There’s completely nothing higher than spending per week in New England chasing the Fall leaves, selecting apples and tasting maple candies or scorching cider donuts. Right here’s my final information to the perfect one week fall foliage itinerary in New England. There’s merely no higher place for Fall!
New England fall foliage is the perfect I’ve ever seen and this one week leaf peeping itinerary will make sure you take advantage of your journey! This consists of the perfect 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. But it surely’s not simply the kaleidoscope of colours of the leaves. There are lovable farm stands, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, Fall festivals, lovable 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 footage needed to be enhanced. But it surely’s all actual. Having traveled to 54 nations and spent practically 80% of my time on the highway for the previous 6 years, that is certainly one of my favourite locations on earth.
This one week information to Fall in New England will make it easier to plan the right journey. This may share my prime suggestions for seeing leaves- crucial! And in truth, not at all times straightforward to see the leaves. I will be sure to have all the knowledge it’s good to get the perfect probability for leaf peeping.
In fact this 7 day information will be prolonged, or I’ve a detailed 2 week information proper right here! On this 7-day itinerary I will cowl my favourite cities, locations to see the perfect 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 plenty of time in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Islands, I recommend you spend the majority of your time for leaves in New Hampshire and Connecticut. Nevertheless, when you have additional time or need to see another states, it is very straightforward to drive round to those different states.
Get my free printable New England Highway Journey and Map under!
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 submit I will give just a few different concepts for what to do in every!
Finest 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 just a few totally different leaf peeping guides:
New England Peak Foliage Map – Most likely my most consulted information and even has a helpful calendar that predicts
New Hampshire Foliage Tracker – Every state in New England maintains a information and I at all times advocate consulting that first!
Vermont Foliage Report – just like the New Hampshire one!
Jeff Foliage – This can be a weblog that updates repeatedly with when you possibly can count on 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 situations all year long may additionally alter the colour.
PRO TIP: If you happen to’re not seeing coloration, head north. We have been in Connecticut and it simply hadn’t hit there but so we headed to Northern Vermont and it was completely beautiful. If you happen to’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to vary up your journey.
If you happen to’re questioning about the perfect instances to see the leaves, try 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 final word leaf peeping journey!
Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts > White Mountains, New Hampshire
I like to recommend flying in to Boston. It is the perfect airport for many flights and one of many cheaper choices that Hartford, Connecticut or Burlington, Vermont. I HIGHLY advocate 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 adjusted up our complete journey and it was effectively value 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 will be seen all through town, together with at Boston Widespread, the Public Backyard, the Charles River Esplanade, Again Bay, and Beacon Hill.
Nevertheless, I might been to Boston earlier than, or if you happen to’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 shiny crimson barns.
As you drive there are just a few locations to cease alongside the best way. I like to recommend Portsmouth on the coast – an excellent place to get a lobster roll and a cup of chowder. One other cease is the lovable city of Sandwich, New Hampshire which has a surprising good white church that makes an excellent backdrop for pictures.
Subsequent head to Conway, New Hampshire. That is an lovable city that is nice to remain the evening in. I additionally advocate taking the Conway Scenic Railway! You may get a traditional railway journey that transports you in a classic prepare by means of wooded areas and tiny cities. E book your tickets forward of time; it might promote out! There are three totally different rail journeys accessible. We picked the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour.
Day 2: Kancamagus Freeway & Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Day 2 of our one week journey is certainly 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 wonderful views. There are many nice locations to drag over so you possibly can take pictures or go on a brief hike. Be ready for this drive to take
There are just a few must-see spots alongside the best way: 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 essentially the most large virtually completely wooden construction in New Hampshire. For many years, this has been a favourite getaway of presidents and celebrities. It is not low cost, however it could be a wonderful place to keep the evening!
This can be a little bit of a drive, however when you have time head north to Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. The Balsams are an deserted resort that mirror on the lake with insane tree coloration. There’s additionally the close by hike, Tablerock Prime 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 just a few 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 best way.
Flume Gorge is one other quick hike with majestic views of the mountains and valley under. You may additionally see picturesque lined bridges. The very best half is that the Flume Gorge is true subsequent to the Franconia Notch Customer Middle, so it is a simple 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 best way, Bragg Farm Sugar Home! Seize some presents, attempt some maple syrup and you’ll want to get a maple creemee!
Montpelier is Vermont’s capital metropolis and it is an excellent 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 among the cute outlets.
Day 4: Smuggler’s Notch & Von Trapp Home, Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch is an unbelievable place for views and hikes! Bear in mind: it is a very curvy highway 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 title of the Smuggler’s Notch is completely chosen, because the highway 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 highway journey. The tight route twists and turns amid rocky terrain, offering views of waterfalls and brightly coloured timber.
After Smuggler’s Notch make your approach 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 house. As somebody who has spent a great period of time in Austria, I’ve to agree!
The lodge is beautiful and set in opposition to a good looking mountainside. It’s the right place to remain for an evening or two in your New England highway journey!
Day 5: Stowe, Vermont
Though I solely listed one cease, there’s heaps to see within the space! Kick off the day with some scorching and recent cider donuts. The very best place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This pretty crimson retailer presents presents, cider, and scorching off the fryer donuts. There’s a pleasant patio and you may order meals and drinks right here, too.
Close by is the Ben & Jerry’s Manufacturing unit and Ice Cream store the place you possibly can take a tour! The 45-minute tour is basically enjoyable and also you get to attempt some ice cream on the finish.
Stowe is a quintessential Vermont city with a good looking Primary Road. Make sure to stroll round, pop into the outlets, and get lunch right here. One in every 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 perfect location to get a view and snap some photographs.
Percy Corn maze in Stowe can be nice for footage 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 beneath 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 best way 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 common vacation spot for photographers as a result of it is positioned close to a creek and accommodates just a few slim pathways by means of the timber. Remember that that is normally a busy space, and the highway 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 exquisite rooms. This may promote out shortly!
Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
After leaving Woodstock, drive to Manchester, Vermont. This pretty city has nice boutiques and shops for procuring. The Orvis Retailer is ideal for individuals who love the outside and wish some new gear for fishing or climbing. There’s additionally an excellent 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 effectively value visiting is Ye Olde Tavern, which has been serving hearty New England delicacies and old style 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 manner 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 best way. If you happen to love antiques, you’ll want to cease into outlets like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
Whenever you’re prepared to move 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 liked Maine once we spent two weeks in New England. You may go pretty simply from Vermont to New Hampshire, then as much as Maine. You may 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 value 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 an alternative! In Connecticut the perfect place for leaves are the beautiful Litchfield Hills. It appears in every single place 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 house and take a tour to be taught extra about his life. It is each fascinating and tragic. Harriet Beecher Stowe additionally has a house close by.
Southington Apple Pageant – Recognized for his or her scrumptious fried apple fritter it is a nice pageant to attend!
Mystic, Connecticut – House to the film “Mystic Pizza” and a good looking cease on the water with plenty of bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – You must make a cease at Yale! This beautiful college is likely one of the most commemorated and exquisite within the USA. It is particularly pretty within the Fall.
Subsequent make a cease in Rhode Island! If you happen to’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 lovable brick alley-ed city. Additionally take the three /12 mile Cliff Stroll round city. You may simply do a part of it and take within the mansions! I do advocate you’re taking a tour of certainly 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 but it surely 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 excellent farm has among the greatest and most various 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 recommend beginning in Boston then making your manner 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?
