13 Best Places To See Fall Foliage in New England, Voted On By YOU

It’s finally fall in New England. Well, not technically, however anytime the air gets a little chilly and we start drinking anything pumpkin spice, we all start thinking about fall. In the past week, we’ve been asking our listeners about their favorite places to go leaf peeping. If you’re not from here, leaf peeping is simply going for a drive to look at the leaves on the trees changing color. Some people will spend their entire weekends driving around and looking at the gorgeous leaves which make for amazing Instagram pictures.

When is peak leaf peeping season? Typically, the leaves in New England start changing color early to mid September but it depends on the year’s weather. If you’re asking about PEAK leaf peeping season, that’s usually around mid October. Believe it or not, there are actually websites that track the best time to go leaf peeping. In New Hampshire, CLICK HERE. For Vermont CLICK HERE In Massachusetts CLICK HERE In Maine CLICK HERE

Now unfortunately, the drought that we’ve been going through here has put a slight damper on the timing of leaf peeping this year. According to AccuWeather’s Paul Pastelok, “When it’s dry, the tree will try to preserve itself and shut down leaf production earlier than normal. This is still happening, despite rain that just fell.” This means that leaf peeping will probably be its best earlier this year than normal. So, when you’re looking at this list, try to plan your trip in the month of September rather than October. We have included several destinations across New England based on the answers you’ve given us. So, without further delay, here are the best places to see fall foliage and to go leaf peeping in New England.

NORTH CONWAY, NH – OCTOBER 17: Trees sport colorful leaves as a river flows past October 17, 2005 near North Conway, New Hampshire. The fall foliage season has gotten off to a slow start with the trees being still green in many spots and in others the leaves have been removed from the trees by more than a week of rain and wind. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

• Kancamagus highway in NH

  Submitted by Heather Ruiz Vega, Heather A Henriquez, Katie Decossa,
  “It’s beautiful, as well as the Monadnock region.”

  Kancamagus Scenic Byway: The Kancamagus Highway - Kancamagus Visitor Information

  Kancamagus Scenic Byway, aka "The Kanc" The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH's Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture.

• West Forks/Moose river in Maine

  Submitted by Amanda Colon “I love heading up to west forks/moose river Maine and taking a rafting trip down either the kennebec or the dead river. It’s a different experience seeing it from a river while having a blast rafting.”

  13 Best Things To Do In Kennebec Valley And Moose River 2022

  Cultural attractions and outdoor adventures blend in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Region of Maine, encompassing the Belgrade Lakes area, Waterville, Skowhegan, Bingham, and the frontier town of Jackman, known for some of the best hunting and fishing in the state.

   

• Warner, NH

  Submitted by Gina Denton. “Warner NH has a Fall Foliage Fest every year – the ride up, the location & timing of the fest are incredible.”

  https://wfff.org/

   

• Burlington, VT

  Submitted by Hilary Taylor “Burlington, Vermont – Vermont country store!”

  Visit Burlington Vermont!

  For a small city, Burlington packs a wallop. From paddling the lake to climbing the mountains to shopping local on the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington is a different sort of destination. But don't forget about some of our "tourist attractions" if you're visiting (or even if you live here!)

• Mount Sugarloaf in Deerfield MA

  Submitted by Danyelle Katherine.

  Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation

  Summit road open mid-May through mid-October. The summit of Mt. Sugarloaf offers amazing views of the Connecticut River Valley. The park is great for picnics, hiking, and mountain biking.

• Killington, VT

  Submitted by Lisa Howard and Jamie Lee

  Vermont fall foliage: Take this Killington-area leaf-peeping trip

  Central Vermont is a superb place for a day trip to view Vermont's colorful autumn leaves. It helps that there is a multitude of attractions and eateries along the way. Here is a suggested leaf-peeping tour suitable for everyone from senior citizens to families to someone seeking a day of peace and relative solitude.

• Franconia Notch

  Submitted by Hannah Yifru

  Welcome

  260 Tramway Drive Franconia/Lincoln, NH 03580 Phone: 603-823-8800 Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north.

• Mohawk Trail (Route 2)

  Submitted by Jennifer Ramsey-Feoli

  Mohawk Trail Driving Tours

  Orange, also known as the Friendly Town, is the starting point for your North Quabbin Adventure! Start at Trail Head in Orange center where you can pick up maps for the entire region as well as supplies and grab a bite at the Millers River Café. Take South Main Street/Rte.

• Lakes Region in Tilton

  Submitted by Chris Pereira

  Kayaking | New Hampshire Lakes Region Tourism Association-Tilton, NH

  When you travel to Tilton, NH, on your family vacation, you know there's always plenty of things to do in New Hampshire's Lakes Region! Your vacation here will be filled with time at the beach, boat tours, cruises, golfing, kayaking, skiing and other snow sports, music and so much more.

• Ross' Cliffs in CT

  Submitted by Michelle McLaughlin https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/rosss-cliff-trail

• White Mountain National Forest

  Submitted by Devin Richardt

  White Mountain National Forest

  From mountainous hardwood forests to majestic alpine peaks. Explore the breathtaking scenery, clear mountain lakes and streams, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. View All Recreational Activities Are you interested in beginning a career with the USDA Forest Service? The White Mountain National Forest is accepting applications for positions in Visitor Information Services.

• Northern Maine The County

  Submitted by Fred Veader

  Welcome to Aroostook County, Maine | Maine's Aroostook County

  Maine's destination for predictably the best snowmobile trail conditions - over 2,300 miles! Folks who enjoy year-round outdoor adventure, historic sites and unique local culture set their sights on this very special part of Maine. It's hard to miss.

• Concord, VT

  Submitted by Nicole Whitehouse

  Town of Concord, Vermont

  Town Offices are now open to the public. Masks are required for non vaccinated people and social distancing is still in place. Join your friends and neighbors on Wednesday, September 14th from 6:30-9:00pm for the final step in the Let's Grow Concord process!

• The Berkshires

  Submitted by Brianna Valerie

  Visit the Berkshires

  World class cultural attractions, superior outdoor recreation, and a famous farm-to-table food scene. Visit the Berkshires today!

• Route 100 in Vermont

  Submitted by Jenny Harrigan

   

  Scenic Route 100 Byway

  Running along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains, the Scenic Route 100 Byway is located in south-central Vermont. The route is recognized by Yankee Magazine as one of "the most scenic drives in New England."

• Washburn Park Marion, MA

  Submitted by Heather O’Neill

  Parks

  Point Road PlaygroundLocated on Point Road, north of Route 6. There is a PLAYGROUND, basketball court and tennis court. Parking is limited. Please be respectful to the neighbors.To reserve this please complete the Facility Request Form Washburn ParkWashburn Park is located off of Front Street (Rt.

• North Adams, MA

  Submitted by Brett S. Weston https://explorenorthadams.com/item/fall-foliage-festival-and-fall-foliage-parade/