The Best 7-Day New England Fall Road Trip (By a Local!)
New England is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in the fall! Although I may be biased since I grew up in New England, millions of people visit the northeast in the fall, proving it is an incredible place to experience the foliage.
I have spent my entire life living in New England and exploring every corner of the Northeast. No matter where you go, the foliage is breathtaking! But if I had to choose my favorite places to visit in the fall for 7 days, I would pick Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The scenery in those states is beautiful year-round but particularly spectacular when the vibrant foliage takes over.
Although you could spend weeks exploring everything New England offers in the fall, you can visit the most beautiful places within a week. Since I grew up here, I can give you what I recommend as the best 7-day New England fall road trip itinerary. If you want to plan a trip, this guide is a great place to start building your itinerary!
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Tips for Planning a New England Fall Road Trip
When is Peak Foliage in New England?
Peak foliage in New England varies each year, but it is typically between the end of September through October. The foliage will peak in the northern regions first, so you should always start your road trip from the most northern point and work your way down.
Below are a few of my favorite foliage trackers that are updated each week:
How Many Days Should Your Fall Road Trip Be?
Although you could spend weeks exploring the foliage in New England, you can visit the top places within a week. I recommend allocating at least two days in each area to give you plenty of time to experience everything it offers.
I do not recommend spending less than one day in most places because you will feel rushed. Most of the best places to visit are also a few hours from each other, which is another reason you should allocate more than one day to each area.
Where Are the Best Places to Visit in New England in the Fall?
Honestly, you cannot go wrong with any area you visit in New England, because the foliage is spectacular everywhere. The most popular places to visit in the fall are the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Stowe in Vermont, the Berkshires in Massachusetts, and Acadia National Park in Maine. These areas have the most things to do and some of the best places to view fall foliage. Trust me, you will fall in love with each place!
Things to Know for Your New England Fall Road Trip
Millions of people visit New England in the fall, and most places will have crowds. I recommend starting your days early in the morning and exploring the popular attractions with fewer crowds. I also recommend planning your road trip during weekdays since most people visit on weekends.
Since New England is one of the best places in the world to see fall foliage, I recommend preparing mentally for the crowds and being flexible with your itinerary. If you arrive at a full parking lot, come back later to visit when there are fewer people.
And please always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they do not have trash bins, you can take your trash with you until you find a trash bin.
Best Places to Stay in New England
Because New England is a popular destination in the fall, I recommend booking your accommodations in advance. The best places to stay during your road trip are Stowe, North Conway, Lincoln, and Bar Harbor.
Stowe Hotels and Campgrounds
Lincoln Hotels and Campgrounds
North Conway Hotels and Campgrounds
Bar Harbor Hotels and Campgrounds
What to Pack for Fall in New England
The weather in New England is unpredictable, and the weather on top of the mountains can vary from the weather at the trailhead, making it crucial to pack layers just in case. If you plan to hike, I recommend checking the MWOBS higher summit forecast.
Also, do not underestimate the hiking trails in New England. Although we do not have the tallest mountains in the country, the trails in New Hampshire are rugged with lots of rocks and roots. I recommend having hiking shoes with good traction and a supportive backpack to carry food, water, layers, and the essential hiking gear.
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and warmth on your trip, you need insulated hiking boots.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Map of 7-Day New England Fall Road Trip
The Best 7-Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
This 7-day fall road trip itinerary explores three of the most spectacular places to see the foliage. New England has an endless number of places you can visit in the fall, so you switch out one of the places below with another on your bucket list. But if you want to see the three places I love visiting the most in the fall, this itinerary is for you!
The best part about this itinerary is it is flexible! If you would rather spend an extra day in any of the three areas, you can easily swap out a day.
Also, since Acadia National Park is a bit of a drive from the White Mountains, you can skip it and add a few days in Vermont and New Hampshire. No matter how you plan your 7-day fall New England road trip itinerary, you will love the stunning scenery!
Days 1-2: Stowe, Vermont
The first few days of your fall road trip are in one of the most beautiful places in Vermont, the scenic town of Stowe. Stowe is a year-round destination, offering things to do every season, but it is special in the fall.
I recommend spending at least two days in Stowe, giving yourself plenty of time to experience everything the area offers. In two days, you can enjoy scenic drives, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
One of the best things about Stowe is you do not have to hike to experience the beautiful fall foliage. Although Smugglers’ Notch has some of the best hiking trails in Vermont, you can enjoy the fall foliage from roadside viewpoints and attractions or drive to the top of the tallest mountain in Vermont. But if you are up for an adventure, you have many trails to choose from including mountains and waterfalls.
