There’s completely nothing higher than spending every week in New England chasing the Fall leaves, choosing apples and tasting maple candies or scorching cider donuts. Right here’s my final information to the very best one week fall foliage itinerary in New England. There’s merely no higher place for Fall!
New England fall foliage is the very best I’ve ever seen and this one week leaf peeping itinerary will make sure you take advantage of your journey! This contains the very best scenic routes and hidden gems in addition to the highest spots for leaf peeping in Vermont, New Hampshire, and past!
As soon as I skilled Fall in New England I knew I might come again each single yr, I merely cannot get sufficient. Nevertheless it’s not simply the kaleidoscope of colours of the leaves. There are cute farm stands, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, Fall festivals, cute storied cities, and winding roads that lead you from place to position.
Earlier than coming to New England to see the colours for myself, I believed the Instagram photos needed to be enhanced. Nevertheless it’s all actual. Having traveled to 54 international locations and spent practically 80% of my time on the street for the previous 6 years, that is considered one of my favourite locations on earth.
This one week information to Fall in New England will make it easier to plan the proper journey. It will share my prime ideas for seeing leaves- essential! And in truth, not all the time simple to see the leaves. I am going to ensure you have all the data it is advisable to get the very best likelihood for leaf peeping.
In fact this 7 day information may be prolonged, or I’ve a detailed 2 week information proper right here! On this 7-day itinerary I am going to cowl my favourite cities, locations to see the very best coloration for leaves, picture inspiration, my favourite farms and extra.
To start, you may journey to the historic New England metropolis of Boston earlier than heading north to the White Mountains in New Hampshire after which the hills of Vermont. After spending a lot of time in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Islands, I counsel you spend the majority of your time for leaves in New Hampshire and Connecticut. Nonetheless, when you’ve got additional time or wish to see another states, it is very simple to drive round to those different states.
At a Look: One Week Fall Foliage Itinerary In New England
- Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts > White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Day 2: Kancamagus Freeway & Mount Washington, New Hampshire
- Day 3: Franconia Notch, New Hampshire > Montpelier, Vermont
- Day 4: Smuggler’s Notch & Von Trapp Home, Vermont
- Day 5: Stowe & Woodstock, Vermont
- Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
- Day 7: The Berkshires > Boston, Massachusetts
When you’ve got additional time, I like to recommend including on Acadia Nationwide Park and Bar Harbor in Maine in addition to Salem Massachusetts. Or, go for including on Connecticut or Rhode Island. On the finish of this publish I am going to give a couple of different concepts for what to do in every!
Greatest Time to See the Leaves in New England Fall
Let me be extremely clear: This modifications yearly. That is the toughest half about planning a New England leaf-peeping journey.
I like to recommend consulting a couple of totally different leaf peeping guides:
New England Peak Foliage Map – Most likely my most consulted information and even has a useful calendar that predicts
New Hampshire Foliage Tracker – Every state in New England maintains a information and I all the time suggest consulting that first!
Vermont Foliage Report – much like the New Hampshire one!
Jeff Foliage – This can be a weblog that updates recurrently with when you possibly can anticipate coloration.
The colour of the leaves modifications with so many parts, together with rain, wind, and temperature. And this is not simply restricted to the present month; climate circumstances all year long may also alter the colour.
PRO TIP: When you’re not seeing coloration, head north. We had been in Connecticut and it simply hadn’t hit there but so we headed to Northern Vermont and it was completely beautiful. When you’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to vary up your journey.
When you’re questioning about the very best instances to see the leaves, take a look at my detailed information to fall in New England right here.
One Week New England Fall Foliage Itinerary
Right here’s the place to go for fall foliage with one week in New England and have the last word leaf peeping journey!
Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts > White Mountains, New Hampshire
I like to recommend flying in to Boston. It is the very best airport for many flights and one of many cheaper choices that Hartford, Connecticut or Burlington, Vermont. I HIGHLY suggest renting a automotive. Particularly if you are going to be chasing the leaves, and as I discussed issues can change quickly! Final yr, we chased the autumn colours and altered up our entire journey and it was nicely price it!
If you have not been to Boston, I like to recommend spending a day right here to go to. That is the USA’s oldest metropolis so there’s some beautiful structure and historical past in addition to nice meals.
In fact, there are some pretty spots for Fall leaves in Boston. The colours may be seen all through the town, together with at Boston Frequent, the Public Backyard, the Charles River Esplanade, Again Bay, and Beacon Hill.
Nonetheless, I might been to Boston earlier than, or in the event you’re wanting the total scale of the Fall colours, I like to recommend skipping Boston and going straight to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
The drive from Boston as much as the White Mountains is about 2 and a half hours. It is a pretty drive stuffed with beautiful timber and brilliant pink barns.
