The brilliantly colored maple trees of New England attract visitors every fall from around the world. This page is your portal to the best driving routes, and the places to eat and shop and visit in each New England state. For each state below, you will find:
Decide on your dates of travel and make reservations for inns, hotels, and motels as early as possible – preferably in the summer months. Lots of travelers are competing for hotel rooms in the fall, especially in the northern states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Find foliage-worthy excursions from fine hotels in:
Once foliage season begins the report will be regularly updated. Also, take a map and explore some of the small, back roads as you wander. Look for roadside signs for pick-your-own farms and farm stands, parks, and public wilderness areas. Get out of the car, stretch, and look around. Don’t be afraid to wander. Ask local people where to find high ground and good vistas.
Current New England Foliage report
(Courtesy of The Weather Channel)
Consider experiencing fall foliage through a luxury cruise or a bus tour. Both options allow you to see the natural beauty of New England without all the stress of planning or navigating yourself.
Spend more time enjoying and less time planning.
Consider a foliage viewing adventure from above the treetops. You can do it on chair lift rides at many New England ski areas or on a thrilling flight in a hot air balloon.
Even if days are warm, be prepared for chilly nights with long pants, long sleeves, and a sweater. Wear sneakers and jeans so that you can jump out of the car and scramble over a stone wall or ramble through a hillside meadow. Take a camera, but remember to put it down and just look around. Take visors and sunscreen and binoculars.
When is peak foliage in New England?
Color typically moves south and downhill through the season — northern Vermont and New Hampshire peak in late September into early October, while coastal Connecticut and Rhode Island peak in late October.
Which state has the best fall foliage?
Vermont and New Hampshire offer the most dramatic mountain views, while Massachusetts and Connecticut pair color with historic towns and easier access from major cities.
Do I need to book lodging in advance?
Yes. Reserve by summer if possible — northern rooms near peak weekends sell out weeks ahead.
How long does peak color last in one spot?
Usually one to two weeks before leaves begin to drop, so timing your trip to the right week matters more than the right month.
What if I miss peak color up north?
Head south and toward the coast. Connecticut and Rhode Island peak two to three weeks after northern Vermont, so late arrivals still have options.
Is fall foliage a good trip for kids?
Yes — pick-your-own apple orchards, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches pair naturally with foliage drives and give kids their own reason to enjoy the ride.
What should I pack?
Layers. Mornings and evenings run cold even on warm days — bring a sweater, sneakers for walking, and sunscreen for clear afternoons.