Tip: I recommend driving to the White Mountains at the end of your second day in Stowe to give you more time in New Hampshire. Since the drive is only two hours, you can easily make it at the end of day two in your itinerary.
Below are the best things to do in Stowe in the fall:
Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive is the most beautiful scenic drive in Vermont, in my opinion. If you do not want to hike, you can enjoy the beautiful foliage from your car and various overlooks in Smugglers’ Notch. I recommend starting your drive early to enjoy the drive with fewer crowds. Many of the below things to do are in or near the notch, making it easy to add them to your itinerary.
Bingham Falls is at the beginning of the scenic drive, making it the perfect first stop of your day. Although it is not the tallest waterfall, only standing 25 feet tall, it is stunning, with the falls cascading into an emerald pool. And the trail is only a 0.5-mile round trip, allowing you to enjoy the waterfall without a long hike!
Barnes Camp Loop: One of my favorite fall hikes in Stowe is Barnes Camp Loop. The 1.3-mile round-trip loop provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and foliage. And you do not have to hike the entire trail if you do not want to. The first part of the hike along the boardwalk is the most scenic, so you can enjoy an easy walk with beautiful views without hiking the other mile of the trail.
Mount Mansfield is the tallest mountain in Vermont, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains. And the best part? You have a few ways to get to the summit. If you would rather hike, you can enjoy a strenuous 7.7-mile round-trip hike. The trail is beautiful and will quickly become one of your favorites! If you do not want to hike, you can drive the 4.5-mile scenic drive to the top! Mount Mansfield has an auto road open seasonally, allowing you to experience beautiful views without hiking. Once at the top, you can enjoy views from the Visitor Center or hike along the trails.
The Gondola Skyride is a great alternative to get to the summit of Mount Mansfield if you do not want to hike or drive to the top. The Gondola Skyride is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage because you get to relax while enjoying the views. At the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area and a pastry from The Waffle.
Ziplining through the stunning foliage is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. Arbortrek Canopy Adventures offers a fun tour with over 4,500 feet of zip lines through the mountains, allowing you to soar through the fall foliage. It is just north of Smugglers’ Notch, making it easy to add to your itinerary if you want a fun activity!
Stowe Pinnacle is one of the best trails near Stowe because of its stunning views overlooking the surrounding area. The 3.7-mile round-trip trail is steep, but the views at the top are worth the effort. I recommend hiking it for sunrise or just after to avoid most crowds. It is the best way to start your day!
Moss Glen Falls is easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vermont. The 35-foot waterfall is a short walk from the parking lot, making it perfect for the entire family to enjoy. Because it is one of the most popular waterfalls in the area, I recommend arriving early to enjoy it with fewer crowds.
Day 3: Lincoln, New Hampshire
For the next three days, you explore my favorite place to visit in the fall, the White Mountains. New Hampshire receives over four million visitors in the fall, so you know it is a beautiful place to see foliage!
The White Mountain National Forest includes around 800,000 acres of beautiful waterfalls, mountains, and scenic drives in New Hampshire, and it is my favorite place to explore in the fall. Since the White Mountain National Forest is huge, I recommend starting your days early to have the most time to explore the beautiful area.
During your stay, you can drive the most beautiful fall scenic drive, drive to the top of the tallest mountain in New England, ride a scenic train ride, and chase waterfalls. No matter what you want to do, the White Mountains have something for everyone!
Tip: Since you are driving from Stowe, I recommend visiting Lincoln first before going to the other side of the White Mountains near North Conway. Every area in the White Mountains is stunning, so you will love exploring both areas.
Below are the best places to visit in the fall in the White Mountains:
Artist Bluff has become one of the most popular hikes in the fall, and the overlook is always crowded. I recommend beginning your day with hiking for sunrise to Artist Bluff and Bald Mountain because it will have fewer crowds than midday. If you want to enjoy similar views with fewer crowds, I recommend adding Bald Mountain to the hike!
Echo Lake is a small pond with beautiful views at the base of Cannon Mountain, making it the perfect place to enjoy a scenic canoe or paddle boat ride. You must make your reservation in advance to visit Echo Lake.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is the perfect way to enjoy the fall foliage without hiking. The scenic gondola travels to the top of Cannon Mountain, allowing you to enjoy 360-degree views from the observation deck. Of course, you can also hike to Cannon Mountain if you want a fun day hike!
The Flume Gorge is one of the most popular fall hikes, for good reasons! The 2-mile loop follows a trail and boardwalk through a 70-foot gorge with stunning waterfalls. You must make your reservations in advance because they fill up quickly, especially in the fall.
