The Best Foliage Drives in New England
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16The Best foliage drives aren’t always the popular ones!
At least not always! I get articles sent to me on the subject of “fall foliage” and related topics via Google News and this one from Insider Travel caught my attention. These are the top scenic roads in America and they give us 11? That’s it just 11 and Vermont Route 100 makes it on the list but not any others in New England.
I’m posting my favorite or some of what I feel are the best foliage drives below for each New England state. You can also disagree and leave a comment to tell us what back road or path you love to take… Maybe I’ll visit it this year!
The most incredible roads to drive in every state!
Well, this, of course, caught my attention and I would say, for the most part, their list is pretty accurate. The author goes through all 50 states and lists fifty which have been listed in other guidebooks or online. My attention focused on the six New England states. If you don’t have any map books, then check these out…
My list may be different from theirs, but is yours? I’m going to list both theirs and mine, and if you want to play along, go to the bottom, and leave a comment if you agree, disagree, or have a different one altogether.
Connecticut
The Quiet Corner of Connecticut: Insider says Route 169 in CT is the best and I tend to agree with this one. To be honest I’ve never fully explored all of Route 169 or any of the others in CT. I usually come down Route 395 from Massachusetts to Thompson CT, exit, explore, and then find my way west to 169.
I also recommend stopping in Thompson CT. I have found many visuals here to photograph. I know it’s not on 169 but if you are arriving in mid to late October, all of the smaller towns should be a big part of your itinerary. White-painted wooden fences, stone rock walls, and manicured farms can be found down any road you travel.
Traveling down Route 169 you have a few towns but it’s the little roads off of 169 that will lead you to all-day explorations. In Brooklyn CT I found a wonderful church and I enjoy stopping there to see what the colorful trees are doing around this church.
From here the possibilities are endless and only limited by your time allotted for today’s touring.
Maine
The Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. Well, here Insider has me scratching my head. They chose a wonderful scenic drive, but until late in October, it will be woefully lacking in fall colors. I would look at Route 17 north from Rumford Maine. Along the way, you’ll be greeted by many sites like Coos Canyon which is seen above, more can be seen in my Visitaphotography gallery.
From the Height of Land parking (on Route 17), you’ll be able to see (here is a mouthful) Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Then you can drop down to Route 16 and explore the town of Rangeley and the lake. Also if you stay overnight in Rangeley, check the Rangeley Inn. The next day you can head west into New Hampshire on Route 16.
New Hampshire
Route 112 The Kancamagus: Who can argue with this one? The grand dame of scenic drives in New England, and I think if you were going to do just one, this would be it. BUT! I think there are a great number of smaller roads that will yield many views that are quite satisfying.
I might choose Jefferson Notch and Mount Clinton Road, across from each other on Base Station Road where, and at the end of this base station road, is the Cog Railroad. If you are lucky you will see snow on Mount Washington and the fall colors on the road, what I call snowliage, as seen in this image in my gallery.
Also, you will find the turnoff for Jefferson Notch Road. Notch roads are little traveled and can sprout unexpected vistas when you least expect it. Make sure you have at least a half tank of gas because there are no gas stations up there. 4×4 is not needed. I did it last time in my 4dr Grand Marquee. (It’s partially paved but not all)
Vermont
Insider‘s choice was Route 100: Again, who can argue with this one. They cite their source with a link to Yankee Magazine to back up their claim. Can’t argue there, since I was their first foliage blogger a few years back. I know much of what I know because of Yankee. In my defense, I will state this: As many times as I have driven Route 100, It’s always after I get off Route 100 that I make my best pictures. There are beautiful farms and rolling vistas and if you know where to look, a few covered bridges.
Along the northern end of Route 100 is Stowe Vermont, a more scenic town you won’t find, also one that is over-visited by so many tourists. I go there only to get through it and head out the other side and jump on Route 108! My choice for the best foliage drive. Route 108 leads to “The twistiest road in Vermont” and Smugglers Notch. I like to get out and park and then I walk up to the top at dawn when the traffic is sparse.
As the sun climbs over the surrounding mountains it lights up the canopy of leaves and if you have a wide-angle lens, you can capture the feel of these hairpin turns.
