Where to See Fall Foliage in New England?

It’s finally that time of the year when we can feast our eyes on the enchanting fall foliage. There’s truly nothing like the sight of leaves slowly turning from green to shades of orange, yellow, and red. And what better place to enjoy that than in New England? It’s a beautiful place any time of the year, but it’s especially gorgeous in the fall. The changing leaves are a sight to behold, but you may wonder where to see fall foliage in New England. Well, we’re here to help! All six states have plenty of spots to visit, and we’ve selected the ones that we think are worth going to. As long as the weather is on your side and with good planning, experiencing fall in New England may be your new favorite annual activity. Here are our recommendations!

Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

11

Are you thinking of where to stay in New England for fall foliage? Why not consider Sugar Hill? Set in the White Mountains, this town has one of the most picturesque fall foliage in the area. The leaves usually start to change color in late September and peak at the beginning of October. During this season, you can expect the town to be awash in shades of orange, yellow, and red, like the picture below.

There are many things to do in Sugar Hill in addition to just enjoying the views from your car. You can also take in the views of the foliage as you hike or take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the fall foliage. Exploring Sugar Hill’s charming shops and restaurants is also a must-do.

Where to Stay: When in Sugar Hill, there’s no better place to call home than Sugar Hill Inn. We stayed in the Wildflower Fireplace Cottage Room, which was extremely comfortable. It was spacious, and the special feature was none other than the fireplace. We also enjoyed the presence of the seating area, which was our favorite spot in the room. Apart from that, the inn also offers its guests a seasonal outdoor pool and spa service.

Woodstock, Vermont

10

Anyone in their right mind will not say no to Woodstock, especially during the fall. It’s a breathtaking fall destination that features colorful fall leaves. Its gorgeous fall foliage usually peaks in late September to early October. The initially green leaves will become red, orange, and yellow, creating a display that you simply don’t want to miss.

One of the things that make Woodstock a favorite among travelers is its cozy atmosphere. It’s an ideal place for those who want to experience slow living. Plus, there are tons of restaurants and shops to explore. The streets are lined with historic architecture, and the fall leaves make the atmosphere a hundred times better.

Where to Stay: The Village Inn of Woodstock is a lovely B&B that offers its guests a memorable experience. We spent a night at the inn and had an enjoyable time. The gourmet breakfast was delicious, and we also had a massage after exploring the attractions nearby. Each room on the property is furnished with antique furniture. Ours came with a spa bath, which was a huge plus as we were dying for relaxation.

Millinocket, Maine

9

There are so many reasons why you should visit Millinocket during the fall. One of the most obvious reasons is because of the fall foliage. Set in the heart of Maine’s North Woods, during the fall season, you’ll see nothing but oranges, yellows, and reds. Like many other places in New England, the leaves here will change color in late September and peak around early October.

How does one enjoy the fall foliage in Millinocket? Well, you can take a drive on Katahdin Woods and Water Scenic Byway, have an exciting hike in Baxter State Park, or simply have a stroll around town. Don’t forget to also explore this small town’s charming shops and restaurants.

Where to Stay: Some people may underestimate this 2-star hotel. However, we’re happy we managed to give it a try. The Baxter Park Inn is a low-rise hotel that offers a lot. Here, breakfast and Wi-Fi are complimentary. During our time there, we had a lot of fun swimming in the heated indoor pool, which was followed by relaxation in the sauna. The room was clean, and we were given a mini-fridge upon request.

Old Lyme, Connecticut

8

Old Lyme is a nice place to have a New England fall getaway. Beautifully located on the Connecticut River, this coastal town is both a popular summer and fall destination. However, there’s just something different about Old Lyme during the fall. The huge trees are somehow more alluring, and the atmosphere becomes more romantic. The leaves usually change color in late September and peak in the following month.

So, where should you go to enjoy the foliage? There are many amazing spots to visit, but one of the most beautiful ones is the Florence Griswold Museum. Set in a former mansion, it’s surrounded by colorful foliage. In addition to that, you may also want to head to Lyme Art Colony. It’s a historic area with many old architecture and gardens.

