Destination Guides

6 beautiful towns to visit in New England

Recently updated on November 24th, 2023 at 04:43 pm

Oozing with the charm that comes naturally with small, seaside towns and quaint country villages, New England is undeniably one of the most beautiful parts of the United States. However, it’s the final hurrah of the patchwork quilt-like colours of the vibrant foliage that mother nature puts on just before the long winter that really accentuates the famous New England charm; enchanting travellers from all over the globe. Whether you’re hunting for rare maples, or are simply scoping the pretty Fall colours, these are the towns to visit in New England to experience the magic of Fall in America’s northeast.

Planning your trip to the beautiful towns in New England in the fall

As the insta-candy colours of New England’s fall foliage come as a result of natural forces, there’s no guarantee that the famous fall colours will peak on the same date each year. However, on an average year, the northern states of New England (Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont) typically reach their peak autumnal colours around late September – early October, while the southern states (Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) usually peak at around mid-October.

BE INSPIRED: New England Fall Foliage

Where to go in New England for the Best Fall Foliage

The key to knowing where to go in New England for seeing the most striking fall foliage is flexibility. Peak autumn foliage works its way down from the north, meaning the further north you go, the earlier peak conditions will occur.

There are many ways in which you can explore the beautiful towns in New England for optimal fall foliage viewing, including, traversing by car or as part of a tour along some of the well-worn routes that are a favourite for autumnal leaf chasers. From the Kancamagus Highway that weaves through New Hampshire to Route 169 in Connecticut, there are a number of scenic routes available that promise an unforgettable journey.

However, while scenic drives are a fabulous way to admire the brightly decorated villages in New England, nothing quite beats getting out of the car and into the fresh air. If you’re wondering where the best towns to visit in New England are for experiencing the fall foliage up close, these are our top picks:

Bar Harbor, Maine

Perched on Frenchman Bay and adjacent to the awe-inducing Acadia National Park is the tiny, yet wholly charming seaside town of Bar Harbour. In a typical year, the window of peak fall foliage in Bar Harbor takes place between mid-September to mid-October, however you can stay on top of conditions by following Maine’s Foliage Tracker

When it comes to things to do in New England that allow visitors to make the most of the Instagram-worthy landscapes, especially along Acadia’s rocky coastline, there are many photo tours that take place throughout the month of October.

You can explore Bar Harbor from the water on a nature cruise of Frenchman Bay when you travel on the Autumn Colours tour with Trafalgar.

Camden, Maine

If ever there was a town that lived up to the state slogan of ‘the way life should be’, the coastal village of Camden takes the crown. A mecca village for sailing enthusiasts, Camden offers visitors a seductive mix of art, dining and outdoor adventure. However, for prime leaf-peeping in the autumn months, one can’t visit this Maine village without stopping by Merryspring, a 66-acre park and nature centre that is home to a number of walking trails and gardens.

Stowe, Vermont

Nestled in a valley, surrounded by Vermont’s Green Mountains is one of the most beautiful towns in New England; Stowe. While Stowe is best known for being a winter resort village, it really is incredible year-round and is a prime destination for viewing the vibrant colours of the famous New England fall. The leaves tend to be at their brightest here in early to mid-October, however, depending on conditions, this could slightly vary year to year.

Woodstock, Vermont

Considered the ‘quintessential New England village’, the historic town of Woodstock  in Vermont is one of the best destinations for seeing the fall foliage. In order to make the most of what this quaint town has to offer, be sure to visit the Billings Farm and Museum to taste some of the fresh, local foods before walking all those extra consumed calories off on a hike throughout the 550-acre woodlands of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, where visitors can experience the fall foliage firsthand.

BE INSPIRED: Where to find the best fall colours in New England

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Located just an hour out of Boston and along the banks of the Piscataqua River is the United State’s third-oldest city, the charming small town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Known for its abundance of farm to table eateries and art galleries, Portsmouth is the perfect town to visit in New England for a day or weekend trip.

You can travel to the historic city of Portsmouth when you travel with Trafalgar on the Autumn Colours tour.

Manchester, Vermont

Located in the southwest corner of Vermont, Manchester is one of the best towns to visit in New England for experiencing the famous fall foliage. The town is the perfect mix of quaint and quiet, but with plenty of shopping and activities available. The foliage here is always super bright and vibrant, and interestingly, sometimes peaks earlier than locations further north.

BE INSPIRED: Vivid colours of Vermont, New England USA

Have you visited any of these beautiful towns in New England in pursuit of the famous fall foliage? Or, are you hoping to witness the bright colours of the fall in the near future? Let us know in the comments below! Or, head to our website so you can read more about how you can admire the fiery red, orange and yellow flames of fall foliage on a scenic road trip when you travel to New England with Trafalgar.

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