Best Time for Fall Colors in New England + Tips to Make The Most of It.
Wondering when the best time for fall colors in New England is?
Well, after planning and road-tripping through all six New England states during peak fall, I’ve gathered some insider tips that will help you time your visit just right.
The truth is, it’s practically impossible to predict when and where the peak colors will happen, but with my help, you can definitely increase your chances of finding it.
In this post, I’ll break down when and where you’re most likely to catch those iconic fall colors. You’ll learn how to maximize your chances of hitting peak foliage, plus get a few bonus tips and some of the best spots to experience the season’s full glory.
By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to plan an epic New England fall getaway.
Best Resources For Planning Your Trip
🏨 Best Accommodation site: Hotels.com
🚐 Best Tours Booking Site: Viator
🚗 Best Car Rental Site: Expedia
🛩️ Best Travel Insurance: SafteyWing
Quick Guide to New England Fall Foliage
This quick guide breaks down the ideal times to explore each region, increasing your chance of catching the colors at their peak. Whether you’re starting early or catching the colors late, you’ll know exactly when and where to go.
🍃 Mid-September:
If you’re schedule only allows you to visit mid-September, then I would head north for a taste of early autumn. Northern Vermont and New Hampshire will show the first signs of fall colors. The benefit of a trip at this time is that it is quieter and less crowded.
🍁 Late September to Early October:
As late September and early October rolls in, New England’s fall colors hits its stride. The trees and hills burst into bold reds, oranges, and golds. During this time, the White Mountains and of New Hampshire, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and coastal Maine showoff their most stunning colors.
This is what you would call Peak Season. Plan your visit in the first week of October for the best chance of hitting peak fall colors.
🍂 Mid to Late October:
If you visit in late October, I recommend you go leaf peeping in the lower states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island. This is getting late in the season, and the colors will have moved south.
No matter when you visit, New England won’t let you down. Just pick the time that works best for you and your schedule and go where the colors are.
The Absolute Best Time For Fall Colors in New England
If you are anything like me, you want a guarantee you’ll catch the peak fall colors. Wouldn’t that be the sprinkles on top of your pumpkin spice latte, am I right?
Well, I can’t give you a 100% guarantee, but I can promise that planning your trip for the first week of October will give you the best shot at seeing those in your face fall colors you crave!
Whether you’re cruising along the Kancamagus highway or wandering through Vermont’s charming towns, you’ll be right on time for the ultimate fall experience.
Chart to Gauge New England’s Fall Foliage
How to Plan Your Visit For The Best Fall Foliage
Planning your visit to catch the best fall foliage requires some smart planning.
I’ll walk you through everything from staying flexible to finding the perfect spot to stay, tracking the colors, and more. With these tips, you’ll be ready to make the most of your fall getaway.
Be Flexible
When it comes to chasing the best fall foliage in New England, flexibility is going to be your best friend. You might have an entire itinerary planned out, but when you arrive, you could find that your plans don’t match up with what’s happening with the peak colors.
The fall colors there are a constantly moving target—what’s vibrant and full of life one day might be past peak the next. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your plans open and be ready to adjust on the fly.
If you can stay flexible with your travel dates and routes, you’ll have a much better chance of catching those brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows at their peak.
Booking Accommodations
Finding the right place to stay is key, especially if you’re not planning to move with the colors on a full-blown road trip around New England.
If you’d rather a home base from which you can take day trips, aim to book a hotel that’s centrally located—somewhere not too far north or south, near a major highway. This will give you more freedom to quickly reach different areas as the colors change.
It’s also a good idea to book cancelable rooms if plans change and you need to book in a different part of New England to catch the peak color.
Most people will recommend you book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak fall season, but I don’t completely agree with them.
Booking last minute allows you to follow the foliage. You don’t want to finally get your chance at a bucket list trip and miss the vivid colors just because you made reservations where the leaves have already fallen off the trees. That would be very, very sad!
We did our entire road trip without making any reservations in advance. We booked the day of, depending on where the colors were, how far we wanted to drive, and how tired we were.
It can be done but the downside to booking on the fly is that you might pay more since the deals get snatched up quickly or have to drive a little out of your way.
But, if you’re up for an adventure, there are ways around this. Keep reading…
Camping is another option
Camping is the answer to staying flexible, not worrying about accommodation reservations, and saving A LOT of money!
We discovered that camping is the absolute best way to road trip New England in the fall. By accident, not by choice. You see, when my husband and I went to New England when Covid was still a thing. It made traditional accommodations tricky.