Massachusetts
Route 6: Now I completely disagree with Insider, with Route 6 in Cape Cod. In the summer it is bumper-to-bumper with tourists. But In the fall they have only a little fall color, It is a very pretty drive with views of the ocean, but for fall color? Route 2 would be my choice. Also known as the Mohawk Trail, it was one of the first scenic routes in Massachusetts.
From Concord in the East to North Adams in the
You should also stop in Leominster, Massachusetts which was the birthplace of the pink flamingo. Created by Don Featherstone in 1957, these iconic tackiness award winners can still be found today. Mr. Featherstone retired in 2000, and the company went out of business. They recently fired up the factory anew, but in Fitchburg Massachusetts, with the rights to the Featherstone flamingos, They are produced there to this day. Proudly made in the USA.
I love to explore the different towns both along and just off Route 2. When I hit Greenfield, I know if I have time and good light I can go south to Deerfield Massachusetts. Historic Deerfield is a living museum as much as a town. Homes dating back to the 1700s along with shops can be explored.
You also have the Yankee Candle flagship showstopper there. Not just a store but acres of stores with candles and so much more. Go into the Christmas Tree room where it is usually snowing. Or see demonstrations of candle making. Yes, you can spend most of the day just visiting here.
Rhode Island
Ocean Avenue.: Here again, is a tough one to agree with Insider. I’ve driven this road with my friend and co-founder of the New England Photography Guild, Butch Lombardi. As with all ocean routes, you tend to lose the forest for the seascapes. But this one CAN yield a few spots nearby, such as this shot which was only minutes from the ocean.
I first went looking for Rhode Island fall foliage in 2007. I drove down into CT on I-395 driving into Thompson CT, and then I wandered east into Rhode Island. I stopped in many places and I was near to Gloucester Rhode Island when I made the following image.
I would love to tell you where I was like I normally do, but I was actually quite lost, and I didn’t have a good GPS to help place me on the map. After much driving around in the dark, I was lucky to pull into a town that seemed familiar. It was Thompson Connecticut. I had made a big loop and ended up across the border. So while I wish I could point to this incredible maple tree… and tell you what route I was on, one of you will have to find it for me.
Okay, there you have it. A few of the roads that I agree with, or disagree with, as the best fall foliage roads in New England. Well, what do you think?
Jeff Foliage Folger
Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage
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Jeff thanks for your hard work ! have you been to Ontario Ca. in October ? in a 2016 trip from Toronto take hwy 100 n. to Sault St. Marie a 400 hundred mile drive along the lake and through Indian reservations and every direction you turn to look at the foliage you see a display you want on your wall ” it was the most beautiful drive I have ever seen to this date” Living in Oklahoma we have some really nice place to view the foliage like Beavers Bend State Park and a short drive into Arkansas. I love your work and hope you get a chance to see what I am talking about in mid October. Dewayne
Hi Dewayne, I know the area of OK that you’re talking about (stationed in OKC for 13 years during my 23 yrs in the service) I have never had the time to go up there in mid Oct I’m usually to exhausted with just the New England driving. But I’m amazed that the color was that good that late. I always thought the color would have faded up there by then. Thank you for the directions and the education on CA that I didn’t know… So many beautiful areas in this world and so little time.
Jeff thanks for your hard work ! have you been to Ontario Ca. in October ? in a 2016 trip from Toronto take hwy 100 n. to Sault St. Marie a 400 hundred mile drive along the lake and through Indian reservations and every direction you turn to look at the foliage you see a display you want on your wall ” it was the most beautiful drive I have ever seen to this date” Living in Oklahoma we have some really nice place to view the foliage like Beavers Bend State Park and a short drive into Arkansas. I love your work and hope you get a chance to see what I am talking about in mid October. Dewayne
Hi Dewayne, I know the area of OK that you’re talking about (stationed in OKC for 13 years during my 23 yrs in the service) I have never had the time to go up there in mid Oct I’m usually to exhausted with just the New England driving. But I’m amazed that the color was that good that late. I always thought the color would have faded up there by then. Thank you for the directions and the education on CA that I didn’t know… So many beautiful areas in this world and so little time.
