is a grand 1880s hotel set high on a ridge in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, overlooking miles of mountains. The gracious Adair Country Inn and Restaurant (rates starting at $319 per night) in Bethlehem has an outstanding restaurant, clubby public spaces and fragrant country gardens.

In Stowe, Vermont, you'll find an appealing mix of accommodations, from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to quite snazzy spa resorts. The storied Trapp Family Lodge (rates starting at $283 per night) is set on a 2,000-acre property with astounding views; it was founded more than 70 years ago by the family that inspired "The Sound of Music." The historic Green Mountain Inn (rates starting at $160) comprises eight early 19th-century buildings in the very center of Stowe village.

Stowe to Woodstock

Just north of Stowe, in quaint Jeffersonville, head west and then southwest through some glorious mountain passes to the state's largest city, Burlington. The city has a population of about 45,000 people and hugs the eastern shore of Lake Champlain.

From downtown's dapper Waterfront Park, the panoramas of New York's soaring Adirondack Mountains are a sight to behold, especially in autumn. Burlington is a spirited, upbeat college town (home to the University of Vermont) with an exceptional restaurant scene and plenty of appealing indie boutiques, friendly bars and hip cafes.

U.S. Route 7 leads south through a fertile green valley to Shelburne Farms , a 1,400-acre Victorian estate with gorgeous grounds and gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It features a beloved dairy, a stately seasonal inn (rates start at $220 per night) and a restaurant. Be sure to visit the excellent Shelburne Museum , which has nearly 40 buildings transplanted here from around the state as well as a vast collection of pre-automobile-age carriages.

Clemmons Family Farm

Farther south, explore the historic buildings, art galleries, storytelling programs and agricultural operations of 148-acre Clemmons Family Farm, a highlight among the 22 sites on the state's African American Heritage Trail and one of Vermont's largest African American-owned farms.

Middlebury and the Green Mountains

Follow picturesque U.S. Route 7 south to the stately college town of Middlebury, with its handsome village and handful of excellent art galleries. From here, Route 125 zigzags east over the Green Mountains; there are several photogenic spots — including at Texas Falls Recreation Area and Riley Bostwick Wildlife Management Center — where you can hop out, stretch your legs and snap a photo.

Head south to Woodstock, one of Vermont's most enchanting small towns. Late conservationist and philanthropist Laurence Rockefeller and his family made it a mission to preserve the town's colonial heritage. The Rockefellers established the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park , where 550 acres of gardens and carriage paths are anchored by the opulent mansion in which the Rockefellers once resided. Across the street, you can explore one of the state's oldest working farms, the Billings Farm and Museum .

Lake Sunapee region

If you have an extra day or (ideally) two, consider detouring back across the New Hampshire border to explore the glorious Lake Sunapee region.

You can make a loop from Woodstock by driving across the dramatic Quechee Gorge and then crossing the Connecticut River into Hanover. The tree-shaded campus of Dartmouth College anchors the town with its acclaimed Hood Museum and the Hopkins Center for the Arts .

Continue southeast to the town of New London for a drive around rippling Lake Sunapee, where you can stroll through the gardens at John Hay Estate at the Fells . Head back toward Woodstock via the scenic Connecticut River village of Cornish, setting aside an hour or two to explore the stunning gardens, lawns and buildings of Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park . The famed sculptor created many of his most memorable works here.

To return to Vermont, cross the 445-foot Cornish-Windsor Bridge — the longest historic covered bridge in the country. It's about a 20-minute drive northwest back to Woodstock.

Burlington has the area's greatest concentration of lodgings, including the contemporary Hotel Vermont (rates starting at $197 per night). Many of its well-equipped rooms offer impressive vistas of Lake Champlain. Next door, have dinner at the James Beard Award-nominated Hen of the Wood .

