Crisp air, fiery leaves, and the magic of New England in fall—who wouldn’t want to capture that?
But picking the perfect spot can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack of golden leaves. Whether you're after a peaceful nature retreat, exploring local history, or a family-friendly adventure, we've got you covered.
Explore 21 handpicked destinations that offer the best of autumn—from Vermont’s colorful mountains to Rhode Island’s scenic coastlines. Get ready to make this fall unforgettable!
1. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a charming mountain town known as the "Ski Capital of the East." In fall, the ski slopes turn into a colorful canvas.
Drive along the winding Route 100, nicknamed the "Skiers' Highway," to see golden maples and red oaks. The Stowe Recreation Path offers a car-free way to enjoy nature.
It follows the West Branch River past old farms and covered bridges. Don't miss the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival in early October.
Here, you can watch local artists work and try Vermont treats like maple syrup and cider donuts.
2. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is famous for its fancy old mansions and beautiful ocean views. The weather in the fall is perfect for exploring.
Take a walk on the Cliff Walk, a path that goes along the edge of the ocean. You'll see big waves on one side and huge, fancy houses on the other.
Newport loves sailing. You might see colorful sailboats in the harbor. In October, visit the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival.
Here, you can try fresh seafood and listen to live music right by the water.
3. Salem, Connecticut
Salem is a small town with lots of history. The Salem Historic District shows what life was like long ago.
Visit Gardner Lake State Park to see pretty fall colors reflected in the lake. You can have a picnic or go fishing here.
At Devil's Hopyard State Park, see a waterfall surrounded by colorful trees. In October, don't miss the Salem Apple Festival.
You can taste different kinds of apples, watch people make apple cider, and enjoy fun games.
4. Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit means "beautiful place by the sea" in the Native American language. In fall, it lives up to its name.
Walk along Marginal Way, a path on the cliffs above the ocean. The blue water and colorful trees make a pretty picture.
Visit Perkins Cove, a tiny fishing village with cute shops and restaurants. Ogunquit Beach is still nice in fall for long walks.
Enjoy "Fall for Ogunquit" events all month long. Later in October, OgunquitFest features pumpkin decorating and a costume parade.
5. Warren, New Hampshire
Warren is a quiet town in the White Mountains. It's perfect for people who love nature and want to avoid crowds.
Hike up to Wachipauka Pond for amazing views of fall colors. The pond sits high in the mountains and reflects the trees.
For an easier walk, try the Moosilauke Carriage Road. This old road was built for horses and carriages long ago.
Visit the Warren Historical Society to learn about the town's past. The building itself is from 1808 and has interesting artifacts.
6. Glastonbury, Connecticut
Glastonbury sits along the Connecticut River. Riverfront Park is a great place to enjoy fall colors and river views.
Visit the Connecticut Audubon Society Center to learn about local birds. You might see birds getting ready to fly south for winter.
Walk around the Glastonbury Historic District to see old houses and buildings. Some are from the 1600s and 1700s.
In mid-October, don't miss the Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival. You can try apple pies, listen to music, and go on carnival rides.
7. Princeton, Massachusetts (Wachusett Mountain)
Wachusett Mountain is the highest point in Massachusetts, east of the Connecticut River. In the fall, the views are amazing.
Take the SkyRide to the top of the mountain without hiking. You'll see colorful trees for miles around.
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation has trails for all skill levels. You can see wild animals and interesting plants.
Visit local farms and orchards to pick apples and pumpkins. In late October, enjoy Applefest at Wachusett Mountain, which features games and treats.
8. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington sits on the shore of Lake Champlain. In fall, the lake reflects the colorful trees on its banks.
Walk down Church Street in downtown Burlington. This car-free area has shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Ride a bike on the Burlington Bike Path. It goes along the lake and through parks with great views.
Visit the farmers' market to try local fall foods. You might find maple products, apple cider, and pumpkin treats.
9. Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Sturbridge is home to Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum. Here, visitors can experience life in the 1830s.
Watch people dressed in old-fashioned clothes do fall activities like harvesting crops and making apple cider.
Visit Wells State Park to see fall colors reflected in Walker Pond. You can hike, fish, or have a picnic here.
In fall, Old Sturbridge Village hosts "Phantoms By Firelight" for 12 nights. You can hear spooky stories and see the village at night.
10. Westerly, Rhode Island
Westerly is a beach town that's still fun in fall. Misquamicut State Beach is less crowded but still beautiful.
Walk through Wilcox Park to see pretty trees and plants. The park has a pond and interesting statues.
Visit The United Theatre to see a show or movie. This old theater has been around since 1926.
Join the Columbus Day Parade to see floats and marching bands. You can also go apple picking at nearby orchards.
11. Fryeburg, Maine
Fryeburg is famous for its big fair, which lasts for eight days and features farm animals, rides, and lots of food.
