New England positively bursts with color in fall, drawing leaf-peepers from around the world. As the leaves change, crowds gather to appreciate Mother Nature’s vibrant display of fiery reds, rich golds and bright oranges draped over the region’s vast forests and gorgeous mountains.
Having grown up in the Northeast, I’ve taken many road trips to absorb the fiesta of foliage and photograph the seasonal splendor across New England. A few years ago, I put together this route from my current home base in Upstate New York State – beyond the boundaries of New England, but a bonus leaf-peeping state – to take in some of my favorite celebrated and lesser-known fall foliage spots.
I can confirm that it did not disappoint. It’s a route I’d take again and again, and you should, too. Here’s how to go about it.
Road Trip Practicalities
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Trip length: 6-9 days, 743 miles as a loop; 5-7 days, 482 miles one-way.
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When to arrive: Mid-September to mid-October is the best window for peak foliage.
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Where to start and end: I’ve designed this trip as a loop so it’s easy for those flying into the Northeast. It starts and ends in Upstate New York, flying into Albany’s International Airport. Take in the fall scenery on either a 743-mile loop, or a 482-mile one-way trip ending in Bethel, Maine, with the option to exit by air from Portland, Maine, 74 miles (1 hour 30 minutes) to the south.
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Things to know: Be alert for wildlife, particularly at dusk and dawn. On this route, deer, bears and moose can be a hazard. If you’re driving at night, expect rural routes to be very dark. The only area where you’ll need to avoid rush-hour traffic is around Concord in New Hampshire. When driving the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), leave earlier in the morning or later in the evening (before dark) to avoid congestion, busy overlooks and crowded points of interest. Only pull off at designated parking areas where it’s safe to stop.
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What to pack: In the fall, layers are key. The weather can range from so-crisp-you-can-see-your-breath mornings to T-shirt temperatures around midday to bouts of rain, heavy wind, and even snow. Be prepared for everything with hiking boots, long underwear, short and long-sleeved tops, a fleece layer, a waterproof and windproof jacket, and a winter hat. And it’s not a New England fall without a cozy sweater, so bring one of those too. Finally, bring a good quality camera…those photos aren’t going to take themselves!
Stop 1: Saratoga Springs, New York
Vibes: Somewhat upscale, yet relaxed.
Do: Your first stop after leaving Albany, Saratoga Springs is as pretty as a fall postcard, offering great food and a plethora of outdoor activities in the nearby hills and mountains. I grew up here, and it’s a beautiful little city with lots of history, art and culture. In the fall, the area is decorated with gorgeous colors. Take a stroll on Broadway, or through Congress Park, and grab a bite at one of the city’s amazing eateries – try sushi from Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro, tapas from Boca Bistro, or pizza and salad from 9 Miles East Farm – before hitting the road to Vermont.
The drive: 31 miles (37 minutes) from Albany International Airport to Saratoga Springs, NY; 45 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) from Saratoga Springs to Manchester, Vermont. You’ll get an uplifting taste of Northeast scenery on the stage from Saratoga to Manchester, with endless hills, multicolored forests and quaint towns.
Stop 2: Manchester, Vermont
Vibes: Storybook fall views and farms.
Do: Arriving in Manchester, you’ll find that the mood is much the same as in Saratoga, so eat, drink, walk and be merry! Stroll the fairly easy path from the Red Gate Trail trailhead to Equinox Pond for autumnal views.
Eat: Make a reservation at the chef’s table at the Restaurant at Hill Farm, just outside town, and arrive hungry – you will not be disappointed. In town, sandwiches from Zoey’s Deli & Bakery are perfect for a picnic, and The Copper Grouse is a go-to for cocktails and elevated pub food.
Stay: Break for a night at Hill Farm Inn, just outside central Manchester, with its sprawling porch, onsite alpacas, foliage-filled views of the Equinox Valley and Green Mountains, and pet-friendly cottages for guests. Common areas include a cozy breakfast dining room (the scones are ridiculously good), a farmhouse-style porch for happy hour drinks, and a large, enticing hang-out area with a fireplace and tiny bar.
The drive: 111 miles (2 hours 30 minutes) from Manchester, Vermont, to Stowe, Vermont. If the first leg was a taste of fall splendor, consider the drive to Stowe along Vermont’s scenic Route 100 to be the main course. Take in views of farmland, mountains, friendly general stores, roadside waterfalls and a rustic patchwork of foliage hues.
