The New England Fall Road Trip Travel Experts Swear By

There's no better place to experience the breathtaking allure of autumn than New England. The crisp air, winding scenic byways and rolling hills decorated with vibrant bursts of red, orange and gold make it one of the most iconic regions in the world for fall foliage. Travel experts agree (and so do the millions of tourists that visit every year), so if you're planning a road trip this season, a loop through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island should be at the very top of your list.

Cindy Lorenz, Director of Marketing & Communications at New England Inns and Resorts.com , says, "We always recommend the tour on our site from Meredith, New Hampshire ending in Manchester, Vermont. It hits the highlights while still leaving room for hidden gems."

If you choose to take that route, or go on another one that tacks in more of the area's states, here's a state-by-state guide to the perfect leaf peeping.

Maine: Rugged Coastlines & Quaint Seaside Villages

Start your journey in Maine, where rocky shorelines meet cozy harbor towns and epic hiking. Portlandmakes the perfect launch point, with cobblestone streets, fresh lobster rolls (we recommend Eventide Oyster Cofor the brown butter lobster roll) and sweeping views of the coast. Just north, Camdenoffers postcard-worthy harbor scenes framed by colorful hillsides. In Southern Maine you'll find Kennebunkport, famed for its sandy beaches, lighthouses and lobster shocks a plenty. If weather permits, go on a whale-watching tour to spot the marine mammals before they migrate.

Related: The Maine Beach Town That's Perfect for Fall Too

For the best views (and Insta pics), hike up Mount Battie. For a dose of wilderness, head inland to Acadia National Park, where the contrast of vibrant foliage against granite peaks and the Atlantic Ocean is nothing short of magical. Grab a bite to eat in Bar Harbor— favorite eateries including Dinner, The Travelin' Lobster Coand Atlantic Brewing Company.

New Hampshire: The Quintessential Foliage Drive

From Maine, make your way west into New Hampshire, home to some of the region's most dramatic mountain scenery. The Kancamagus Highway(known as "the Kanc") is a must. Weaving through 34 miles of the White Mountain National Forest, this is easily considered one of the best foliage drives in the country.

Lorenz points out a few lesser-known stops first-timers often miss: "Castle in the Clouds offers the Lakes Region's best views from its mountainside mansion. Zeb's General Storeand Polly's Pancake Parlorin Sugar Hillare perfect for a pit stop, and Flume Gorgeis a short but unforgettable hike," she said.

Related: 20 Most Stunning Destinations for Fall Foliage

Franconia Notch State Parkis also a must-stop, if only for the incredible photo opps. "The dramatic cliffs and mountain lakes surrounded by foliage make it one of the most iconic scenic stretches," Lorenz notes. For accommodations, consider Franconia Innor Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountainfor a cozy, fall-appropriate stay.

Vermont: Covered Bridges, Maple Syrup & Breweries

No fall road trip is complete without Vermont. Known for its rolling farmland, historic covered bridges, white steeple churches flanked by fall foliage and maple sugar shacks, the state is an autumn dreamscape. Lorenz highlights Stowe as "truly iconic, with its covered bridge, church steeple and Mt. Mansfieldbackdrop."

Related: These 6 Quiet New England Towns Are Fall Hidden Gems, Say Travel Pros

Route 100, often called the most scenic drive in Vermont, winds through charming towns like Stowe and Warren. "Food stops are essential," she adds: " Cold Hollow Cider Millin Waterbury has mouthwatering cider donuts and hot mulled cider. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworksin Montpelieris perfect for maple tastings and a quirky maple trail. And in Stowe, the Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall and Stowe Bee Bakeryare not to be missed."

For a quintessential New England photo-op, she recommends Mount Equinox Skyline Drivein Manchester, VT, which perfectly capture the colors, cliffs and charm that make this region legendary in the fall. There are plenty of great places to say in Vermont, and Lorenz recommends Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Brass Lantern Innor Field Guide Lodgefor that quintessential Vermont charm and incredible views.

