5 Spectacular Destinations for Fall Foliage in New England
Crisp air, cozy ambiance. As autumn progresses, the landscape bursts into vibrant reds, oranges, and golds of the season sprawling across the region. Whether you’re hiking a rugged trail, wandering a tranquil path, or exploring the tree-lined streets of a quaint village, the beauty of fall foliage in New England is truly magical!
Ready to experience the breathtaking colors and unique charm of New England? Here are five gorgeous spots for leaf peeping.
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Acadia National Park, ME
When it comes to fall foliage in New England, our national parks just can’t be beat!
Acadia National Park is especially ideal for leaf peeping, with gradually cooling weather and dense forests bursting into color. Add in rocky coastal cliffs and granite peaks, and the view is simply breathtaking.
There are numerous walking, hiking, and biking paths within the park that’ll give you an up-close look at the beauty of fall. Check out Jordan Pond Path, Beehive Trail, or the 2-mile waterfront Ocean Path for the best views.
But for an unforgettable, only-in-Acadia experience, we recommend hiking up Cadillac Mountain. Catch the first sunrise in the U.S. and watch the sun bring the foliage to life. Amazing, you guys!
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Berkshires, MA
Small-town charm mixes with fall colors in the Berkshires, a scenic mountain range marked by rolling hills and gentle slopes.
The area is renowned for its scenic beauty. Think forests, rivers, and even waterfalls, all bursting into majestic fall colors.
There are popular trails throughout the mountains, but for the best views in New England, head to the top of Mount Greylock. On a clear day, you’ll see the brilliance of autumn stretching across Massachusetts, New York, Vermont—even all the way to New Hampshire!
Beyond its foliage, the Berkshires are known for the quaint towns dotting the landscape. Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington are all great fall getaways, offering a mix of historic architecture, farm-to-table dining, and local festivals.
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Newport, RI
Sailing in summer, leafing in the fall! One of our must-visit cities all year round, Newport is also one of the best destinations for enjoying the fall foliage in New England.
And it’s a gorgeously unique experience. Along Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, the brilliant autumn colors meet the Atlantic Ocean. Gilded Age mansions on one side; crashing coastline on the other.
Or stay in its historically rich downtown, and enjoy the colors of fall while you explore swanky boutiques, boujeeeee art galleries, and some of the best seafood restaurants in the region.
Pro Tip: If you time your visit just right, you can enjoy the city’s connoisseur culture at events such as the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.
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Stowe, VT
From its covered bridges to the rolling hills in the background, Stowe is the epitome of the quintessential New England destination.
This quaint village is known for its vibrant fall foliage display. Trees bursting with colors line Stowe’s charming streets, adding vibrancy as you make your way through art galleries, craft breweries, and delicious farm-to-table restaurants.
Want something more outdoorsy? Bring your hiking gear and explore the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5-mile paved path that winds its way through meadows, fields, and alongside the West Branch River.
Or for a truly unique—and stunning—leaf-peeping experience, take a gondola ride up the mountain. Gold, orange, and red for miles; totally worth it, you guys!
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White Mountains, NH
Turn your leafing trip into a full-on outdoor adventure with a trip to the White Mountains!
You have several options for “home base” in the area, but our fave is North Conway. This centrally-located town is nestled among the beautiful mountain scenery, and it’s perfect for viewing fall foliage.
Visit Schuler Park, right in the heart of downtown, for a picnic set amongst the changing leaves. Or go for one of the scenic walking/hiking/jogging options, such as Whittaker Woods or Puddin’ Trail Pond.
Need a break from walking? Enjoy the fall foliage in New England by hopping on the North Conway Scenic Railroad. The train departs from the center of town and offers an impressive ride through the White Mountains.
Whether you’re a “leafer” or just a fan of the changing seasons, the spectacular fall foliage in New England will warm your heart—even if the temps are starting to drop.
And to make sure you enjoy every single minute of your trip amongst the leaves, ship your stuff to your final destination with LugLess. No hassles with hauling bags, and no wasting precious daylight leafing hours waiting at baggage claim. So you can hop off the plane and lose yourself in red, gold, and orange beauty.