New England in the fall offers a quiet beauty that draws visitors from all over. The region’s mix of colorful leaves, cool weather, and charming towns creates a unique experience. Many travelers look for activities that show the best side of this season.
The key to enjoying New England in the fall is knowing what to do to make the most of the season’s natural and cultural highlights. This article will guide readers through seven enjoyable activities that capture the spirit of autumn in the area.
1) Explore Acadia National Park’s fall foliage in Maine
Acadia National Park offers vibrant fall colors from early to mid-October. Visitors can enjoy hiking with views of colorful trees, rugged coastlines, and mountain peaks. The park’s mix of evergreen and autumn leaves creates a striking contrast that draws many each year. Learn more about this fall destination at Acadia National Park in the fall.
2) Visit the Pumpkin Festival in Keene, New Hampshire
The Keene Pumpkin Festival happens every October. It features thousands of carved pumpkins displayed downtown. Visitors can enjoy a parade, live music, and family activities. The festival also includes food vendors and craft stalls. More details are available at the official Keene Pumpkin Festival website.
3) Drive the Kancamagus Highway scenic byway
The Kancamagus Highway is a 35-mile drive through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It offers clear views of colorful fall foliage and mountain scenery. Travelers can stop at waterfalls, overlooks, and hiking trails along the route. This highway is well-known for its natural beauty in autumn.
For more details, visit this guide to the Kancamagus Highway.
4) Tour apple orchards and enjoy fresh cider in Vermont
Visitors can explore many apple orchards in Vermont, where they pick apples and taste fresh cider. Shelburne Orchards is popular for its scenic views and cider doughnuts. Many orchards offer homemade treats and cider made on-site, making it a classic fall experience in the state. For more details, see Seven Places to Go Apple Picking in Vermont.
5) Attend the Salem Haunted Happenings for Halloween
They can visit Salem in October to enjoy Haunted Happenings, a month-long event centered on Halloween. It offers parades, tours, haunted houses, and costume balls.
The event draws many visitors who want to experience Salem’s history and Halloween spirit. Planning ahead is advised to secure spots at popular activities. For details, they can explore Salem Haunted Happenings events.
6) Hike the White Mountains to see vibrant autumn colors
The White Mountains offer clear views of fall leaves in red, orange, and yellow. Peaks like Mount Washington and trails such as the Franconia Ridge Loop draw hikers each fall. They provide steady access to beautiful autumn colors and scenic overlooks. More details about these hikes are available at fall foliage hikes in the White Mountains.
7) Stroll the historic streets of Newport, Rhode Island
They can walk through downtown Newport and explore its rich history. The streets are lined with old buildings and scenic views of the harbor.
Visitors often join guided tours to learn about Newport’s past, including its colonial and seafaring heritage. More details can be found on Newport walking tours.