As you drive there are a couple of locations to cease alongside the way in which. I like to recommend Portsmouth on the coast – an incredible place to get a lobster roll and a cup of chowder. One other cease is the cute city of Sandwich, New Hampshire which has a surprising sensible white church that makes an incredible backdrop for photographs.
Subsequent head to Conway, New Hampshire. That is an cute city that is nice to remain the evening in. I additionally suggest taking the Conway Scenic Railway! You may get a basic railway journey that transports you in a classic prepare by means of wooded areas and tiny cities. Guide your tickets forward of time; it might promote out! There are three totally different rail journeys out there. We picked the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour.
Day 2: Kancamagus Freeway & Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Day 2 of our one week journey is considered one of my favorites! The Kancamagus is likely one of the greatest drives ever. The colours listed here are simply incredible however there’s a lot magnificence alongside the scenic freeway.
Begin your drive in Conway and journey West. The Kancamagus Freeway (Route 112) is a 34-mile scenic drive with superb views. There are many nice locations to tug over so you possibly can take photographs or go on a brief hike. Be ready for this drive to take
There are a couple of must-see spots alongside the way in which: Decrease Falls, Swift River, Rocky Gorge Scenic Space, Albany Lined Bridge, and Sabbaday Falls.
Subsequent up is the Mount Washington Lodge. This enormous resort, now owned by the Omni, was created in lower than 18 months by Italian labor in 1902. That is probably the most huge nearly totally wooden construction in New Hampshire. For many years, this has been a favourite getaway of presidents and celebrities. It isn’t low cost, however it will be a wonderful place to keep the evening!
This can be a little bit of a drive, however when you’ve got time head north to Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. The Balsams are an deserted resort that replicate on the lake with insane tree coloration. There’s additionally the close by hike, Tablerock High with completely epic views!
Day 3: Franconia Notch, New Hampshire > Montpelier, Vermont
Kick off day three exploring Franconia Notch in New Hampshire. This State Park is beautiful! There are a couple of totally different hikes you are able to do. I like to recommend the Falling Waters Path which has a number of waterfalls and cascades alongside the way in which.
Flume Gorge is one other quick hike with majestic views of the mountains and valley under. You may additionally see picturesque coated bridges. The most effective half is that the Flume Gorge is true subsequent to the Franconia Notch Customer Middle, so it is a straightforward place to cease.
After exploring Franconia Notch, it is lastly time to enterprise into Vermont. The drive from Franconia Notch to Montpelier solely takes about 1.5 hours. I like to recommend stopping at my favourite maple home alongside the way in which, Bragg Farm Sugar Home! Seize some presents, strive some maple syrup and remember to get a maple creemee!
Montpelier is Vermont’s capital metropolis and it is an incredible place to discover. I like to recommend stopping on the State Home, which is stunningly lovely, particularly within the Fall. Then stroll round downtown and pop into a few of the cute outlets.
Day 4: Smuggler’s Notch & Von Trapp Home, Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch is an unbelievable place for views and hikes! Remember: it is a very curvy street and at instances very tight, so it’s not appropriate for large RVs. We as soon as rented a small RV in New England and it was okay however not one thing I might do once more!
The identify of the Smuggler’s Notch is completely chosen, because the street ascends by means of a slim hole between the 2 mountains, giving spectacular vistas. Among the best places to go in your New England Fall street journey. The tight route twists and turns amid rocky terrain, offering views of waterfalls and brightly coloured timber.
After Smuggler’s Notch make your technique to the VonTrapp Household Lodge. After the “Sound of Music” household fled Austria, they got here to America and determined this spot in Vermont reminded them most of residence. As somebody who has spent a superb period of time in Austria, I’ve to agree!
The lodge is beautiful and set towards a lovely mountainside. It’s the proper place to remain for an evening or two in your New England street journey!
Day 5: Stowe, Vermont
Though I solely listed one cease, there may be tons to see within the space! Kick off the day with some scorching and recent cider donuts. The most effective place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This pretty pink retailer gives presents, cider, and scorching off the fryer donuts. There’s a pleasant patio and you’ll order meals and drinks right here, too.
Close by is the Ben & Jerry’s Manufacturing facility and Ice Cream store the place you possibly can take a tour! The 45-minute tour is basically enjoyable and also you get to strive some ice cream on the finish.
Stowe is a quintessential Vermont city with a lovely Important Avenue. You’ll want to stroll round, pop into the outlets, and get lunch right here. Considered one of my favourite locations to eat in Stowe is Harrison’s Restaurant or Doc Pond’s.
You too can journey throughout Lake Champlain by boat for beautiful fall views of Vermont’s Inexperienced Mountains.
Take the quick stroll to Tangerine & Oliver Reward Store for a surprising panoramic view of the church and settlement. That is actually the best location to get a view and snap some photographs.
