Where to See The Best Fall Colours in New England 

New England is world famous for it's gorgeous fall colours, here is your definitive guide on the best spots to visit to get the best views!

Hill Stead Museum, Farmington - Connecticut Office of Tourism

Connecticut

Connecticut is full of leaf-strewn parks and vast forests, full of fall colours. Anyone who visits is bound to feel spoilt for choice, as the gorgeous colours really are everywhere. Trek through the landscapes of Mt. Tom State Park and Talcott Mountain State Park, these hikes are suitable for all and the views really do encapsulate why New England is so well known for their fall colours. Take your time along the 20 miles of walking trails at Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary in the town of Sherman, taking in all that the natural landscapes have to offer, or hike and photograph the 27,000-acre Pachaug State Forest, the state’s largest forest system.

Connecticut is a small state but it has been one of the most vigorously independent and productive since Dutch explorer Adriaen Block discovered the Connecticut River in 1614. See the river for yourself by taking a fall foliage themed cruise down the Connecticut River, feeling completely surrounded by the gorgeous colours for as long as you like!

Baxter State Park - Maine Office of Tourism

Maine

Maine is well known for its gorgeous coast, but heading deeper inland allows you to explore the thick wild crimson, pumpkin, and amber-hued woods. For the very best fall colours, go hiking in northern Maine in early October. Baxter State Park and the forests to the southwest are perfect for all hikers and offer incredible views of the fall foliage. There are a variety of hiking trails with varying skill levels and whichever you choose you'll find paths lined with lush trees and towering evergreens, punctuated by boulder-strewn streams, lakes, and ponds. Certainly keep your eyes out for any moose while you admire the views!

Birch Pond Saugus - Massachusetts Office of Tourism

Massachusetts

Home to many picturesque villages and rolling hills, the Berkshires are renowned for its Autumn colours, but are beautiful regardless of the season. The leaf covered Mohawk Trail is New England’s Original Scenic Drive. Pass through 50,000 acres of parklands and forests, spotting bears and bobcats as you drive. The serenity and remoteness of the Berkshires attracted artists and authors including Melville, Hawthorne and famous illustrator Norman Rockwell, soak in the culture and history of the Berkshires as you appreciate the gorgeous scenery on offer. If you enjoy a great hike, stop off in North Adams to climb Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state!

Or if you are looking for the city life, Boston is certainly your best choice for an autumnal city visit. Immerse yourself in the Massachusetts fall by strolling the Public Garden, the Charles River Esplanade, the Arnold Arboretum and tree-lined Harvard campus. Or take to the water and see the incredible fall colours from a scenic boat ride.

Jericho Mountain State Park - New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development

New Hampshire

Mountainous and leafy, New Hampshire is full of seemingly endless parklands for experiencing fall foliage. North New Hampshire’s claim to fame is the scenic 35-mile stretch of Route 112, along this road nature takes centre stage lined with changing and stunning varieties of trees and foliage. Visit the White Mountain National Forest for the best fall colours, whilst you are there stop at one of the countless waterfalls such as Sabbaday Falls or Rocky Gorge. Visit the towns of Meredith and Portsmouth to savour the New Hampshire culture of charming towns brimming with culture and history. To get the best views of the fall colours, take a hike in Bear Brook State Park!

Shires of Vermont Byway - Vermont Tourism

New England

New England's lushest foliage can be found in Vermont. 75% of Vermont is natural land, scattered with the best colours that fall has to offer. Surrounded by thousands of maple trees, you'll find the most vibrant of yellows, oranges, and reds on nearly every highway and country road. The Green Mountain State really has the best views on offer.

Take a trip to Manchester, hiking on Equinox Mountain is the perfect way to take in the colourful fall scenery. Panoramas stretch from New York to New Hampshire. Visit Woodstock, one of the most beautiful towns in the U.S, for an unforgettable trip to Mount Tom. Vermont really is unmissable for the best fall colours.