Recently updated on July 18th, 2023 at 03:04 pm
Fall is one of our favourite times of year to travel and there’s nowhere quite like the lush countryside of New England for seeing some of the best fall foliage in the world. We’ve created an easy to follow route that showcases the fiery golden colours of this region.
Starting in Boston, we’ll take you from Jamaica Pond, onto North Conway’s scenic railroad over to the charming village of Sugar Hill, and end in Maine’s Acadia National Park. So grab your favourite sweater and get ready to discover the best fall colours in New England.
When is the best time of year to see fall foliage in New England?
Peak fall foliage in New England works its way down from the north. This means the farther north you go, the earlier peak conditions will occur. Also, leaves achieve peak color earlier at higher elevations. So for the northern New England state: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, we suggest visiting from the last week of September through to the first week or two of October.
1. Boston, Massachusetts
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Start your fall foliage tour in Boston, one of the most historic cities in the US. While you’re there, be sure to explore the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. With its many picturesque parks, glittering Jamaica Pond and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, this is without a doubt one of the prettiest places in New England during fall.
If you’re after something a little more challenging than a gentle stroll, just a few minutes outside of the city you will find the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation. Climb to the top of Great Blue Hill and enjoy panoramic views of golden foliage dotted between Boston’s city skyline.
2. Manchester, Vermont
Continue your fall foliage tour along the first designated scenic drive in New England, the Mowhawk Trail. This picturesque drive was an early Native American and colonial trade route, the 37 mile route passes through 50,000 acres of stunning state parks and forests.
Just a few miles north, you’ll find the quaint town of Manchester, nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains. This quintessential New England town showcases some of the best fall colours in the region. Go canoeing down the mighty Battenkill River, take a bicycle through Merrick Forest or just soak up the views from a comfy rocking chair on the porch of a historic inn, whatever your vantage point the view will be spectacular.
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3. Quechee, Vermont
Continue north to the charming of village of Quechee (kwee-chee) in the town of Hartford, Vermont. This village is renowned for its untouched natural beauty which draws visitors back, year after year.
Definitely make a visit to the Simon Pearce Glass Factory. Overlooking a gorgeous waterfall on the Ottauquechee River, watch and learn as craftsmen create delicate glassware and discover the art and science behind this unique craft. Stop for lunch at The Mill At Simon Pearce – voted one of “America’s Most Romantic Restaurants” – and be sure to order the pan roasted salmon served on Simon Pearce’s beautiful glassware.
4. North Conway, New Hampshire
Next up is North Conway in New Hampshire. This old-world village is set amongst mountains and forest and is one of the best places in the state to see fall foliage. Hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad for an hour round trip along the mountain side for breathtaking forest views or hike through the North Woods and discover the local flora and fauna of this region.
Head 25 mins north of North Conway along “The Kanc”, an American Scenic Byway that cuts through the White Mountain National Forest. While you’re there opt for a guided tour of Mount Washington and listen as your “stage driver” tells anecdotes, stories and legends of the region as they take you from the base to the 6,288-foot summit.
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5. Franconia, New Hampshire
Continue your New England fall foliage tour to the dreamy town of Franconia. Set in the White Mountains, Franconia is home to the northern half of Franconia Notch State Park. There you’ll find the Flume Gorge (a natural 800 ft. long gorge), Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (the first passenger aerial tramway in North America) and Echo Lake, an ideal spot for fishing or renting a boat and spending the day on the water.
6. Sugar Hill, New Hampshire
Six minutes down the road you’ll find the sweetest town called Sugar Hill. It may be small in size but its views are certainly great. Having newly formed in 1962 after splitting from neighbouring town Lisbon, this town is said to be New Hampshire’s best kept secret. While you’re there definitely make a visit to the charming Sugar Hill Historical Museum, Harman’s Cheese & Country Store selling the “world’s greatest cheese” and Polly’s Pancake Parlour, where the pancakes are freshly made and topped with delicious New Hampshire maple syrup.
7. Bar Harbor, Maine
The final stop on our New England fall foliage tour is Bar Harbour in Maine. Being only a stone’s throw from Acadia National Park, take the opportunity to explore this breathtaking national park by heading up Cadillac Mountain (the highest point along the Atlantic Seaboard) for golden views of ancient maple forests.
So there you have it, our favourite places to see the best of fall foliage in New England. Have you explored this region at that time of year? Let us know below. If we’ve inspired you to visit this spectacular region, take a look at our New England trips.