There’s no better place to experience the breathtaking allure of autumn than New England. The crisp air, winding scenic byways and rolling hills decorated with vibrant bursts of red, orange and gold make it one of the most iconic regions in the world for fall foliage. Travel experts agree (and so do the millions of tourists that visit every year), so if you’re planning a road trip this season, a loop through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island should be at the very top of your list.
Cindy Lorenz, Director of Marketing & Communications at New England Inns and Resorts.com, says, “We always recommend the tour on our site from Meredith, New Hampshire ending in Manchester, Vermont. It hits the highlights while still leaving room for hidden gems.”
If you choose to take that route, or go on another one that tacks in more of the area's states, here's a state-by-state guide to the perfect leaf peeping.
Maine: Rugged Coastlines & Quaint Seaside Villages
Start your journey in Maine, where rocky shorelines meet cozy harbor towns and epic hiking. Portland makes the perfect launch point, with cobblestone streets, fresh lobster rolls (we recommend Eventide Oyster Co for the brown butter lobster roll) and sweeping views of the coast. Just north, Camden offers postcard-worthy harbor scenes framed by colorful hillsides. In Southern Maine you'll find Kennebunkport, famed for its sandy beaches, lighthouses and lobster shocks a plenty. If weather permits, go on a whale-watching tour to spot the marine mammals before they migrate.
Related: The Maine Beach Town That's Perfect for Fall Too
For the best views (and Insta pics), hike up Mount Battie. For a dose of wilderness, head inland to Acadia National Park, where the contrast of vibrant foliage against granite peaks and the Atlantic Ocean is nothing short of magical. Grab a bite to eat in Bar Harbor— favorite eateries including Dinner, The Travelin' Lobster Co and Atlantic Brewing Company.
New Hampshire: The Quintessential Foliage Drive
From Maine, make your way west into New Hampshire, home to some of the region’s most dramatic mountain scenery. The Kancamagus Highway (known as “the Kanc”) is a must. Weaving through 34 miles of the White Mountain National Forest, this is easily considered one of the best foliage drives in the country.
Lorenz points out a few lesser-known stops first-timers often miss: “Castle in the Clouds offers the Lakes Region’s best views from its mountainside mansion. Zeb’s General Store and Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill are perfect for a pit stop, and Flume Gorge is a short but unforgettable hike," she said.
Related: 20 Most Stunning Destinations for Fall Foliage
Franconia Notch State Park is also a must-stop, if only for the incredible photo opps. “The dramatic cliffs and mountain lakes surrounded by foliage make it one of the most iconic scenic stretches,” Lorenz notes. For accommodations, consider Franconia Inn or Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain for a cozy, fall-appropriate stay.
Vermont: Covered Bridges, Maple Syrup & Breweries
No fall road trip is complete without Vermont. Known for its rolling farmland, historic covered bridges, white steeple churches flanked by fall foliage and maple sugar shacks, the state is an autumn dreamscape. Lorenz highlights Stowe as “truly iconic, with its covered bridge, church steeple and Mt. Mansfield backdrop.”
Related: These 6 Quiet New England Towns Are Fall Hidden Gems, Say Travel Pros
Route 100, often called the most scenic drive in Vermont, winds through charming towns like Stowe and Warren. “Food stops are essential,” she adds: “Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury has mouthwatering cider donuts and hot mulled cider. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier is perfect for maple tastings and a quirky maple trail. And in Stowe, the Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall and Stowe Bee Bakery are not to be missed.”
For a quintessential New England photo-op, she recommends Mount Equinox Skyline Drive in Manchester, VT, which perfectly capture the colors, cliffs and charm that make this region legendary in the fall. There are plenty of great places to say in Vermont, and Lorenz recommends Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Brass Lantern Inn or Field Guide Lodge for that quintessential Vermont charm and incredible views.
Massachusetts: Where Haunted History Meets Autumn Charm
Massachusetts is the perfect marriage of stunning fall foliage and spooky Halloween lore. Start in the Berkshires, a region known for its rolling hills, art museums and music festivals. Lorenz highly recommends leaf-peeping along the Mohawk Trail, one of America’s oldest scenic byways. Concord and Lexington offer Revolutionary War history against a backdrop of fiery leaves, and Boston’s Public Garden is perfect for a leisurely stroll where swan boats glide past autumn reflections.
Even though it's the busiest time of year for Salem, you'd be remiss not to visit this historically spooky town to get the best of the fall colors and creepy Halloween vibes. Because the town gets very crowded, experts like Marnely Murray of ShoredUp Digital recommend getting there as early as you can and peppering in plenty of time to queue in line for stores, restaurants and the famed graveyard. Typically, Salem can take about 30-40 minutes to drive to from Boston, but during October, it can take almost an hour.
Rhode Island: Coastal Villages & Hidden Gems
Rhode Island may be the smallest New England state, but it makes up for that in charm. Newport is a fall favorite, where cliffside walks along the Cliff Walk showcase both historic mansions and the vibrant coastline. For quieter villages, Bristol and Wickford offer colonial homes, local farms, and small-town charm. Providence’s Waterplace Park and College Hill neighborhoods are perfect for romantic and rather picturesque strolls along the waterfront.
Related: 11 Can't-Miss Newport, Rhode Island, Spots That Channel Peak Gilded-Age Glamour
Arguably, the most popular place to stay in Rhode Island is the Ocean House, which sits on Watch Hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With sprawling porches, a large pool and private beach, restaurants and plenty of unique rooms (including massive cottages), there's plenty to do here without having to leave. If you'd prefer a quieter stay on an inlet, opt for the Weekapaug Inn, which is a Relax & Chateux-managed property. Here, New England charm meets Ralph Lauren luxury, with beautifully outfitted furnishings and a sprawling lawn overlooking Quonochontaug Pond—a coastal pond connected to the Atlantic.
Tips for the Perfect Trip
When it comes to planning, earlier is best, especially as unpredictable weather can dramatically affect the foliage. Lorenz recommends heading out in early October (around Oct 1–12), because it often coincides with peak foliage in both New Hampshire and Vermont.
In terms of traffic, you'll find that Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch get busy, so it's best to arrive early to beat tour buses. The drive from Boston to Salem can also get very busy this time of year, so build in a few extra hours in case you're stuck in traffic. Additionally, you may find traffic leaving Portland up to Acadia. Lorenz notes that this is one of the busiest times of year for New England, so stay as patient and flexible as you can as traffic can be 3x normal.
When it comes to booking inns and restaurants, do it as far ahead in advance as you can. In very popular places like Salem, Bar Harbor, Portland, Acadia, Stowe, and more, reservations are often booked months in advance. If you're late to the game, try checking out sites like Whimstay, which specialize in last-minute bookings and often have a few places to book with just a week's notice.
This route combines rugged coastlines, mountain vistas, covered bridges, historic towns and coastal charm. Lorenz advises travelers set aside 4–5 days minimum, or 6–7 if you want more time for hikes, breweries and local experiences. Whether it’s your first road trip or your fifth, this New England fall itinerary is a classic that travel experts swear by—and one that keeps bringing visitors back year after year.For repeat travelers, Lorenz suggests fresh ways to experience the same route: “Swap a day of driving for the Conway Scenic Railroad, try leaf-peeping via the Cannon Mountain or Stowe Gondola SkyRide, explore a brewery or cider trail in Vermont, or check out Manchester’s arts scene at the Southern Vermont Arts Center.”
Related: This Place Was Just Named Best Spot to Visit This Fall—And It’s Not in the Northeast
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