Where to Stay: We had fun in The Old Lyme Inn, and we’re sure you will, too. There’s a vast green area, and this hotel will be even more charming in the fall. Nothing about this hotel is fancy, but sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. During our stay, we were able to have a good night’s sleep thanks to the plush bed. The on-site restaurant was good, and there was also an adjoining jazz club. All of the staff members were also super helpful.

Boston, Massachusetts

7

Best Historic Destination. Who says you must stay in a rural area to enjoy the best fall foliage? If you want to stay in a city with major attractions, Boston is probably one of New England’s best places to visit for fall foliage. Most leaf peepers visit Boston from late September to early November to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

If you decide to go to Boston, you can see the colorful leaves in Union Park, Boston Common, or other vegetated neighborhoods. And since foliage in Boston usually stays around until around Halloween, you can also consider spending the celebration here. Another reason to spend the fall in Boston is that it’s a paradise for foodies. From traditional New England food to international options, everything is yummy.

Where to Stay: The good thing about enjoying fall foliage in a city is that you can stay in a fancy hotel. Enter the Boston Marriott Copley Place. Everything about this Boston hotel is flawless. While we were there, we managed to spend some time in the state-of-the-art gym, swim in the indoor pool, and chillax at Starbucks. The rooms at this hotel are impressive, too. Ours was big and came with the finest linens and premium toiletries. Speaking of which, have you read our list of Boston’s best historic hotels and spa hotels?

Stowe, Vermont

6

The fall foliage in Stowe is some of the best in the country, and the town itself is a charming New England village. Leaf peepers should visit the town between late September to mid-October. During this time, the leaves will be at their peak color. But depending on the weather, they may start changing as early as late August.

There are so many activities to enjoy during the fall in Stowe. You can hike through the changing leaves as Stowe has more than 100 miles of hiking trails, and a lot of them offer gorgeous views of the fall foliage. Or, you can attend some of the fall festivals, like the Stowe Oktoberfest and Stowe Foliage Arts Festival.

Where to Stay: Everything about Topnotch Resort is quite literally top-notch. This resort is one of our favorite spa hotels in New England. Here, there are nearly 100 treatments to choose from for men and women. The staff members knew exactly how to rejuvenate us, and we also enjoyed spending time in the 60-foot-long pool. Speaking of which, the pool also has a waterfall!

Lincoln, New Hampshire

5

In the White Mountains, you’ll find the charming town of Lincoln. If you’re wondering where to go for fall foliage in New England, this may be your answer. The leaves normally start changing color in late September until the beginning of October. Make sure to bring your highest-quality camera since the town will be awash in shades of orange, yellow, and gold. Just take a look at the picture below!

Lincoln is also known for its hiking trails. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who also loves to enjoy the vibrant shades of mother nature, you’ll definitely want to be here. You can also take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway and enjoy the views with your favorite drink and people. Another activity you may enjoy is visiting the orchards, where you can pick apples and enjoy the fall harvest. If you have the time, check out bruettecollective.com’s guide on how to spend a weekend in New Hampshire!

Where to Stay: Set in the White Mountains, we’re sure you’ll love the Woodwards White Mountain Resort BW Signature Collection. This popular hotel has tons of amenities to pamper travelers. You can soothe your tired body in the indoor or outdoor pool. But for us, we preferred to relax in the sauna. For some friendly competition, there’s a tennis court and a billiard, too. Our room was a little cramped but comfortable and equipped with everything we needed.

Sunderland, Massachusetts

4

Best Rural Area. The small town of Sunderland, set in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, may not be the first destination on your mind. But it’s time to give it the flowers it deserves! This town is known for its fall foliage, which typically peaks in late September to mid-October. Once you follow Route 116, you’ll pass through the town and see miles of vibrant orange trees, oaks, and birches.

One of the best places in Sunderland to enjoy the fall foliage is Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and the trails there are also popular for hiking. Or, you can also take in the views of the Connecticut River. Lined with trees, it’s one of the most peaceful spots in Sunderland. A tip from us: don’t forget your cocoa while enjoying the views!

Where to Stay: Only a five-minute drive away from Sunderland is Red Roof Inn PLUS+ South Deerfield – Amherst. Since there’s no hotel in Sunderland, this is the nearest you can find. At first, we didn’t have any high expectations for this budget hotel. However, it turned out to be quite amazing. Our room was decorated with warm colors, making us feel at home. The indoor pool was not that crowded during our stay, and the staff members were super friendly. And if you want to extend your stay in Massachusetts, why not visit Provincetown? The best hotels in Provincetown are ready to welcome you.

