5 Places to Admire the Fall Foliage in New England
08/12/2024
FALL FOLIAGE IN NEW ENGLAND Top Destinations to Visit
Foliage in New England: The 5 Best Destinations
Autumn in the United States is increasingly cherished for the phenomenon of fall foliage. Each year, the hills, valleys, and coasts of New England burst into a dazzling display of gold, deep red, and bright orange.
As the air becomes crisper and the leaves start to change color, locals celebrate the harvest and prepare for winter. Admiring the fall foliage in New England means immersing yourself in this festive atmosphere while marveling at the vibrant spectacle offered by Mother Nature.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For more details on foliage, there is an interactive online map available in the United States. This tool allows you to pinpoint the most scenic spots where nature offers the splendor of autumn colors and the best times to visit them.
1) Vermont
Autumn in Vermont is a feast for the eyes: the leaves of maples, beeches, and oaks turn vibrant colors, creating a natural spectacle that transforms the landscape into a rich palette of hues. To capture the beauty of this moment, it's ideal to travel along the Green Mountain Byway and the Lake Champlain Byway. Vermont, known as the “Green Mountain State” for its abundance of forests, is one of the best destinations to admire the foliage in New England.
2) Massachusetts
The phenomenon of autumn colors in Massachusetts usually reaches its peak in the first week of October, often coinciding with Columbus Day. Each region of the state offers multicolored views that are very popular with tourists, so it's best to book in advance. The Berkshires and Central Massachusetts are well-known for New England foliage, but Cape Cod and the North Shore of Massachusetts are equally enchanting.
3) New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers some of the most spectacular fall views in the United States. From late September to mid-October, the trees transform into a palette of vibrant colors, creating breathtaking scenes across various regions of the state. From the majestic White Mountains to the picturesque Merrimack Valley, there are numerous spots to explore to fully appreciate one of the best fall foliage experiences in New England.
4) Connecticut
Connecticut is rich in picturesque villages, winding rivers, and rolling hills; here, the fall foliage season is the longest in all of New England, with displays of red, orange, and yellow painting the landscape from the first week of October to the first week of November. Top destinations include state parks and forests like Haystack Mountain, Campbell Falls, and Kent Falls, where pristine nature reigns.
5) Rhode Island
Among the best states to admire the fall foliage in New England, Rhode Island cannot be overlooked, famous for its coastal landscapes. But the autumn colors add a picturesque touch to the atmosphere of towns like Bristol, Providence, and Jamestown. Don’t miss a trip along the Ocean Drive from Fort Adams State Park to Newport, which leads to the spectacular Newport Cliff Walk.