The Best New england Fall Destinations To See The Foliage, Farms And Cute Towns

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The Best New england Fall Destinations To See The Foliage, Farms And Cute Towns

In recent years, the northeast of the USA has been getting some more attention, especially around fall. We think that’s absolutely fair as this area of the US is absolutely stunning during that time. Even better, it makes for a super romantic getaway to share with your partner!

Fall in New England feels like pressing pause on our busy lives. The main attraction at that time of the year is the leaves turning into a sea of reds, oranges, and yellows.

But that’s not all New England has to offer in the fall. In this post, we share with you everything you need to know before heading to New England during fall along with the best stops in the area.

You can turn this post into a US road trip or station yourself in one spot and travel back and forth from there. It’s totally up to you, your budget and the length of your trip.

What to Know Before You Go

• Timing is Everything: Leaves change color on their own schedule, so check when they’re peaking before your trip.
• Getting Around: You’ll need a car to get around and see all the sights.
• Crowds: It’s a popular spot and gets busy. Lots of people will be out taking photos, even early in the morning, but that’s part of the fun!
• Weather: Be ready for anything. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it shines.
• Flexible Plans: Since the colors change gradually, you might need to tweak your plans to catch the best views. Last-minute changes might cost more, though, since it’s a busy time.
• Budgeting: Expect to pay around $80 to $150 per night for a place to stay.
• Trip Duration: Spending about 5 to 10 days here is perfect.
• Foliage Patterns: Colors start in the north and move southward.

Key Facts

• Location: New England is made up of six states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
• Best Foliage: The most amazing fall colors are in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.
• Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip for late September to mid-October. The first week of October is usually the best.
• Where to Start: You can start your trip in either Boston, MA, or Albany, NY.

New England Fall Road Trip Stops

You can choose to arrange these destinations into a road trip or only visit a few of them. It’s totally up to you. Note that, even though the landscapes and views are stunning, you don’t need to visit all these destinations to have a great experience. Some viewpoints can get a bit repetitive so it’s totally fine to skip some.

Insider Tip: Some of the views aren’t worth checking out if it’s too rainy or foggy. We’ve marked them so you know which to skip if the weather isn’t on your side.

Dixville Notch State Park

This spot has a small, cute farm area and beautiful Lake Gloriette. Try the Table Rock trail—it’s a bit steep and short at 1.5 miles round-trip but the views at the top are worth it! It’s an awesome place to snap some photos.

Franconia Notch, New Hampshire

This park has the Falling Waters Trail where you’ll see lots of waterfalls. Flume Gorge is another cool spot with great views of the mountains and valleys, plus some really old covered bridges right next to the visitor center. Definitely a great place for some cute pics!

The Frankenstein Trestle, NH

The Frankenstein Trestle in New Hampshire is a fascinating piece of history and an iconic sight in the White Mountains. This railroad trestle, named not after the literary monster but after a local family, is an impressive engineering feat. It spans across the rugged terrain and provides stunning views of the surrounding forest and cliffs, especially during fall when the foliage is at its peak.

Lake Willoughby, VT

Lake Willoughby in Vermont is a true natural wonder, often referred to as the “Lucerne of America” because of its deep, clear waters and scenic mountain views that resemble those of Switzerland. This glacial lake is flanked by Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, which provide a stunning backdrop and are popular for hiking. In the autumn, Lake Willoughby becomes especially magical as the foliage turns into a fiery display of colors, making it a popular destination for leaf peepers and nature photographers. You can also rent a kayak and really immerse yourself in the fall atmosphere. it’s also super cute for photos!

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is probably one of the most famous New England fall spots. On the way to Stowe, you’ll pass Island Pond and maybe even stop for some fun at the Great Vermont Corn Maze. Grab a bite at the Green Goddess Cafe and check out a local brewery.

Smugglers Notch & White Mountains

This road takes you right between two mountains and there’s even a Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort that you can take up for some epic views.

Pomfret, Vermont

This spot is all about those charming dirt roads lined with stunning fall colors, rolling hills, and quaint farms. Make sure to stop by the famous Sleepy Hollow Farm, just across from Elm Grove Farm—it’s a hit on social media and a super cute spot for photos. While you’re there, drop by Sugarbush Farm to pick up some tasty maple syrup.

Bragg Farm Sugar House

Here’s another great place to check out if you love maple syrup. Bragg Farm Sugar House is known for its delicious, home-made syrup. It’s a perfect place to learn how maple syrup is made and to buy some to take home.

Montpelier, Vermont

Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, is a must-see. It looks especially pretty in the fall with all the colorful leaves. Be sure to visit the State House—it’s really beautiful. Then, take a stroll downtown and check out the cute shops.

Woodstock

Woodstock is often called the “prettiest small town in America,” and it’s easy to see why. It has amazing restaurants and a beautiful resort, the Woodstock Inn & Resort, which looks stunning with its dark shutters and white columns. Heads up, it can fill up fast because it’s so popular!

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

For some of the best scenic drives for leaf peeping, head to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. Drive through places like Ashintully Gardens and Tyringham Cobble—super pretty. There are lots of neat places to grab lunch or a coffee, and if you like old stuff, you’ll love browsing in places like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.

Manchester, Vermont

Next up, Manchester. This town is great for shopping with lots of boutiques and outlets. If you’re into outdoor activities, check out the Orvis Store for some new fishing or hiking gear. Don’t miss the Fly Fishing Museum! And if you like books, Northshire Bookstore has a really cool book arch that’s perfect for your Instagram.

Kancamagus Highway

This highway is famous for its breathtaking views. There are plenty of spots to pull over and take photos of the stunning trees and landscapes. It’s a drive you won’t want to miss.

Swift River, Falls Pond, and North Conway

These places are adorable and great for a walk along the river. The scenery is gorgeous and it’s a nice, easy way to enjoy the outdoors.

Crawford Notch State Park

Take the backroads here to see all the beautiful fall colors. If you’re up for a hike, try the Mount Willard trail. It’s steep but short, and the view from the clifftop over Crawford Notch is amazing

Insider Tip: don’t bother if it’s cloudy.

Artist’s Bluff

Another great hike is up to Artist’s Bluff. It’s a short 1.4-mile walk to a hilltop that overlooks Echo Lake. The fall colors here are crazy beautiful!

Insider Tip: don’t bother if it’s cloudy.

Other Things to Do

• If you get a bit tired of nature, why not add a few nights in Boston or NYC to your trip?
• For something fun in October, check out Salem, Massachusetts—it’s perfect for Halloween vibes.
• Don’t miss the Southington Apple Festival. Their fried apple fritters are a must-try and it’s a fun event for everyone.