There’s completely nothing higher than spending per week in New England chasing the Fall leaves, selecting apples and tasting maple candies or scorching cider donuts. Right here’s my final information to the very best one week fall foliage itinerary in New England. There’s merely no higher place for Fall!
New England fall foliage is the very best I’ve ever seen and this one week leaf peeping itinerary will make sure you profit from your journey! This contains the very best scenic routes and hidden gems in addition to the highest spots for leaf peeping in Vermont, New Hampshire, and past!
As soon as I skilled Fall in New England I knew I would come again each single yr, I merely cannot get sufficient. Nevertheless it’s not simply the kaleidoscope of colours of the leaves. There are lovely farm stands, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, Fall festivals, lovely storied cities, and winding roads that lead you from place to put.
Earlier than coming to New England to see the colours for myself, I believed the Instagram photos needed to be enhanced. Nevertheless it’s all actual. Having traveled to 54 nations and spent practically 80% of my time on the highway for the previous 6 years, that is considered one of my favourite locations on earth.
This one week information to Fall in New England will assist you plan the proper journey. This may share my high ideas for seeing leaves- crucial! And in truth, not all the time straightforward to see the leaves. I am going to be sure you have all the data you could get the very best probability for leaf peeping.
After all this 7 day information could be prolonged, or I’ve a detailed 2 week information proper right here! On this 7-day itinerary I am going to cowl my favourite cities, locations to see the very best coloration for leaves, photograph inspiration, my favourite farms and extra.
Learn extra: 2026 Fall Foliage Prediction Map!
To start, you may journey to the historic New England metropolis of Boston earlier than heading north to the White Mountains in New Hampshire after which the hills of Vermont. After spending plenty of time in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Islands, I counsel you spend the majority of your time for leaves in New Hampshire and Connecticut. Nonetheless, if in case you have further time or wish to see another states, it’s totally straightforward to drive round to those different states.
Get my free printable New England Highway Journey and Map under!
At a Look: One Week Fall Foliage Itinerary In New England
- Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts > White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Day 2: Kancamagus Freeway & Mount Washington, New Hampshire
- Day 3: Franconia Notch, New Hampshire > Montpelier, Vermont
- Day 4: Smuggler’s Notch & Von Trapp Home, Vermont
- Day 5: Stowe & Woodstock, Vermont
- Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
- Day 7: The Berkshires > Boston, Massachusetts
When you’ve got further time, I like to recommend including on Acadia Nationwide Park and Bar Harbor in Maine in addition to Salem Massachusetts. Or, go for including on Connecticut or Rhode Island. On the finish of this put up I am going to give just a few different concepts for what to do in every!
Greatest Time to See the Leaves in New England Fall
Let me be extremely clear: This adjustments yearly. That is the toughest half about planning a New England leaf-peeping journey.
I like to recommend consulting just a few totally different leaf peeping guides:
New England Fall Foliage Information for 2026 – repeatedly up to date.
New England Peak Foliage Map – Most likely my most consulted information and even has a useful calendar that predicts
New Hampshire Foliage Tracker – Every state in New England maintains a information and I all the time suggest consulting that first!
Vermont Foliage Report – just like the New Hampshire one!
Jeff Foliage – This can be a weblog that updates recurrently with when you may count on coloration.
The colour of the leaves adjustments with so many parts, together with rain, wind, and temperature. And this is not simply restricted to the present month; climate circumstances all year long may additionally alter the colour.
PRO TIP: Should you’re not seeing coloration, head north. We have been in Connecticut and it simply hadn’t hit there but so we headed to Northern Vermont and it was completely gorgeous. Should you’re after leaf peeping you *MIGHT* have to vary up your journey.
Should you’re questioning about the very best instances to see the leaves, take a look at my detailed information to fall in New England right here.
You may additionally like: What to Pack for New England within the Fall
One Week New England Fall Foliage Itinerary
Right here’s the place to go for fall foliage with one week in New England and have the last word leaf peeping journey!
Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts > White Mountains, New Hampshire
I like to recommend flying in to Boston. It is the very best airport for many flights and one of many cheaper choices that Hartford, Connecticut or Burlington, Vermont. I HIGHLY suggest renting a automobile. Particularly if you are going to be chasing the leaves, and as I discussed issues can change quickly! Final yr, we chased the autumn colours and altered up our entire journey and it was properly value it!
If you have not been to Boston, I like to recommend spending a day right here to go to. That is the USA’s oldest metropolis so there’s some beautiful structure and historical past in addition to nice meals.
After all, there are some pretty spots for Fall leaves in Boston. The colours could be seen all through the town, together with at Boston Widespread, the Public Backyard, the Charles River Esplanade, Again Bay, and Beacon Hill.
Nonetheless, I would been to Boston earlier than, or for those who’re wanting the complete scale of the Fall colours, I like to recommend skipping Boston and going straight to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
The drive from Boston as much as the White Mountains is about 2 and a half hours. It is a pretty drive filled with beautiful timber and brilliant purple barns.