Newport, Rhode Island

3

Best Walkable City. Newport is always a bliss to visit, no matter the season. However, fall is probably the best time to visit this city. It’s exceptionally stunning in the fall. The weather is mild and sunny, and the color of the leaves will fascinate everyone. Newport’s many historic mansions and gardens are especially gorgeous during this time of the year. To see the fall foliage, you can go to Cliff Walk, which is a 3.5-mile path that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Or, you can also go to The Breakers, one of the biggest mansions in Newport surrounded by gardens.

Now, to have the best experience, you may want to be in Newport from mid to late October. It’s where the leaves are the most beautiful. But since it can get really crowded, sightseeing during the fall may be best done at dusk. You should also plan everything ahead as parking can be pretty challenging to find.

Where to Stay: Looking for the best hotel in Newport, RI? We highly recommend the Beech Tree Inn and Cottage. Set in a Victorian mansion, it’s close to everything the city has to offer. Our stay at this place was enjoyable, and we were offered afternoon tea and sherry for free. It’s a relaxing and homey accommodation that’s designed to cater to your needs. Also, this is one of Newport’s top pet-friendly hotels.

Camden, Maine

2

Set in the Midcoast region of Maine, Camden is another highly recommended place to visit to spot fall foliage. Known for its beautiful fall colors, the trees here usually start to change color in late September and peak in early October. Some of Camden’s best places to enjoy fall foliage include Camden Hills State Park, Mount Battie, and Merryspring Nature Center. Trust us; the views there are breathtaking.

That said, you should bring plenty of layers of clothing, as the weather in Camden can change quickly in the fall. And since it’s a popular destination for leaf peepers, you should prepare yourself for the crowds. You may also visit one of the numerous farms in the area that offers apple and pumpkin picking. No matter what you do, you’re surely going to enjoy the beautiful scenery of this New England town.

Where to Stay: Technically, the Country Inn at Camden Rockport is set in Rockport, just outside of Camden. However, this lodging allowed our team to enjoy everything the Midcoast has to offer. It took us only 7 minutes from the hotel to Camden Hills State Park by car. Our suite was elegantly decorated in a country theme and super comfortable. The hotel also boasts a fitness center and an indoor pool.

Montgomery, Vermont

1

Best Overall. The small town of Montgomery, one of the best places to visit in Vermont, is widely known for its six stunning covered bridges. They’re exceptionally beautiful and among the most picturesque places to see fall foliage in New England. It typically peaks in either late September or early October. Surrounded by mountains, the leaves change their colors to shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold in fall every fall. But since the leaves can start changing color as clearly as late August, you may want to check the forecast.

Your visit to this town won’t be a boring one, as there are tons of things to see and do during the fall season. Whether you want to go for a hike in the Jay Peak State Forest or take a ride on the Kay Peak Gondola, have your camera ready, as the scenery is stunning. In addition to that, many also love spending their time on the hiking trails and visiting the Montgomery Historical Society Museum to learn more about the town’s history.

Where to Stay: When it comes to accommodation, we highly recommend spending your nights at Phineas Swann Inn & Spa. Self-proclaimed as the most romantic inn and spa, it knows how to pamper its guests. During our stay, drinks and snacks were complimentary, and we could kick off our morning with free breakfast on the enclosed porch. Perfect for family trips, this lodging is also dog-friendly!

Our Verdict!

New England has six states in total, and all of them have so many amazing places that deciding where to see fall foliage in New England can be pretty challenging. If you want to know about our favorites and what we think are the standouts, check out our picks below!

• Best Overall: Montgomery, Vermont
• Best Walkable City: Newport, Rhode Island
• Best Rural Area: Sunderland, Massachusetts
• Best Historic Destination: Boston, Massachusetts

What is the best time for fall foliage in New England?

The best time is usually in October, as it’s when the fall foliage peaks

How long does fall foliage last in New England?

The fall foliage in New England normally lasts around six weeks. However, the time for peak color is always changing, depending on many factors.

Which New England state has the most foliage?

Since most of the land is covered by wilderness, we think Vermont is the best place to enjoy the fall foliage.