There’s completely nothing higher than spending per 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 profit from 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. But it surely’s not simply the kaleidoscope of colours of the leaves. There are lovable farm stands, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, Fall festivals, lovable 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. But it surely’s all actual. Having traveled to 54 international locations and spent practically 80% of my time on the street for the previous 6 years, that is one among my favourite locations on earth.
This one week information to Fall in New England will allow you to plan the right journey. This may share my high ideas for seeing leaves- crucial! And honestly, not at all times simple to see the leaves. I am going to ensure you have all the data you have to get the most effective likelihood for leaf peeping.
In fact this 7 day information will 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 most effective 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 counsel you spend the majority of your time for leaves in New Hampshire and Connecticut. Nevertheless, in case you have additional time or need to see another states, it’s extremely simple to drive round to those different states.
Get my free printable New England Highway Journey and Map under!
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 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 – 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 – just like the New Hampshire one!
Jeff Foliage – It is a weblog that updates recurrently with when you possibly can count on coloration.
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 additionally alter the colour.
PRO TIP: If you happen to’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. If you happen to’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to alter up your journey.
If you happen to’re questioning about the most effective 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 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 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 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 beautiful structure and historical past in addition to nice meals.
In fact, there are some beautiful spots for Fall leaves in Boston. The colours will 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 should 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 beautiful drive filled with beautiful bushes and vivid pink barns.
As you drive there are a number of locations to cease alongside the way in which. I like to recommend Portsmouth on the coast – an important place to get a lobster roll and a cup of chowder. One other cease is the lovable city of Sandwich, New Hampshire which has a surprising good white church that makes an important backdrop for photographs.
Subsequent head to Conway, New Hampshire. That is an lovable city that is nice to remain the evening in. I additionally advocate taking the Conway Scenic Railway! You may get a basic railway journey that transports you in a classic practice by way of wooded areas and tiny cities. E-book your tickets forward of time; it could promote out! There are three totally 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 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 photographs or go on a brief hike. Be ready for this drive to take
There are a number of 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 enormous resort, now owned by the Omni, was created in lower than 18 months by Italian labor in 1902. That is essentially the most huge nearly totally 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 evening!
It is a little bit of a drive, however in case you have time head north to Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. The Balsams are an deserted resort that mirror 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 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 way in which.
Flume Gorge is one other brief hike with majestic views of the mountains and valley under. You may additionally see picturesque lined bridges. One of the best half is that the Flume Gorge is correct subsequent to the Franconia Notch Customer Heart, so it is a straightforward 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 presents, strive some maple syrup and be sure you get a maple creemee!
Montpelier is Vermont’s capital metropolis and it is an important place to discover. I like to recommend stopping on the State Home, which is stunningly lovely, 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! Remember: it is a very curvy street 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 title of the Smuggler’s Notch is completely chosen, because the street ascends by way of a slim hole between the 2 mountains, giving spectacular vistas. The most effective areas 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 bushes.
After Smuggler’s Notch make your strategy 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 great period of time in Austria, I’ve to agree!
The lodge is beautiful and set towards a lovely mountainside. It’s the right 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. One of the best place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This beautiful pink retailer presents 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 unit 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 a lovely Important Road. You’ll want to 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 gorgeous fall views of Vermont’s Inexperienced Mountains.
Take the brief stroll to Tangerine & Oliver Reward Store for a surprising 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 by way of and is $6 per particular person and free for teenagers underneath 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 turned well-known on Pinterest and has since been popularized by Instagram. It is a fashionable vacation spot for photographers as a result of it is situated close to a creek and accommodates a number of slim pathways by way of the bushes. Needless to say that is normally a busy space, and the street is small, so watch out to not block 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 totally beautiful with darkish shutters, white, stately columns and exquisite rooms. This may promote out shortly!
Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
After leaving Woodstock, drive to Manchester, Vermont. This beautiful city has nice boutiques and retailers for procuring. The Orvis Retailer is ideal for many who love the outside and want some new gear for fishing or mountaineering. There’s additionally an important 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 style 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 manner again to Massachusetts, you possibly can 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. If you happen to love antiques, be sure you cease into retailers like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
While you’re prepared to go again to Boston, take the scenic route and drive alongside the Mohawk Path. It is a lovely 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 may spend as brief as a day or so long as 5 days in Acadia Nationwide Park. This small Nationwide Park is unquestionably price your time with unimaginable 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 gorgeous 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 Pageant – Recognized for his or her scrumptious fried apple fritter it is a nice competition to attend!
Mystic, Connecticut – House to the film “Mystic Pizza” and a lovely cease on the water with numerous bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – You need to make a cease at Yale! This gorgeous 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! If you happen to’re tremendous brief 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 lovable 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’re taking a tour of one among these unimaginable estates. They appear to be 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 stunning! 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 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 manner 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?