Notable stops along the way include tumbling Moss Glen Falls and the small riverside town of Warren, with its own collection of idyllic falls, accessed just before you get to town. Drive along the short Main Street to see the covered bridge before grabbing a delicious sandwich and some maple syrup to bring home from the Warren Store.
Stop 3: Stowe, Vermont
Vibes: Warm and snuggly, straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Do: Drive the 15-mile Smuggler’s Notch Road (Vermont Route 108). This world-famous mountain pass draws eager visitors, who meander wide-eyed through a landscape of foliage and giant boulders. Waterfalls, abundant hiking trails, and downright stunning scenery are guaranteed. For an easy walk and views of a perfect trifecta of road, mountains and leaf color, park up and follow the start of the Barnes Camp Trail. Alternative routes include the 3-mile Sterling Pond Trail and the Gondola Skyride (open until October 20th) up to the tippy top of Mount Mansfield for a bird’s eye perspective over a sea of woodland.
Eat: Dine downtown in a historic home at The Butler’s Pantry. They serve a fantastic breakfast, with quality dinner fare off a seasonally-inspired menu. Grab an aprés-adventure drink like a local at The Matterhorn – it’s always a happening spot to be.
Stay: Stop for one or two nights at The Field Guide Lodge, with modern amenities and a boutique feel, set in a great location between the heart of downtown and the start of The Notch drive.
The drive: 74 miles (1 hour 35 minutes) from Stowe, Vermont to Littleton, New Hampshire, via Cabot, Vermont. This portion of the route isn’t a long stretch, but the scenery packs a punch, and the day involves cheese. About halfway, take a detour to stretch your legs on the quick but steep Nichols Ledge Trail, where the fall panorama will leave you more breathless than the uphill trek. A bonus reward comes in the form of cheese as you pass through the tiny town of Cabot, famed for its tasty cheddar. Pop into the Cabot Village Store to pick up some cheese and other snacks for a picnic lunch at nearby Molly’s Falls Pond State Park. Afterward, you can cross the border into New Hampshire and then head to Littleton via Route 2 and Highway 93, or add about 10 minutes for the more scenic route along backroads through pretty Peacham.
Stop 4: Littleton, New Hampshire
Vibes: Quaint and big on hearty breakfasts and brunches.
Do: Walk the riverside trail in downtown Littleton, wave to the statue of Pollyanna – the beloved children’s character created by local author Eleanor H Porter – and peruse the local farmer’s market if you’re here on a Sunday. Littleton is a convenient base for exploring New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, with a sweep of hiking trails around landmark Mount Washington. You’re also very close to Franconia Notch State Park, where you can marvel at the colorful leaves along the Flume Gorge trail. It’s worth getting up early for sunrise at Artist’s Bluff; reached via a 1.5-mile-long loop trail with sweeping views that truly shine at first light.
Eat: Grab wood-cooked bites and some fresh brews at Schilling Beer Co. After a good night’s sleep, enjoy a satisfying breakfast – this town’s favorite meal – at The Coffee Pot Restaurant or pick up some pastries at Crumb Bum Bakery.
Stay: Stay one or two nights at the historic Thayers Inn, within walking distance of everywhere in town. You can say you slept in the same hotel as a slew of former US Presidents and famous actors and actresses.
The drive: 173 miles (4 hours) from Littleton, New Hampshire, to Lake Francis State Park, New Hampshire. Be ready for an early morning and a long day, but one jam-packed with scenery and remote wandering. Get a jump on the other road-trippers and be one of the first to hit the epic Kancamagus Scenic Highway (Route 112), a 34.5-mile-long stunner of a drive, loaded with overlooks and trailheads.
You’ll venture east from Lincoln to Conway, before heading north on Route 16 towards Dixville Notch State Park. Here, the 1.5-mile round-trip Table Rock trail offers a top-notch fall vista. Less than an hour to the north, you’ll land at Lake Francis State Park near the town of Pittsburg, your home base within New Hampshire’s “Moose Alley.”
Stop 5: Moose Alley and Lake Francis State Park, New Hampshire
Vibes: Remote, remote, remote – a place to be one with nature.
Do: Look out for moose! This area (and adjacent Route 3) is known as “Moose Alley” for a reason. Loaded with wetlands, ponds, and lakes, it’s a great place to try to spot these enormous deer (though keep a safe distance). If big herbivores aren’t your thing, drift along back roads, go kayaking or canoeing, hang out by the campfire or stargaze.