Canoe or kayak on the Saco River to see fall colors from the water. The river is calm and good for beginners.
Climb Jockey Cap Rock for a great view of the White Mountains. It's a short, easy hike with a big reward.
Visit local farms to pick apples and pumpkins. You might even see moose in the fields early in the morning.
12. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is an old seaport with lots of history. Prescott Park has pretty gardens and views of the Piscataqua River.
Visit Strawbery Banke Museum to see houses from the 1600s to the 1900s. People in old-fashioned clothes show how life used to be.
Walk around the old neighborhoods to see beautiful fall trees and historic buildings. Some houses are more than 300 years old.
In mid-October, enjoy the Strawbery Banke Museum Fall Festival. You can learn old-time crafts and taste historic recipes.
13. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a pretty coastal town. Take a drive along Ocean Avenue to see fancy houses and ocean views.
Walk through the town to see trees full of red and orange leaves. The colors look nice next to the white church steeples.
Visit nearby beaches like Goose Rocks Beach. They're quiet in the fall and great for long walks.
Take a short trip to York, Maine, for the HarvestFest. There, you can watch pumpkin carving and attend a parade.
14. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock looks like a picture-perfect New England town. The village green is surrounded by colorful maple trees in fall.
Visit the Billings Farm & Museum to see a working dairy farm. You can watch cows being milked and try fresh cheese.
Take a short drive to see the Quechee Gorge, known as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon." The fall colors make it even prettier.
In October, enjoy the Apples & Crafts Fair. You can buy handmade items and taste different kinds of apples grown nearby.
15. North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is located in the heart of the White Mountains, a great place to see fall colors.
Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad through the countryside. The old-fashioned train gives you great views of the colorful forests.
Drive the Kancamagus Highway, one of the best fall foliage routes in New England. There are lots of spots to stop and take photos.
Visit the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center to learn about the area's famous extreme weather.
16. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park offers some of the most stunning fall scenery in New England. The red and gold leaves contrast with the blue ocean.
Drive or bike up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. On clear days, you can see for miles.
Walk along Ocean Path to see waves crashing against rocky cliffs. The path goes by famous spots like Thunder Hole.
In October, visit nearby Bar Harbor for the Acadia Night Sky Festival. You can stargaze in one of the darkest skies in the East.
17. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
The Litchfield Hills region is full of charming small towns and beautiful countryside. Drive along Route 7 to see covered bridges and farms.
Visit Kent Falls State Park to see a series of waterfalls surrounded by fall colors. There's an easy trail with lookout points.
Stop in the town of Kent to visit art galleries and antique shops. Kent was voted one of the best fall foliage towns in New England.
In October, enjoy the Garlic and Harvest Festival in nearby Bethlehem. You can try all kinds of garlic dishes and buy local crafts.
18. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires are known for fall colors, art, and music. The region has many small towns nestled in beautiful hills.
Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge to see paintings of classic New England scenes.
Take a hike in Mount Greylock State Reservation, home to Massachusetts's highest point. The views from the top are amazing in the fall.
In October, enjoy the Hancock Shaker Village Country Fair. You can see farm animals, try old-fashioned crafts, and eat local food.
19. Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
The Mohawk Trail (Route 2) is one of the oldest scenic roads in New England. It runs through the northern Berkshires.
Stop at the famous Hairpin Turn for a great view of the Hoosac Valley. On clear days, you can see three states from here.
Visit the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls. This old trolley bridge is covered with flowers that bloom into the fall.
In October, check out the Mohawk Trail Concerts for classical music in beautiful settings.
20. Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
Franconia Notch is a mountain pass in the White Mountains. It's home to some of New Hampshire's most famous natural wonders.
Take the aerial tramway up Cannon Mountain for amazing views of the surrounding mountains and their fall colors.
Visit the Flume Gorge, a natural granite ravine with waterfalls. The wooden walkways let you get close to the rushing water.
In fall, you might spot moose near Profile Lake. This is also where you can learn about the famous "Old Man of the Mountain" rock formation.
21. Grafton, Vermont
Grafton is a tiny village that looks like it's frozen in time. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Walk down Main Street to see restored 19th-century buildings. The red and gold leaves make the white churches and inns look even prettier.
Visit the Grafton Village Cheese Company to watch cheesemakers at work. You can taste different kinds of cheddar made right there.
Explore Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center for fall activities. You can go mountain biking, hiking, or canoeing surrounded by colorful trees.
In October, check out the Grafton Ponds Fall Festival. It has pumpkin carving, hay rides, and a chili cook-off with local recipes.
Ready to Fall for New England?
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there's no better time to explore the wonders of New England.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors, rich history, or cozy festivals, these 21 destinations offer something for everyone.
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, it’s time to start planning your perfect fall escape!