There’s completely nothing higher than spending every week in New England chasing the Fall leaves, choosing apples and tasting maple candies or sizzling cider donuts. Right here’s my final information to one of the best one week fall foliage itinerary in New England. There’s merely no higher place for Fall!
New England fall foliage is one of the best I’ve ever seen and this one week leaf peeping itinerary will make sure you benefit from your journey! This contains one of the 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 would come again each single yr, I merely cannot get sufficient. However 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 put.
Earlier than coming to New England to see the colours for myself, I believed the Instagram photos needed to be enhanced. However it’s all actual. Having traveled to 54 international locations and spent almost 80% of my time on the highway for the previous 6 years, that is one among my favourite locations on earth.
This one week information to Fall in New England will provide help to plan the right journey. This may share my high suggestions for seeing leaves- crucial! And honestly, not all the time straightforward to see the leaves. I will be sure you have all the data you have to get one of the best 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 one of the best shade for leaves, photograph 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 number 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 further time or need to see another states, it’s extremely 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 further 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 a couple of 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 a couple of completely 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 advocate consulting that first!
Vermont Foliage Report – much like the New Hampshire one!
Jeff Foliage – It is a weblog that updates usually with when you may count on shade.
The colour of the leaves modifications 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 additionally alter the colour.
PRO TIP: In the event you’re not seeing shade, 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. In the event you’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to vary up your journey.
In the event you’re questioning about one of the best 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 one of the best airport for many flights and one of many cheaper choices that Hartford, Connecticut or Burlington, Vermont. I HIGHLY advocate renting a automobile. 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 complete journey and it was nicely 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 may be seen all through town, together with at Boston Widespread, the Public Backyard, the Charles River Esplanade, Again Bay, and Beacon Hill.
Nevertheless, I would been to Boston earlier than, or when 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 filled 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 – 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 surprising sensible 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 advocate taking the Conway Scenic Railway! You will get a basic railway journey that transports you in a classic prepare via wooded areas and tiny cities. Guide your tickets forward of time; it could promote out! There are three completely 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 one among my favorites! The Kancamagus is among the greatest drives ever. The colours listed below 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 tug over so you may take pictures 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 virtually solely 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 could be a wonderful 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 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 completely 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 brief hike with majestic views of the mountains and valley under. You will additionally see picturesque lined bridges. The very best half is that the Flume Gorge is true subsequent to the Franconia Notch Customer Heart, 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 way in which, Bragg Farm Sugar Home! Seize some items, attempt some maple syrup and make sure you 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 few of the cute retailers.
Day 4: Smuggler’s Notch & Von Trapp Home, Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch is an unimaginable place for views and hikes! Bear in mind: this can be 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’d do once more!
The identify of the Smuggler’s Notch is completely chosen, because the highway ascends via a slender hole between the 2 mountains, giving spectacular vistas. The most effective areas 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 method 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 period of time in Austria, I’ve to agree!
The lodge is beautiful and set in opposition to a fantastic 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 may be tons to see within the space! Kick off the day with some sizzling and recent cider donuts. The very best place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This pretty pink retailer affords items, cider, and sizzling 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 may take a tour! The 45-minute tour is de facto enjoyable and also you get to attempt some ice cream on the finish.
Stowe is a quintessential Vermont city with a fantastic Essential Avenue. Be sure you stroll round, pop into the retailers, and get lunch right here. One among 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 brief stroll to Tangerine & Oliver Present Store for a surprising panoramic view of the church and settlement. That is really the perfect location to get a view and snap some photographs.
Percy Corn maze in Stowe can be nice for photos and enjoyable for all ages.. The maze takes about 30 – 45 minutes to get via and is $6 per individual and free for youths below 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 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. It is a common vacation spot for photographers as a result of it is situated close to a creek and accommodates a couple of slender pathways via the timber. Needless to say that is normally a busy space, and the highway is small, so watch out to not block site visitors.
Woodstock is named the “prettiest small city in America.” A stunning 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 may promote out rapidly!
Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
After leaving Woodstock, drive to Manchester, Vermont. This pretty city has nice boutiques and retailers for purchasing. The Orvis Retailer is ideal for individuals who love the outside and want some new gear for fishing or climbing. 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 nicely value 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 method again to Massachusetts, you may 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. In the event you love antiques, make sure you cease into retailers like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
While you’re prepared to move 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.
Additional Time in New England? Add this on!
I actually liked Maine after 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 brief as a day or so long as 5 days in Acadia Nationwide Park. This small Nationwide Park is unquestionably value your time with unimaginable views.
After coming south from Maine, spend not less than 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 may add on Connecticut and Rhode Island as an alternative! In Connecticut one of the best 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 here 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 – Identified 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 a fantastic cease on the water with a number of bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – You must make a cease at Yale! This beautiful college is among the most honored and delightful within the USA. It is particularly pretty within the Fall.
Subsequent make a cease in Rhode Island! In the event you’re tremendous brief 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 lovely 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 are taking a tour of one among these unimaginable estates. They appear like 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 various show of pumpkins! In addition 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, via Rhode Island after which again up via 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?