So, we decided to give the car camper route a try, and it turned out to be the best experience ever!
We rented a large SUV with seats that folded flat, bought an inexpensive blow-up mattress, and brought our sleeping bags and travel pillows with us. This setup was perfect and budget-friendly.
If sleeping in your car doesn’t sound appealing, consider renting an RV or camper from Outdoorsy for more comfort while camping.
You’ll Need a Car
You’ll definitely need a car to get around and explore New England’s fall foliage. There really isn’t any other way around it. Public transportation options are very limited, especially when you’re trying to reach those off-the-beaten-path spots where the best colors are.
A car gives you the freedom to chase the peak foliage as it moves across the region. Plus, driving through New England in the fall is half the fun with its winding roads, charming small towns, and sweeping views.
Track The Colors
To make the most of your leaf peepingadventure, it’s essential to keep an eye on the changing colors. We found a few great fall foliage sites for live updates, which helped us decide where to drive each day.
Factors that affect the Fall Colors
You’ve probably already heard New England’s fall foliage is somewhat unpredictable!
The vibrancy and timing of the fall foliage isn’t the exact same every year, and that’s because several factors play a role in when and how the colors will appear.
- Specific location and higher elevations within the region.
- How much water did the trees get during the year?
- But mostly, weather conditions like temperature swings, early frosts and the amount of sunshine in any given year.
So while you can plan for the general season, staying flexible and tracking conditions is the best way to catch great fall colors.
Scenic Places in New England With The Best Fall Colors
New England is home to some of the most breathtaking fall scenery in the country. If you want to see the best of the season then the following places need to be on your list.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine during the fall is a must. If you’re planning a Boston to Bar Harbor Maine road trip, this park will be the highlight of your trip to see the foliage. The rugged coastline, covered with vibrant reds and oranges, along with the panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain, makes it one of the best places to experience autumn in Maine.
Franconia Notch State Park & Flume Gorge
Tucked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Franconia Notch State Park & Flume Gorge was one of my favorite places to see the fall colors. With its mix of colorful trees, scenic overlooks, and covered bridges it was absolutely breathtaking.
Kancamagus Highway
Nicknamed “The Kanc,” this 34.5-mile stretch of road through New Hampshire’s White Mountains is one of the most iconic drives for fall foliage. The Kanc offers stunning views around every bend, with plenty of pull-offs to stop and take it all in. The highway cuts through some of the most vibrant forests in the region, making it a fall bucket list item.
The Berkshires
The Berkshires in western Massachusetts are a picturesque mix of rolling hills, charming towns, cozy cabins and vibrant fall colors. This region offer some of the best fall scenery in southern New England.
Vermont Route 100
Route 100 in Vermont is my favorite drive in New England that’ll take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state. This scenic byway runs north to south through the heart of Vermont, offering endless views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and vibrant foliage.
Woodstock Vermont
Woodstock, Vermont, is the quintessential New England town, and it’s especially enchanting in the fall. The town’s historic covered bridges, local farms, and surrounding hillsides come alive with vibrant colors. A stroll through Woodstock feels like stepping into a postcard, making it a top destination in the fall.
Stowe Vermont
Walking through Stowe feels like stepping onto the set of Gilmore Girls, and it’s hands down my favorite place to visit in New England during the fall. The town’s mountain views, charming streets, and historic buildings make it incredibly romantic.
Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
The Litchfield Hills in Connecticut offer a more relaxed fall foliage experience, with rolling countryside and charming small towns. It’s a bit of a hidden gem in southern New England that often gets overlooked.
Tips For Visiting New England’s Fall Foliage
In this section, I’ll share some essential tips to help you navigate the roads, trails, and campsites, so you can fully enjoy your autumn adventure. Whether you’re driving through small towns or hiking to the best viewpoints, these tips will make sure your prepared.
🍁 Take The Scenic Route
Allow extra time for driving between destinations and opt for the scenic routes, even if they’re slower than highways. These roads wind through charming small towns, covered bridges, and picturesque landscapes, giving you the full New England experience.
🍁 Be Prepared For Rain
Fall in New England can bring unexpected rain showers, so be sure to pack a good rain jacket or umbrella and waterproof shoes. But don’t let a little rain dampen your festive mood because it will make the fall colors pop even more!
🍁 No Cell Service, No Problem
You’ll likely hit some dead zones where cell service is spotty or nonexistent. To stay on track, download offline maps in Google Maps before you head out. This way, you’ll always have your route handy, even without a signal.