With its fairy-tale setting on Woodstock's classic village green and a spectacular spa, the grand Woodstock Inn & Resort (rates starting at $298 per night) offers luxe accommodations, four restaurants and a slew of activities. Across the border in New Hampshire, the Hanover Inn Dartmouth (rates starting at $229 per night) overlooks the gracious campus of Dartmouth College.

Woodstock to Williamstown

Manchester and mount equinox.

Head west on U.S. Route 4 and Route 100A to Plymouth, then take Route 100 on a scenic journey past picturesque villages (such as Ludlow and Londonderry) and popular ski areas (Okemo and Bromley). You'll then reach historic Manchester, one of the largest towns in southwestern Vermont. It's home to several notable attractions, including the American Museum of Fly Fishing and Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home , which was the early-20th-century estate home of Robert Todd Lincoln — the son of Abraham Lincoln and a future statesman and railroad executive in his own right.

On your way south, make the 5.2-mile drive up stunning Skyline Drive to the peak of 3,855-foot Mount Equinox, one of the best spots in the region to admire the autumn foliage.

Arlington, Bennington and Williamstown

Continue south via slower and more scenic Route 7A rather than U.S. Route 7. You'll enter Arlington, a relaxing village that illustrator Norman Rockwell called home for more than a decade. Rockwell depicted the community on several occasions on the covers of The Saturday Evening Post magazine.

As you approach Bennington, you'll spy the 306-foot-tall Bennington Battle Monument high above the treetops. Take the elevator to the top for a fantastic view of the countryside and the striking campus of Bennington College. You'll soon cross the Massachusetts border and enter the Berkshires range, an extension of the Green Mountains.

Stop in another stately collegiate community, Williamstown. It's home to a pair of outstanding museums: the Williams College Museum of Art and the Clark Art Institute , with its sleek contemporary addition by Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

In Manchester, you'll find a number of romantic accommodations, including the Kimpton Taconic Hotel (rates starting at $175 or 32,000 IHG points per night). Although it has a classic Colonial design, this three-story boutique property with a wraparound veranda and a popular gastropub offers many modern perks, including a heated plunge pool and tech-savvy rooms.

Just up the road, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (rates starting at $197 per night) offers a wide range of amenities, including a plush spa, a Walter Travis-designed 1920s golf course and several restaurants.

There are a few other accommodation options in town and several more — including the upscale Williams Inn (rates starting at $271 per night) — in neighboring Williamstown.

Williamstown to Litchfield

North adams, mount greylock and pittsfield.

A few miles east of Williamstown, the once bustling mill town of North Adams fell on hard times in the 1980s with the closure of a major electric plant. Fifteen years later, the plant's handsome vintage red brick buildings were reimagined as the outstanding — and enormous — Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art , aka Mass MoCA.

Head south on Route 8 and either drive or hike to the 3,489-foot summit of the highest point in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock. The striking Mount Greylock Veterans War Memorial Tower sits at the top.

Continue down through the region's largest city, Pittsfield, which has a population of about 43,600. There, you can tour Arrowhead , the former home of "Moby Dick" author Herman Melville, and Hancock Shaker Village , a living museum dedicated to telling the story of this almost-extinct religious sect.

Farther south on U.S. 7, the tony vacation town of Lenox has drawn generations of well-to-do families, many of whom built lavish summer estates during America's Gilded Age. Some of these are now museums, including The Mount (where American novelist Edith Wharton once resided) and the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum .

Lenox is best known for two famous performing arts venues: Shakespeare and Company presents year-round plays, and Tanglewood is a 500-acre outdoor performance space and summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Stockbridge and Great Barrington

U.S. 7 continues south through Stockbridge, home to Chesterwood — the turn-of-the-20th-century estate of sculptor Daniel Chester French. It's also home to the Norman Rockwell Museum (the artist resided in this town for the last 25 years of his life), which contains his relocated former studio.

This colorful village is anchored by the Red Lion Inn (rates start at $125 per night); the rambling, if idiosyncratic, hotel dates back to 1773. It also inspired Arlo Guthrie's beloved folk song "Alice's Restaurant."

