15 Best Places to Visit in New England in the Fall
Fall in New England is pure magic. The air gets crisp, the trees explode in color, and every little town feels like it’s been pulled straight from a postcard. The problem is… there are so many amazing spots, it’s hard to know where to start!
I’ve put together a list of 15 of the best places to visit in New England in the fall, from famous foliage drives to quiet lakeside towns you might not have heard of.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or mapping out a full New England fall bucket list, these spots will give you plenty of ideas (and photo ops) for your trip.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
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Best Places to Visit in New England in the Fall
1. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is one of the best places to visit in New England in the fall. Surrounded by the Green Mountains, it’s got a mix of classic New England charm and incredible foliage.
Driving into town, you’ll pass church steeples, colorful maple trees, and those rolling Vermont hills that look straight out of a photo.
There’s plenty to keep you busy here in autumn. Take a drive up the Auto Toll Road for sweeping mountain views, walk or bike the Stowe Recreation Path, and stop by the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and donuts.
If you’re into hiking, trails like Sterling Pond and Mount Mansfield are especially gorgeous this time of year. For even more ideas, check out my detailed 3-day Stowe itinerary and full list of things to do in Stowe!
I like to think of Stowe as the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cozy small-town vibes. You can spend your morning on a trail and your afternoon browsing cute shops or sipping hot apple cider.
2. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is the kind of town that makes you want to slow down and just take it all in. It’s picture-perfect in any season, but it’s especially charming in autumn when the streets are lined with golden leaves and the covered bridges are framed by vibrant colors.
Spend a weekend in Woodstock exploring the village green, browsing the local shops, and grabbing a coffee from one of the cozy cafés. Don’t miss the Middle Covered Bridge right in town or the nearby Taftsville Covered Bridge, both framed by some of the best fall foliage in New England.
If you’re planning a trip for the fall in New England, Woodstock is an easy addition to your itinerary. From Billings Farm & Museum to the Mount Tom hiking trails, there are plenty of things to do in Woodstock, VT that make it worth more than just a quick stop.
3. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
If you’re chasing the best fall foliage in New England, the Kancamagus Highway is hard to beat. This 34-mile stretch between Lincoln and Conway winds through the White Mountains, with overlooks, hiking trails, and riverside picnic spots all along the way.
It’s one of the most famous scenic drives in New Hampshire, especially in October when the mountains explode with reds, oranges, and golds.
Popular stops include Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge, and the Sugar Hill overlook, but honestly, half the fun is pulling over wherever the view catches your eye.
Give yourself plenty of time to drive it so you can enjoy the short hikes and photo stops. If you can, go early in the morning before the traffic builds up. That way, you can soak in the views without feeling rushed!
4. Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Franconia Notch State Park sits right off I-93 between Lincoln and Franconia, which makes it really easy to include on a New England fall road trip.
You can drive straight through the notch in under 20 minutes, but it’s worth slowing down to check out some of the park’s highlights.
The Flume Gorge is the big draw. A wooden boardwalk takes you through a narrow canyon past waterfalls, mossy walls, and covered bridges.
Artist’s Bluff is a short but steep hike that rewards you with one of the most famous foliage views in New Hampshire. You can also stop at Echo Lake for a walk along the shore or rent a kayak if the weather is nice.
Parking at the popular trailheads can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in New England in the fall, and for good reason.
The mix of coastal scenery, mountain views, and colorful forests makes it a dream for photographers and hikers alike!
If you are planning out your trip, there are so many things to do in Acadia in the fall. Drive the Park Loop Road for easy access to overlooks, beaches, and trailheads.
Drive up to Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, walk along the Ocean Path, or take on the Beehive Trail if you are up for a short but steep climb with incredible views.
Plan to spend at least two full days here to cover the highlights without feeling rushed. Bar Harbor makes the best base, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and easy access to the park entrance.
Parking can be limited in busy spots, but the free Island Explorer shuttle runs from town into the park, which makes getting around much easier.
6. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the main gateway to Acadia National Park and a great place to base yourself during your visit.
The town has a relaxed coastal vibe, with streets lined with seafood restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques selling everything from local crafts to outdoor gear.
After a day of hiking or driving through Acadia, it’s nice to come back to Bar Harbor for a lobster dinner or a walk along the Shore Path, which has great views of Frenchman Bay.
If you’re here during peak foliage season, the mix of colorful trees and blue ocean makes for an incredible backdrop.
Even if your trip is all about the park, set aside a few hours to explore the town itself. You can take a boat tour of the bay, browse the art galleries, or just relax with a coffee while watching the harbor.
It’s easy to see why Bar Harbor is often mentioned among the best New England towns in the fall, especially with its perfect mix of coastal charm and outdoor adventure.
7. Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is one of the most famous places to visit in New England in the fall, especially if you love all things Halloween.
The city is packed with history, from the 1692 witch trials to its maritime past, and October is when it really comes alive. Expect costume parades, haunted happenings, and themed walking tours on nearly every street.
If you only have one day in Salem, focus on the highlights. Visit the Salem Witch Museum or the Witch House, wander around the historic waterfront, and check out the Peabody Essex Museum. There are also plenty of guided tours, which are great for learning the darker side of the city’s past.
The list of things to do in Salem MA in October is endless, so plan ahead if you want to fit in your must-sees.