Franconia Notch also has many day hikes you can enjoy. You can hike to Lonesome Lake, with beautiful views of Franconia Ridge, Mount Pemigewasset, overlooking the notch, or along the Basin Cascade Trail to multiple waterfalls. Honestly, you cannot go wrong with any trail in Franconia Notch because the views are gorgeous.
Day 4: Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Are you ready to experience one of the most beautiful fall foliage drives in the world?! The Kancamagus Highway is a 32-mile scenic drive through the White Mountains, connecting Lincoln and North Conway. Although it is beautiful year-round, fall is one of the best times to drive it.
You will spend your fourth day in New England exploring everything the scenic drive offers, including overlooks, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Once you finish the drive, you can check into your next accommodation near North Conway and explore more if you have time!
Tip: Since the Kancamagus Highway is incredibly popular, the crowds are a bit crazy in the fall. I recommend starting your day as early as you can. If you can get up near sunrise, that is even better!
Below are the best things to do along the Kancamagus Highway in the fall:
The overlooks along the Kancamgus Highway are stunning! Although you can enjoy the views from your car, I recommend stopping at each overlook to enjoy the beautiful foliage and mountain views. The overlooks along the Kancamagus Highway include Hancock Overlook, Pemigewasset Overlook, CL Graham Wangan Overlook, and Sugar Hill Scenic Vista.
Sabbaday Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls along the Kancamagus Highway and is an easy hike the entire family can enjoy. The trail offers multiple viewpoints of the waterfall along a boardwalk, making it a fun hike.
If you are looking for a strenuous hike to enjoy foliage views, Mount Chocorua is perfect! The 8-mile round trip hike is strenuous with some rock scrambles near the summit and should only be added to your itinerary if you are an experienced hiker. The summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the foliage on the surrounding mountains. The hike will take up most of your day, but if you want a fun and difficult day hike, it is the perfect option!
Rocky Gorge is one of my favorite places to visit along the Kancamagus Highway in the fall because it offers beautiful views of a waterfall and surrounding mountains. The paved path to the bridge is easy to follow and great for the entire family to enjoy!
Lower Falls is another beautiful waterfall along the Kancamagus Highway. Although there are a few viewpoints, my favorite is along the boardwalk near the parking lot because it offers the best views of the waterfall with the foliage surrounding it.
Albany Covered Bridge is a quick stop just past Lower Falls and is perfect for those who love covered bridges.
Boulder Loop Trail is another great hike along the Kancamagus Highway in the fall and begins near Albany Covered Bridge. The 3.7-mile round-trip hike has a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area. I have hiked this trail year-round, and fall is one of my favorite times because the foliage views are stunning.
Day 5: Mount Washington Valley, New Hampshire
Your final day in New Hampshire explores the iconic Mount Washington Valley. The valley includes everything from North Conway to Crawford Notch and Pinkham Notch, offering an endless amount of things to do.
Also, you need to figure out, in advance, when you want to drive to Bar Harbor. The drive is about 4.5 hours from North Conway, so you can either make the drive at the end of your fifth day or the next morning. I recommend driving to Bar Harbor at the end of the day if you have the time because it will give you more time to explore Acadia National Park. If you make the drive the next morning, you should start it as early as you can in the morning.
Tip: Read through the best things to do mentioned below and choose a few you want to do. Some take up to a half day to a full day, so I recommend choosing only a few things to do during your last day in the White Mountains.
Below are the best things to do in the Mount Washington Valley in the fall:
The Mountaineer Train is a fun alternative to driving through Crawford Notch that the entire family can enjoy. The scenic train ride picks you up in North Conway and travels through the mountains to Crawford Notch, and the views along the ride are spectacular in the fall! It is about a 5-hour round trip ride and leaves just before noon, so it will take up most of your day if you want to ride it.
Crawford Notch Scenic Drive is a stunning drive in New Hampshire, offering beautiful hikes to mountains and waterfalls. If you want to avoid hiking, you can enjoy the scenic drive through the notch, with mountain views from various overlooks and roadside waterfalls.
Mount Willard is the most popular fall hike in Crawford Notch, offering breathtaking views overlooking the notch. The 3-mile round-trip hike will make you work for the views, but the effort is worth it once you see the vibrant foliage taking over the surrounding mountains. If you want to hike, I recommend hiking during sunrise or just after because the trails in Crawford Notch are crowded at midday, especially Mount Willard.