The last major stop in the Berkshires is Great Barrington, a fashionable weekend retreat among New Yorkers and Bostonians with see-and-be-seen restaurants and trendy galleries.

Litchfield Hills

Follow Route 41 south to Salisbury, in the northwestern corner of Connecticut's Litchfield Hills. It's a warren of dapper villages, dense forests and small family farms that — like the neighboring Hudson River Valley — is quite popular with celebrities. (Meryl Streep, Michael J. Fox, Patti Lupone, Kevin Bacon and Dustin Hoffman currently own or have previously owned homes in the area.)

Cornwall to Litchfield

Rejoin U.S. 7, following it down through Cornwall, with its scenic covered bridge, which dates back to 1841 and crosses the serene Housatonic River. Continue to the quaint, affluent town of Kent, then along the rippling shores of Lake Waramaug. The lake's alpine setting recalls Switzerland.

Continue into New Preston and Washington, neatly kept towns filled with fine antique shops, stylish boutiques and renowned art galleries.

Turn northeast up through the region's cultural and spiritual heart, Litchfield, stopping for a hike amid the lush wetlands, boardwalks and bird-watching platforms of the 4,000-acre White Memorial Conservation Center.

An easy walk from local restaurants and shops in lovely downtown Lenox, the Hampton Terrace Inn (rates starting at $340 per night) has 14 smartly appointed rooms, many with fireplaces. You'll find several other hotels in Lenox and along U.S. 7 as you head north into Pittsfield. Farther south, Stockbridge and Great Barrington have a good range of mostly upscale options.

In Connecticut's Litchfield County, the White Hart Inn (rates starting at $285 per night) has a handsome setting overlooking Salisbury's pretty town green and dates back to 1806. It contains 16 rooms plus an excellent restaurant and casual cafe.

Just south of Litchfield in Morris, Winvian Farm (rates starting at $875 per night) is definitely a splurge. However, its 18 one-of-a-kind cottages are among the most memorable accommodations in the state. There's even one suite that's been created from a 1968 Sikorsky helicopter.

In North Adams, the stylish The Porches Inn at Mass MoCA (rates starting at $196 per night) has been created out of a row of restored Victorian mill workers' houses. It's also charmingly filled with well-curated contemporary artwork, reflecting its location just across the river from Mass MoCA.

You'll find several other high-end inns throughout the area's towns, especially Washington and Kent. There's a sizable selection of mostly chain hotels and motels farther south and east in a handful of small cities outside Litchfield County, including Danbury, Waterbury and Hartford.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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5 Must-Visit Northeast Cideries for Your Next Fall-Foliage Road Trip

Fall colors only last a short time, so make the most of a leaf peeping trip by stopping at a few cideries in the Northeast for a delicious detour.

Food & Wine / Getty Images

Leaf peeping is one of autumn’s greatest delights, nowhere more so than in the Northeast of the United States. Fiery crimsons, buttery yellows, and outrageous oranges streak across the landscape. They transform forests into brilliant scenes that intensify as the air turns colder.

Another great autumnal staple can be just as delightful — drinking cider. Hard cider, one of the United States’ most beloved beverage traditions , dates to the colonial era and is produced in all 50 states. The New England region made up of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island boasts some of the most epic fall foliage routes in the world. Similar vibrance often extends into New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The area also happens to offer several cideries worthy of a detour.

“Leaf peepers come every fall,” says Stephen Wood, who co-owns Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Hill Ciders with his wife, Louisa Spencer, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. “The reason they come is that it is stunningly beautiful in the fall here.”

Related: Meet the New Wave of American Cider Makers

Wood has grown apples since the 1960s, and he’s made cider since the 1990s. He says the Northeast offers a unique opportunity to marvel in nature’s wonders. “It’s lovely here in the fall, and lovely in ways that other places aren’t,” he says. Crisp evenings and sun-filled autumn days make for perfect apple growing conditions.

