There’s completely nothing higher than spending every 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 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 profit 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 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 practically 80% of my time on the street for the previous 6 years, that is one in all my favourite locations on earth.
This one week information to Fall in New England will aid you plan the right journey. It will share my high suggestions for seeing leaves- essential! And honestly, not at all times simple to see the leaves. I am going to be sure to have all the knowledge you should get one of the 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 one of the 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 a lot 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. Nevertheless, if in case you have further time or wish to see another states, it’s totally simple to drive round to those different states.
Get my free printable New England Street Journey and Map beneath!
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 publish I am going to give just a few 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 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 suggest consulting that first!
Vermont Foliage Report – just like the New Hampshire one!
Jeff Foliage – This can be a weblog that updates commonly with when you possibly can count on 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 additionally alter the colour.
PRO TIP: If you happen to’re not seeing coloration, 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 gorgeous. If you happen to’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to vary up your journey.
If you happen to’re questioning about one of the 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 last 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 suggest renting a automotive. 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 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 attractive 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 Frequent, the Public Backyard, the Charles River Esplanade, Again Bay, and Beacon Hill.
Nevertheless, I would been to Boston earlier than, or for those who’re wanting the complete 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 stuffed with attractive bushes and shiny pink barns.
As you drive there are just a few locations to cease alongside the best way. I like to recommend Portsmouth on the coast – an amazing 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 surprising good white church that makes an amazing backdrop for images.
Subsequent head to Conway, New Hampshire. That is an cute city that is nice to remain the evening in. I additionally suggest 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. Ebook 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 one in all my favorites! The Kancamagus is likely one of the greatest drives ever. The colours listed here 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 superb views. There are many nice locations to tug over so you possibly can take images or go on a brief hike. Be ready for this drive to take
There are just a few must-see spots alongside the best way: Decrease Falls, Swift River, Rocky Gorge Scenic Space, Albany Lined 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 huge nearly 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 might be a superb place to keep the evening!
This can be 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 mirror on the lake with insane tree coloration. 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 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 best way.
Flume Gorge is one other brief hike with majestic views of the mountains and valley beneath. You will additionally see picturesque lined bridges. The most effective half is that the Flume Gorge is true subsequent to the Franconia Notch Customer Middle, 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 best way, Bragg Farm Sugar Home! Seize some items, attempt some maple syrup and you should definitely get a maple creemee!
Montpelier is Vermont’s capital metropolis and it is an amazing 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 number of the cute outlets.
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 slender hole between the 2 mountains, giving spectacular vistas. Among the best places 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 technique 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 in opposition to 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 tons to see within the space! Kick off the day with some sizzling and contemporary cider donuts. The most effective place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This beautiful pink retailer presents items, 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 absolutely enjoyable and also you get to attempt some ice cream on the finish.
Stowe is a quintessential Vermont city with a lovely Foremost Road. You’ll want to stroll round, pop into the outlets, and get lunch right here. Certainly one of 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 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 youths beneath 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 best way 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 in style vacation spot for photographers as a result of it is situated close to a creek and comprises just a few slender pathways by way of the bushes. Remember that that is often a busy space, and the street 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 totally attractive with darkish shutters, white, stately columns and exquisite rooms. This could 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 wish some new gear for fishing or mountain climbing. There’s additionally an amazing 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 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 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 best way. If you happen to love antiques, you should definitely cease into outlets like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
Whenever you’re prepared to move again to Boston, take the scenic route and drive alongside the Mohawk Path. This can be a lovely drive with nice views of the river and mountains.
Additional Time in New England? Add this on!
I actually cherished 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 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 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 possibly can add on Connecticut and Rhode Island as an alternative! In Connecticut one of the 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 it is a nice pageant to attend!
Mystic, Connecticut – Dwelling to the film “Mystic Pizza” and a lovely cease on the water with a lot of bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – You need to make a cease at Yale! This gorgeous college is likely one of 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 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 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 suggest you are taking a tour of one in all these unimaginable estates. They appear 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 surprising! over 5,000 hand carved, detailed pumpkins! It is unreal.
The Farmer’s Daughter – This image good farm has a number 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 recommend beginning in Boston then making your method over to Connecticut, by way of Rhode Island after which again up by way of 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?
