The Ultimate Leaf-Peeping Guide to Autumn’s Spectacular Show
Fall in New England is a masterpiece painted in fiery hues of crimson, gold, and amber.
From mid-September through October, the region transforms into one of the most enchanting autumn displays in the world.
If you’re dreaming of scenic byways, historic villages, covered bridges, and tree-lined roads ablaze with color, then you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the
Top 7 Fall Foliage Tours in New England for 2025
complete with travel routes, highlights, peak foliage times, local experiences, and expert tips to make the most of your leaf-peeping journey.
Why New England Is the Best for Fall Foliage
New England is made up of six states Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island and each offers its own charm during the fall.
The diverse elevation, dense forests, and mix of hardwood trees like sugar maples, oaks, and birches create an unmatched spectrum of fall color.
2025 Forecast: According to foliage experts, the 2025 season is expected to bring vivid and long-lasting colors, especially after a wetter-than-usual spring, which helps produce brighter pigments in the leaves.
1. Vermont’s Scenic Route 100 – The Quintessential Autumn Road Trip
Route: Wilmington to Stowe (216 miles round trip)
Peak Foliage: Late September to Early October
Best For: Classic Vermont views, charming small towns, covered bridges
Overview:
Often dubbed “Vermont’s Main Street,” Route 100 is the ultimate New England fall foliage route.
Winding through the spine of the Green Mountains, this route is packed with postcard-worthy scenery at every turn.
Highlights:
- Wilmington: A quaint village to start your journey, known for artisan shops and cozy cafes.
- Mount Snow: Ride the Bluebird Express Gondola for panoramic mountain foliage views.
- Weston: Stop by the famous Vermont Country Store and walk through a town that feels frozen in time.
- Waterbury & Stowe: Sample Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, tour Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and stroll through the picturesque town of Stowe.
Where to Stay:
- Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe – An Austrian-style mountain resort with scenic hiking trails and dramatic fall views.
Pro Tip:
Take a short detour up Smugglers’ Notch Pass (Route 108) for a dramatic foliage tunnel experience.
2. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire – The Most Iconic Drive in the Northeast
Route: Lincoln to Conway (34.5 miles)
Peak Foliage: Late September to Early October
Best For: Mountain vistas, waterfalls, hiking trails
Overview:
The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a legendary stretch through the White Mountain National Forest that rivals anything you’ll see out West.
It’s especially beautiful at sunrise or early morning, when mist swirls around the fiery treetops.
Highlights:
- Sabbaday Falls: A short hike to a multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by colorful hardwoods.
- Rocky Gorge Scenic Area: Perfect for a photo stop or picnic with a view.
- Pemigewasset Overlook: Stunning panoramic views of the Whites.
- Swift River: Flows alongside much of the highway, dotted with foliage-lined riverbanks.
Where to Stay:
- RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, Lincoln – Modern comfort with access to hiking trails and vibrant autumn views.
Pro Tip:
Drive the loop back via Route 302 for even more foliage-rich towns like Jackson and Bretton Woods.
3. Maine’s Acadia National Park – Coastal Foliage Meets Crashing Surf
Route: Bar Harbor Loop + Park Loop Road (27 miles)
Peak Foliage: Early to Mid-October
Best For: Coastal cliffs, vibrant forests, sunrise views
Overview:
Where else can you watch fiery maples drop their leaves into the Atlantic Ocean? Acadia National Park offers a stunning contrast between rugged coastline and lush forest foliage.
Highlights:
- Park Loop Road: A scenic 27-mile route taking you past Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff.
- Cadillac Mountain Sunrise: Be among the first in the U.S. to see the sun rise, illuminating the sea of autumn color.
- Jordan Pond: A classic view with mirror reflections of color in the still water.
- Bar Harbor: End the day with a lobster dinner and a stroll through this charming seaside town.
Where to Stay:
- Balance Rock Inn, Bar Harbor – An upscale retreat on the waterfront with incredible fall views.
Pro Tip:
Book a guided foliage kayak tour around Frenchman Bay to see the trees from the water.
4. Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts – A Historic Leaf-Peeping Classic
Route: North Adams to Greenfield (63 miles)
Peak Foliage: Early to Mid-October
Best For: History lovers, antique shops, mountain views
Overview:
America’s first scenic tourist route, the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) is steeped in history and offers sweeping vistas, cultural stops, and dense forests bursting with fall color.
Highlights:
- Hairpin Turn Scenic Overlook: Breathtaking valley views with a 180-degree panorama.
- Shelburne Falls: Visit the famous Bridge of Flowers and the natural potholes of Salmon Falls.
- Mount Greylock: Massachusetts’ highest peak; take the scenic auto road for incredible fall foliage from the summit.
