Experiencing Fall Foliage Without a Car Is the Best Way

Every autumn, New England’s vibrant foliage turns picturesque regional routes into congested roads filled with brake lights. Booking accommodations at local bed-and-breakfasts or hotels along these sought-after paths can quickly escalate into four-figure expenses.

While many travelers to the Northeast view fall foliage season as a time to drive through the region, a far more enriching and serene way to appreciate the colors is to leave the car behind for a few hours. I experienced this last October during a pontoon boat cruise on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Marketed as a loon-spotting adventure, the ride also offered a stunning view of the Northeast’s foliage in sepia hues. We didn’t have to worry about who would take the wheel so everyone could admire the golden treetops. Instead, we spent our time reflecting on the amber trees mirrored in Squam Lake’s calm waters, enjoying the boat's ambiance with fellow passengers.

This fall foliage season, leave your vehicle behind. Explore on foot, by bike, on a boat, via train, or even zipline with these five exciting journeys.

The Amtrak Vermonter

• Plan a Journey: amtrak.com/vermonter-train
• Route: From Washington, D.C., to St. Albans, Vermont
• Viewing method for fall foliage: train

Traveling northeast from Washington, D.C., to St. Albans in Vermont, with stops in major cities such as New York and Philadelphia, Amtrak’s Vermonter train truly shines as it winds through the lush valleys and hills of the Green Mountain State—providing an almost endless display of crimson and gold during September and October. Consider booking a window seat (at no additional charge) for the best views, and turn the roughly 14-hour trip into a weekend getaway with overnight stays in quaint small towns like Waterbury or White River Junction. Both towns feature conveniently located train stations within walking distance of local eateries, shops, and accommodations.

Acadian Boat Tours

• Plan Your Adventure: acadianboattours.com
• Destination: Maine
• Viewing method for fall foliage: boat

Late September heralds the start of what might be the most enchanting period to explore New England’s sole national park. Acadia in autumn presents a stunning blend of fall colors, trails, gentle fog, and brisk nights perfect for enjoying lobster stew. Much of the leaf-peeping action unfolds along the Acadian coastline. Experience it from the sea with one of the nature sightseeing cruises offered by Acadian Boat Tours until October. You’ll depart from Bar Harbor and navigate the waters of Frenchman Bay, taking in the rugged cliffs and varied forests of the famous coastline.

The Presidential Rail Trail

• Plan Your Adventure: friendsofthepresidentialrailtrail.org
• Destination: New Hampshire
• Viewing method for fall foliage: biking or walking

Thanks to years of dedication from cycling enthusiasts, multiuse "rail trails" have become a staple of New England’s scenery. Among them, the Presidential Rail Trail stands out for its breathtaking views, stretching 20 miles through the Presidential Range, the highest peaks in the White Mountains. Start your journey in Gorham, biking or walking through tunnels of amber foliage that reveal breathtaking mountain vistas. Conclude your adventure at Cherry Pond, the crown jewel of the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, black bears, and the occasional moose along the way.

The High Road

• Plan Your Journey: bnrc.org
• Location: Massachusetts
• Viewing method for fall foliage: walking

While the Berkshires are a bustling hub for leaf-peeping in the fall, many foliage enthusiasts are unaware of the High Road—a newly developed footpath connecting towns through some of the region’s most stunning forests. Initiated by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, this multi-year project aims to eventually cover the entire mountain range. The first segment, stretching from Pittsfield to Lenox, offers a delightful preview of what’s to come. The High Road features smoother terrain, allowing walkers to enjoy a more tranquil experience reminiscent of forest bathing, in contrast to the usual intensity of hiking.

The Adventure Park

• Plan Your Visit: myadventurepark.com
• Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut
• Viewing method for fall foliage: zipline

Why merely look up at the vibrant autumn canopy when you can immerse yourself in it? Bridgeport’s Discovery Museum invites adventurers to experience a thrilling way to chase fall colors at the on-site Adventure Park, featuring an obstacle course with 38 ziplines and 14 suspended "treetop trails" equipped with bridges, ladders, and ropes. Before you begin your self-guided journey through the treetops, you'll receive the necessary equipment and an orientation from the staff.