These Are New England’s Most Scenic Fall Foliage Destinations
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The changing of the seasons and resultant New England fall foliage is as much a part of life in the region as lobster rolls and the Red Sox. At no time of the year is this more obvious and enchanting than in autumn–a time when visitors from across the country flock to the northeast to admire the region’s signature fall foliage. Heck, even locals have been known to add some detours into their busy schedules in order to take a moment, mark the end of the bucolic warmer months, and soak up the riot of colors that creeps southward like clockwork each autumn. The region’s rugged landscapes and historic architecture feel all the more quaint and quintessential against a backdrop of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns.
Each of New England’s six states offers its own unique take on autumnal bliss, whether you want your leaf-peeping with a side of mountainous pursuits up north, cosmopolitan adventures in Boston, or seaside luxuriating along the coast. Here, we’re breaking it down state-by-state, with suggestions along the way of where to go, what to eat, and which accommodations from which to base your New England fall foliage-centric frolics.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
- Cloris Ying/Unsplash
New Hampshire
Mountainous and woodsy, New Hampshire is blessed with endless parklands for experiencing fall foliage, both on foot and behind the wheel. Make a beeline for the White Mountain National Forest, hopping on the Kancamagus Highway (or the “Kanc” as locals call it). Northern New Hampshire’s claim to fame is this highly scenic 35-mile stretch of Route 112, which erupts with vibrant, changing leaves over multiple elevations. Gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and the like are few and far between—so nature truly takes center stage up here. Breathe in the fresh air and work on your landscape photography game. Enjoy your picnic lunch at one of the area’s many waterfalls, like "Arethusa Falls" or "Diana’s Baths."
Hikes feeling a little been-there, done-that? Embark on an oh-so-New Hampshire adventure: a Moose Tour! In Gorham, one operator has been driving guests around in search of moose for over fourteen years, with a success rate of over 93%. Alternatively, balance town and forest with an overnight in the hip, waterfront town of Portsmouth, which offers one of the best food scenes in New England.
Where to stay
It should come as no surprise that the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has ample views of the White Mountains. A fun throwback to the age of New England’s grand hotels that catered to city slickers from Boston and New York (not unlike today), this charming, historic property recently underwent a total renovation of the guest rooms.
A little closer to civilization is the Hotel Portsmouth, an adorable boutique hotel occupying a restored Victorian mansion, walking distance to all of downtown Portsmouth’s best restaurants and attractions–and a short drive to easy, foliage-centric hikes like in Bear Brook or Pawtuckaway State Parks., It’s cute, it’s cozy, and it’s still within reach of all your New Hampshire adventures.
Where to eat
In the White Mountains, gorge on breakfasts of maple syrup-drenched buttermilk pancakes at the touristy yet quintessential Polly’s Pancake Parlor. Consider a trek up to Jackson for dinner at Thompson House Eatery, an award-winning farm-to-table concept that’s one of the best places for a meal in the state.
In Portsmouth, book ahead for dinner at Row 34 Portsmouth where you’ll find briny local oysters (don’t miss the umami-rich Row 34 oysters from Island Creek Oyster Farm in neighboring Massachusetts) and the best lobster roll in all of New England (yes, you read that correctly).
- Courtesy Twin Farms
Vermont
New England leaf peeping is at its finest in Vermont, where wilderness covers 75% of the land, and (seemingly) never-ending byways like Route 100 criss-cross over the Green Mountains. Surrounded by more maple trees than anywhere else in the region, you'll find the brightest of yellows, oranges, and reds on nearly every highway and country road. (Considering there are so many routes to explore here, we’ve even created an entire guide of 15 ways to find fall in the Green Mountain State.)
Since most colors pop in early October in northern Vermont, mid-to late-October visitors should consider central or southern Vermont. Visit Manchester and climb Equinox Mountain, where you can take in colorful panoramas that stretch from New York to New Hampshire. Or go to Woodstock, one of the most beautiful towns in the US, from where you can be up and down 1,250-foot Mount Tom in about 90 minutes.
Where to stay
If you’re bringing Fido along for the fun, look no further than the Kimpton Taconic Hotel: like all pet-friendly Kimpton hotels, this outpost caters as much to pets as it does to humans, with complimentary treats, plush Orvis dog beds, and recommendations about pet-friendly hikes and activities in the vicinity.
Looking for a hidden gem, in Southern Vermont just a quick drive from New York and Boston? Consider the award-winning Hermitage Inn, which just changed hands and underwent a fabulous renovation during the pandemic. Country roads, plenty of vibrant sugar maple trees, and all the Vermont charm you can handle is within reach from this tranquil West Dover hideaway. The on-site restaurant sources much of its produce from local farms, and also has one of the best wine lists around. There’s even a covered bridge on the property for all your sight-seeing and Instagramming needs.
