By Kiki Dyball By Kiki Dyball | October 7, 2024 | Feature, Guide, Travel, Guides,
Looking to do some leaf peeping this fall? Discover New England’s best spots for viewing the season’s burnt hues.Grandview Barn in Stowe is especially picturesque in the fall
Stowe, Vermont
Soak up Stowe’s vibrant autumn before it is blanketed in white all winter. Visitors can sip their way through local wineries and breweries, hike stunning trails and cruise through scenic routes like Edson Hill and Brush Hill. The Lodge at Spruce Peak, situated at the mountain’s base, welcomes leaf peepers to catch views from gondola rides, hiking trails, biking and golf. For the ultimate glimpse of fall foliage, head to the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival from Oct. 11-13 with live music, local artists and regional eats.
Take in the crisp fall air with a stroll through Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, Maine
Few places in New England rival Bar Harbor in the fall. Cruise the winding Cadillac Summit Road to Cadillac Mountain for views from the highest point on the Eastern seaboard, or stay ground-level and leaf-peep at the breathtaking Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. For a sky-high adventure, hop on a scenic flight that flies over the breathtaking foliage with Scenic Flights of Acadia. After a day of adventures, rest your head at the Terramor Outdoor Resort for a cozy and chic glamping experience beneath the stars.
Franconia, New Hampshire
A nature lover’s paradise, this charming town is a fall dream, bursting with orange, red and yellow colors all autumn long. Spend your days exploring historic landmarks and strolling through Franconia Notch State Park. For more than just foliage, hike the Lincoln Woods Trail and discover the stunning Franconia Falls at the end of a scenic, flat trek through the White Mountains. The Omni Mount Washington Resort is the perfect place to wind down, where this intimate stay boasts breathtaking mountain views.
Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the slopes of Lenox Mountain
Lenox, Massachusetts
Situated in the heart of the Berkshires, Lenox is a leaf-peeper’s paradise. Wander the seven-mile Overbrook Trail at Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to the summit of Lenox Mountain, or enjoy a serene hike through the lush Kennedy Park. After your outdoor adventures, savor French fare—like a warm bowl of French onion soup gratinée—from Bistro Zinc. Those seeking a more pampering-focused weekend can venture to the award-winning Miraval Berkshires Resort for yoga classes, massages and more.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport may shine in the summer, but it becomes a serene beach town once the seasons change, perfect for leaf peeping. Soak in the autumn colors with a harbor cruise on Newport Harbor or Narragansett Bay, head to Simmons Farm for a mile-long hike with the goat companion of your choosing or savor a glass, or two, at 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar. After summer’s whirlwind, Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival takes center stage on Oct. 19-20, welcoming foodies to dive into fresh local seafood right on the waterfront.
a view of the Middle Covered Bridge from behind the History Center in Woodstock.
Woodstock, Vermont
In a sleepy historic town in central Vermont, Woodstock is a leaf-peeper’s dream with rolling hills and vibrant woods. After checking in to the Woodstock Inn and Resort, savor farm-to-table bites with views of the Ottauquechee River waterfall at Simon Pearce restaurant. Hike the scenic Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, visit the lush Sugarbush Farm for cheese and maple syrup and stroll down the historic Central and Elm Streets. Just be sure you don’t skip the Taftsville covered bridge, where shades of red, orange and yellow await.
Photography by: GO STOWE; CRAIG MACKAY; COURTESY OF THE BAR HARBOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; KRISTIN FORESTO; IZZY