Hi Jeff, thanks for these hints, especially Connecticut, with which, believe it or not, I’m not all that familiar. But I am familiar with Rhode Island and think the area around the Scituate Reservoir has a good foliage drive.
I’d be curious to know what they gave for NY. Somewhere in the ADKS, I’ll bet.
Hi Jeff, thanks for these hints, especially Connecticut, with which, believe it or not, I’m not all that familiar. But I am familiar with Rhode Island and think the area around the Scituate Reservoir has a good foliage drive.
I’d be curious to know what they gave for NY. Somewhere in the ADKS, I’ll bet.
Hi Jeff. We are planning to arrive in NYC on 10th October from Australia. After a 30 hour flight abd Depart again from NY on 2nd November, so we want to se NYC and also the fall foliage. Happy to self drive but think we need to pick a car up out of NY as not sure about getting out of there stress free! We have never been to this part of the world but it looks amazing, so we are so confused as to where to go to see great foliage. We prefer to see a couple of places and get to know that well rather than long drives each day a quick overnight stop and another long drive day to say we saw 20 of do towns. . Could you please offer some suggestions. We are a Married couple in our 60’s but pretty active. Enjoy culture, food, historical towns and beautiful gardens and parks and nature of course. Would not be opposed to some hiking too. Just not sure what to do to see some of the best that this part if the USA offers. Kindest regards Stacia Wright
Well you are asking for a bit here… Hmmm… I have time till the pizza arrives so here goes… I’m assuming you are staying over night in NYC. The next day I’m thinking keeping the drive short. But leave NYC on either I-87 North (major highway) or 678 which changes to 684 and then enters Connecticut and connects to Route 7 Medium sized highway down to smaller primary road. Maybe I should say hit the car rental place and make sure you get a car with navigation. Next plug-in Stockbridge Massachusetts. This was the town made famous by American Illustration artist, Norman Rockwell. The drive is a short one and I recommend never going more than 2 hours a day (at most!) Once there, you could stay at the Red Lion inn (make reservations or you may get stuck outside of town).
You can visit the Norman Rockwell museum nearby or visit Alice’s restaurant made famous by Arlo Guthrie. The original restaurant was called “The Back Room.” It was located on 40 Main Street in Stockbridge, in back of a row of stores, as stated in the song lyrics; at the time, it was located behind a grocery store and directly underneath the studios of Norman Rockwell.
Enjoy the day there but the next day I suggest a drive up to Vermont… Another drive of 2hr 45 minutes to get up to Woodstock VT. Beautiful village with very nice places to stay and they even have a covered bridge in town. Here you can stay a day or so and explore the local areas nearby. The Billings Farm Museum (https://www.nps.gov/mabi/index.htm) and there is also a National park next to that. Then Jenne farm (hit the search bar on my site) is south on Route 106 about 10 minutes from Woodstock. And it’s crowded by photographers first thing in the morning and if you go, head down to the house and they will (should) have maple syrup to purchase.
You can take a drive west and onto Route 100 and follow it north along the feet of the Green mountains. Lots of places to stop and explore. If you drive as far as Granville and just a bit further, you will find Moss Glenn Falls. It can’t be missed as it is literally right on the road (route 100). You are now about an hour from the hotel and it’s up to you if you go further or not and what kinds of fall colors you are seeing…
Also you can explore Quechee and their covered bridge and the Simon Pearce glass store. You can usually see if there are any glass blowing demos scheduled (http://www.simonpearce.com/our-stores/quechee/)
Up to Pomfret and then across into New Hampshire (NH). I think a stay at Meredith NH at Churches Landing or at one of their less pricey places. There are tons of place to stay in this area. The first day we’ll take a short drive up Route 93. We’ll stop for breakfast (don’t eat till I say) You’ll get off on exit 34C and get on Route 18 and follow it into Sugar Hill and Polly’s Pancake Parlor. This is a must stop and if you don’t like pancakes they do have many more items on the menu…
You need all that they will feed you because you will go back out and head south on 93 getting off in Franconia Notch. Pull into the big parking lot and go to the welcome center and now the big breakfast will become evident. You pay a small entry fee and take a walk in the park. There is a covered bridge in there (Flume Gorge (CB) covered bridge) and the Pine sentinel CB. Plus some spectacular views.
