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New England Fall Foliage

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 67 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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Rated G. (Control what you see)

New England Fall Foliage - An Insider's Planning Guide

 

I've compiled this resource to answer your questions on planning a New England fall foliage trip. You'll discover when and where to go, what to see, and where to stay.

There are many places in the world that experience a magnificent and colorful fall. But nature saves the most dazzling display for the New England fall foliage event.

The climate of New England and the variety of trees makes for a unique combination that ensures a magnificent display of fiery reds, glowing oranges, golden yellows and rich browns that blanket the trees for weeks as fall sweeps north to south in the region.

I've experienced 27 glorious New England fall seasons and it's my favorite time of the year.

Whether you're looking for a local best spot to view the autumn foliage for a day, or traveling to New England from thousands of miles away for the vacation of a lifetime, use this collection of my favorite hints, tips, and resources to plan your trip.

May you have the best leaf peeping trip ever! But start planning for your trip now.

New England Fall Foliage Scenes 

Sometimes words are not enough to describe an event and a photograph can tell the story much better. Here's a few just so you know what all the hoopla is about...

Click any of the thumbnails to see a full size image and learn more more about the talented photographers who took these amazing New England fall photos.

When to Visit New England to See Peak Foliage 

Watchword for leaf peepers is... flexibility

Below I've compiled data from various sources over the two years 2006 and 2007, so you can see the variance and choose the best times and locations to visit for peak foliage viewing.

peak-foliage-2005

peak-foliage-2006

As you can see last year peak foliage came later than the previous year.

Exact timing can be difficult to predict because of the many factors that play into the burst of color. The amount of rainfall and range of daytime/nighttime temperatures in August and September all contribute to the speed or slowness of the change, and of course the all important color.

Generally, the first two weeks of October - especially around Columbus Day - sees the peak foliage time in many northern and central areas of New England.

But it helps to have a flexible vacation plan, and be prepared to spend time driving around to find the spots in full color.

Update for 2008: If you're considering visiting New England for the fall foliage this season then now is a good time to book your lodging! Look at the "Where To Stay" section below for suggestions and help.

And once you're "on the road" use these resources for tracking the autumn foliage season in the Northeast:

Foliage Network Northeast
The Foliage Network starts up around September and gets individual "spotters' to send in reports. During the peak times it updates its reports twice a week. Covers all of New England and New York State.

Connecticut Foliage Information
State of Connecticut official fall foliage center.

Maine Foliage Information
State of Maine's official fall foliage center and provides timely updates - easy to read.

Massachusetts Foliage Information
Fall foliage information on the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism site.

New Hampshire Foliage Information
New Hampshire Government official interactive site. Sorry but this site can be difficult to figure out what is going on.

Rhode Island Foliage Information
This is the official Rhode Island web site but you'll have to go digging for fall foliage information.

Vermont Foliage Information
This is the Office of Vermont Tourism web site and they provide timely updates for all of Vermont and lots of fall related information - great site.

New England Getaway Information
Though not strictly a fall foliage site, Jim Hyde's resource focuses on New England getaways and the fall foliage season is popular for escaping from the cities. One of my favorite resources for all seasons.

Visiting New England Travel Information
Eric Hurwitz's visiting New England travel site is always a rich source of essays, reviews, resources and ideas for a fall foliage vacation.

And finally, if you'd like to pick up a free trip planning package for New England Vacations so you know what else to see and do in the region then click here to learn more.

Find out the fall weather forecast for the next 10 days with this widget... 

Top New England Leaf Peeping Locations 

My favorite spots to watch the fall foliage

The locals term people who visit for the peak foliage season leaf peepers. I've listed my top locations below in no particular order as they are all superb locations to admire a New England autumn.
  1. Camden Hills State Park, Maine
    Walk to summit of Mount Battie which overlooks one of the most picturesque harbors in Maine and in the fall its stunning. More >
  2. Killington Peak, Vermont
    Killington is in the Green Mountain National Forest in central Vermont. On fall weekends they run the ski gondola to the top and you have to experience the view to believe it. More >
  3. Mount Greylock, Massachusetts
    Mount Greylock is in the Berkshires, western Massachusetts, and is Massachusetts highest peak and one of its best views. Auto road closed at the moment - 2007 & 2008 - so you'll have to hike it. Drive the nearby Mohawk Trail as well for a great day out. More >
  4. West Rattlesnake, New Hampshire
    Hike the West Rattlesnake Trail to the summit for a panoramic view of Squam Lake in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Nice and easy 45-minute walk to the top. More >
  5. Haystack Mountain State Park, Connecticut
    Located in West Norfolk, Connecticut, a short hike of 15 minutes from the parking lot gets you to a tower for a panoramic view of the countryside and Long Island Sound and The Berkshires. More >
  6. Sebago Lake State Park, Maine
    You'll find this gem near Naples, in the southern region of Maine. Enjoy the blazing red maples here, and if you've got time take the cruise on nearby Long Lake on the Mississippi paddle boat Songo River Queen. More >
  7. Town of Peacham, Vermont
    Peacham is deep in the Northeast Kingdom area of Vermont. A friendly Vermont village where time moves slowly and no better place to enjoy a walk through crunchy leaves on a crisp autumn day. Also visit Craftsbury village. More >
  8. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Massachusetts
    Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, central Massachusetts is a popular ski resort that runs its chair lifts to the summit in fall. Open views for great foliage vistas. Boston skyline visible on a clear day 60 miles away. More >
  9. Connecticut River, Connecticut
    Take the combination steam train and riverboat cruise in Essex to experience New England's longest river and the riverbank's colorful display. More >
  10. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
    Mostly anywhere on the Kancamagus Highway between Lincoln and Conway in White Mountain National Forest. A sweet drive with plenty of photo opportunities. More >

