Best Places to Visit in New England in the Fall (State by State Guide)
Fall in New England is hard to beat. The leaves turn every shade of red, orange, and gold, the air gets crisp, and the small towns feel like something out of a movie. Whether you’re road-tripping through the mountains or just looking for a cozy weekend getaway, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore.
This guide breaks down the best places to visit in New England in the fall, organized by state, so it’s easy to plan your trip. From scenic drives and quiet hikes to apple picking, covered bridges, and charming main streets, these spots deserve a spot on your New England fall bucket list.
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Best Time to Visit New England for Fall Colors
Before we dive into the guide, let’s talk a bit about the best time to visit New England for fall colors.
The fall foliage usually peaks between late September and mid-October, but the exact timing depends on the weather and how far north you go. Northern areas like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine start turning first, typically around the last week of September into the first week of October.
As you move south into Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, the colors hit their peak a little later, often in the second or third week of October.
If you’re planning a road trip across multiple states, early to mid-October is usually the safest bet to catch the most color. Keep in mind that weekends during peak foliage season are busy, especially in the more popular towns, so booking accommodation early is definitely a good idea!
Map of the Best Places to Visit in New England in the Fall
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.
Best Fall Spots in Vermont
Stowe
Stowe is one of Vermont’s most iconic fall destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by colorful mountains, the town is packed with scenic drives, hiking trails, and cozy spots to grab a cider donut. You can walk or bike along the Stowe Recreation Path, take in the views from the top of Mount Mansfield, or simply spend a laid-back afternoon exploring Stowe during peak foliage season.
Smugglers’ Notch
Just a short drive from Stowe, this narrow mountain pass winds through massive cliffs and dense forest, making it one of the most scenic fall foliage drives in the US. The road itself is an experience, with tight curves and dramatic views at every turn. It’s especially beautiful in early October when the trees along the cliffs light up in color.
Woodstock
Woodstock feels like it was made for fall, complete with a classic town green, covered bridges, and charming shops. You can hike up Mount Tom for a view over the village, browse local markets, or visit nearby spots like Quechee and Sugarbush Farm. If you’re looking for a postcard-perfect New England town to explore in October, Woodstock is hard to beat.
Manchester
This southern Vermont town offers a great mix of outdoor activities and small-town charm. You can hike up to Lye Brook Falls, shop at the local outlets, or visit Hildene, the historic estate of Abraham Lincoln’s son. The town is also a great base for exploring the nearby mountains and covered bridges.
Sugarbush Farm
Located just outside Woodstock, Sugarbush Farm is a family-run spot known for its maple syrup and cheese, both available for tasting and buying. In the fall, the surrounding countryside is full of color, and the drive to get there is just as scenic as the farm itself. It’s a low-key stop that feels very Vermont!
Montpelier
Montpelier might be the smallest capital city in the US, but it packs in a lot of character. Surrounded by hills that turn bright orange and red in the fall, it’s a quiet, walkable town with great coffee shops, bookstores, and a surprisingly strong food scene. It’s a nice place to slow down for a day before heading back into the mountains.
Quechee
Quechee is best known for its dramatic gorge, where you can walk across a bridge that looks down into the canyon or hike along the riverside trail below. Fall is the perfect time to visit, with bright leaves lining the cliffs and cooler temps for exploring. It’s also home to one of the most photographed covered bridges in Vermont.
Burlington
Set on the edge of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers a more urban take on fall in Vermont. You’ll still get plenty of color in the parks and neighborhoods, plus easy access to restaurants, breweries, and lake views. It’s also a good starting point if you’re planning to explore more of the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall.
Best Fall Spots in New Hampshire
North Conway
A favorite base for exploring the White Mountains, North Conway has everything you want in a fall getaway – mountain views, scenic train rides, local shops, and easy access to nearby hikes. It’s also a great jumping-off point if you’re planning a New England fall road trip through the region.
