“It’s Fall y’all” and with autumn, comes thoughts of fall foliage drives, either for the day, or as a weekend, or even longer. “Leaf peeping” is always super popular – especially for folks who are fond of road trips, getting in a car to check out some beautiful scenery sounds like the perfect way to spend some time!
Here in the United States, we are blessed with SO many beautiful and interesting destinations where the fall foliage is magnificent. But when you think “leaves in the fall”, chances are New England, specifically the northernmost states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are what comes to mind. Here are some of the best places to “leaf peep” in New England.
Vermont
There are a number of picturesque drives that showcase Vermont’s rainbow of leaves, and one of the most popular is the Molly Stark Trail, connecting Bennington to Brattleboro. Travel this road and you’ll not only find some incredible views, but you’ll also pass by a number of picture-postcard towns, quaint museums, craft boutiques, and hiking trails. Further north in the state, you can travel from Waterbury to Stowe, for some of the most dazzling foliage displays in New England. This drive passes through two state forests and three state parks, offering a spectacular place to drive and hike. Both towns are worth exploring as well, as you’ll find Waterbury is the home of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, and Stowe, with one of most famous ski resorts in the east, offers a ski area gondola in the non-winter months that provides a bird’s-eye view of the forested slopes of the area. Further east, check out the picturesque town of Woodstock with its historic buildings, museums, and shops that are perfect for browsing.
New Hampshire
Within the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire, is 26 miles of heaven for fall-foliage-seekers: the winding roads of Kancamagus Highway where, in addition to beautiful vistas, you can find hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, scenic waterfalls, along with quaint gift shops and cozy inns in the area and the nearby town of Lincoln. You can also explore the Flume Gorge – a natural gorge hiking area with a visitor center, covered bridge & mountain & waterfall views. Or visit Cannon Mountain, where 80-passenger cable car will take you to the 4,080-foot summit of the mountain, providing you views on a clear day, of the mountains of New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Canada. All of this adventure will probably make you thirsty, so be sure to check out some of the brew pubs throughout the state.
Maine
Maine offers the dual benefit of spectacular scenery along the coast, providing both brilliant views and the joys of fresh seafood. Start in the southern coastal town of Ogunquit, where the fall coincides with prime fishing season for lobster boats – you simply can’t visit the area without getting some fresh lobster! If you time your visit right next year, you may also be able to enjoy the town’s Capriccio festival, showcasing local art and music. Be sure to take the time to walk the 1 ¼ mile Marginal Way, a beautiful walk along the rocky coast for views of the sea. When you’re ready to leave this lovely town, drive up to Kennebunkport to see this quaint town, beloved by the Bush family and it’s 2 famous presidents. Or consider traveling to the far northeast part of the state – nearly in Canada – to explore the Down East Sunrise Trail, an 85-mile stretch of converted railroad track that travels through forests and marshes. A perfect habitat for moose, beavers, eagles, wild turkeys and white tail deer, this is a popular place to go hiking, biking and horseback riding.
With a incredible views, picturesque towns, delicious food, and countless places to explore, it’s no wonder that the scenic New England states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are on the bucket list for countless folks looking to enjoy Autumn’s glory.
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