For a bucolic, indulgent escape, head to Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont—an all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux spot and the highlight of New England’s rural retreats. Food and design often take center stage, but the spa services (for an additional fee) also deserve consideration. They offer cozy in-room fireside massages (which conclude with your therapist drawing you a hot bath), as well as high-potency facials using products from Biologique Recherche. You have the entirety of the Green Mountains from your front door, but the grounds are so enormous that you’ll hardly need to leave the property to get your foliage fix.
- Rick Monteiro/Unsplash
Rhode Island
Since it’s more about the coast than the forest in the country’s smallest state, Rhode Island may not be an obvious choice for fall—but it's prime time to experience "locals' summer." Split your days between walks on vast, near-empty beaches and drives along colorful, canopied country roads. Head down the oceanfront Scenic Route 1A from Westerly to Wickford—it’s 39.6 miles, a long distance in Rhode Island terms—for the ultimate juxtaposition of seaside backdrops and changing leaves. Connect to Route 102, which passes through the best of the state’s quiet two-lane roads, featuring quintessential New England architecture, towering red maple trees, country stores, and some supposedly haunted taverns (pop into the early-18th century Tavern on Main in Chepachet to amp up your pre-Halloween jitters).
Where to stay and eat
Base yourself at the extraordinary Castle Hill Inn, which occupies a once-in-a-lifetime piece of real estate on the southwestern most tip of Aquidneck Island, at the mouth of Newport Harbor. On warmer days, you can curl up in one of the Adirondack chairs on the hotel’s iconic “Lawn” and wave to the sailboats that go floating by, or borrow some of the house bikes to go for a cruise along Ocean Drive (which is much more enjoyable this time of year once summer’s tourist throngs depart.)
For something a little more casual, check out the Cliffside Inn, an adorable, fully restored 1876 Victorian mansion in the heart of Newport’s Historic District. In the fall, the streets grow wonderfully quiet, making it a rewarding time of year to go on long, ambling walks through Newport’s cobblestoned streets. With just 16 rooms, each with a unique layout and furnishings, this inn feels more like your glamorous, eccentric friend’s weekend escape than a “historic Newport hotel.” For dinner, stroll over to downtown and book a table at Giusto, where the “Freestyle Italian” cuisine uses Italian influences on local and seasonal ingredients.
- Denis Tangney Jr/Getty
Massachusetts
There are two ways to fall in love with fall in Massachusetts. One is heading out west to the Berkshires and leaf peeping along the 63-mile Mohawk Trail, New England’s original scenic drive (and arguably Massachusetts’s most picturesque). The two-lane highway follows a Native American trade route as it passes through 50,000 acres of preservations and forests including the Mohawk Trail State Forest, where bears and bobcats have been known to cross the road. For a good hike, detour up to North Adams to climb Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak at 3,489 feet.
The second option is sticking to the Bay State’s capital, Boston, and taking in autumn at easy-to-reach and easier-to-photograph spots while eating your way through the season. Get your fix of fall bliss strolling the Public Garden, the Charles River Esplanade, up the iconic Acorn Street in Beacon Hill, or through the Arnold Arboretum. Better yet, consider taking a ride out to the trails around Walden Pond or Middlesex Fells Reservation–both just minutes outside the city proper–and blow up your Instagram feed with shots of the foliage reflecting off the water. Pack in as many steps as possible, since you’ll also be feasting on the seasonal harvest at Boston’s best restaurants.
Where to stay
Take in the best of the northern Berkshires from the Williams Inn–an adorable, refined property just minutes from MASS MoCA, the Clark Institute, and gorgeous New England forest as far as the eye can see. Craving something a little more Scandinavian-inspired, contemporary and vibey? Check out the hip Tourists.
In Boston, get the foliage experience from the comfort of one of the city’s best hotels: The Newbury, which overlooks the splendid Public Gardens. Time your stay right for mid- to late-October, book a park-facing room, and you’ll be able to take in all the colors from the comfort and privacy of your bed.
Where to eat
Not every dinner needs to be a chef-driven, fancy affair. Embrace the motor lodge, grassroots history of this part of Massachusetts with a bite at Jack’s Hot Dog Stand, which first opened its doors in 1917. You can still get a plain hot dog for an impressive $1.95. That leaves you with plenty of gas money for a long, winding road trip while taking in that Berkshires foliage. Speaking of essential snacks in the region, no road trip here is complete without picking up a bag of apple cider doughnuts from the family-owned Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond.