Franconia Notch State Park
This park is packed with classic New Hampshire scenery – waterfalls, granite cliffs, and vibrant foliage in every direction. Flume Gorge is the main draw, but don’t skip Echo Lake or the short hike up to Artist Bluff for one of the best foliage views in the state. The Cannon Mountain tramway is also a great way to catch the colors from above.
Mount Washington
The tallest peak in the Northeast is especially impressive in fall. You can drive up the auto road, ride the historic cog railway, or hike if you’re feeling adventurous – just check the forecast before you go. The views from the summit stretch for miles when the skies are clear, and the surrounding mountains are a patchwork of fall color.
Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is one of the most scenic drives in New England, especially in early October when the trees lining the road hit peak color. Popular stops include Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge, and the overlook at Pemigewasset. There are plenty of trailheads and picnic spots too, if you want to stretch your legs along the way.
Lincoln
Located at the western end of the Kanc, Lincoln is a great overnight stop with easy access to trails and scenic drives. Ride the gondola at Loon Mountain for fall views from the summit, or head north to explore Franconia Notch. You’ll also find breweries, cafés, and a few local shops in town.
Lake Winnipesaukee
For a more laid-back fall trip, head to New Hampshire’s largest lake. You can drive the loop around the shoreline, hop on a foliage cruise, or relax in one of the small lakeside towns like Meredith or Wolfeboro. It’s a quieter alternative to the mountain towns, but still full of color.
Jackson
This small town is known for its covered bridge, cute inns, and its annual Pumpkin People display, where homes and businesses create pumpkin-themed scenes all over town. It’s a fun stop for families, and it has great access to nearby trails and scenic drives as well.
Dixville Notch
Way up in northern New Hampshire, Dixville Notch offers a more remote and rugged take on fall foliage. Hike up to Table Rock for a dramatic cliffside view over the notch, and don’t miss Beaver Brook Falls, one of the prettiest waterfalls in the region. If you want to get off the typical tourist trail, this is one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire in the fall.
Best Fall Spots in Maine
Acadia National Park
Acadia is one of the most visited national parks in the Northeast, and fall is hands down the best time to go. The Park Loop Road is surrounded by color, the crowds are thinner, and popular spots like Cadillac Mountain, Ocean Path, and Jordan Pond are even more scenic this time of year. If you’re planning to visit Acadia National Park in the fall, be sure to hit the highlights early in the day.
Camden
Camden is a classic coastal town that really shines in October. You can hike up Mount Battie for a sweeping view over the harbor, browse small shops downtown, or take a scenic harbor cruise while the leaves are changing. It’s laid-back and beautiful – a nice contrast to the crowds in Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is the go-to base for any Acadia itinerary, located just outside the park entrance and full of great restaurants, shops, and sunset views over Frenchman Bay. In fall, it’s much quieter than summer but still has a great mix of local events and places to eat. Walk the Shore Path at sunset, grab a lobster roll, and enjoy the mix of coastal views and colorful trees across the harbor.
Rangeley Lakes
This area in western Maine is a dream for fall foliage, especially if you want a quiet escape surrounded by water and mountains. Drive along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway for nonstop views, or stop at Height of Land for one of the best overlooks in the state.
Moosehead Lake
Remote and peaceful, Moosehead Lake is perfect if you’re after a slower, off-the-grid kind of fall trip. You can hike Mount Kineo, take a boat tour across the lake, or just enjoy the stillness of the landscape when it’s covered in fall color. There’s not much in the way of crowds or touristy spots, and that’s the whole appeal!
Portland
Maine’s biggest city makes a great add-on to a fall road trip, especially if you’re coming from the south. Even one day in Portland is enough to walk the Eastern Promenade, visit a couple of nearby lighthouses, and stop for fresh oysters or a local beer along the waterfront. It’s not a foliage destination, but the crisp air and quieter streets give it a totally different vibe from summer.
Best Fall Spots in Massachusetts
The Berkshires
Tucked in the western corner of the state, the Berkshires are one of the best places to see fall foliage in Massachusetts. Drive through winding backroads, visit farm stands, and explore towns like Stockbridge and Great Barrington. You’ll find plenty of hiking options, including Monument Mountain and Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and the views from the hills are incredible in early to mid-October.
