The best New England fall road trip itinerary
If you’re dreaming of a New England fall road trip you’re in the right place to turn those dreams into reality.
Fall in the US is something special. Those US Fall colors really pop with their reds, yellows, and oranges. It’s one of the best places for a USA road trip and doing this is on many peoples’ USA bucket lists.
The States that make up New England are some of the best US destinations for fall colors and this New England fall road trip itinerary will help you plan a fall road trip to see some of the best places to get photos of that special season where the leaves change color.
Below, I’ve picked out some of the best towns and places in New England to see fall colors and have suggested some things to do in New England as you take this US fall road trip. I’ve also included a 7 day fall road trip itinerary at the end of the post so you can get some ideas on how to spend your time.

New England fall road trip itinerary
If you’re keen on visiting several destinations during fall in New England, then the best way to do so is to take a New England fall trip.
I recommend either hiring a camper van or renting a car and staying in hotels as you travel around New England. If you’re starting from New York, you can book a campervan which has everything you’ll need.
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Best places for fall colors in the US
New England fall road trip map
Below is a map of all the places and activities that I’ve mentioned below. You can click the image below (or here) to open up an interactive map on Google Maps. Then you can use this on your phone or laptop as you travel around as you’re touring New England in the fall. Consider this your New England road trip fall guide!
Make sure you add these towns and areas to your East Coast fall road trip!

Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, Vermont is one of the best places to experience fall in New England. The state of Vermont is famous for its incredible fall foliage, with vibrant red maple leaves set against mountainous backdrops. Unlike other places, there’s no billboard advertising to distract from the natural beauty.
The town of Woodstock itself is sometimes considered one of the most beautiful towns in America. It’s like something from a storybook, full of historic covered bridges, an old general store, and beautiful old homes making it perfect for a road trip in New England.
The surrounding farmlands turn into magical scenes in autumn, with golden leaves sparkling in the sunlight and reddish-brown leaves carpeting the ground. Sleepy Hollow Farm and Jenne Road Farm are two such places that offer perfect autumn views.
Woodstock has many beautiful historic covered bridges. Middle covered bridge is in town, while Taftsville, Quechee, and Cornish-Windsor are a short drive away. There’s even a stunning privately owned bridge near South Woodstock on the way to Jenne Farm.
Though Woodstock may be a little more expensive than other Vermont locations, the scenic drives and vibrant fall colors make it worth the cost. Even a few hours driving on the country roads near Woodstock would offer enough autumn colors for a week’s worth of photos and it should definitely be on your Vermont fall road trip itinerary.
Best Places to See in Woodstock, VT in the Fall:
- Sleepy Hollow Farm/Elm Grove Farm
- Sugarbush Farm
- Cloudland Road (for a scenic drive)
- Quechee Gorge overlook
Best Things to Do in Woodstock, VT in the Fall:
- Hike in Marsh Billings Rockefeller Park to an amazing viewpoint overlooking Woodstock
- Wander around the town
- Photograph the beautiful Jenne Road Farm and Sleepy Hollow Farm
- Visit Billings Farm and Museum to see Jersey dairy cows
- Explore the historic covered bridges
- Explore nearby Quechee Gorge and its village

Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont is another fantastic place for a fall road trip in New England. It’s known primarily as a skiing destination, but in the fall, it becomes one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast.
Between stunning mountain views, great hiking, excellent dining, and scenic drives, it’s an essential stop on your itinerary.
Surrounded by towering mountains and spectacular mountain roads, Stowe is a fall foliage classic in New England. The town’s white church is one of the most photographed in the U.S., especially in the autumn.
Though the town itself is pretty, you’ll want to spend most of your time at the Stowe Mountain Resort. Here, you’ll find hiking trails, Mount Mansfield, waterfalls, and Smuggler’s Notch all of which are worthy of being on your New England fall trip itinerary.
The fall colors change first in the higher elevations, so head to the resort if you’re early in the season. If you’re late, you’ll find the most vibrant colors around Stowe town.
Things To Do In Stowe, VT
- Photograph the iconic white church in Stowe.
- Drive through the beautiful Smuggler’s Notch pass.
- Bike along the Stowe Rec Path
- Ride the SkyRide Gondola to Mount Mansfield
- Go hiking near Stowe + visit both Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls
Where To See Fall Foliage In Stowe, VT
- The white church in Stowe, framed by a hill of fall colors
- Stowe Mountain Resort
- The top of Mount Mansfield
- Smuggler’s Notch

Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont, is a short distance from Stowe and another great stop on your fall road trip.
This lakeside town overlooks Lake Champlain and the New York mountains and so you get stunning autumn photo opportunities. The town has an artsy feel, with numerous coffee shops, galleries, and breweries making it super fun to explore.
Despite being a smaller town, Burlington has loads of photo spots where you can enjoy the beautiful fall colors. There are plenty of places to enjoy the views from including lakeside paths and park towers with amazing views.
Hotels can be limited and costly in the fall, so consider looking for accommodations in nearby towns if you’re budget-conscious.
Things To Do In Burlington, VT
- Enjoy the ambiance, food, and drink along Church Street
- Visit Lake Champlain Chocolates’ flagship store for a sweet treat
- Walk through Waterfront Park alongside Lake Champlain
- Cycle the Burlington bike path to Grand Isle
- Enjoy the view from the top of Ethan Allen Tower
Where To See Fall Foliage In Burlington, VT
- The grounds of the Ethan Allen homestead and museum
- Anywhere along the Lake Champlain waterfront with trees
- Ethan Allen Park, especially from the top of the tower

Manchester Vermont
Right in the Green Mountain National Forest, Manchester is a cool town with both a historic district and a modern resort area. History lovers will enjoy the quieter, more scenic, and colorful historic district, while those seeking a livelier vibe might prefer the modern resort town, which is closer to amenities
The town is renowned for its ski slopes during winter and hiking trails come spring and summer. However, it’s in the fall that Manchester truly becomes a popular place for visitors on a New England road trip as the leaves turn into bright reds and oranges.
No matter where you choose to spend your time, Manchester is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful fall foliage of the surrounding elevated areas.
Things To Do In Manchester, VT
- Take the Skyline Auto Toll Road to the summit of Mount Equinox
- Explore Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
- Wander around the scenic Manchester Village Historic District
- See the Bennington Battle Monument and the Robert Frost Stone House Museum
- Purchase a book from the popular Northshire bookstore
Where To See Fall Foliage In Manchester, VT
- The entire Manchester area since it’s right in the Green Mountains
- Mount Equinox, which has great views over three states
- Manchester Village Historic District, where the church is surrounded by golden yellow leaves

White Mountains, New Hampshire
An essential stop on any fall foliage tour of New England is the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Here, the scenic towns of Sugar Hill, Jackson, North Conway, and Lincoln offer loads of hiking trails and leaf-peeping opportunities.
The Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains is an unmissable sight, providing 35 miles of pure foliage bliss, dotted with overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes, and covered bridges. For peak foliage, time your visit right and hit the Kancamagus Highway in all its glory.
Best fall foliage in the White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Kancamagus Highway: This 34-mile scenic drive through the White Mountains National Forest is a must! There are a number of pullouts where you can stop to take photos.
- Bear Notch Road: Another scenic route alongside the mountains
- Swift River & Falls Pond: Stop at the Rocky Gorge Parking Lot and take a walk to Swift River for beautiful fall colors
- Crawford Notch State Park: Explore some quieter, back roads full of beautiful fall colors
- Hike the Mount Willard Trail: This steep but short (3.2-mile hike) takes you to a clifftop overlooking Crawford Notch, the views are unbeatable!
- Hike Artist’s Bluff: A short 1.4 mil walk to a hilltop view overlooking Echo Lake.
- Flume Gorge: A 2-mile loop with several waterfalls and covered bridges. The entrance costs $16.
How long is the Kancamagus highway?: The Kancamagus highway is 24 miles long.

Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
The State of New Hampshire has another fall road trip must-visit which is Franconia Notch State Park.
This park is popular with outdoor adventurers and is a bucket list destination for people visiting New England in the fall.
You’ll find mountain hiking trails, ski slopes (come winter) and so much to see and do.
The park is generally best known for its unique geological features and it’s where you’ll find the famous Flume Gorge and Artists Bluff trail.
Franconia Notch is a mosaic of colors in the fall, with the dense forests and mountain slopes carpeted in hues of red, orange, and gold.
Each corner of the park presents a unique display of fall foliage, making it a photographer’s dream and a favorite amongst leaf-peepers.
Things To Do In Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
- Hike the trail to the summit of Artists Bluff
- Explore Flume Gorge, a trail of waterfalls and narrow gorges
- Visit Cannon Mountain or take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Mount Washington
Standing tall at 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.
This massive peak is not just known for its impressive height, but also for its extreme weather conditions, having once recorded a world-record wind speed of over 230 mph!
However, in the fall, Mount Washington is a popular place to visit in the eastern states for another reason: the tapestry of tree colors that include reds, oranges, and yellows.
This is where nature truly puts on a show.
You can enjoy the scenery by hiking to the summit, taking a ride on the historic cog railway or enjoying the scenic drives in the area.
Things To Do Around Mount Washington, New Hampshire
- Hike the challenging trail to the summit of Mount Washington
- Drive the Mt Washington Auto Road to the summit
- Explore the nearby Crawford Notch State Park
- Take the scenic and historic Cog Railway to the top
- Head to the Conway Scenic Railroad

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
One of the best places to visit in New Hampshire in the fall is Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region.
As the largest lake in the state, it is 72 square miles big and is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and dense forests.
In autumn, these surroundings burst into color, creating a stunning contrast against the serene blue of the lake.
You can drive the scenic 81-mile loop around the lake, taking in the spectacular views of the fall foliage reflecting on the water, or enjoy a cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington.
Things To Do Around Around Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
- Ride the Winnipesaukee scenic railroad
- Take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington
- Hike the popular trail to Mount Major summit for fantastic lake views

Lake Placid New York
Lake Placid is in America’s Adirondack Mountains and is a beautiful place for seeing the fall foliage.
Here you’ll get small-town charm combined with a stunning backdrop of autumnal hues which is what makes this place so popular for American fall road trip itineraries.
During peak foliage season which is often between late September and mid-October, the town becomes a busier place and there’s lots going on.
To find the best spots for fall colors you don’t even have to go far. An easy walk around Mirror Lake in the center of town will reveal plenty of beautiful photo opportunities. However, if you do want something more challenging, head off on the Mount Marcy hike which is New York’s highest peak! From up there you’ll be able to look down on colorful tree canopies.
Where To See Fall Foliage In Lake Placid, NY
- Mirror Lake: Its proximity to town and easy access make it an ideal location to witness fall colors
- John Brown Barn: A lesser-known location that offers unique photo opportunities with autumn colors
- The top of the ski jump: Provides panoramic views over the Adirondack Mountains adorned in fall hues
- Mount Marcy: As the region’s highest point, the peak provides exceptional views over miles of color-dappled hills
- Whiteface Mountain and Little Whiteface: Additional spots offering stunning views of the fall foliage
Best things to do in Lake Placid
- Visit the Olympic ski jumping complex: A significant historical site worth exploring
- Capture the John Brown barn: Its historic architecture set against the fall colors makes for stunning photographs
- Summit Whiteface Mountain: A drive to the peak will offer breathtaking views of the foliage below
- Experience the Cloud Splitter cable car: The car ride to Little Whiteface offers another unique view of the fall colors
- Visit High Falls Gorge: A picturesque location to explore during the fall

The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Over in western Massachusetts, you’ll come across the Berkshires region which is much loved for its rustic cabins and dazzling fall foliage.
This area is predominantly a colorful tapestry of rolling hills and is an explorer’s paradise throughout the fall season.
Just 2 hours away from Boston, it’s one of the preferred getaways for those looking for a relaxing break away from the city. From brisk hikes up Mt. Greylock to tranquil bike rides along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Lanesborough, the Berkshires offers a plethora of ways to engage with nature and revel in the splendor of autumn.
Best places for fall foliage in The Berkshires
- Mount Greylock area: The top or even the base of Mount Greylock is awash with colors during fall.
- Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Lanesborough: This 11-mile trail offers beautiful views of fall colors and is a treat for biking enthusiasts.