Mount Avalon is a less crowded alternative to Mount Willard. Although Mount Avalon does not have a large overlook at the summit, the views are still beautiful. The 3.3-mile round-trip hike is steep but worth it for the views overlooking the surrounding mountains.
The waterfalls in Crawford Notch will not disappoint and are great alternatives if you do not want to hike to the top of a mountain. You can hike 3 miles round trip to Arethusa Falls (the tallest mountain in New Hampshire) or 1 mile round trip to Ripley Falls. If you do not want to hike, you can enjoy roadside waterfalls along the Crawford Notch Scenic Drive, including Silver Cascade.
Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in the northeast, and although you can enjoy a strenuous day hike to the summit, there are easier ways to get to the top. You can take a scenic train ride on the Cog Railway or drive the Mount Washington Auto Road. Once at the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views from 6,288 feet tall. If you choose to explore Mount Washington, I recommend allocating most of your day to it since it will take a bit to drive or take the train to the top.
Tip: I recommend checking the Mount Washington weather forecast before visiting to make sure you pack the appropriate clothes. You can also check to see if the summit will be clear because you do not want to visit if it is in the clouds.
Mount Washington Valley also has many hiking trails if you want to enjoy a day hike. Many trails in the valley offer beautiful views of the fall foliage, including in Pinkham Notch and North Conway. Each area has hikes for all levels, and you will not be disappointed!
Days 6-7: Acadia National Park, Maine
Your final two days in New England explore the only national park in the northeast and one of the best places to see the foliage along the coast. Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and when you visit, you will see why.
Despite being located on Maine’s coast, the 49,000 acres of Acadia National Park offer a uniqueness not found anywhere else in the state. You will quickly fall in love with its coastal views, rocky beaches, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful mountain views.
Tip: Since millions of people visit Acadia National Park, there will be high crowds during the fall. I recommend starting your days early and exploring the popular attractions first to enjoy them with fewer crowds.
Below are the best things to do in Acadia National Park in the fall:
Park Loop Road is a beautiful 27-mile scenic drive looping around Acadia National Park with popular attractions, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. The drive has breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountains covered in vibrant foliage, and you will fall in love with it quickly!
Beehive Loop Trail is arguably the most popular hike in Acadia National Park because of its unique hiking trail and stunning views. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike is strenuous, requiring you to use iron rungs and climb ladders along the trail. It has some steep drop-offs making it not for the faint of heart.
Gorham Mountain is a great alternative to the popular trails along the Park Loop Road. Although Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail are the most popular trails to hike in Acadia National Park, many others offer breathtaking views with fewer people. I do not enjoy hiking either of those trails in the fall because there is a conga line of people up the steep trails. Instead, I recommend hiking different trails, like Gorham Mountain! The 1.6-mile round-trip trail rivals the beauty of popular trails.
Jordan Pond is one of my favorite places in the fall in Acadia National Park. It is at the base of the North and South Bubble Mountains and has an easy hike around the pond to take in the views. If you do not want to hike, you can walk to the shores of Jordan Pond to enjoy the views.
North and South Bubble are two famous mountains along the shores of Jordan Pond. The 1.6-mile round-trip trail offers some of the best views in the park, overlooking Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains and ocean. This hike is probably my favorite in Acadia National Park, so I know you will love it!
Cadillac Mountain is the best place to watch the sunrise or sunset when you visit Acadia National Park. During certain times of the year, Cadillac Mountain is one of three places in Maine to see the sunrise first in the United States! You can drive to the summit via the Cadillac Summit Road and walk along the 0.5-mile Cadillac Summit Loop to enjoy 360-degree views.
Tip: Make your vehicle reservation as far in advance as possible because they sell out quickly, especially the sunrise and sunset time slots.
The Carriage Roads are also a great place to bike or walk while enjoying the foliage. Acadia National Park has over 45 miles worth of historic carriage roads built in the early 1900s and are a beautiful way to explore the park away from crowds.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine and sits on the other side of Acadia National Park near Southwest Harbor. You can see the lighthouse from the shoreline or by hiking an easy 1-mile round trip trail to get an up-close and personal view of it. I recommend checking the tide schedule before visiting to ensure you can get to the viewpoint near the water.
Beech Mountain is another beautiful fall hike with fewer crowds. The 1.2-mile round trip trail to Beech Mountain has gorgeous views of Long Pond, surrounded by vibrant foliage. Because Beech Mountain is on the other side of Acadia National Park, it will have fewer crowds, which is a nice change from sharing overlooks and trails with large crowds.
If you want to plan the best fall road trip, you are in the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about creating the best 7-day New England fall road trip itinerary!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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