Salem
Salem in October is about as festive as fall gets. The whole town embraces its witch trial history with haunted tours, themed pop-ups, and costumed crowds filling the streets. Beyond the Halloween buzz, it’s a charming seaside town with historic houses, museums, and waterfront parks. Just be sure to book everything in advance, as it gets packed this time of year!
Mount Greylock
The highest point in Massachusetts offers one of the best views in the state during peak foliage. You can drive all the way to the summit or hike one of the surrounding trails if you’re up for a challenge. On a clear fall day, you’ll get sweeping views across the Berkshires and into neighboring states.
Mohawk Trail
One of the oldest scenic drives in New England, the Mohawk Trail runs through the northern Berkshires and is absolutely stunning in the fall. Plan a few stops along the way, like the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls or the hairpin turn in North Adams, and make time to browse local shops and farm stands.
Boston
Boston mixes big city energy with plenty of fall charm. The Public Garden and Boston Common light up with color, and the neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and the South End are perfect for strolling. If you only have one day in Boston, you can still cover a lot, from the Freedom Trail to harbor views. It also makes a great base for day trips from Boston, including Concord, Salem, and parts of the North Shore.
Best Fall Spots in Connecticut
Kent
This quiet town near the New York border is one of Connecticut’s best fall destinations. The drive to get there is beautiful, especially along Route 7, and nearby Kent Falls State Park has a short trail that leads to a series of scenic waterfalls surrounded by colorful trees. The town itself is small but charming, with a few shops, cafés, and an old-school bookshop worth stopping for.
Talcott Mountain State Park
If you’re looking for a quick hike with a big payoff, head to Talcott Mountain. The trail up to Heublein Tower is short but steep, and the views from the top stretch for miles across central Connecticut. The trail is popular but never too crowded, and the park is just a short drive from Hartford.
Hartford
While it’s not the first place people think of for fall foliage, Hartford is a nice add-on if you’re looking for a more urban stop. Bushnell Park and Elizabeth Park have lots of color in October, and there are plenty of cute cafés and bookstores to duck into when the weather cools down. And yes, Gilmore Girls fans will appreciate that the show was inspired by towns in this area, so it’s a fun stop if you’re chasing those Stars Hollow vibes!
Sleeping Giant State Park
Named for the mountain’s silhouette, Sleeping Giant has some of the most popular hiking trails in southern Connecticut. The main tower trail is an easy walk to a stone lookout with wide views, but there are plenty of quieter paths if you want to explore deeper into the woods.
Essex
This small riverside town is full of New England charm, with tree-lined streets, colonial buildings, and a peaceful harbor. In the fall, you can take a ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, a scenic journey through the Connecticut River Valley lined with changing leaves. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to take in the scenery.
Litchfield Hills
This region in northwestern Connecticut is one of the state’s top spots for fall foliage. You’ll find rolling hills, backroads lined with stone walls, and quiet towns that feel frozen in time. The drive between Litchfield, Goshen, and Cornwall is especially scenic in early October, and there are plenty of farms, cider mills, and trails to stop at along the way.
Best Fall Spots in Rhode Island
Providence
As Rhode Island’s capital, Providence offers more of a city break but still delivers on fall atmosphere. You can walk around College Hill and the Brown University campus for changing leaves and old architecture, grab a coffee in Wayland Square, or check out fall-themed events downtown.
Newport
Newport is best known as a summer destination, but it’s just as beautiful in the fall, and way less crowded. You can still walk the Cliff Walk for coastal views, tour one of the Gilded Age mansions, or head out on a sunset sail when the weather’s still warm enough.
Bristol
This historic town sits right on the water and feels extra peaceful in the fall. You can stroll through Colt State Park for shoreline trails lined with foliage, visit the Blithewold Mansion and its gardens, or explore the walkable downtown with cute shops and cafés. It’s a great low-key alternative to busier coastal spots.
