New England Fall Foliage - An Insider's Planning Guide
This resource will answer all 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 29 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.
Contents at a Glance
- New England Fall Foliage Scenes
- When to Visit New England to See Peak Foliage
- And Where is the Fall Foliage Color Now?
New England Fall Foliage Scenes
When words are not enough...
When to Visit New England to See Peak Foliage
Watchword for leaf peepers is... flexibility
As you can see last year peak foliage came around the same time as previous year. It did move through the region a little quicker though.
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.
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.
Romantic Getaways to New England
The fall is a great time to take a romantic getaway and this resource provides suggestions for destinations and getting some private time together and seeing the foliage.
New England Fall Foliage at NewEnglandTimes
Jim Hyde has developed one of the most eye-catching and information packed fall foliage resources on New England at his New England Times site.
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.
And Where is the Fall Foliage Color Now?
The fabulous fall is gone:
*** Report Posted on November 8, 2009 ***The fall foliage has left New England. All areas are past peak and its the end of the season.
Now is a really good time to start thinking about planning your fall foliage trip for next year.
In addition to this lens I also have some free reports you can download from my New England vacations guide site that includes special fall foliage scenic drive locations and comprehensive lodging information covering all areas. The planning guides are free and updated each year to remain current. You can pick up your free downloadable guides from here:
New England Trip Planner Guides
Good foliage planning.
Cliff Calderwood
Squidoo Lensmaster
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
- 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. - 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. - Mount Greylock, Massachusetts
Mount Greylock is in the Berkshires, western Massachusetts, and is Massachusetts highest peak and one of its best views. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
For stunning views at a slower pace cycle the popular Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, a paved 11-mile bike path from Adams to Lanesboro in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. - Bethel, Maine
Bethel in Maine is a stunningly beautiful mountain village in the White Mountains. Known primarily for its winter resorts, in the fall the color just dazzles and is a favorite with the locals for seeing the foliage.
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
- 1. Fall Foliage Drives in New England
- Take a scenic drive along any of these New England backroads with the help of this guide.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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!
Driving In The White Mountains and Stopping For Pancakes at Polly's Pancake Parlor
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.
Where to Stay When Visiting for Autumn Foliage
Hotel or B&B or Inn?
- New England Lodging
- This resource will help you find the best deals and accommodations for the most popular destinations for fall foliage viewing in New England. Just choose the state you're interested in checking out for specials and then focus in on towns and areas to make your final choices.
Photo Tips to Take Perfect Fall Foliage Pictures
- Best time to take pictures to get the vibrant colors is around sunrise or after a rain. At these times the air is cleaner. Also at sunrise there are dramatic light changes happening minute-by-minute and the colors are warmer and softer - this is also true at sunset when the rich golden light transforms the landscape.
- Big rolling hill locations are popular with professionals for New England autumn photo shoots because they let you see for miles. These locations include The Berkshires in Massachusetts, Aroostook County in Maine, and the rural valleys of southern and central Vermont. Pick your own local favorite.
- A tripod is a good investment for taking landscapes in low light. Camera shake has ruined many an once-in-a-lifetime fall picture. Look for a table-top size you can put in your pocket.
- Too many large expansive fall views can get "boring" so spice it up a bit and focus on a blazing maple or golden poplar tree, or a stream with leaves floating in it. Small town churches surrounded by foliage also make great shots.
- In the same vein as the previous tip don't be afraid to get up close and personal with your autumn colors. Even digital cameras have a macro setting so you can focus on just one leaf or a clump of leaves at peak.
New England Vacations and Getaway Video
Destinations and Happenings from Around New England
topical and timely news and events
Check out these daily updates for news, events and attraction ideas from the New England region.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byA New England Autumn by Ferenc Mate
A Sentimental Journey
A New England Autumn
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 12/04/2009)
List Price: $39.95
I bought this book for all the wrong reasons. I thought I'd gain new vantage points and secret places to view New England fall foliage I'd not discovered yet.
But Ferenc doesn't divulge where the places are he photographs, although if you know New England you can make some good guesses - at least the general area.
But the book has grown on me. It is now a treasure to look at regularly.