Salem, Massachusetts
Fall doesn’t just mean autumn leaves and colors, it also means Halloween. Salem, MA is synonymous with Halloween celebrations, it doesn’t even matter if you don’t visit right at the end of October, you’ll still find yourself getting into the spooky side of things.
Site of the 1692 witch trials, Salem still has a witchy, eclectic vibe to it and thousands visit the town during the annual Halloween celebrations.
Plus, the town still has some great fall foliage to wander around. The peak is likely to be mid to late October given the town’s position on the coast.
Best things to do in Salem
- Participate in Halloween celebrations: Immerse in the city’s rich history of witch trials and enjoy the various events happening around the city.
- Visit historical sites: Explore the historical locations related to the witch trials, and learn more about the city’s past.
- Enjoy the fall colors: Wander around the city and coastal areas to admire the brilliant fall foliage.

Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is on Maine’s rugged and beautiful coastline. A beautiful place to explore all year round, it’s even better during the fall.
Acadia National Park is New England’s only National Park, famous for its hiking trails, scenic drives, and a stunning display of autumnal colors that decorates the landscape.
The park is pretty big at over 47,000 acres and attracts millions of visitors each year who are drawn to its variety of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
Despite its northern location and the extra travel time you’ll need to get there, the views of fall foliage from the park’s various vantage points, such as Cadillac Mountain or Schoodic Point, make the journey worthwhile.
Things To Do In Acadia National Park, Maine
- Visit Bar Harbor: The quaint town is a charming place to visit with plenty of local shops and eateries
- Hiking in Acadia National Park: The park offers a range of trails suitable for all ages and abilities
- Explore Jordan Pond and swim in Echo Lake: These natural features provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities
- Drive to Cadillac Mountain summit: The highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes
- Visit the Bass Harbor Head Light Station: Lighthouses have a unique charm, and the ones in Acadia are no exception

Kent & the Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Kent is a small town in the northwestern part of Connecticut, in an area known as Litchfield County.
It’s a really lovely place to visit in the fall because the whole area turns into a beautiful mix of red, orange, and gold colors.
What’s even better is that fall in Connecticut lasts longer than in other New England states, so no matter when you plan your trip, you’ll get to enjoy the stunning fall colors.
Kent and the surrounding Litchfield Hills have a lot to offer. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery reflected in the calm waters of the rivers and lakes, or explore the cute antique shops in the area.
Things to do in Kent & Litchfield Hills
- Drive the Litchfield Hills Ramble: A drive through this route offers a kaleidoscope of vibrant fall colors
- Explore Kent Falls State Park: covered bridges, waterfalls and beautiful colors
- Antique shopping: Litchfield County is famous for its antique stores, making it a great destination for those who love browsing for unique finds
- Explore scenic Connecticut fall drives: There are many picturesque drives in the area, all of which are surrounded by stunning fall foliage
- Go kayaking: Taking a kayak out on one of the local rivers or lakes allows you to enjoy the fall colors from a different perspective

