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.
Table of Contents
See at a glance where everything is...
- New England Fall Foliage Scenes
- When to Visit New England to See Peak Foliage
- Find out the fall weather forecast for the next 10 days with this widget...
- Top New England Leaf Peeping Locations
- Vote for Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England
- My 15 Favorite Things to Do in a New England Fall
- Vote for Your Favorite Thing to Do in a New England Fall
- Fall Foliage Captured in Movies
- Getting to New England for the Fall
- Where to Stay When Visiting for Autumn Foliage
- Photo Tips to Take Perfect Fall Foliage Pictures
- Destinations and Happenings from Around New England
- My Favorite Resources for Scenic Drives in New England
- My Favorite Guides for Hiking and Walking in the Region
- Guides to Special Interests in the Region
- Helpful Photo Resources
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.
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.
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.
- 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 > - 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 > - 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 > - 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 > - 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 > - 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 > - 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 > - 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 > - 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 > - 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.
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!
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.
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.
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