Vote for Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England 

and add yours...

You've read my favorite locations for leaf peeping, now it's your chance to vote on my list... and add some of your own. Only rule is if you want to add one it must be in New England.

Killington Peak, Vermont

6 points

Sebago Lake State Park, Maine

4 points

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

4 points

West Rattlesnake, New Hampshire

3 points

Town of Craftsbury, Vermont

3 points

M/S Mount Washington Cruise, Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

3 points

Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey, New Hampshire

3 points

Camden Hills State Park, Maine

2 points

Mount Greylock, Massachusetts

2 points

Haystack Mountain State Park, Connecticut

2 points

Town of Peacham, Vermont

2 points

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Massachusetts

2 points

Connecticut River Ride, Connecticut

2 points

Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts

2 points

Baxter State Park, Maine

2 points

Camel's Hump - Green Mountains, Vermont

2 points

Boston Common and Public Gardens, Massachusetts

2 points

Route 100, Vermont

0 points

Forest in Autumn

My 15 Favorite Things to Do in a New England Fall 

It's not easy limiting my list to just fifteen but here goes:
1. Fall Foliage Drives in New England
Take a scenic drive along any of these New England backroads with the help of this guide. More >
2. Apple Picking at a Local Orchard
Picking apples at one of the region's plentiful orchards makes for a fun day out. Many cater for families. Check the list to orchards at this resource. More >
3. Going to Fall Festivals and Country Fairs
In the fall New England is teeming with festivals and country fairs - some of the biggest in the country. This site provides details on some of the more popular destinations. More >
4. Visiting a Pumpkin Patch
Frost on the pumpkin means it's time for a trip to a pumpkin patch for the family and buying the biggest one we can find... for my kids to carve of course. Check out this list. More >
5. Hiking or Walking in the Forest or Woods
To really experience the fall take a hike in the mountains for widespread views, or get up close and personal with a walk along a forest path. This source provides over 25 suggestions. More >
6. An Autumn Train Ride Through the Valleys and Hills
When you want to leave the "driving" to somebody else there's no better way to see the foliage than on a train. This selection of rides is sure to please any leaf peeper. More >
7. Cruising on New England Waterways
Take to a boat on a lake or along the coast offers views you just can't get from a road or a walk. Great photo opportunities as well. More >
8. Finding and Photographing a Covered Bridge
New England has over 150 covered bridges with most in Vermont and New Hampshire. This page gives directions and details on Vermont bridges. More >
9. Staying at a Bed and Breakfast or Country Inn
Waking up to the smell of freshly baked breads or a hearty breakfast being prepared can't be beat before enjoying the foliage. This article provides help before you choose lodging. More >
10. Visiting a New England Winery
Touring a New England winery when the grapes are being harvested makes for a fun trip in the fall. This guide covers the main wineries in the region. More >
11. Walking on a Cape Cod Beach
Strolling along one of endless National Seashore beaches on Cape Cod in the crisp autumn air with the waves crashing and the ocean smells takes some beating. More >
12. Boston Common and Public Gardens
Walking around Boston when the tourists have all gone and Boston Common and Public Gardens are showing their best foliage. And they're both free. More free things to do in Boston>
13. Visiting a New England Seafood Restaurant
Eating seafood is always an enjoyable experience for me and discovering a roadside restaurant gem in a New England fall trip gets on my top list. More about seafood places to visit
14. Moose Watching Tour
Moose watching is popular at all seasons but there's something special about joining a fall trip in the Maine woods on the hunt for these wonderful beasts. More >
15. Connecticut River Valley at Holyoke
The Pioneer Valley area of Western Massachusetts includes a chain of long extinct volcanoes that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Connecticut River Valley, especially from the summit of Mount Holyoke. More >

Vote for Your Favorite Thing to Do in a New England Fall 

and add yours...

