Everyone knows that New England has harsh winters, but did you know we also are the place to find the best fall foliage? October is the month that tends to attract the most “leaf peepers”. That is when the trees are turning, and pumpkins and corn mazes are everywhere.
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When is the best time to see fall foliage in New England?
The leaves have started turning later and later in the season. Every year is different, but it tends to be late September / early October. When you check the Peak Fall Foliage Map you can find peak foliage times to plan your travel. Frankly, even outside of peak, your experience will be amazing.
Where is The Best Fall Foliage in New England?
Naturally, New England landscape already is scenic with its mountains, lakes and woods. During fall, the brilliance of the foliage adds yet another layer to the variety of the landscape. Any of the following road trips will lead you to fantastic fall foliage!
1. The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway runs from Conway, NH to Lincoln, NH and is an excellent and well-known way to admire the best fall foliage. Please don’t forget to stop at a ranger station and get a day pass to use the parking areas. This fee ($3 per car) is for maintenance and preservation of the White Mountain National Forest. The Unofficial Guide to the Kanc website describes it best:
The drive along the Kancamagus Highway takes you back in time as you drive through a forest that offers no comforts of the modern day world; no gas stations, no restaurants, hotels or other businesses have pierced their way into the heart of the Kancamagus Highway. Those luxuries are left behind at both ends of the scenic byway but well within reach when needed.
The Unoffical Guide to the Kanc
When you drive this highway, make sure to keep an eye out for deer and moose, and even an occasional bear. If you look up into the sky, don’t be surprised to see raptors, like turkey vultures and eagles. Plenty of wild life to be admired!
2. The Middlebury Gap in Vermont
The Middlebury Gap, a pass from Texas Falls, Hancock to Ripton is one of the most scenic roads in Vermont. During fall, it is unbelievably beautiful. If you need a break from your foliage road trip, visit the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. They posted his poems on the trees and show you the landscape that inspired Frost.
3. Quechee Gorge in Vermont
Also called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon”, Quechee Gorge is another good place to find the best fall foliage. Carved deeply by the Ottaquechee river, this gorge is crossed by a bridge on which you can stand and look out over all the trees.
If you want some exercise, follow one of the hiking trails into the gorge to see the water up close. Don’t miss the visiting center to learn more about the history of this amazing place. In addition, you can go shopping in Quechee Gorge Village and pick up New England goodies like Cabot cheese and maple syrup.
If you want to experience the fall foliage in New England up close, go walk in the treetops at VINS, close to Quechee Gorge.
4. New England State Houses
Because most New England states were part of the original 13 colonies, there are beautiful historical buildings to visit. Most people don’t realize how scenic the state houses and capitol buildings in New England are, but it turns out that any of them would be worth a visit. Enjoying the scenery while driving to any of the state houses, you can look forward to learning more about our national history. And the best thing? State house visits and tours are free!
Augusta, Maine
According to my mother, Maine is prettier than New Hampshire. Make up your own mind by visiting the Maine State House in Augusta! Beautiful grounds surround this State House and you can touch a full-size Liberty Bell Replica and other historic bells. We recommend visiting the Kennebec river. If you are lucky, you can see the sturgeons jump, harking back to prehistoric times.
Montpelier, Vermont
For full disclosure, I have a soft spot for Vermont, because I worked there for IBM, gave birth to two daughters and am in love with the nature. That said, everybody seems to love Vermont during fall foliage time, so go visit the Vermont State House in Montpelier. It has ancient fossils!
Concord, New Hampshire
The New Hampshire State House in Concord is home to the oldest continuously used legislative chambers in America. What’s not to love about a state that advises us to “Live Free or Die!”? New Hampshire is mostly forest, mountains and lakes, so the fall foliage is spectacular.
Boston, Massachusetts
Designed by the famous architect Charles Bulfinch, the Massachusetts State House in Boston is worth a visit. Both the exterior and the interior are elaborately decorated. The only drawback is the fact that Massachusetts locked up its liberty bell!
Providence, Rhode Island
Although Rhode Island is our smallest state, their State House is one of the grandest in the nation. Visiting Providence during the fall will expose you to its colorful foliage. Not to mention that they do have a gun from the Gettysburg battle right in their state house in Providence.
Hartford, Connecticut
Why not add the Connecticut Capitol in Hartford, a National Historic Landmark to your fall foliage itinerary? One of the few states with a state heroine and a surprisingly rich black history including the infamous “black law”.
You Really Can’t Go Wrong
Although there are specific places to see the best fall foliage, you can drive around anywhere in New England and enjoy the ride. So even if you don’t have time for a long road trip, start where you are and admire the scenery. Get out for a hike, drink hot apple cider, take many pictures and breath the crisp fall air! First and foremost “Seize the Day!”
The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.
Alice Morse Earle
Find the best fall foliage in New England: a few more links
- Fun and Fabulous Fall activities for the whole family;
- Fantastic Fall Colors travel pictures!
- National Parks and more in New Hampshire. Fantastic foliage at any of these NPS sites!
- Happy Fall! Our Deer Baby clan shows you a local harvest party and bonfire;
- Good memories. Apple picking with seven children! It is not too late for you to go apple picking!
- Fall Flowers! Beautiful fall flowers and bees. Not only the foliage is beautiful during the fall in New England, but so are the flowers.
- New England Peak Foliage Map.
- The Unofficial Guide to the Kancamagus Highway. Website with tons of good information about attractions along the highway, waterfalls, campgrounds and more.
- The White Mountain National Forest Service.
- Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forest Service. This page will get you to the page of the Robert Frost Interpretative trail. From there you can explore more of their site.
What About You?
Now that I have shared my secrets to find the best fall foliage in New England, what about you? Have you been here in the fall? What places did you like best? Do you have good fall colors where you live? Leave a comment and tell me!
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