As you drive there are just a few locations to cease alongside the way in which. I like to recommend Portsmouth on the coast – an important place to get a lobster roll and a cup of chowder. One other cease is the lovely city of Sandwich, New Hampshire which has a surprising good white church that makes an important backdrop for pictures.
Subsequent head to Conway, New Hampshire. That is an lovely city that is nice to remain the night time in. I additionally suggest taking the Conway Scenic Railway! You may get a traditional railway journey that transports you in a classic prepare by means of wooded areas and tiny cities. E book your tickets forward of time; it might promote out! There are three totally different rail journeys accessible. We picked the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour.
Day 2: Kancamagus Freeway & Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Day 2 of our one week journey is considered one of my favorites! The Kancamagus is likely one of the finest drives ever. The colours listed below are simply unbelievable however there’s a lot magnificence alongside the scenic freeway.
Begin your drive in Conway and journey West. The Kancamagus Freeway (Route 112) is a 34-mile scenic drive with wonderful views. There are many nice locations to drag over so you may take pictures or go on a brief hike. Be ready for this drive to take
There are just a few must-see spots alongside the way in which: Decrease Falls, Swift River, Rocky Gorge Scenic Space, Albany Coated Bridge, and Sabbaday Falls.
Subsequent up is the Mount Washington Lodge. This big resort, now owned by the Omni, was created in lower than 18 months by Italian labor in 1902. That is probably the most large virtually totally wooden construction in New Hampshire. For many years, this has been a favourite getaway of presidents and celebrities. It isn’t low-cost, however it could be a wonderful place to keep the night time!
This can be a little bit of a drive, however if in case you have time head north to Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. The Balsams are an deserted resort that replicate on the lake with insane tree coloration. There’s additionally the close by hike, Tablerock High with completely epic views!
Day 3: Franconia Notch, New Hampshire > Montpelier, Vermont
Kick off day three exploring Franconia Notch in New Hampshire. This State Park is gorgeous! There are just a few totally different hikes you are able to do. I like to recommend the Falling Waters Path which has a number of waterfalls and cascades alongside the way in which.
Flume Gorge is one other quick hike with majestic views of the mountains and valley under. You may additionally see picturesque lined bridges. One of the best half is that the Flume Gorge is correct subsequent to the Franconia Notch Customer Heart, so it is a straightforward place to cease.
After exploring Franconia Notch, it is lastly time to enterprise into Vermont. The drive from Franconia Notch to Montpelier solely takes about 1.5 hours. I like to recommend stopping at my favourite maple home alongside the way in which, Bragg Farm Sugar Home! Seize some presents, strive some maple syrup and remember to get a maple creemee!
Montpelier is Vermont’s capital metropolis and it is an important place to discover. I like to recommend stopping on the State Home, which is stunningly lovely, particularly within the Fall. Then stroll round downtown and pop into a few of the cute retailers.
Day 4: Smuggler’s Notch & Von Trapp Home, Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch is an unimaginable place for views and hikes! Remember: this can be a very curvy highway and at instances very tight, so it’s not appropriate for large RVs. We as soon as rented a small RV in New England and it was okay however not one thing I might do once more!
The title of the Smuggler’s Notch is completely chosen, because the highway ascends by means of a slender hole between the 2 mountains, giving spectacular vistas. Among the finest areas to go in your New England Fall highway journey. The tight route twists and turns amid rocky terrain, offering views of waterfalls and brightly coloured timber.
After Smuggler’s Notch make your technique to the VonTrapp Household Lodge. After the “Sound of Music” household fled Austria, they got here to America and determined this spot in Vermont reminded them most of dwelling. As somebody who has spent a great period of time in Austria, I’ve to agree!
The lodge is beautiful and set in opposition to a lovely mountainside. It’s the proper place to remain for an evening or two in your New England highway journey!
Day 5: Stowe, Vermont
Though I solely listed one cease, there may be heaps to see within the space! Kick off the day with some scorching and recent cider donuts. One of the best place to get them is Chilly Hole Cider Mill in Waterbury. This pretty purple retailer presents presents, cider, and scorching off the fryer donuts. There’s a pleasant patio and you may order meals and drinks right here, too.
Close by is the Ben & Jerry’s Manufacturing facility and Ice Cream store the place you may take a tour! The 45-minute tour is actually enjoyable and also you get to strive some ice cream on the finish.
Stowe is a quintessential Vermont city with a lovely Principal Avenue. You should definitely stroll round, pop into the retailers, and get lunch right here. Considered one of my favourite locations to eat in Stowe is Harrison’s Restaurant or Doc Pond’s.
It’s also possible to journey throughout Lake Champlain by boat for gorgeous fall views of Vermont’s Inexperienced Mountains.
Take the quick stroll to Tangerine & Oliver Present Store for a surprising panoramic view of the church and settlement. That is really the best location to get a view and snap some pictures.
