There’s completely nothing higher than spending every week in New England chasing the Fall leaves, selecting apples and tasting maple candies or sizzling cider donuts. Right here’s my final information to the most effective one week fall foliage itinerary in New England. There’s merely no higher place for Fall!
New England fall foliage is the most effective I’ve ever seen and this one week leaf peeping itinerary will make sure you take advantage of your journey! This contains the most effective 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 would come again each single 12 months, I merely cannot get sufficient. Nevertheless it’s not simply the kaleidoscope of colours of the leaves. There are lovely farm stands, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, Fall festivals, lovely 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. Nevertheless it’s all actual. Having traveled to 54 international locations and spent almost 80% of my time on the street for the previous 6 years, that is one in every of my favourite locations on earth.
This one week information to Fall in New England will show you how to plan the proper journey. It will share my high suggestions for seeing leaves- essential! And in truth, not at all times straightforward to see the leaves. I will be sure you have all the data you might want to get the most effective probability 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 will cowl my favourite cities, locations to see the most effective shade for leaves, photograph inspiration, my favourite farms and extra.
To start, you will 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 counsel you spend the majority of your time for leaves in New Hampshire and Connecticut. Nevertheless, if in case you have additional time or need to see another states, it’s totally straightforward 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
If in case you have 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 put up I will give a number 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 adjustments yearly. That is the toughest half about planning a New England leaf-peeping journey.
I like to recommend consulting a number of 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 suggest consulting that first!
Vermont Foliage Report – much like the New Hampshire one!
Jeff Foliage – It is a weblog that updates repeatedly with when you possibly can anticipate shade.
The colour of the leaves adjustments with so many components, together with rain, wind, and temperature. And this is not simply restricted to the present month; climate situations all year long may also alter the colour.
PRO TIP: In the event you’re not seeing shade, 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. In the event you’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to alter up your journey.
In the event you’re questioning about the most effective 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 most effective 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 12 months, we chased the autumn colours and adjusted up our complete journey and it was properly 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 attractive structure and historical past in addition to nice meals.
In fact, there are some beautiful 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.
Nevertheless, I would been to Boston earlier than, or in the event you’re wanting the complete 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 beautiful drive stuffed with attractive timber and vibrant crimson barns.
As you drive there are a number of locations to cease alongside the best way. I like to recommend Portsmouth on the coast – a fantastic place to get a lobster roll and a cup of chowder. One other cease is the lovely city of Sandwich, New Hampshire which has a shocking good white church that makes a fantastic backdrop for pictures.
Subsequent head to Conway, New Hampshire. That is an lovely city that is nice to remain the night time in. I additionally suggest taking the Conway Scenic Railway! You may get a basic railway journey that transports you in a classic prepare by way of wooded areas and tiny cities. E-book your tickets forward of time; it might promote out! There are three totally different rail journeys obtainable. We picked the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour.
Day 2: Kancamagus Freeway & Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Day 2 of our one week journey is one in every of my favorites! The Kancamagus is among the finest drives ever. The colours listed here are simply improbable 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 drag over so you possibly can take pictures or go on a brief hike. Be ready for this drive to take
There are a number of 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 probably the most huge virtually totally 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 superb place to keep the night time!
It is a little bit of a drive, however if in case you have time head north to Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. The Balsams are an deserted resort that replicate on the lake with insane tree shade. 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 a number 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 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 most effective 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, strive some maple syrup and you’ll want to get a maple creemee!
Montpelier is Vermont’s capital metropolis and it is a fantastic place to discover. I like to recommend stopping on the State Home, which is stunningly stunning, particularly within the Fall. Then stroll round downtown and pop into a number of the cute retailers.
Day 4: Smuggler’s Notch & Von Trapp Home, Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch is an unbelievable place for views and hikes! Remember: this can be a very curvy street and at instances very tight, so it’s not appropriate for giant 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 street ascends by way of a slender hole between the 2 mountains, giving spectacular vistas. The most effective 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 solution 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 dwelling. As somebody who has spent period of time in Austria, I’ve to agree!
The lodge is attractive and set in opposition to an attractive 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’s heaps to see within the space! Kick off the day with some sizzling and recent cider donuts. The most effective place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This beautiful crimson retailer provides presents, cider, and sizzling 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 an attractive Most important Road. Make sure you stroll round, pop into the retailers, 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 may as well journey throughout Lake Champlain by boat for beautiful fall views of Vermont’s Inexperienced Mountains.
Take the quick stroll to Tangerine & Oliver Present Store for a shocking 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 be nice for footage and enjoyable for all ages.. The maze takes about 30 – 45 minutes to get by way of and is $6 per individual and free for youths underneath 7.
If in case you have 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. It is a in style vacation spot for photographers as a result of it is positioned close to a creek and incorporates a number of slender pathways by way of the timber. Remember that that is often a busy space, and the street is small, so watch out to not block visitors.
Woodstock is called the “prettiest small city in America.” A beautiful and charming city with nice eating places and a shocking resort. Woodstock Inn & Resort is completely attractive with darkish shutters, white, stately columns and exquisite rooms. This could promote out shortly!
Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
After leaving Woodstock, drive to Manchester, Vermont. This beautiful city has nice boutiques and shops for buying. The Orvis Retailer is ideal for individuals who love the outside and want some new gear for fishing or mountaineering. There’s additionally a fantastic 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 properly price visiting is Ye Olde Tavern, which has been serving hearty New England delicacies and old school drinks since 1790!
If in case you have time for a drive and a brief hike, head to Nichol’s Ledge for epic views!
Day 7: The Berkshires > Boston, Massachusetts
Making our means 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. In the event you love antiques, you’ll want to cease into retailers like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
Whenever you’re prepared to go again to Boston, take the scenic route and drive alongside the Mohawk Path. It is a stunning drive with nice views of the river and mountains.
Further Time in New England? Add this on!
I actually liked Maine after we spent two weeks in New England. You’ll be able to go pretty simply from Vermont to New Hampshire, then as much as Maine. You’ll be able to spend time in Bethel, Maine then go as much as Bar Harbor and may 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 very 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 most effective place for leaves are the beautiful Litchfield Hills. It appears in all places you look there are attractive mansions encircled by yellow leaves.
Listed below are another locations to take a look at in Connecticut:
Hartford, Connecticut – Go to Mark Twain’s dwelling 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 this can be a nice competition to attend!
Mystic, Connecticut – House to the film “Mystic Pizza” and an attractive cease on the water with plenty of bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – It’s a must to make a cease at Yale! This beautiful college is among the most commemorated and exquisite within the USA. It is particularly beautiful within the Fall.
Subsequent make a cease in Rhode Island! In the event you’re tremendous quick on time my largest suggestion 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 lovely brick alley-ed city. Additionally take the three /12 mile Cliff Stroll round city. You’ll be able to simply do a part of it and take within the mansions! I do suggest you’re taking a tour of one in every of these unbelievable estates. They appear to be castles! My suggestion 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 a number of the finest 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 means over to Connecticut, by way of Rhode Island after which again up by way of New Hampshire and Vermont. Relying on the leaves in fact!
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?