- Historic Deerfield: A living history museum surrounded by maple-lined streets.
Where to Stay:
- Porches Inn at MASS MoCA, North Adams – A boutique stay blending art, history, and nature.
Pro Tip:
Stop for local cider donuts and fresh maple candy at roadside farm stands.
5. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut – New England Charm Without the Crowds
Route: Route 7 + Route 202
Peak Foliage: Mid to Late October
Best For: Quiet countryside, boutique inns, antique lovers
Overview:
If you prefer peaceful backroads, colonial architecture, and a slower pace, Litchfield Hills delivers big on fall beauty without the tourist hustle.
Highlights:
- Kent Falls State Park: A cascading waterfall framed by fiery foliage.
- White Memorial Conservation Center: Great for walking, biking, or just enjoying reflective pond views.
- Topsmead State Forest: Rolling meadows, hilltop views, and golden beech trees.
- Goshen and Litchfield Town Greens: Quintessential Connecticut villages full of charm.
Where to Stay:
- Winvian Farm, Morris – A luxury countryside escape with themed cottages and farm-to-table dining.
Pro Tip:
Pick up a fall picnic from Arethusa Farm Dairy—their ice cream and cheese are legendary.
6. Rhode Island’s Ocean Drive + Newport Mansions
Route: 10-mile Ocean Drive Loop
Peak Foliage: Mid to Late October
Best For: Coastal charm, historic mansions, cliffside views
Overview:
Often overlooked in fall foliage guides, Rhode Island delivers a coastal twist to leaf-peeping, especially around Newport’s Ocean Drive, where the colors of fall meet the sparkle of the sea.
Highlights:
- Ocean Drive Scenic Loop: Coastal panoramas and gilded-age mansions set against a backdrop of golden trees.
- Cliff Walk: A 3.5-mile coastal trail with stunning views of waves, foliage, and opulent estates.
- The Breakers & Marble House: Tour these historic mansions with fall gardens in full bloom.
- Bowen’s Wharf: Enjoy seafood and seasonal shopping by the harbor.
Where to Stay:
- The Chanler at Cliff Walk – Historic mansion-turned-hotel with epic fall + ocean views.
Pro Tip:
Book a sunset sail on Narragansett Bay for a truly unforgettable fall evening.
7. The Northern White Mountains Loop, New Hampshire – High Elevation Magic
Route: Franconia Notch > Crawford Notch > Pinkham Notch > Gorham
Peak Foliage: Late September to Early October
Best For: Dramatic mountain scenery, wildlife, scenic railways
Overview:
This loop includes three major notches (mountain passes) and some of the highest elevation foliage in New England, offering longer color duration and dramatic scenery.
Highlights:
- Franconia Notch State Park: Take the Aerial Tramway at Cannon Mountain for an overhead look at the forest.
- Crawford Notch: Visit the Silver Cascade and Flume Gorge for unbeatable autumn photo ops.
- Mount Washington Auto Road or Cog Railway: Ride to the summit for panoramic foliage views across five states.
- Gorham & Jackson: Cozy mountain towns with scenic inns and fall festivals.
Where to Stay:
- The Wentworth, Jackson – An elegant inn with romantic fall ambiance and mountain views.
Pro Tip:
Book a Conway Scenic Railroad foliage tour to relax while soaking in the color from a vintage railcar.
Bonus Tips for Planning Your 2025 New England Fall Foliage Trip
Best Time to Visit:
- Northern New England (VT, NH, ME): Late September – Early October
- Southern New England (MA, CT, RI): Early – Mid October
Driving Tips:
- Book rental cars early fall foliage season is high demand.
- Leave early in the day to beat traffic and catch morning light.
- Be flexible foliage peaks vary depending on weather and elevation.
Photography Tips:
- Use a polarizing filter to cut glare and enhance leaf color.
- Overcast days bring out richer tones don’t fear the clouds.
- Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) is the best for warm autumn glow.
What to Pack for a Fall Foliage Road Trip
- Warm layers (it gets chilly in the mornings/evenings)
- Hiking boots or walking shoes
- Daypack + water bottle
- Camera or smartphone tripod
- Snacks and picnic blanket
- Bug spray (yes, even in fall!)
- Reusable mug for cider or coffee
Final Thoughts
The fall season in New England is truly a sensory overloadin the best possible way. Whether you’re cruising along Vermont’s backroads, marveling at the peaks of New Hampshire, or enjoying the seaside contrast in Maine and Rhode Island, these 7 fall foliage tours offer the perfect blend of nature, history, and quintessential New England charm.
Don’t wait to plan—accommodations book out early for fall 2025! Secure your trip, pack your camera, and get ready to chase the colors of the season.
