Planning the Perfect New England Fall Foliage Trip…
If you’re looking for the ultimate leaf-peeping adventure, New England is the place to be! The brilliant fall colors, crisp air, and charming towns make for a stunning road trip. Make sure you consider the weather when planning your trip. Our Autumn Travel Guide is a great resource to make sure you pack the necessities. Then start planning your route. Here’s a great route to follow, filled with scenic spots and a few tasty stops along the way.
Start in Boston, MA
Begin your journey by flying into Boston. Spend a little time exploring the city’s history, like walking the Boston Freedom Trail before hitting the road.
Woodstock, VT
Head to the picture-perfect town of Woodstock, Vermont, and wander along the main street. This is a wonderful town to stay in overnight and explore farm-to-table restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Our rec’s:
- Woodstock Inn – a classic resort with timeless elegance.
- Woodstock Farmers Market – pick up provisions for your road trip (salads, sandwiches, water, cider, local cheese, crackers, and a local beer like Heddy Topper).
Hanover, NH
From Woodstock, make your way to Hanover, New Hampshire, home of Dartmouth College. Stroll around the historic campus and take in the quaint charm of this college town. Just across the river from Hanover, head to Norwich, Vermont, for a visit to the King Arthur Baking Company Store. It’s a baker’s paradise and a great spot to pick up delicious goodies for the road.
Warren, NH
From Norwich, drive to Warren, New Hampshire, and take the scenic Sawyer Highway (Route 118) to Lincoln, NH. The winding roads are lined with beautiful trees, making it a beautiful fall foliage route.
Lincoln, NH
In Lincoln, you’ll begin one of New England’s most famous scenic drives – the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112). We recommend stopping in Lincoln. In the past we have stayed at the Hampton Inn. The following day you will be ready to hit this beautiful highway. This 60-mile stretch is filled with breathtaking views and plenty of great stops. Be sure to visit:
- Sabbaday Falls
- Lower Falls
- Albany Covered Bridge (built in 1858, spanning the Swift River)
- Fadden’s General Store & Sugarhouse (North Woodstock) – a short drive from Lincoln, this sugar house is a local favorite and has won multiple awards for its maple syrup.
Conway, NH
After reaching Conway, continue north towards the majestic Mt. Washington. If you’re looking for a little break from driving, we recommend the easy hike to Diana’s Baths Waterfall in North Conway. It’s about a mile out-and-back to a stunning waterfall.
Mt. Washington
We recommend staying at the Mt. Washington Omni Hotel for it’s incredible views and cozy New England charm. Even if you’re not staying here, drinks on the porch at sunset is a great way to relax after a day of traveling. If you’re feeling adventurous, hiking Mt. Washington is also a fantastic option with several trail options (just be sure to watch the weather and pack accordingly). Or, experience the summit by taking the Mt. Washington Auto Road or the Cog Railway. Remember to book your tickets for these excursions well in advance!
Return to Boston, MA
This is just one route to follow. There are many route options in New England, but no matter where you go, plan ahead. The fall is such a popular season in New England, that it’s important to book your hotel reservations early. The best time to make this trip is in the first half of October, though peak season changes each year depending on the weather. Fingers crossed the leaves will be at their best by the second weekend of October!