Ferenc is also an accomplished photographer with an eye for subject and color. He is well-read on New England authors, and he sprinkles his stunning photos with prose and verse from many of their great works and passages.
This book - released in 2007 - belongs on any bookshelf collection that celebrates nature and the seasons and the best places in the world to view the shows that only a guiding force greater than mere mortals can produce.
The book is a celebration of New England in what is considered her finest days - and they return each year and more or less about the same time.
Invest and enjoy.
My Favorite Resources for Scenic Drives in New England
Backroads of New England: Your Guide To New England's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures (Pictorial Discovery Guide)
You get five scenic drives each from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Rhode Island offers up another four, and Maine weighs in with a larger six. The drives cover the best of New England, from mountains to the ocean, and from the lakes to the beaches. Kim doesn't spend a lot of time on directions. They tend to be brief and on the side of the pages - enough to get you around but not much more. Kim focuses her travel writing skills on making sure you experience in words the sights, sounds, and smells of each region. The beautifully produced photography greatly enhances this experience.
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/04/2009)
Scenic Driving New England, 2nd (Scenic Driving Series)
With this book, you'll not only get directions from one town to another along the route but everything that's in-between, and a fair dose of area history and stories. Stewart takes his role seriously in being your guide, and not just a "tour driver" regurgitating memorized facts. If you're looking for a scenic drive book with all the directions and details to make sure you don't miss a thing along the way then look no further than this book.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/04/2009)
My Favorite Guides for Hiking and Walking in the Region
National Geographic Guide to America's Outdoors: New England (National Geographic Guide to America's Outdoors)
If you held a "gun to my head" and told me to choose only one resource to plan outdoor trips in New England... this would be it! It's compact, lovingly produced and Gary Ferguson knows what he's talking about. Every major area is represented and some welcome hidden gems. My top pick.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2009)
Foghorn Outdoors New England Hiking: The Complete Guide to More Than 380 Hikes
The Foghorn Outdoors series is well known for meticulously researched and down-to-earth approach to trail guides and you'll find over 380 choice hikes for all abilities. My favorite thing about this book is the Top Ten lists. You'll find a top ten list for any type of hiking theme you can imagine and it saves you sifting through hundreds of hikes to get to your final selection.
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/04/2009)
AMC White Mountain Guide, 28th: Hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest (Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide)
If you're serious about hiking in the White Mountain National Forest then you should have this book in your backpack. Published by the Appalachian Mountain Club it's the definitive guide and includes detailed descriptions of trails and pocket maps.
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/04/2009)
Not Without Peril: 150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire
This book documents why the Presidential Range, and Mount Washington in particular, deserve your respect. It's a compelling read about people that got in "over their heads." A few of the stories - like MacDonald Barr's - are real chokers.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2009)
Weekend Walks in Historic New England: Walking Tours in More Than 30 Historic Cities
When you just want to walk and explore historic villages and towns rather than hike up exposed mountain peaks this is the book for you. Contains 45 self-guided walking tours with maps, starting points, and detailed directions. Fits nicely in your pocket or walking bag.
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 12/04/2009)
Guides to Special Interests in the Region
New England's Covered Bridges: A Complete Guide
Every New England Covered Bridge you can access is here with photographs, descriptions, and detailed directions. I can't think of anything more New England (except maybe white steeples) that is associated to the region. And with this book you're sure to plan a fall foliage trip that'll take you to some splendid bridge photo opportunities. Written by two authorities on covered bridges in America.
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/04/2009)
The Most Beautiful Villages of New England (Most Beautiful Villages)
This is one of the few New England "Coffee Table' books I own but it covers all the gems and must-see beautiful villages in New England. And just about any of these towns make a fall trip memorable. The book provides plenty of information on the history and architecture of each village. In the depth of a New England winter this is a book I take to bed with me and dream of spring.
Amazon Price: $29.20 (as of 12/04/2009)
Helpful Photo Resources
National Geographic: The Ultimate Field Guide to Landscape Photography (National Geographic Photography Field Guides)
This is a compact book you can read and absorb in one sitting with really useful information. It's a quality product and what I've come to expect from National Geographic.
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/04/2009)
National Geographic: The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography
This is more of an all-in-one reference work at 400 pages which I use to translate the instructions in my camera's manual to taking pictures like the pros.