Percy Corn maze in Stowe can be nice for photos and enjoyable for all ages.. The maze takes about 30 – 45 minutes to get by means of and is $6 per particular person and free for youths beneath 7.
When you’ve got time, make the hour and 1 and 15 minute drive to Woodstock, Vermont and also you’ll cease on the way in which for the very Instagram well-known “Elm Grove Farm” or “Sleepy Hole Farm.” This farm turned well-known on Pinterest and has since been popularized by Instagram. This can be a widespread vacation spot for photographers as a result of it is positioned close to a creek and comprises just a few slender pathways by means of the timber. Needless to say that is normally a busy space, and the highway is small, so watch out to not block visitors.
Woodstock is called the “prettiest small city in America.” A stunning and charming city with nice eating places and a surprising resort. Woodstock Inn & Resort is totally beautiful with darkish shutters, white, stately columns and exquisite rooms. This may promote out rapidly!
Day 6: Manchester, Vermont
After leaving Woodstock, drive to Manchester, Vermont. This pretty city has nice boutiques and shops for buying. The Orvis Retailer is ideal for many who love the outside and want some new gear for fishing or mountain climbing. There’s additionally an important Fly Fishing museum.
For an Instagram-worthy arch out of books, drive to the Northshire Bookstore and browse the gathering.
Manchester has a plethora of eating choices, and one that’s properly value visiting is Ye Olde Tavern, which has been serving hearty New England delicacies and old style drinks since 1790!
When you’ve got time for a drive and a brief hike, head to Nichol’s Ledge for epic views!
Day 7: The Berkshires > Boston, Massachusetts
Making our means again to Massachusetts, you may finish your journey within the idyllic Berkshires. This rural area of western Massachusetts is gorgeous with nice drives for leaf peeping. I like to recommend the winding roads of Ashintully Backyard and Tyringham Cobble.
There are nice locations to cease for lunch or espresso alongside the way in which. Should you love antiques, remember to cease into retailers like Lanesboro Antiques & Collectibles.
Whenever you’re prepared to go again to Boston, take the scenic route and drive alongside the Mohawk Path. This can be a lovely drive with nice views of the river and mountains.
Additional Time in New England? Add this on!
I actually cherished Maine after we spent two weeks in New England. You may go pretty simply from Vermont to New Hampshire, then as much as Maine. You may spend time in Bethel, Maine then go as much as Bar Harbor and might spend as quick as a day or so long as 5 days in Acadia Nationwide Park. This small Nationwide Park is certainly value your time with unimaginable views.
After coming south from Maine, spend no less than a day or two in Salem, Massachusetts. The BEST city for Halloween and Fall! Catch my full information to Fall in Salem right here. OR take a self guided Hocus Pocus tour!
Or, you may add on Connecticut and Rhode Island as a substitute! In Connecticut the very best place for leaves are the gorgeous Litchfield Hills. It appears in every single place you look there are beautiful mansions encircled by yellow leaves.
Listed here are another locations to take a look at in Connecticut:
Hartford, Connecticut – Go to Mark Twain’s dwelling and take a tour to be taught extra about his life. It is each fascinating and tragic. Harriet Beecher Stowe additionally has a house close by.
Southington Apple Competition – Identified for his or her scrumptious fried apple fritter this can be a nice pageant to attend!
Mystic, Connecticut – Dwelling to the film “Mystic Pizza” and a lovely cease on the water with plenty of bakeries and maritime heritage.
New Haven, Connecticut – It’s a must to make a cease at Yale! This gorgeous college is likely one of the most honored and exquisite within the USA. It is particularly pretty within the Fall.
Subsequent make a cease in Rhode Island! Should you’re tremendous quick on time my greatest suggestion is to go to Windfall to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. It is one of many coolest issues
Different stops in Rhode Island:
Newport, Rhode Island – Get a lobster roll (and an alcoholic mudslide) at Brick Alley Pub and stroll round this lovely brick alley-ed city. Additionally take the three /12 mile Cliff Stroll round city. You may simply do a part of it and take within the mansions! I do suggest you’re taking a tour of considered one of these unimaginable estates. They appear to be castles! My suggestion is the Breakers. Constructed by Vanderbilt and impressed by an Italian villa, it is a dream!
Windfall, Rhode Island – I discussed the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular nevertheless it wants repeating! It’s a fundraiser for the Roger Williams Zoo and it is surprising! over 5,000 hand carved, detailed pumpkins! It is unreal.
The Farmer’s Daughter – This image excellent farm has a few of the finest and most various show of pumpkins! In addition they have so many Instagram worthy spots for pumpkins, a witch’s home, a corn maze and extra! Additionally close by is Clark’s farm!
For this 7 day New England itinerary I counsel beginning in Boston then making your means over to Connecticut, by means of Rhode Island after which again up by means of New Hampshire and Vermont. Relying on the leaves in fact!
I hope you loved this Final One Week Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England!
All my Fall Guides right here:
Have you ever been leaf peeping in New England? The place are your favourite spots?