Massachusetts: Where Haunted History Meets Autumn Charm

Massachusetts is the perfect marriage of stunning fall foliage and spooky Halloween lore. Start in the Berkshires, a region known for its rolling hills, art museums and music festivals. Lorenz highly recommends leaf-peeping along the Mohawk Trail, one of America's oldest scenic byways. Concordand Lexingtonoffer Revolutionary War history against a backdrop of fiery leaves, and Boston's Public Gardenis perfect for a leisurely stroll where swan boats glide past autumn reflections.

Even though it's the busiest time of year for Salem, you'd be remiss not to visit this historically spooky town to get the best of the fall colors and creepy Halloween vibes. Because the town gets very crowded, experts like Marnely Murray of ShoredUp Digital recommend getting there as early as you can and peppering in plenty of time to queue in line for stores, restaurants and the famed graveyard. Typically, Salem can take about 30-40 minutes to drive to from Boston, but during October, it can take almost an hour.

Rhode Island: Coastal Villages & Hidden Gems

Rhode Islandmay be the smallest New England state, but it makes up for that in charm. Newportis a fall favorite, where cliffside walks along the Cliff Walkshowcase both historic mansions and the vibrant coastline. For quieter villages, Bristoland Wickfordoffer colonial homes, local farms, and small-town charm. Providence's Waterplace Parkand College Hillneighborhoods are perfect for romantic and rather picturesque strolls along the waterfront.

Related: 11 Can't-Miss Newport, Rhode Island, Spots That Channel Peak Gilded-Age Glamour

Arguably, the most popular place to stay in Rhode Island is the Ocean House, which sits on Watch Hilloverlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With sprawling porches, a large pool and private beach, restaurants and plenty of unique rooms (including massive cottages), there's plenty to do here without having to leave. If you'd prefer a quieter stay on an inlet, opt for the Weekapaug Inn, which is a Relax & Chateux-managed property. Here, New England charm meets Ralph Lauren luxury, with beautifully outfitted furnishings and a sprawling lawn overlooking Quonochontaug Pond—a coastal pond connected to the Atlantic.

Tips for the Perfect Trip

When it comes to planning, earlier is best, especially as unpredictable weather can dramatically affect the foliage. Lorenz recommends heading out in early October (around Oct 1–12), because it often coincides with peak foliage in both New Hampshire and Vermont.

In terms of traffic, you'll find that Stowe and Smugglers' Notch get busy, so it's best to arrive early to beat tour buses. The drive from Boston to Salem can also get very busy this time of year, so build in a few extra hours in case you're stuck in traffic. Additionally, you may find traffic leaving Portland up to Acadia. Lorenz notes that this is one of the busiest times of year for New England, so stay as patient and flexible as you can as traffic can be 3x normal.

When it comes to booking inns and restaurants, do it as far ahead in advance as you can. In very popular places like Salem, Bar Harbor, Portland, Acadia, Stowe, and more, reservations are often booked months in advance. If you're late to the game, try checking out sites like Whimstay, which specialize in last-minute bookings and often have a few places to book with just a week's notice.

This route combines rugged coastlines, mountain vistas, covered bridges, historic towns and coastal charm. Lorenz advises travelers set aside 4–5 days minimum, or 6–7 if you want more time for hikes, breweries and local experiences. Whether it's your first road trip or your fifth, this New England fall itinerary is a classic that travel experts swear by—and one that keeps bringing visitors back year after year.

For repeat travelers, Lorenz suggests fresh ways to experience the same route: "Swap a day of driving for the Conway Scenic Railroad, try leaf-peeping via the Cannon Mountainor Stowe Gondola SkyRide, explore a brewery or cider trail in Vermont, or check out Manchester's arts scene at the Southern Vermont Arts Center."

Related: This Place Was Just Named Best Spot to Visit This Fall—And It's Not in the Northeast

This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.