“The Northeast is a classic, temperate climate — hot, bright summers; cool, crisp autumns; plenty of water; and cold winters,” says Autumn Stoscheck, owner and cider maker at Eve’s Cidery in Van Etten, New York. “Apples love it here,” she says, as evidenced by the millions of apple trees growing in the wild.

Whether you’re road-tripping through the Northeast this autumn for the views or brews, here are a few cideries to visit between vistas.

Absolem Cider (Winthrop, Maine)

Courtesy of Ben Macri

For the earliest start to the season, head north. “Apples are available starting in mid-August running all the way [until] the end of October,” says Zachary Kaiser, co-founder and cider maker at Absolem. However, wait too long and many farms run out of apples. “Oftentimes in New England, PYO [pick-your-own] can be finished by early November.”

Maine’s high latitude and rugged coast means leaf-peeping season can sometimes run for two months, often a full month longer than other lauded leaf locations. It also gives Maine-grown cider apples a nice acidic bite reminiscent of Western European white wines and Eastern European orange wines, says Kaiser. He suggests a high-acid or high- tannin cider, such as Absolem’s foraged apple-based Wendel, paired with Maine’s most famous culinary tradition: lobster rolls. 

West County Cider (Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts)

John Greim /LightRocket via Getty Images

If you’re driving east on Route 2 from Lancaster, Massachusetts, along the popular fall foliage road toward Turner’s Falls, continue 10 miles or so until you reach Shelburne Falls, home of West County Cider. The tiny farmhouse offers wine-inspired ciders grown and pressed locally. As delicious as they are, the surroundings are even more breathtaking. A panoramic view from the tasting room overlooks three states, and there are plenty of picnic tables and hiking trails to experience the full range of autumn color.

Eden Ciders (Newport, Vermont)

Courtesy of Ellen Mary Cronin

The trek up Vermont’s Route 100 is world-famous for a reason. The 216-mile road winds through the heart of Vermont and boasts some of the most breathtaking foliage, complete with classic scenes of covered bridges, barns, and rolling hills at every turn. Don’t rush the trip, but make an appointment for a guided tasting and tour at Eden Specialty Ciders’ Newport location. Its ice ciders are some of the best in the world, and they can help to take some of the crisp fall chill out of the air. If the trek to Newport, near the Canadian border, is a bit much, stop instead at Eden’s tasting room in Shelburne, shared with Iapetus Wines and Shelburne Vineyard.

Farnum Hill Ciders (Lebanon, New Hampshire)

Courtesy of Farnum Hill Ciders

Some ciders go big on agri-tainment during the fall, complete with tractor rides, apple cider donuts, and corn mazes. But Wood says at Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Hill Ciders, they’re apple growers first. Still, “people have a blast here,” he says. “We let [kids] run out into the woods, fall down, scrape their knees … we have a lot of people who love that.” The pet- and kid-friendly farm stand opened on September 7, so bring a picnic.

Eve’s Cidery (Van Etten, New York)

Courtesy of Autumn Stoscheck

Of the 11 Finger Lakes in New York, Cayuga Lake is both the biggest and serves as centerpiece of the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, an 87-mile loop dotted with wineries and cideries. The western side features the Finger Lakes Cider Trail , a collection of farms, orchards, and cideries in the heart of apple country. Just south of the lake’s tip is Van Etten, home to Eve’s Cidery. Owner Autumn Stoscheck says apples in the Northeast “tend to have higher acids, softer tannins and a bit lower sugar levels than apples growing in warmer climates.” This allows makers like herself to create bright and acidic ciders with varieties like Golden Russet, Northern Spy, and Esopus Spitzenburg. “If you haven't discovered Northeast cider, you're in for a real treat,” she says.

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Fall photography is an art form. Timing is everything. New England offers a diverse pallet for those seeking fall colors when the landscape transforms to red, orange, and gold. This season is ideal for leaf-peeping and photo opportunities. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the region’s fall foliage photography spots provide incredible views and memories.

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