Top Tips For Planning Your New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
Here are some key pointers to help you get the most out of your fall road trips in New England
- New England’s Fall Popularity: Know that New England is extremely popular during the fall season. Lots of people come to see the beautiful colors, so prepare for some crowds.
- Leaf Monitors: Keep an eye on the leaf monitors for New England. They’ll tell you when the leaves are changing color and where the best views are.
- Book Accommodations Early: Make sure to book your accommodations early. It can save you a lot of money and help avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Plan Your Nights: Think about where you want to spend each night. This should be based on the hikes you plan to do and the locations you want to photograph.
- Travel Direction: It’s a good idea to start your trip in the north and then move south through New England. This way, you’ll be following the progress of fall.
- Be Ready for Rain: Fall in New England often comes with rain and cloudy weather. Just accept it as part of the experience!
- Carry Supplies: Keep plenty of water and snacks in your car. You don’t want to be caught hungry or thirsty during your adventures.
- Dress in Layers: New England weather can be unpredictable during the fall, with warm afternoons and chilly evenings. Dressing in layers will help you stay comfortable no matter what the weather brings.
- Check Local Events: Look for local fall festivals, farmers’ markets, and other events happening in the areas you’re visiting. They can add a unique and authentic touch to your trip.
- Road Safety: Be mindful of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are more active and may cross roads. Also, be cautious around wet leaves on the road which can be slippery.
- Visit a Cider Mill or Pumpkin Patch: Experience the flavors of fall by visiting a local cider mill or pumpkin patch. It’s a fun activity and a great way to support local businesses.
- Leave No Trace: Respect nature by following the Leave No Trace principles. Dispose of your waste properly, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife and other visitors.
- Bring a Map: While having a GPS is great, it’s always good to have a physical map as a backup in case you lose the signal or your device runs out of battery.
- Try Local Foods: New England is famous for its fall foods like apple cider donuts, pumpkin pie, and clam chowder. Be sure to taste these local delicacies.
- Car Maintenance: Make sure your car is road trip-ready with a full tank of gas, up-to-date maintenance, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
- Start Early: The best light for autumnal photography often occurs early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so plan your day accordingly. Also, popular spots can fill up quickly, so starting early can help you avoid crowds.
- Look for High Points: Try to find high viewpoints whenever you can. They often offer the best views of the fall colors.
- Country Roads: Don’t forget about the country roads. They can offer unique photo opportunities of the fall foliage.
- Spare Camera Batteries: If you’re planning on taking a lot of photos, bring extra batteries for your camera. You don’t want to miss a great shot because your camera ran out of power!
- Drone Photography: In many parts of New England, you can use a drone for aerial photography. This can offer a unique perspective on the fall colors.
- Don’t Stress About Timing: Even if you miss the ‘peak’ color time, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of beauty to see and enjoy!

When is the best time for fall foliage in New England?
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say exactly when the fall colors in New England will be popping. Usually, the fall foliage in New England peaks at slightly different times with the northern states seeing their leaves change color at the beginning of October, and the southern New England states peaking a couple of weeks later.
Because it’s so hard to give exact dates (it depends on the weather that year, and how much wind and rain there has been), it’s best to keep a fairly loose plan for your fall foliage road trip to New England. Having said that, hotels in the area do book up pretty early in advance since it’s a popular time of year to be visiting the area.
If you’re super set on staying in a particular hotel then book in advance, if it’s more important to travel and see the colors as they change, then book a campervan or take camping gear so you can be more flexible.
This New England fall foliage map is the best way to know whether the colors have changed.

Itinerary for a New England Road trip 7 days
If you have one week to spend on a fall road trip in New England, here’s a New England fall road trip itinerary for 7 days. If you have just 5 days, feel free to shorten it by just cutting out a few days.
Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts
- Morning: Arrive in Boston and pick up your rental car. Start your trip with a walk along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long path that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States.
- Afternoon: Explore the Boston Common and Public Garden. Don’t miss the Swan Boats and the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Boston’s North End, known for its Italian restaurants.
Day 2: Boston to Salem, Massachusetts (45 min drive)
- Morning: Depart for Salem. Once you arrive, visit the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the infamous witch trials in 1692.
- Afternoon: Take a walk around Salem to appreciate the historic architecture and fall foliage. Also, visit the House of Seven Gables.
- Evening: Drive back to Boston.
Day 3: Boston to The Berkshires, Massachusetts (2.5-hour drive)
- Morning: Head west to The Berkshires. Your first stop should be Mount Greylock for hiking and scenic views.
- Afternoon: After lunch, drive to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Lanesborough for biking amidst beautiful fall foliage.
- Evening: Spend the night in a cabin in The Berkshires.
Day 4: Berkshires, Massachusetts to Lake Placid, New York (3.5-hour drive)
- Morning: Head to Lake Placid. Once you arrive, explore the town and take a walk around Mirror Lake.
- Afternoon: Visit the Olympic ski jumping complex and take the Cloud Splitter cable car to Little Whiteface.
- Evening: Overnight in Lake Placid.
Day 5: Lake Placid, New York to Acadia National Park, Maine (8-hour drive)
- Morning: Start early and drive to Acadia National Park. It’s a long drive, but the scenic views along the way make it worthwhile.
- Afternoon/Evening: Arrive at Acadia National Park and settle into your accommodation. Relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Day 6: Acadia National Park, Maine
- Morning: Start the day with a sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. Then, explore some of the park’s trails, like the Jordan Pond Path.
- Afternoon: Visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. If you’re up for it, hike the Precipice Trail or the Beehive Trail.
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner in Bar Harbor.
Day 7: Acadia National Park to Portland, Maine (3-hour drive)
- Morning: Spend your morning in Acadia National Park, exploring any trails you didn’t get to the day before. Drive to Portland in the late morning.
- Afternoon: In Portland, visit the Portland Head Light and walk around the Old Port, known for its cobblestone streets, old brick buildings, and stunning waterfront views.
- Evening: Wrap up your trip with a lobster dinner in Portland before preparing for your departure the next day.
This 7 day New England road trip itinerary covers some of the best spots for experiencing fall in New England. It’s quite packed, so feel free to adjust based on your interests and pace. Safe travels!

