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
Day 8: Dixville Notch
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!
Day 9: Franconia Notch
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
Day 11-12: Acadia National Park
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
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!
Bar Harbor
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: Northey Street House
- Mid-range: The Merchant
- Budget: Hawthorne Hotel
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:
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip for 2 Weeks
- Vermont in the Fall: Travel Tips & Best Places to Visit
- 16 Incredible Things to Do in Woodstock VT
- 17 Amazing Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont
- 17 Incredible Covered Bridges in Vermont You Need to Visit
New Hampshire:
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: 8 Best Areas & Hotels
- 19 Spooky Things to Do in Salem MA in October
Maine:
- How to Spend One Day in Acadia National Park
- The Perfect 2 Days in Acadia National Park Itinerary
- Acadia National Park in the Fall: Practical Info & Tips for Visiting
- How to Spend One Day in Portland, Maine
- 5 Prettiest Lighthouses in Portland Maine You Can’t Miss
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