New England is known for its bright and colorful fall leaves that attract many visitors each year. People come from all over to see the trees change color and enjoy the peaceful scenery. This region offers a wide variety of places to experience the beauty of autumn.
The best fall foliage spots in New England show vibrant colors, scenic views, and charming towns that make the season memorable. Many travelers look for the perfect locations to plan trips during the fall to take in the stunning leaf changes.
1) Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest
The Green Mountain National Forest offers extensive fall colors in Vermont. It is known for its mix of sugar maples, birch, and beech trees. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives and hikes through vibrant autumn landscapes. For more details, see the guide to the Green Mountain National Forest.
2) Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park offers colorful fall foliage along its rugged coast and mountain trails. Visitors enjoy mild weather and crisp air during October. The mix of forest and ocean views makes it a top spot for leaf peeping in New England. See more about fall in Acadia National Park.
3) White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains offer vibrant fall colors from late September to mid-October. Scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway provide excellent views of red, orange, and gold leaves. Many trails and lookouts make it easy for visitors to enjoy the fall foliage in this area. For current peak times, checking local forecasts is helpful.
See more about the White Mountains fall foliage here.
4) Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
The Mohawk Trail is a 63-mile scenic drive through the Berkshire Hills. It offers a clear view of autumn colors with red, gold, and orange leaves. Travelers enjoy the mix of hills, valleys, and historic sites along the route.
This trail is known for its reliable peak foliage in October. It is one of the top spots for fall drives in Massachusetts. More details can be found at Mohawk Trail Scenic Drive.
5) Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile scenic road through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It is known for its colorful fall leaves and beautiful mountain views. Visitors often stop at overlooks and trails to enjoy the changing colors during autumn. More about the route’s fall foliage can be found at Kancamagus Highway fall foliage conditions.
6) Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is known for its vibrant fall colors, featuring a mix of maples, birches, and oaks. The town offers scenic views, especially from the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road. Visitors enjoy the classic Vermont charm alongside picturesque foliage and outdoor activities during the peak season. See more about fall in Stowe.
7) The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires offer colorful fall foliage from mid-September to mid-October. Peak colors usually appear between October 7 and 21. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, quaint towns, and local events like the Fall Foliage Parade in North Adams. For more details, see the Berkshires fall foliage guide.
8) Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Litchfield Hills offers vibrant fall colors with reds, oranges, and yellows. It is known for scenic drives and peaceful hikes. Visitors enjoy spots like Peoples State Forest and Apple Hill for leaf peeping. This area is a popular destination for autumn views in western Connecticut. See more about the area’s fall foliage here.
9) Mount Desert Island, Maine
Mount Desert Island offers a mix of mountains, forests, and coastline that shows vibrant fall colors. Visitors often explore the area’s state parks and trails during September and October. The island is a popular spot for those wanting natural views and quiet walks in autumn. See more about Mount Desert Island fall visits here.
