A fall road trip should be on your list! New England is renowned for its stunning fall foliage, which typically peaks from late September to mid-October, although the exact timing can vary from year to year. To experience the best of New England’s fall foliage, here is an example of a 7-day road trip that I planned specifically for leaf peeping! Take a family member or friend like I did.  My Mother loved it!

Day 1:  Fly into Boston and start your trip in this fabulous city. Explore a few historical sites like the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and the USS Constitution Museum. Indulge in some clam chowder & lobster rolls at a local seafood restaurant. If you are a baseball fan, visit Fenway Park.

Day 2: The first stop on our road trip was Ogunquit, Maine, a short drive north from Boston. Ogunquit is a beautiful coastal town in southern Maine known for its picturesque beaches, charming village center, and natural beauty.  Activities include a chill on the beach, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, or taking a scenic walk along the Marginal Way.  This scenic coastal path runs for about 1.25 miles along the cliffs. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a romantic stroll.  Perkins Cove is a quaint fishing village with lots of beautiful scenery, fishermen at work, and unique shops and galleries to peruse.  Be sure to take a photo of the iconic Perkins Cove drawbridge. Stop for breakfast or lunch at the Cove Café! A delish breakfast!

As we made the journey north to Portland, we stopped by for a short visit to Kennebunk, Maine. Another quaint and charming New England town with beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and plenty of shopping.  Kennebunk Beach and Gooch’s Beach both are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. A stop in Neighboring Kennebunkport is often associated with it being a summer retreat for the U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Day 3-4: Portland is the largest city in Maine and is located in the southern area of the state along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Portland’s origins date back to the 17th century when it was originally settled by the British. It has played a significant role in American history, including during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. It has a strong maritime industry, which includes a busy port but is known for its tourism, arts & culture. The city has a vibrant feel and scene with many museums, theaters, galleries & beautiful Casco Bay. Take a scenic boat tour of Casco Bay to enjoy the autumn colors along the coast. The picturesque Old Port district with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and plenty of shopping. Definitely stop in for a lobster roll at one of the many dockside eateries. A must-see is the Portland Head Light as it’s one of the most famous lighthouses in the United States, located on Cape Elizabeth at Fort Williams Park. I suggest taking a guided tour to get all the sights & sounds of Portland.

Day 5: Continuing our road trip, we drove through the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire along the Kancamagus Highway.  Highly recommended during the fall foliage! The Kancamagus Highway stretches for approximately 34.5 miles. Take note this portion of the highway does NOT have gas stations or services, so be prepared. This was one of the longest driving days on the trip.

 Day 5-6: We arrived in the quintessential New England village town of Stowe, Vermont. I think Stowe was my favorite! Stowe is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Green Mountains and Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Stowe is a year-round outdoor recreation destination & in the winter, it’s a hub for skiing and snowboarding, with Stowe Mountain Resort, where we stayed for 2 nights. This popular ski resort offers a wide range of winter and summer activities, including zip-lining, mountain biking, and a gondola ride. The village of Stowe is a charming and historic New England town with a classic look, featuring quaint shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cozy inns. The Stowe Recreation Path is a scenic 5.3-mile paved trail that wanders through the town and countryside. The village is known for one stop in particular, the postcard-worthy white steeple church, Stowe Community Church. If you are looking for covered bridges, this is the area to wander the countryside in search of one.

The Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the von Trapp family of “The Sound of Music,” is a cool spot to stay overnight or just stop by for a visit. We took a drive up and had a classic German dinner one night while in Stowe.

Day 7: On our way south to Boston, we stopped in a few noteworthy places to add to the road trip list. Just outside of Waterbury is The Cold Hollow Cider Hill. A fun stop for souvenirs and a cider donut, of course! If you have time, drive through the capitol of Vermont, Montpelier. One of my favorites is the lovely town of Woodstock, Vermont. The center of Woodstock is the village green, a beautiful park surrounded by historic buildings, including the Woodstock Inn & Resort, a classic Vermont inn. Located just a short drive from Woodstock, Quechee Gorge is often referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon” and is a popular spot for hiking and scenic views.

Ending our trip in Boston, we took a short drive to Salem, Massachusetts, best known for the Salem witch trials, a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in 1692. Check out the Salem Witch Museum for all the details.

If you have more time or want a few other options in this area, here are a few more suggestions when traveling in New England:

• Cape Cod, Massachusetts – is known for its beautiful beaches and charming villages. Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, visit Provincetown, and go whale-watching. Of course, eat the local seafood!
• Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket-Take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, both picturesque islands known for their beaches, art galleries, and boutique shops.
• Newport, Rhode Island – which is famous for its historic mansions along the Cliff Walk. Tour the Vanderbilt mansions, relax on the beaches, and explore the maritime history.
• Providence, Rhode Island – the capital of Rhode Island. Explore the city’s art scene, visit Brown University, and, of course, more seafood!
• Mystic, Connecticut– visit Mystic Seaport, a maritime museum showcasing New England’s seafaring history.

Remember to plan your trip well in advance, as accommodations definitely fill up quickly during peak foliage season. I am happy to help you with planning your trip!

Also, be prepared for mixed weather conditions, as fall in New England can be crisp and chilly. New England foliage is an unforgettable memory of autumn’s beauty.

If you need help planning or booking your Fall foliage road trip, I’m here to help. Check out my trip planning page.