On the other end of the Bay State dining spectrum, why not indulge in a little fine dining over in Boston? The food at iconic local favorite Bistro du Midi is just as classic and spectacular as the views over the Public Garden. Be sure to splurge on chef Robert Sisca’s Ora King Salmon Crudo, which comes dressed with morels, pear, jalapeño, and a rosé gratiné. C’est superbe.
- Winvian Farm
Connecticut
Many tend to overlook Connecticut as a destination for New England fall getaways, but the leaf-strewn parks and forests of the state’s northern reaches should change that. Trek through the landscapes of Mt. Tom State Park and Talcott Mountain State Park, ascending moderate trails to reach stone towers on their respective summits. Or walk some of the 20 miles of walking trails at the Audubon-designated Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary in the town of Sherman.
Also, if you’re really late in finding fall, consider coastal Connecticut—the leaves change color here about two weeks later than up north. Hike and photograph patches of 27,000-acre Pachaug State Forest, the state’s largest forest system. Check out the short-but-sweet Mount Misery trail, which contrary to its name, is incredibly delightful and rewarding with its views. For the most relaxing way to take in the multi-colored splendor, take a one-hour fall foliage-themed cruise down the Connecticut River with River Quest, which leaves out of Haddam.
Where to stay
A foliage escape needn’t include an arduous road trip to the furthest reaches of Maine–the grounds at the charming, sprawling, Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, will provide your foliage fix, and is a short drive in any direction from all of Litchfield County’s top farm stands, walks, and antiques shops. Along the coast, rest comfortably in downtown Mystic at the Delamar Mystic, a brand-new hotel opening this fall with just thirty-one luxe rooms and suites. The hotel offers chartered cruises up the Mystic River, which offer a unique perspective on the region’s changing colors.
Where to eat
If you find yourself leaf-peeping in the bucolic hillsides of Litchfield County, book a table at Arethusa e Tavolo, an iconic dairy- and seed-to-table experience that offers an inventive take on farm-fresh fare such as tempura squash blossoms with red pepper ricotta, or pork tenderloin with braised leeks and peach fondant.
We hope you like carbs. Closer to the coast down in charming Chester, Grano Arso chef Joel Gargano mills native New England grains for his house-made pastas and breads. There’s also a great drinks list of Italian wines and locally made New England beers.
- Clay Banks/Unsplash
Maine
Maine is home to vast stretches of breathtaking coastline, which this time of year is where all your Coastal Grandma dreams can come true. If it’s a good meal, a brisk walk by the ocean and a sunset glass of Chardonnay followed by an early bedtime you’re after, the sleepy, seaside towns like Kennebunkport are where it’s at. You’ll get a taste of foliage by the coast, but true immersion in the Pine Tree State's wild crimson, pumpkin, and amber-hued woods, however, requires heading deeper inland.
For superlative fall foliage, go hiking in northern Maine in early October. Explore Baxter State Park and the forests to its southwest, the contiguous Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land and Appalachian Mountain Club 100-Mile Wilderness Conservation Area. There are enough hiking trails to keep all skill levels happy, and regardless of which you choose you'll find paths lined with deciduous trees and towering evergreens, and punctuated by boulder-strewn streams, lakes, and ponds. (Bonus: This is prime moose-spotting territory.)
Where to stay and eat
Kennebunkport in the summer? Idyllic, albeit a bit crowded. Kennebunkport in the fall? Cozy seaside heaven, with just a fraction of the visitors. Many of the town’s best hotels start closing for the season at this time of year, but the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort remains open year-round. The location offers the best of both worlds: a quick walk or bike ride into town, but a secluded location directly on posh Ocean Avenue so you can fall asleep to the serene music of gently ebbing waves. Come nightfall, its restaurant Ocean offers sweeping views of the water from a dining room illuminated by votive candlelight, and a tasting menu with wine pairings that’s one of the better fine dining experiences you can have in Maine. Book a room in the main house so you can gently Coastal Grandma your way upstairs to bed after dinner.
Camp out at this rustic yet comfortable Appalachian Mountain Club–backed Medawisla Lodge and Cabins in Greenville, Maine. Accommodations include hilltop cabins with private baths, cabins with shared bath, and a main lodge, where you can also pick your level of frills. The luxury here is the location: Smack in the center of wild Maine, you have immediate access to fly fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddling, all with surreal autumnal backdrops. Opt for a meal package at Medawisla, which includes a fresh-cooked breakfast and dinner, plus packed trail lunch daily. And just keep in mind that they close for the season this year on October 19th, so it’s better to book sooner than later.