🍁 Plan for Shorter Days
As fall moves along, the days get shorter, so plan your activities to make the most of daylight hours. Start early to catch the morning light, and have a place to stay picked out before the sun goes down.
🍁 Navigating The Trails
Use AllTrails to find and navigate the best hiking trails. We love AllTrails because it’s reliable and works offline, which is a huge plus when you’re exploring areas with limited service.
🍁 Finding Free Campsites
Now, it’s important to know that some campgrounds begin to close in the fall, but we didn’t have much trouble because we opted for FREE or “Wild” camping when we could!
If you want to find areas where you can camp for free, check out the BLM website and explore their interactive map or the USFS website for rules and regulations.
Or websites like Campendium and The Dyrt. These resources make it easy to find a spot to set up camp and save money.
🍁 What if you miss the peak colors
If you miss the peak colors, don’t worry, you can still experience the magic of New England in the fall. The towns are still just as charming, the architecture still just as beautiful and the sweet treats are still just as yummy. Plus, the crowds thin out, giving you a more peaceful experience as you explore the quieter roads and trails.
Late fall also brings its own charm, with the first hints of winter in the air and the opportunity to enjoy cozy fires, crisp hikes, and the last of the harvest season. So, even if you’re a little late, there’s still plenty of fall magic to be found.
New England Fall Packing Must Haves
Packing for a fall trip to New England means being ready for anything. From cool, sunny days to sudden rain showers, you’ll need the right gear to stay comfortable. Here are my must-haves for the perfect autumn adventure.
Collapsible Travel Thermos
I keep myself and my drink warm with a collapsible thermos that’s easy to pack and perfect for those chilly mornings.
Rain Jacket
A good rain jacket is essential for staying dry during those unexpected fall showers. It’s lightweight, packable, and it’ll keep comfortable no matter the weather.
Rechargeable Hand Warmers
I love my rechargeable hand warmers to keep my hands toasty on those frosty mornings. They’re a lifesaver when the temperature drops.
Stylish Yet Functional Waterproof Boots
I’m obsessed with my Chaco Chelsea Waterproof Boots. They’re super cute, comfortable, and sturdy enough for all-day hikes, so I only need to pack one pair of boots for all my fall adventures.
Travel Umbrella
I’ve finally found an umbrella that can handle some serious wind and it’s small and packable. You’ll definitely want one for your New England fall trip!
Daypack
My Patagonia tote/backpack goes EVERYWHERE with me! It’s perfect for carrying all my stuff while i’m traveling or exploring.
Charger Pack
You’ll definitely want to pack an extra charger pack to keep your phone charged on the go. You’ll be using it a lot for navigating the roads, hiking trails and snapping your photos!
FAQ’s: Visiting New England’s Best Fall Colors
Planning a fall trip to New England comes with a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones, answered to help you make the most of your leaf-peeping adventure.
What is the best time to see fall colors in New England?
The best time to see fall colors in New England is generally from late September to mid-October. However, the peak can vary depending on the year and location, so it’s best to keep an eye on local foliage reports.
Which New England state has the best fall foliage?
Every state in New England offers stunning fall foliage, but Vermont is the best. Its rolling hills and quaint towns provide some of the most iconic fall scenery.
Is mid-October too late for fall foliage in Vermont?
Mid-October is usually still a good time for fall foliage in Vermont, especially in the southern parts of the state. While higher elevations will probably be past peak, you can still find vibrant colors at lower elevations and in southern regions.
Should I go to Vermont or New Hampshire?
Both Vermont and New Hampshire are fantastic for fall foliage, but they offer different experiences. Vermont is known for its charming small towns and rolling hills, while New Hampshire has dramatic mountain scenery. Choose based on the type of landscape you prefer.
Is Maine or Vermont better for fall foliage?
Maine and Vermont both offer incredible fall foliage, but they each have their own charm. Vermont is famous for its picturesque rural landscapes, while Maine offers a unique combination of coastal views and colorful forests.
When should I go to Maine for fall colors?
The best time to visit Maine for fall colors is usually from late September to early October. The northern regions and higher elevations hit peak first, so plan accordingly if you want to catch the colors at their best.
That’s a Wrap on The Best Time For Fall Colors in New England
I hope this guide helps you find the best time for fall colors in New England and makes your trip unforgettable. Whether you’re driving through Vermont’s back roads or hiking in the White Mountains, the vibrant fall scenery is something you don’t want to miss.
Remember to stay flexible, keep an eye on the foliage reports, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of your autumn adventure.
Catch ya later!