Percy Corn maze in Stowe can also be nice for photos and enjoyable for all ages.. The maze takes about 30 – 45 minutes to get by means of and is $6 per individual and free for teenagers below 7.
When you’ve got time, make the hour and 1 and 15 minute drive to Woodstock, Vermont and also you’ll cease on the way in which for the very Instagram well-known “Elm Grove Farm” or “Sleepy Hole Farm.” This farm turned well-known on Pinterest and has since been popularized by Instagram. This can be a fashionable vacation spot for photographers as a result of it is positioned close to a creek and incorporates a couple of slim pathways by means of the timber. Needless to say that is often a busy space, and the street is small, so watch out to not block site visitors.
Woodstock is called the “prettiest small city in America.” A beautiful and charming city with nice eating places and a surprising resort. Woodstock Inn & Resort is completely beautiful with darkish shutters, white, stately columns and delightful rooms. This will promote out shortly!
Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
After leaving Woodstock, drive to Manchester, Vermont. This pretty city has nice boutiques and shops for buying. The Orvis Retailer is ideal for individuals who love the outside and wish some new gear for fishing or climbing. There’s additionally an incredible Fly Fishing museum.
For an Instagram-worthy arch out of books, drive to the Northshire Bookstore and browse the gathering.
Manchester has a plethora of eating choices, and one that’s nicely price visiting is Ye Olde Tavern, which has been serving hearty New England delicacies and old school drinks since 1790!
When you’ve got time for a drive and a brief hike, head to Nichol’s Ledge for epic views!
Day 7: The Berkshires > Boston, Massachusetts
Making our method again to Massachusetts, you possibly can finish your journey within the idyllic Berkshires. This rural area of western Massachusetts is beautiful with nice drives for leaf peeping. I like to recommend the winding roads of Ashintully Backyard and Tyringham Cobble.
There are nice locations to cease for lunch or espresso alongside the way in which. When you love antiques, remember to cease into outlets like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
If you’re prepared to go again to Boston, take the scenic route and drive alongside the Mohawk Path. This can be a lovely drive with nice views of the river and mountains.
Additional Time in New England? Add this on!
I actually beloved Maine once we spent two weeks in New England. You possibly can go pretty simply from Vermont to New Hampshire, then as much as Maine. You possibly can spend time in Bethel, Maine then go as much as Bar Harbor and might spend as quick as a day or so long as 5 days in Acadia Nationwide Park. This small Nationwide Park is certainly price your time with unbelievable views.
After coming south from Maine, spend at the least a day or two in Salem, Massachusetts. The BEST city for Halloween and Fall! Catch my full information to Fall in Salem right here. OR take a self guided Hocus Pocus tour!
Or, you possibly can add on Connecticut and Rhode Island as a substitute! In Connecticut the very best place for leaves are the beautiful Litchfield Hills. It appears in all places you look there are beautiful mansions encircled by yellow leaves.
Listed below are another locations to take a look at in Connecticut:
Hartford, Connecticut – Go to Mark Twain’s residence and take a tour to study extra about his life. It is each fascinating and tragic. Harriet Beecher Stowe additionally has a house close by.
Southington Apple Competition – Recognized for his or her scrumptious fried apple fritter it is a nice competition to attend!
Mystic, Connecticut – Dwelling to the film “Mystic Pizza” and a lovely cease on the water with a lot of bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – It’s important to make a cease at Yale! This beautiful college is likely one of the most honored and delightful within the USA. It is particularly pretty within the Fall.
Subsequent make a cease in Rhode Island! When you’re tremendous quick on time my greatest advice is to go to Windfall to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. It is one of many coolest issues
Different stops in Rhode Island:
Newport, Rhode Island – Get a lobster roll (and an alcoholic mudslide) at Brick Alley Pub and stroll round this cute brick alley-ed city. Additionally take the three /12 mile Cliff Stroll round city. You possibly can simply do a part of it and take within the mansions! I do suggest you’re taking a tour of considered one of these unbelievable estates. They appear to be castles! My advice is the Breakers. Constructed by Vanderbilt and impressed by an Italian villa, it is a dream!
Windfall, Rhode Island – I discussed the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular nevertheless it wants repeating! It’s a fundraiser for the Roger Williams Zoo and it is surprising! over 5,000 hand carved, detailed pumpkins! It is unreal.
The Farmer’s Daughter – This image good farm has a few of the greatest and most numerous show of pumpkins! Additionally they have so many Instagram worthy spots for pumpkins, a witch’s home, a corn maze and extra! Additionally close by is Clark’s farm!
For this 7 day New England itinerary I counsel beginning in Boston then making your method over to Connecticut, by means of Rhode Island after which again up by means of New Hampshire and Vermont. Relying on the leaves after all!
I hope you loved this Final One Week Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England!
All my Fall Guides right here:
Have you ever been leaf peeping in New England? The place are your favourite spots?