Eat: If you plan to camp, stop for provisions in nearby Colebrook. Alternatively, pop into one of the local pubs, or treat yourself to a meal at Murphy’s Steakhouse.
Stay: Stop for a night, camping at Lake Francis State Park. Or, if you prefer an actual bed, book a room or a cabin At Bear Tree, just up the road.
The drive: 64 miles (1 hour 30 minutes) from Lake Francis State Park to Grafton Notch State Park. Keep an eye out, as you might see moose on this stretch, too. Be sure to stop at Beaver Brook Falls, a roadside wonder accessible from Route 145 just north of Colebrook. You’ll be doubling back along a portion of Route 26 that you followed earlier, but it’s a good time to fit in extra hikes or scenic views that you skipped, particularly around Dixville Notch State Park.
Then, you’ll continue over the border into Maine for more foliage goodness within Grafton Notch State Park. The drive itself is positively gorgeous, with numerous places where you can pull over to take it all in or enhance the experience with a hike or a picnic. Popular natural attractions here include Moose Cave, Mother Walker Falls and the Spruce Meadow Picnic Area.
After, take a short drive down to your accommodations in Bethel, Maine. You can choose to end your road trip here, or continue on the loop back to Upstate NY.
Stop 6: Grafton Notch State Park and Bethel, Maine
Vibes: Chilled – think post-hike brews in a ski-resort-style setting.
Do: After spending most of the afternoon exploring Grafton Notch State Park, it’s time to kick back and relax. Start by grabbing some freshly baked goods (you’ve earned them) from the cutest little pie stand, Puzzle Mountain Bakery on Route 26. Their blueberry pie and strawberry-rhubarb jam comes recommended, too. Then head to the Sunday River Brewing Company and saddle up by the bar for pub grub and cold brews. If thirst lingers, grab an extra brew at Steam Mill Brewing.
Eat: If you’re craving Italian, book in for dinner at Watershed Wood-Fired Kitchen in downtown Bethel.
Stay: Break for the night at the historic, Queen Anne-style Elizabeth Guesthouse and Restaurant.
The drive: 181 miles (3 hours 30 minutes) from Bethel, Maine to Brattleboro, Vermont. Hopefully, you’re well-rested – today’s drive is quite lengthy. Venture back into New Hampshire on Route 2, then connect to Route 10 via Route 3, and take Highway 91 going south. Make a pit stop in scenic Woodstock, Vermont, a 15-minute detour from the highway. The town is a little charmer, with historic buildings, covered bridges, and a beautiful town square called The Green. Before you reach Woodstock, stop at Quechee Gorge for a great photo opportunity.
Stop 7: Brattleboro, Vermont
Vibes: Artsy and laid-back.
Do: Sneak into neighboring Massachusetts and check out Royalston Falls before pausing for some art appreciation in the walkable downtown of Brattleboro, Vermont. Crammed with myriad galleries and shops, this is a great place to purchase a souvenir from your New England road trip. Sniffing around local antique shops and visiting the local farmer’s market are more quintessential Brattleboro experiences. Just across the Connecticut River, you can stand at the westernmost point of New Hampshire.
Eat: Do yourself a favor and enjoy a cozy meal at Plated.
Stay: Stop for one night at The Inn on Putney Road, a bed and breakfast in a historic building that was formerly an asylum, set in a beautiful garden.
The drive: 81 miles (2 hours) from Brattleboro, Vermont to Albany International Airport; 85 miles (2 hours 15 minutes) from Brattleboro, Vermont to Saratoga Springs, New York. It’s time to complete the loop! Whether you’re heading back to the airport in Albany or finishing up back in Saratoga Springs, Vermont’s Route 9 will cap off your trip with a scenic bang. This route is dotted with inviting small towns such as Wilmington, and there’s a beaut of a backdrop, with plenty of overlooks where you can take photos and absorb a last dose of seasonal color before heading home.
Tips for electric vehicle drivers
If you’re planning to tackle this trip in an EV, you’ll find abundant charging stations on some stretches but very few on others. In more remote regions, such as in northern New Hampshire and western Maine, you’ll have to plan ahead and charge when the opportunity arises. There’s a charging station in Colebrook, so it’s wise to top up there when spending time around Lake Francis State Park. On the leg from Bethel, Maine to Brattleboro, Vermont, charge up in Gorham and Bradford in New Hampshire, or White River Junction and Woodstock in Vermont. This map is a stellar resource for finding charging points.
This article was first published Sep 3, 2019 and updated Oct 5, 2024.