You can also do this first but they don’t open till 9AM so don’t arrive too early… Then go up to sugar Hill and Polly’s for lunch… Coming back south on 93 you will come to Route 112 also known as the Kancamagus highway and heading east will take you along 36 miles of the highest elevations in NH. You will come out on the other side near Conway NH. If early enough have dinner or just head south on route 16 to route 25 and back to Lake Winnipesaukee and Meredith NH.
You can also drive up from Meredith to the Lake Chocorua area and upon reading my Tamworth articles you can explore that area…
Read…
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/06/hidden-monument-plain-sight/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/06/scenic-drive-explore-tamworth-nh/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/07/chocorua-river-fall-reflections/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/07/fowlers-mill-road/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/07/mount-chocorua-seen-from-tamworth/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/07/finding-durgin-covered-bridge/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/08/exploring-center-sandwich-autumn/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/08/little-white-church-reflection-and-back-road-drives/
Now I want you to digest all of this so far… I can sometimes get carried away and I’ll let you ask some questions…
Jeff
Hi Jeff. We are planning to arrive in NYC on 10th October from Australia. After a 30 hour flight abd Depart again from NY on 2nd November, so we want to se NYC and also the fall foliage. Happy to self drive but think we need to pick a car up out of NY as not sure about getting out of there stress free! We have never been to this part of the world but it looks amazing, so we are so confused as to where to go to see great foliage. We prefer to see a couple of places and get to know that well rather than long drives each day a quick overnight stop and another long drive day to say we saw 20 of do towns. . Could you please offer some suggestions. We are a Married couple in our 60’s but pretty active. Enjoy culture, food, historical towns and beautiful gardens and parks and nature of course. Would not be opposed to some hiking too. Just not sure what to do to see some of the best that this part if the USA offers. Kindest regards Stacia Wright
Well you are asking for a bit here… Hmmm… I have time till the pizza arrives so here goes… I’m assuming you are staying over night in NYC. The next day I’m thinking keeping the drive short. But leave NYC on either I-87 North (major highway) or 678 which changes to 684 and then enters Connecticut and connects to Route 7 Medium sized highway down to smaller primary road. Maybe I should say hit the car rental place and make sure you get a car with navigation. Next plug-in Stockbridge Massachusetts. This was the town made famous by American Illustration artist, Norman Rockwell. The drive is a short one and I recommend never going more than 2 hours a day (at most!) Once there, you could stay at the Red Lion inn (make reservations or you may get stuck outside of town).
You can visit the Norman Rockwell museum nearby or visit Alice’s restaurant made famous by Arlo Guthrie. The original restaurant was called “The Back Room.” It was located on 40 Main Street in Stockbridge, in back of a row of stores, as stated in the song lyrics; at the time, it was located behind a grocery store and directly underneath the studios of Norman Rockwell.
Enjoy the day there but the next day I suggest a drive up to Vermont… Another drive of 2hr 45 minutes to get up to Woodstock VT. Beautiful village with very nice places to stay and they even have a covered bridge in town. Here you can stay a day or so and explore the local areas nearby. The Billings Farm Museum (https://www.nps.gov/mabi/index.htm) and there is also a National park next to that. Then Jenne farm (hit the search bar on my site) is south on Route 106 about 10 minutes from Woodstock. And it’s crowded by photographers first thing in the morning and if you go, head down to the house and they will (should) have maple syrup to purchase.
You can take a drive west and onto Route 100 and follow it north along the feet of the Green mountains. Lots of places to stop and explore. If you drive as far as Granville and just a bit further, you will find Moss Glenn Falls. It can’t be missed as it is literally right on the road (route 100). You are now about an hour from the hotel and it’s up to you if you go further or not and what kinds of fall colors you are seeing…
Also you can explore Quechee and their covered bridge and the Simon Pearce glass store. You can usually see if there are any glass blowing demos scheduled (http://www.simonpearce.com/our-stores/quechee/)
Up to Pomfret and then across into New Hampshire (NH). I think a stay at Meredith NH at Churches Landing or at one of their less pricey places. There are tons of place to stay in this area. The first day we’ll take a short drive up Route 93. We’ll stop for breakfast (don’t eat till I say) You’ll get off on exit 34C and get on Route 18 and follow it into Sugar Hill and Polly’s Pancake Parlor. This is a must stop and if you don’t like pancakes they do have many more items on the menu…
You need all that they will feed you because you will go back out and head south on 93 getting off in Franconia Notch. Pull into the big parking lot and go to the welcome center and now the big breakfast will become evident. You pay a small entry fee and take a walk in the park. There is a covered bridge in there (Flume Gorge (CB) covered bridge) and the Pine sentinel CB. Plus some spectacular views.
