The ideal New England fall foliage road trip for 2023

Traveling through New England to witness autumn’s vibrant colors has become so popular that it has spawned its own community of 'leaf-peepers.'

Although you can enjoy the fall leaves throughout the region, this particular road trip will take you deep into the heart of the most breathtaking colors.

The ultimate New England fall foliage road trip

Trip duration: 5–7 days; 424 miles (682 km) Ideal visiting time: Late September to mid-October Must-capture photo: Kent Falls surrounded by stunning autumn hues Highlight of the trip: Zip-lining through the treetops in Bretton Woods

Scarlet and sugar maples, ashes, birches, beeches, dogwoods, tulip trees, oaks, and sassafras create a vibrant autumn spectacle in New England. However, this journey is about more than just the flora; it’s an opportunity to soak in the harvest spirit with family outings at pick-your-own farms, leisurely strolls along sun-dappled paths, and tables filled with delicious seasonal fare.

1. Lake Candlewood, Connecticut

Spanning 8.4 square miles, Candlewood is Connecticut's largest lake. On its western shore, Squantz Pond State Park attracts leaf-peepers eager to explore the charming shoreline. In Brookfield and Sherman, peaceful vineyards with twisted grapevines adorn the hills; White Silo Farm Winery specializes in unique wines crafted from locally grown fruit. For an unforgettable view of the fall colors, consider a late afternoon hot-air balloon ride with GONE Ballooning in nearby Southbury.

The Drive: Starting from Danbury at the lake's southern tip, you can opt to head north via US 7, passing through Brookfield and New Milford (or follow the scenic eastern shoreline along Candlewood Lake Rd S); alternatively, take CT 37 and CT 39 through New Fairfield, Squantz Pond, and Sherman before reconnecting with US 7 to Kent.

2. Kent, Connecticut

Charming Kent is one of the premier destinations for fall foliage in New England. Nestled in the Litchfield Hills along the Housatonic River, the village is encircled by lush woodlands. For breathtaking views, hike Cobble Mountain in Macedonia Brook State Park, located two miles north of Kent. The challenging ascent to the rocky ridge rewards hikers with expansive vistas of the foliage framed by the Taconic and Catskill mountain ranges.

The 2,175-mile (3,500 km) Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through Kent, extending up to Salisbury at the Massachusetts border. In contrast to much of the trail, this section features a relatively flat five-mile path along the Housatonic, marking the longest river walk on the entire trail. Access the trailhead from River Rd, off CT 341.

The drive: The 15-mile journey from Kent to Housatonic Meadows State Park along US 7 ranks among Connecticut's most picturesque drives. The narrow road meanders through dense forests, passes Kent Falls State Park (where a cascading waterfall is visible from the road), and crosses West Cornwall’s charming covered bridge, spanning the Housatonic.

3. Housatonic Meadows State Park, Connecticut

In spring, the rushing waters of the Housatonic provide a thrilling challenge for kayakers and canoeists. By summer, the river transforms into a serene, flat waterway ideal for fly-fishing. Campers at Housatonic Meadows State Park seek spots along the riverbanks, while hikers explore the hills on the Appalachian Trail. Housatonic River Outfitters offers guided fishing excursions complete with gourmet picnics.

Favored by artists and photographers, Cornwall Bridge (West Cornwall) is one of the most photographed autumn locations, featuring an antique bridge that spans the wide river, beautifully framed by vibrant fall foliage.

The drive: Continue north on US 7 toward the Massachusetts border and Great Barrington. After a few miles, the forested hills of the park give way to expansive, rolling countryside dotted with large red-and-white barns. Keep an eye out for hand-painted signs advertising local produce, and consider an overnight stay in Falls Village, home to a lovely B&B.

4. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Covering the westernmost region of Massachusetts, the rounded peaks of the Berkshires transform into shades of crimson and gold as early as mid-September. Great Barrington, the unofficial capital of the Berkshires, was once an industrial hub but is now filled with art galleries and upscale dining options.

This is an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic or take a break before or after exploring the nearby Beartown State Forest. Its 12,000 acres are crisscrossed by hiking trails that offer stunning views of wooded hills and the picturesque Benedict Pond. Further north lies October Mountain State Forest, the largest green space in the state (16,127 acres), which also features numerous hiking trails. Named after Herman Melville, this park is particularly beautiful when its hemlocks, birches, and oaks don their vibrant autumn colors.

