Best Scenic Fall Foliage Tours in New England

1. Stowe, Vermont

Perhaps the most popular fall trip to New England is Stowe, Vermont. In Stowe, you can take scenic drives through iconic covered bridges and beautiful landscapes. If you’re taking a fall trip to Stowe this year, here are some of the top activities that can help you take in the wonderful foliage:

• Biking: A biking tour allows you to take in the crisp fall air while immersing yourself in the beauty that Stowe has to offer. Whether you participate in a guided bicycling tour or venture off on your own, you can stay active while exploring popular bike trails like the Stowe Recreation Path or the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.

• Hot air balloon ride: There are several hot air balloon ride companies in Stowe that allow you to get a bird’s eye view of the sweeping landscape filled with vibrant fall colors. You can experience an unforgettable view of fall foliage with an aerial view.

• Scenic drives: Some of the most popular routes in Stowe that bring you through the fall foliage include the Stowe Mountain Road, Route 100, and Route 108.

• Hiking: Another popular New England fall activity is hiking, and Stowe has plenty of it. Popular hikes include the Stowe Pinnacle Trail, Mount Mansfield Summit Trail, and Sterling Pond Trail.

These are some of the best ways to witness the fall foliage in Stowe. Make sure to participate in other popular fall activities, such as cider tasting at one of Stowe’s many cider mills or visiting a farmers market for local produce, live music, and crafts.

2. Acadia National Park, Maine

As the only national park in the Northeast, Acadia National Park has a lot to offer, especially to those visiting in the fall. Fall foliage tours in New England should always include a stop at Acadia National Park. Here, you can take in the park’s trees, including maple, birch, and oak, as well as enjoy cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. The fall is a great time to explore the park at a relaxed pace to spot wildlife like moose, deer, and migratory birds and attend festivals and events in nearby towns like Bar Harbor, including the Acadia Night Sky Festival.

3. White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains in New Hampshire include several peaks over 4,000 feet, with the highest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet, known as Mount Washington. A stop at the White Mountains is a must when exploring the American Northeast. Known for its rugged beauty and diverse landscape, this ancient mountain range is home to several lakes, rivers, and streams that carve through the fall foliage and offer a home for wildlife like moose, bears, and other animals. Popular options for viewing the fall foliage include hiking the Appalachian Trail, climbing Mount Washington Auto Road, and driving the Kancamagus Highway.

4. Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts

Another one of the best places to see New England fall foliage is the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts. Autumn in the Berkshires allows you to view the color changes of native trees’ leaves, including birch and maple trees. There are also endless outdoor activity opportunities, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and family-friendly activities like hayrides and apple picking. To take in the fall foliage by car, drive the Mohawk Trail Byway, Mount Greylock Scenic Byway, and Route 20.

5. Green Mountains, Vermont

Down the center of Vermont run the Green Mountains, a mountain range part of the more expansive Appalachian mountain range, and are known for their ruggedness and beauty. Throughout the Green Mountains, you’ll find small-town gems of Vermont, like Middlebury and Montpelier, where you can visit museums and quaint downtowns to learn about New England’s history. You can also do day hikes or backpacking at popular peaks like Killington, Camel’s Hump, and Jay Peak. To make the most of your New England fall color tour in the Green Mountains, drive along the Vermont Route 100 Byway, which offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys of the area.

Explore the Best Places to See New England Fall Foliage With Road Scholar

If you’re looking for fall foliage tours in New England, Road Scholar has you covered. At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of experiential learning programs that can bring you throughout the Northeast to allow you to take in the stunning displays of fall foliage that line the landscapes of New England. Through our guided tours, you’ll learn about history, geography, wildlife, and culture while discovering new areas with a like-minded cohort of learners.