What to pack for a fall road trip in New England
Below is a guide for what to pack for New England fall foliage road trips. You should tailor this list based on your specific needs, travel style, and the weather forecast for your trip. Always double-check that you’ve packed all essentials before leaving.
I have a more detailed road trip packing list too.
- Driver’s License/ID: Necessary for car rental and potential ID checks.
- Credit/debit cards and cash: For expenses along the way.
- Health insurance card: In case of any health emergencies.
- Car rental confirmation: If you’re renting a car for your road trip.
- Hotel or accommodation confirmations: Especially important during the busy fall season when places are often fully booked.
- Road maps and guidebooks: While you’ll likely use a GPS, it’s always a good idea to have a backup.
- Cooler: For drinks, snacks, and perishables.
- Water bottles: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially on long drives.
- Snacks: Pack snacks that won’t spoil without refrigeration.
- Car phone charger: To keep your phone charged for navigation, music, and emergencies.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Protect your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays.
- First Aid Kit: For any minor injuries or emergencies.
- Tissues and wet wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and possibly some hiking. Make sure your shoes are broken in and comfortable for long days.
- Waterproof boots: They can come in handy, especially if you’re hiking or if the weather gets rainy.
- Layers of clothing: New England’s fall weather can be unpredictable. Pack lightweight layers that can be added or removed as needed.
- Rain jacket or umbrella: As mentioned above, it’s not uncommon for fall weather to include some rain.
- A warm jacket: Evenings can be chilly in the fall, especially in the mountains or by the coast.
- Hats and gloves: They can come in handy in the early mornings and evenings when it can be quite cold.
- Comfortable pants/jeans: Ideal for long car rides and exploring.
- Shorts: For the occasional warm day.
- Socks and Underwear: Enough for the entire trip plus a couple of extras.
- Swimsuit: You never know when you might want to take a dip, even if it’s a bit chilly outside.
- Camera: For capturing those beautiful fall colors. Don’t forget the charger and extra batteries.
- Drone: If you’re into aerial photography, many parts of New England allow drone usage. Be sure to check and abide by local regulations.
- Books or your e-reader: For relaxation during downtime or evenings.
- Hiking gear if you plan on hiking: Check out my day hiking packing checklist.

FAQs about New England in the Fall
When is the best time for fall foliage in Connecticut?
When is the best time to visit New England?
What to do in New England in the fall?
When is the best time to see fall foliage in New Hampshire?
Lake Placid of the 1980 Winter Olympics ‘Miracle on Ice’ fame is located at the heart of New York’s revered Adirondack Mountains. It is the perfect base for adventure activities throughout all four seasons, from hiking in Summer to skiing in Winter.
When is the best time to see fall colors in Maine?
When is the best time for fall foliage in Vermont?
When is the best time to see fall foliage in Massachusetts?
Which are the best East Coast states for fall foliage?
It has the most maple trees of any other state and it’s the maple trees that tend to have the brightest color (the leaves turn red in fall).
Final thoughts on this New England road trip itinerary in the fall
This New England foliage road trip itinerary is our ultimate guide for a New England road trip in the fall.
We’ve shared some top places to visit, what to pack, and even a seven-day itinerary to help you plan your New England fall foliage road trip.
Whether you’re hiking in the woods or exploring a charming town, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with New England just like we did on your New England autumn road trip.
If you’re looking for more things to do in these states to add to your New England fall itinerary, check out this guide to 48 hours in New York City, the best things to do in Ithaca New York, or all my American travel guides. This will give you plenty more ideas to add to your fall foliage road trip New England itinerary.
Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Hannah

Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