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/04/2009)
Tell Me What You Liked - And What Should Be Added!
Take a few seconds and let me know whether this was useful information for you or how I could do better.
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- Pukeko Pukeko Nov 4, 2009 @ 5:47 am
- Well Done. I was lucky enough to see the fall colors in Vermont in 2002. Blessed by a Squidoo Angel (you can add your link at Angel Blessings from Pukeko)
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- GroovyFinds GroovyFinds Oct 15, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
- Wow, great info! Thanks!
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- bengriston bengriston Sep 21, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
- Fall foliage in New England is something that just about everyone should take the time to experience at least once.
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- mitchking mitchking Sep 21, 2009 @ 10:43 am
- I dabble in photography so I love to plan a fall trip to a place with excellent fall foliage. Thanks for sharing the info on this area. I usually head west but maybe this year I should go east.
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- kiwisoutback kiwisoutback Sep 19, 2009 @ 7:42 pm
- Excellent job! I just featured this on the ExSquidition Travel Journal today. I head to Killington every year, and I'll probably be making it back this October.
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- jazzdog jazzdog Sep 11, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
- Thanks to you all that have left comments about the lens. I'm glad it is still being useful to people each year.
As regards fcakebda question about scenic trains - here's my best answer to it:
There are a number of opportunities for short train rides throughout New England during the fall. Here are the ones I know about:
http://www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org/
http://www.essexsteamtrain.com/
http://www.rails-vt.com/
http://www.hoborr.com/
http://www.conwayscenic.com/
There's probably more. Of course getting to these locations to catch the train if you don't have a car is problematic as none of these trains leave from Boston.
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- fcakebda fcakebda Sep 11, 2009 @ 5:46 am
- I've looked and looked the net for information on short train trips to view the changing foliage. Not found much. We will be in Boston from October 6th through the 11th. We'll be seeing Boston mostly and will not have a car. We'd like to take a train through the mountains for one day. If you can give any info on that, I'd appreciate it. I can be reached at fcalenda@aol.com Thanks
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- RandiShannon RandiShannon Sep 10, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
- Love the Content
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- beccas90 beccas90 Aug 11, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
- What a great hub about a great place to be in the fall foliage season. But I do like upper New York in the fall as well.
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- GreenEcoBean GreenEcoBean Jun 30, 2009 @ 9:13 pm
- those are some reallyu nice pics....can't wait till fall!
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The Isle of Squid
A list of squidoo lenses recognized for their value and resources
New England Fall Foliage is now featured at the Isle of Squid website. The Isle of Squid is a directory of the best lenses on Squidoo.comCheck out Isle of Squid and review my site
More Resources on New England to Check Out:
- New England Vacation Planning Tips
- Vacation planning can be a nightmare for many especially when confronted with the many choices of today. But it doesn't have to be. This quick guide will help you zero in on where to go and stay by answering four simple questions you already know the answer to.
- New England Getaways Article
- New England is famous for its historic inns, luxurious resorts, and intimate bed and breakfasts. But now add in the varied and startling scenery of sandy beaches, rocky coastlines and the lakes and mountains, and you've the ultimate in choices for romantic getaways. Discover four of the best destinations in this article.
- Free Things to See on a Boston Vacation
- This is a list and guide of Free Things to do in Boston. It includes historical tours, museums, events, entertainment, places to eat, parks and gardens, and hiking. And all with one low entrance price - $0.
- Great Beach of Cape Cod
- The Great Beach of Cape Cod is a 40-mile stretch of unbroken barrier beach within the boundary of the Cape Cod National Seashore Park. This article traces the history and significance of this most easterly peninsular in the U.S.
- 6-Day Tour of History and Museums of Southern New England
- New England is popular for its history and living museums. Here is a 6-day tour through some of the best to visit in southern New England.
- 5 Outstanding Bird-Watching Locations in Maine | New England Birdhouse
- Awesome birding locations in Maine describing what you'll see and how to get there. Many locations ideal for fall foliage spotting as well.
by jazzdog
My name is Cliff Calderwood and I'm a travel writer living in New England. I love the four seasons of New England but especially the fall foliage...
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