Ah, autumn in New England – when Mother Nature pulls out her paintbrush and turns the landscape into a masterpiece of reds, oranges, and golds. Ready for a leaf-peeping adventure?
Buckle up! Here’s our guide to 25 spots that will have you oohing and aahing at every turn.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Kick off your journey at this coastal gem. Cruise the Park Loop Road for jaw-dropping ocean-meets-foliage views, or hike up Cadillac Mountain if you’re feeling spry.
Pro tip: It’s the first place to catch sunrise in the US from October to March. Early birds, rejoice!
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Locals call it ‘The Kanc,’ and it’s leaf-peeping royalty. This 34-mile stretch through the White Mountain National Forest is like driving through a flame-colored dream.
Don’t miss the Sugar Hill and Pemigewasset overlooks – your Instagram will thank you.
Stowe, Vermont
Quintessential New England charm meets world-class foliage. Ride the gondola up Mount Mansfield or cruise the Stowe Hollow Scenic Drive.
While you’re at it, sample some local maple syrup – it tastes even better with a side of autumn views.
Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
One of America’s oldest scenic roads, and boy, does it deliver! The Hairpin Turn offers views into three states – it’s truly breath-taking!
Mount Greylock, Massachusetts
The Bay State’s highest point offers a five-state panorama on clear days. That’s right, five states of fall splendor. Bring snacks – you might be up there for a while, soaking it all in.
Camden Hills State Park, Maine
Drive (or walk, if you’re feeling energetic) up Mount Battie. The view of Camden Harbor framed by autumn colors is pure magic. It’s like someone spilled a giant box of crayons over the landscape.
Smugglers Notch, Vermont
This winding mountain pass is a stunner year-round, but fall? Oh boy. The road’s narrow and closes in winter, so enjoy the autumn show while you can.
Just keep your eyes on the road – those hairpin turns are no joke.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s largest lake is surrounded by trees showing off their fall finest. Take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington for a leaf-peeping experience with a side of ‘I’m on a boat!’ vibes.
Woodstock, Vermont
If Norman Rockwell painted fall foliage, it would look like Woodstock. Covered bridges, colonial architecture, and autumn colors? It’s almost too much. Almost.
Bash Bish Falls, Massachusetts
The Bay State’s highest single-drop waterfall is stunning year-round, but framed by autumn colors? It’s breathtaking. The hike isn’t too challenging, and the view is well worth the effort.
Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Ride the aerial tramway up Cannon Mountain for White Mountain views that’ll make your heart sing. Or stroll through the Flume Gorge – it’s like nature’s own cathedral, but with better colors.
Route 100, Vermont
They call it Vermont’s most scenic drive, and that’s saying something in the Green Mountain State. At 200 miles long, it’s a leaf-peeping buffet – come hungry for beauty!
Baxter State Park, Maine
Home to Mount Katahdin and miles of unspoiled wilderness. The fall colors here come with a side of solitude. Just watch for moose – they’re not great at sharing the trail.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Culture meets nature in this leaf-peeper’s paradise. Drive the Mount Greylock Scenic Byway or hike a bit of the Appalachian Trail. Your eyes will be happy campers.
Dixville Notch, New Hampshire
Famous for voting first in presidential primaries, but the real winner here is the fall scenery. The view from Table Rock? Let’s just say even the trees are voting ‘yes’ on this beauty.
Gillette Castle State Park, Connecticut
A medieval-style castle with views over the Connecticut River Valley. In autumn, it’s like looking out over a sea of gold and crimson. Eat your heart out, King Arthur!
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Maine
52 miles of ‘ooh’ and ‘aah.’ The Height of Land overlook will have you questioning if you’ve stepped into a postcard – it’s just that gorgeous.
Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire
This is one of the world’s most climbed mountains, and for good reason. On clear days, you can spot Boston’s skyline peeking through the colorful canopy.
City meets nature in the best way possible.
Old Lyme, Connecticut
An artsy coastal town that becomes a masterpiece in fall. Cruise along the Lieutenant River and channel your inner Monet.
No artistic talent required – nature does all the work.
Quechee Gorge, Vermont
‘Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon’ is a showstopper in any season, but add in fall colors. It’s like nature, the beauty up to 11.
The view from the bridge is killer, but hiking to the bottom is worth the sweat.
Grafton Notch State Park, Maine
This is a hidden gem that’s less crowded than some other hotspots. Hike to Table Rock for views that’ll knock your hiking socks off. Don’t forget your camera!
Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire
Ride the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway to the highest peak in the Northeast. The fall views get better with every foot of elevation gain.
Talcott Mountain State Park, Connecticut
Climb to the top of Heublein Tower for panoramic views of the Farmington River Valley awash in autumn colors. It’s like a 360-degree fall foliage panorama.
The Kellogg Environmental Center, Connecticut
Overlooking the Housatonic River, it’s got easy trails and great colors without the crowds. It’s like having your own private autumn wonderland.
Mother Nature on Full Display
And there you have it, leaf-peepers! 25 spots that showcase New England autumn in all its glory. Remember, timing is everything in the leaf-peeping game. Colors typically peak from late September to mid-October, starting up north and working their way south.
But Mother Nature’s no fan of schedules, so check those foliage reports before you hit the road. Also, don’t forget to look beyond the leaves.
Fall in New England is also about harvest festivals, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and cozy inns with crackling fires. It’s the perfect time to sample local cider, hunt for antiques, or simply relax and soak in the beauty around you.