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 very best one week fall foliage itinerary in New England. There’s merely no higher place for Fall!
New England fall foliage is the very best I’ve ever seen and this one week leaf peeping itinerary will make sure you take advantage of your journey! This consists of the very 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 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 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 photos needed to be enhanced. But it surely’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 considered one of my favourite locations on earth.
This one week information to Fall in New England will enable you plan the proper journey. This can share my prime ideas for seeing leaves- crucial! And honestly, not at all times straightforward to see the leaves. I am going to be sure you have all the data it is advisable to get the very best 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 am going to cowl my favourite cities, locations to see the very best coloration for leaves, picture 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 numerous 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, when you’ve got additional time or need to see another states, it is very straightforward to drive round to those different states.
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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
You probably 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 am going to 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 completely 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 – This can be a weblog that updates recurrently with when you may anticipate 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 circumstances all year long may also alter the colour.
PRO TIP: Should you’re not seeing coloration, 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 gorgeous. Should you’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to vary up your journey.
Should you’re questioning about the very best 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 final word leaf peeping journey!
Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts > White Mountains, New Hampshire
I like to recommend flying in to Boston. It is the very 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 adjusted up our complete journey and it was nicely 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.
After all, there are some pretty 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.
Nonetheless, I might been to Boston earlier than, or in case 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 attractive timber and vivid purple barns.
As you drive there are just a few 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 shocking sensible white church that makes a fantastic backdrop for photographs.
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 traditional 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 completely 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 considered one of my favorites! The Kancamagus is without doubt one of the finest drives ever. The colours listed below 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 may take photographs or go on a brief hike. Be ready for this drive to take
There are just a few must-see spots alongside the way in which: 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 essentially the most large nearly 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 will be a superb place to keep the night time!
This can be a little bit of a drive, however when you’ve got time head north to Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. The Balsams are an deserted resort that replicate 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 gorgeous! There are just a few 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 quick hike with majestic views of the mountains and valley under. You will additionally see picturesque lined bridges. One of the 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 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 unbelievable 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 giant 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 by way of a slim hole between the 2 mountains, giving spectacular vistas. The most effective 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 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 a superb period of time in Austria, I’ve to agree!
The lodge is attractive and set towards an exquisite mountainside. It’s the proper 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 tons to see within the space! Kick off the day with some scorching and recent cider donuts. One of the best place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This pretty purple retailer provides items, 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 facility and Ice Cream store the place you may take a tour! The 45-minute tour is actually enjoyable and also you get to attempt some ice cream on the finish.
Stowe is a quintessential Vermont city with an exquisite Essential Road. Remember to stroll round, pop into the retailers, and get lunch right here. One in all 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 gorgeous fall views of Vermont’s Inexperienced Mountains.
Take the quick stroll to Tangerine & Oliver Reward Store for a shocking panoramic view of the church and settlement. That is actually the best location to get a view and snap some pictures.
Percy Corn maze in Stowe can be nice for photos and enjoyable for all ages.. The maze takes about 30 – 45 minutes to get by way of and is $6 per particular person and free for youths below 7.
You probably 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 grew to become 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 way of the timber. Remember that that is often a busy space, and the highway is small, so watch out to not block visitors.
Woodstock is called the “prettiest small city in America.” A stunning and charming city with nice eating places and a shocking resort. Woodstock Inn & Resort is totally attractive with darkish shutters, white, stately columns and exquisite rooms. This will promote out shortly!
Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
After leaving Woodstock, drive to Manchester, Vermont. This pretty city has nice boutiques and shops for buying. The Orvis Retailer is ideal for individuals who love the outside and wish 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 nicely price visiting is Ye Olde Tavern, which has been serving hearty New England delicacies and old school drinks since 1790!
You probably 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 approach again to Massachusetts, you may finish your journey within the idyllic Berkshires. This rural area of western Massachusetts is gorgeous 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. Should you love antiques, make sure you cease into retailers like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
If you’re prepared to go again to Boston, take the scenic route and drive alongside the Mohawk Path. This can be a stunning drive with nice views of the river and mountains.
Additional Time in New England? Add this on!
I actually beloved Maine after we spent two weeks in New England. You possibly can go pretty simply from Vermont to New Hampshire, then as much as Maine. You possibly can 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 price your time with unbelievable 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 the very best place for leaves are the gorgeous Litchfield Hills. It appears in every single place you look there are attractive 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 Pageant – Identified for his or her scrumptious fried apple fritter this can be a nice pageant to attend!
Mystic, Connecticut – Residence to the film “Mystic Pizza” and an exquisite cease on the water with numerous bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – It’s important to make a cease at Yale! This gorgeous college is without doubt one of the most honored and exquisite within the USA. It is particularly pretty within the Fall.
Subsequent make a cease in Rhode Island! Should you’re tremendous quick on time my greatest 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 possibly can simply do a part of it and take within the mansions! I do advocate you’re taking a tour of considered one of these unbelievable estates. They seem like 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 stunning! over 5,000 hand carved, detailed pumpkins! It is unreal.
The Farmer’s Daughter – This image good farm has a few of the finest 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 approach over to Connecticut, by way of Rhode Island after which again up by way 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?