The drive: Head north on US 7, the backbone of the Berkshires, passing through Great Barrington and Stockbridge. In Lee, the highway merges with picturesque US 20, granting access to October Mountain. Continue 16 miles north through Lenox and Pittsfield to Lanesborough. Turn right onto N Main St and follow the signs to the park entrance.

5. Mt Greylock State Forest, Massachusetts

Although Massachusetts’ highest peak reaches only 3,491 feet (1,064 meters), climbing the 92-foot-high War Veterans Memorial Tower rewards visitors with breathtaking views that extend up to 100 miles across the Taconic, Housatonic, and Catskill ranges, spanning five states. Even on overcast days, the drive to the summit can elevate you above the clouds, providing a truly enchanting view where mist floats between the treetops and the sky.

Mt Greylock State Reservation features around 45 miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Numerous pull-offs along the road to the summit, some leading to waterfalls, make it easy to fit in some hiking before reaching the top.

The drive: Return to US 7 and continue north through the charming college town of Williamstown. Cross the Vermont border and proceed through the historic village of Bennington. Just north of Bennington, take a left onto Rte 7A and keep heading north toward Manchester.

6. Manchester, Vermont

Charming Manchester is celebrated for its stylish architecture. For breathtaking fall foliage views, venture south from the town center to Mt Equinox, which stands at 3,828 feet, making it the highest mountain in the Taconic Range accessible by car. The 5.2-mile drive is filled with stunning scenery at each twist and turn, leading you to a summit that reveals a 360-degree panorama showcasing the Adirondacks, the verdant Battenkill Valley, and even Montréal’s Mt Royal.

If early snow prevents access to Mt Equinox, consider a visit to Hildene, a 412-acre Georgian Revival mansion that was once the residence of the Lincoln family. Filled with presidential artifacts, it sits at the edge of the Green Mountains and offers access to eight miles of serene walking trails.

The drive: Proceed north on US 7 towards Burlington. Just three miles beyond Middlebury in New Haven, make a stop at Lincoln Peak Vineyard for a delightful wine tasting or a picnic on the wraparound porch.

7. Lake Champlain, Vermont

Spanning 490 square miles and located across New York, Vermont, and Québec, Lake Champlain ranks as the largest freshwater lake in the United States after the Great Lakes. The charming city of Burlington sits on its northeastern shore and serves as an excellent base for exploring the lake. Stroll through the vibrant city, then make your way to the scenic wooden waterfront promenade, relax in the four-person rocking benches, and consider biking along the 7.5-mile lakeside trail.

For breathtaking off-shore views of the foliage, we recommend sailing on the Friend Ship, a 43-foot sloop operated by Whistling Man Schooner Company that accommodates just 13 passengers. Adjacent to it, the ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center delves into the history and ecology of the lake, including a famous depiction of Champ, its legendary sea creature.

The drive: Head southeast on I-89 towards Montpelier, passing through Camels Hump State Park and CC Putnam State Forest. In Montpelier, take US 2 east to St Johnsbury, where you can connect to I-91 south, then I-93 south. Just after Littleton, take US 302 east to reach Bretton Woods.

8. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Unfasten your seat belts and step out of the car; today is more than just leaf-watching. You'll soar past the foliage on zip lines that plunge 1,000 feet at speeds of 30 mph. The year-round Bretton Woods Canopy Tour features a hike through the woods, a walk across sky bridges, and exhilarating descents on 10 cables to tree platforms.

If you're left wanting even more breathtaking views, cross US 302 and take a six-mile drive on Base Rd to the coal-powered, steam-operated Mount Washington Cog Railway, located at the base of Mt Washington, New England's tallest peak. This historic railway has been transporting visitors to the mountain's 6,288-foot (1,916 m) summit since 1869.

The drive: Continue east along US 302, a scenic route that runs parallel to the Saco River and the Conway Scenic Railroad, passing through Crawford Notch State Park. At the intersection of NH 16 and US 302, keep heading east on US 302 into North Conway.

9. North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway is home to some of the finest restaurants, pubs, and inns, all offering stunning views of the nearby mountains, making it an excellent spot to conclude your fall-foliage trip. If you're with children or missed the cog railway ride to Mt Washington, consider a delightful excursion on the vintage Valley Train operated by the Conway Scenic Railroad. This charming round-trip journey covers 11 miles through the Mt Washington Valley from North Conway to Conway, with the breathtaking Moat Mountains and the Saco River as your scenic backdrop. First-class seating is typically available in a beautifully restored Pullman observation car.