So I've had my say on what I like to do in a New England autumn, and now it's your turn to vote on my list... and add some of your own. Doesn't have to be New England related just keep it seasonal. Go ahead and share your secrets with us!

Hiking or Walking in a Forest or Woods

5 points

A Scenic Drive Through the Countryside

4 points

Apple Picking at a Local Orchard

4 points

Visiting a Fall Festival or Country Fair

4 points

Finding and Photographing Covered Bridges

4 points

An Autumn Train Ride Through the Valleys and Hills

3 points

Staying at a New England Bed and Breakfast or Country Inn

3 points

Browsing at an Antique or Book Fair Popular in the Fall

3 points

Trekking Out to the Local Pumpkin Patch

2 points

Crusing Along on New England Rivers, Lakes, and Coastline

2 points

Jumping into a Pile of Freshly-Raked Autumn Leaves

2 points

Visiting a New England Winery

1 point

Cranberry Harvest Celebration

1 point

Taking a Moose-Watching Tour

1 point

Walking on a Beach in the Crisp Salty Air

1 point

Fall Foliage Captured in Movies 

For when pictures are not enough...

The people who created these movies showing fall foliage in New England just went the extra mile in sharing. Quality varies but you'll get a flavor for what to expect.

Goodbye lover

Goodbye lover 2 points

Autumn In New England

Autumn In New Englan... 2 points

Sunday Drive

Sunday Drive 1 point

Fall in New England

Fall in New England 1 point

New England Fall 2006 Roadmovie (USA)

New England Fall 200... 1 point

Autumn Views Of The Maine Countryside Set To Relaxing Music

Autumn Views Of The... 1 point

Getting to New England for the Fall 

The gateway to New England is Boston - it has the most flights and choice. Stay for a few nights and enjoy exploring the foliage in the city before heading out to the backroads in your car rental.

Travel to Boston from...






Travelers

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Where to Stay When Visiting for Autumn Foliage 

Hotel or B&B or Inn?

The most important choices for your trip will be where to stay and what type of accommodation. Here are suggestions for villages and towns to stay and resources to check out. Fall is very popular to visit in New England so book early.
Litchfield - Connecticut
Close to many of the hikes and summit views in Northwest Connecticut.
Lyme - Connecticut
Connecticut River Valley location for train and river ride in Central Connecticut.
Hartford - Connecticut
Large city in Connecticut and within striking of many foliage viewing spots.
Mystic - Connecticut
On the coast in East Connecticut, Mystic is near popular woods and forests with leaf peepers.
Portland - Maine
Portland is close to Sebago Lake and the Saco Bay areas in South Coastal Maine.
Camden - Maine
Picturesque Maine harbor village and start of the Mt. Battie Trail.
Bar Harbor - Maine
Best access to Acadia National Park in Downeast Maine.
Millinocket - Maine
Closest large town to Baxter State Park in Maine North Woods.
Boston - Massachusetts
Gateway to New England and a great place to park yourself for a few days before fall touring.
Sturbridge - Massachusetts
Located in Central Massachusetts near Quabbin and Wachusett foliage hikes.
Springfield - Massachusetts
Largest city in Western Massachusetts with access to The Berkshires and Mohawk Trail.
North Adams - Massachusetts
Stay here for quick access to Mount Greylock and the Northern Berkshires.
Keene - New Hampshire
Keene is a large scenic town in Southern New Hampshire and close to many hikes including Mount Monadnock.
Meredith - New Hampshire
Located on Lake Winnipesaukee in Central New Hampshire and near Squam Lakes and many hikes and drives.
North Conway - New Hampshire
Deep in the White Mountains well located for fall destinations and hikes, and shopping.
Jackson - New Hampshire
A popular alternative to North Conway for a more relaxed village atmosphere.
Providence - Rhode Island
Providence provides plenty of accommodation choice and close to all the state's popular fall foliage destinations.
Block Island - Rhode Island
The island can be reached by ferry from Point Judith and provides a fall retreat and haven.
Bennington - Vermont
Prime location for access to covered bridges and southern half of Green Mountain National forest.
Woodstock - Vermont
Charming town in Central Vermont near fall scenic drives and Killington Peak.
Middlebury - Vermont
Middlebury has excellent access to foliage hikes and walks in northern half of Green Mountain National Forest.
Stowe - Vermont
Located in Northern Vermont Stowe is picture perfect when it comes to peak foliage viewing.
St. Johnsbury - Vermont
Provides best access to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom and the beautiful villages of Peacham and Craftsbury.

Photo Tips to Take Perfect Fall Foliage Pictures 

Here are quick pointers from experts to make sure that colorful fall foliage scene you see transfers to pixels or film:
  • Best time to take pictures to get the vibrant colors is around sunrise or after a rain. At these times the ai