Hotels book up quickly during Haunted Happenings, so it’s best to reserve early or stay in nearby towns and take the train in for the day.
8. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vermont, especially in the fall when the narrow, winding road is surrounded by fiery reds and golds. The drive connects Stowe and Jeffersonville, making it an easy add-on if you’re visiting either town.
It’s often listed among the most scenic fall drives in Vermont, thanks to its tight curves, dramatic cliffs, and colorful canopy overhead.
There are a few small pull-offs along the way where you can stop for photos or short walks, but space is limited, so keep an eye out for safe spots to park.
If you’re looking for things to do in New England in the fall that combine incredible foliage with a bit of adventure, this drive is hard to beat.
You can also explore nearby hiking trails like Sterling Pond or Hell Brook. The road closes in winter, so fall is the perfect season to experience it before the snow arrives.
9. Portland, Maine
Portland is a great mix of historic charm, ocean views, and a food scene that will keep you coming back for more.
It’s a popular stop on many fall trips, thanks to its cobblestone streets, working waterfront, and easy access to nearby lighthouses.
If you’re putting together your Portland itinerary, start with the Old Port District for boutique shopping and fresh seafood, then head out to Fort Williams Park to see Portland Head Light.
You can also check out Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Bug Light, and the Eastern Promenade for some of the best views in town.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Portland, Maine, from brewery hopping to joining a harbor cruise around Casco Bay. In the fall, the cooler weather makes it even more enjoyable to spend the day walking between neighborhoods and stopping at coffee shops or bakeries along the way.
10. Dixville Notch, New Hampshire
Tucked away in New Hampshire’s North Country, Dixville Notch is one of the most dramatic foliage spots in the region.
The winding mountain road takes you past steep cliffs, reflective lakes, and sweeping views that are especially stunning in mid-October.
It’s a bit out of the way compared to other places to visit in New England in the fall, but that’s part of the charm.
The overlook by the Balsams Resort is the most popular photo stop, and Table Rock is a short but steep hike with a panoramic view over the notch.
If you are already exploring northern New Hampshire, it is worth making time for this area. The colors here often peak earlier than in the southern parts of the state, so it is a good idea to check foliage reports before your visit.
11. Camden, Maine
Camden is a small coastal town where the harbor and the hills meet, and fall is when it’s at its prettiest.
The waterfront is full of sailboats, the surrounding hills are covered in color, and the streets are easy to explore on foot with plenty of spots to grab a coffee or seafood lunch.
One of the best things to do in New England in the fall is to take in the view from Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. The short drive or hike to the summit rewards you with sweeping views over the harbor, the islands in Penobscot Bay, and the colorful hillsides.
Plan to spend at least half a day here so you can explore the park, stroll along the waterfront, and maybe even take a schooner cruise if the weather is still mild. Camden also makes a great overnight stop if you are on a Boston to Acadia road trip.
12. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires in western Massachusetts are all about rolling hills, small towns, and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the foliage.
In the fall, the winding country roads make for a beautiful drive, and there are endless spots to pull over for photos or a short hike.
If you are building your New England fall bucket list, this is a great place to mix leaf peeping with arts and culture. Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington all have galleries, cafés, and local shops worth visiting.
You can also catch a performance at the Berkshire Theatre Group or explore one of the many museums in the area.
Give yourself at least a weekend here so you can take a scenic drive, visit a few towns, and enjoy a couple of hikes. Popular trails include Monument Mountain, Mount Greylock, and Bash Bish Falls.
13. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, but it still has a laid-back, small-town feel, especially in the fall. The waterfront on Lake Champlain is beautiful with the Adirondack Mountains in the distance, and the mix of shops, restaurants, and breweries makes it a fun place to spend a couple of days.
If you’re looking for things to do in Burlington, start with a walk or bike ride along the Burlington Bike Path, then head to Church Street Marketplace for shopping and people-watching.
You can also take a short drive to local farms and orchards for apple picking or cider tasting, which is one of the best ways to enjoy New England in the fall.
Burlington works well as a base for exploring northern Vermont, with easy day trips to Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, and even across the lake into New York. Sunset by the waterfront is a must before you leave!
14. Rangeley Lakes, Maine
Rangeley Lakes is a quieter part of Maine that really shines in the fall. The area is surrounded by mountains, forests, and plenty of water, making it perfect for anyone who wants a mix of foliage views and outdoor activities.
One of the best places to visit in New England in the fall is the Height of Land, a roadside overlook with panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding hills. You can also explore nearby trails like the Rangeley River Trail or drive along Route 17 for more great viewpoints.
The town of Rangeley has a few restaurants, shops, and places to stay, so it works well as an overnight stop if you’re road tripping through western Maine. It’s also a good base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and spotting moose if you’re lucky.
15. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a city that blends history, culture, and beautiful fall scenery, making it a great addition to any New England trip.
The mix of historic sites, tree-lined streets, and waterfront views means there’s plenty to explore, especially when the leaves start to turn.
If you’re planning your Boston itinerary, walking the Freedom Trail is a must. It takes you past 16 historic landmarks, including Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and the Paul Revere House.
You can also spend time in the Public Garden, wander through Beacon Hill, or take a ferry to see the skyline from the water.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Boston in the fall, from catching a game at Fenway Park to exploring the city’s museums and neighborhoods. With so much variety, it’s a perfect final stop before wrapping up your New England fall road trip!
