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 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 benefit from your journey! This consists of 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 might come again each single 12 months, I merely cannot get sufficient. However 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. However it’s all actual. Having traveled to 54 nations 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 assist you plan the right journey. This may share my high ideas for seeing leaves- crucial! And in truth, not at all times straightforward to see the leaves. I will ensure you have all the data it’s good to get the most effective probability for leaf peeping.
After all 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 a number 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. Nonetheless, you probably have further time or wish to see another states, it is very 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
When you’ve got 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!
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 – In all probability 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 at all times 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’ll be able to count on shade.
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 also alter the colour.
PRO TIP: In case 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 case you’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to vary up your journey.
In case you’re questioning about the most effective occasions 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 most effective 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 12 months, we chased the autumn colours and altered up our entire journey and it was effectively 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.
After all, there are some beautiful spots for Fall leaves in Boston. The colours may be seen all through the town, together with at Boston Widespread, the Public Backyard, the Charles River Esplanade, Again Bay, and Beacon Hill.
Nonetheless, I might been to Boston earlier than, or for those who’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 beautiful drive filled with beautiful bushes and vivid crimson barns.
As you drive there are a couple of locations to cease alongside the best way. 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 shocking good 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 night time in. I additionally advocate taking the Conway Scenic Railway! You may get a traditional railway journey that transports you in a classic practice via wooded areas and tiny cities. Ebook your tickets forward of time; it could 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 one among my favorites! The Kancamagus is among the greatest drives ever. The colours listed here are simply implausible 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’ll be able to 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 best way: Decrease Falls, Swift River, Rocky Gorge Scenic Space, Albany Coated Bridge, and Sabbaday Falls.
Subsequent up is the Mount Washington Lodge. This large resort, now owned by the Omni, was created in lower than 18 months by Italian labor in 1902. That is probably the most large virtually fully 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 night time!
It is a little bit of a drive, however you probably have time head north to Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. The Balsams are an deserted resort that mirror 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 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 coated bridges. The perfect half is that the Flume Gorge is correct 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 incredible 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 unbelievable place for views and hikes! Remember: it is a very curvy highway and at occasions 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 highway ascends via a slim hole between the 2 mountains, giving spectacular vistas. Top-of-the-line 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 bushes.
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 dwelling. As somebody who has spent a superb period of time in Austria, I’ve to agree!
The lodge is beautiful and set towards an exquisite 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 sizzling and contemporary cider donuts. The perfect place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This beautiful crimson retailer affords presents, 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’ll be able to take a tour! The 45-minute tour is admittedly enjoyable and also you get to attempt some ice cream on the finish.
Stowe is a quintessential Vermont city with an exquisite Principal Avenue. Be sure you stroll round, pop into the retailers, and get lunch right here. Certainly one of my favourite locations to eat in Stowe is Harrison’s Restaurant or Doc Pond’s.
It’s also possible to 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 perfect location to get a view and snap some pictures.
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 via 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. It is a in style vacation spot for photographers as a result of it is positioned close to a creek and accommodates a couple of slim pathways via the bushes. Understand that that is normally a busy space, and the highway is small, so watch out to not block visitors.
Woodstock is named the “prettiest small city in America.” A beautiful and charming city with nice eating places and a shocking resort. Woodstock Inn & Resort is completely beautiful with darkish shutters, white, stately columns and delightful rooms. This will promote out rapidly!
Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
After leaving Woodstock, drive to Manchester, Vermont. This beautiful city has nice boutiques and shops for procuring. The Orvis Retailer is ideal for individuals who love the outside and want some new gear for fishing or mountaineering. 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 effectively 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 approach again to Massachusetts, you’ll be able to 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 case you love antiques, you’ll want to cease into retailers like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
Once 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’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 unquestionably 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’ll be able to add on Connecticut and Rhode Island as an alternative! In Connecticut the most effective place for leaves are the beautiful Litchfield Hills. It appears all over the 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 dwelling 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 Competition – 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 an exquisite cease on the water with a number of bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – You need to make a cease at Yale! This beautiful college is among the most commemorated and delightful within the USA. It is particularly beautiful within the Fall.
Subsequent make a cease in Rhode Island! In case you’re tremendous quick on time my largest 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’ll be able to simply do a part of it and take within the mansions! I do advocate you are taking a tour of one among these unbelievable 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 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 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 recommend beginning in Boston then making your approach 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?