You can also do this first but they don’t open till 9AM so don’t arrive too early… Then go up to sugar Hill and Polly’s for lunch… Coming back south on 93 you will come to Route 112 also known as the Kancamagus highway and heading east will take you along 36 miles of the highest elevations in NH. You will come out on the other side near Conway NH. If early enough have dinner or just head south on route 16 to route 25 and back to Lake Winnipesaukee and Meredith NH.
You can also drive up from Meredith to the Lake Chocorua area and upon reading my Tamworth articles you can explore that area…
Read…
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/06/hidden-monument-plain-sight/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/06/scenic-drive-explore-tamworth-nh/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/07/chocorua-river-fall-reflections/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/07/fowlers-mill-road/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/07/mount-chocorua-seen-from-tamworth/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/07/finding-durgin-covered-bridge/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/08/exploring-center-sandwich-autumn/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2016/08/little-white-church-reflection-and-back-road-drives/
Now I want you to digest all of this so far… I can sometimes get carried away and I’ll let you ask some questions…
Jeff
Hi Jeff, This amazing travelogue focusing on Vermont is timely because I’ve been thinking I should get out of my foliage rut and try Vermont for a change. I’ve actually been to the area around the Billings Farm Museum many years ago but the weather was terrible and it wasn’t foliage season. Yesterday I was in the Barnes & Noble in Middletown RI and noticed a new series on scenic drives — inexpensive pocket-size books. There was one on Vermont so I picked it up. Since I usually drive through Chester en route to picking up I-91 to northern NH I’ve always wanted to photograph there — cute town. So that will likely be factored in. Thanks for this helpful post!
We should talk as maybe that will help me organize my book… What sorts of things are most important to include… The one thing I have to skimp on is lodging. I just have stayed in so few places… Thoughts? what are the things are most important for you?
Hi Jeff, This amazing travelogue focusing on Vermont is timely because I’ve been thinking I should get out of my foliage rut and try Vermont for a change. I’ve actually been to the area around the Billings Farm Museum many years ago but the weather was terrible and it wasn’t foliage season. Yesterday I was in the Barnes & Noble in Middletown RI and noticed a new series on scenic drives — inexpensive pocket-size books. There was one on Vermont so I picked it up. Since I usually drive through Chester en route to picking up I-91 to northern NH I’ve always wanted to photograph there — cute town. So that will likely be factored in. Thanks for this helpful post!
We should talk as maybe that will help me organize my book… What sorts of things are most important to include… The one thing I have to skimp on is lodging. I just have stayed in so few places… Thoughts? what are the things are most important for you?
I have a dearth of freelance editing at the moment and so have time to talk. PM me on Facebook, suggest some times (and remind me of your phone no.), and I’ll reply with the time that’s best for me. Not good for me: Monday a.m. 4/10. Wed. 4/12 from ca. 4 pm onward. Thursday evening 4/13, Friday afternoon 4/14, Saturday 4/15 from ca. 4 pm onward. It’s Holy Week, thus a lot of camping out in churches with my music and my voice (such as it is). Easter Week looks reasonably free, though I may go into Mahwah on Tuesday.
I have a dearth of freelance editing at the moment and so have time to talk. PM me on Facebook, suggest some times (and remind me of your phone no.), and I’ll reply with the time that’s best for me. Not good for me: Monday a.m. 4/10. Wed. 4/12 from ca. 4 pm onward. Thursday evening 4/13, Friday afternoon 4/14, Saturday 4/15 from ca. 4 pm onward. It’s Holy Week, thus a lot of camping out in churches with my music and my voice (such as it is). Easter Week looks reasonably free, though I may go into Mahwah on Tuesday.