Tips for creating your autumn vacation itinerary For New England

There are a lot of factors that go into a successful fall foliage vacation. It can be challenging to plan a fall foliage trip, especially if it’s your first time. Your priorities and experience level will affect your planning process.

Creating a memorable autumn vacation itinerary for New England involves a mix of scenic landscapes, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine. Here are some tips to help you plan your autumn getaway:

Choose the Right Time:
- Peak foliage season in New England is typically from late September to late October. (and it depends on where you look) Plan your trip during this time to witness the stunning fall colors. Check these articles: Fall Foliage Primer for Leaf-Peeping, Finding Peak Fall Foliage in New England, 6 Most Popular Fall Foliage Locations in New England.
Research Foliage Reports:
- Stay updated on my foliage reports (click this link) to know the current status of fall colors in different regions. This can help you plan your route and choose the best locations for leaf peeping.
- The first fall foliage resource is my Blog (jeff-foliage.com). I post fall foliage updates several times per week. You can also visit my fall foliage Facebook page which is a great place to get ideas and maybe ask a question about where the foliage is showing color. (I answer when I can and I will direct you here to my website)
- Yankeefoliage.com – As some of you know I used to be Yankee magazine’s first fall foliage blogger and their website was the first one I went to for information. They are only better today. Their current foliage blogger (Jim Salge) is a great photographer/writer, so stop in and see what he has to say about the state of the foliage. (but he rarely answers questions.)
- Vermont.com – For everything Vermont and their fall foliage reports too.
- New Hampshire.com – Where they list all the fairs and festivals for the fall, along with reports for all the different NH regions.
- Maine foliage site with reports and images of past years.
- Massachusetts foliage site with where to go and what to do and eat…!
Explore Scenic Drives:
- New England offers picturesque drives with vibrant fall foliage. Consider routes like the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, the Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts, or Route 100 in Vermont. Here is a listing of some more to read about...
Visit National and State Parks:
- Explore parks such as Acadia National Park in Maine, Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, or White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire for hiking, scenic views, and photography. Plus there are 19 National Historic Sites in Massachusetts. These are like “mini” National Parks, Like Salem NHS (the first in the country) and Minuteman NHS in Concord Mass. There is so much to explore that no article I have is big enough to cover it all…
Include Quaint Towns:
- Plan visits to charming New England towns like Stowe (Vermont), Camden (Maine), or Lenox (Massachusetts) to experience local culture, shop for crafts, and enjoy cozy cafes.
Attend Fall Festivals:
- Check for local fall festivals celebrating the season. These events often feature live music, food vendors, and activities for the whole family. Click this link to visit my page listing SOME of the many autumn festivals in New England that happen between Sept and October.
Culinary Experiences:
- Sample regional autumn specialties like apple cider, pumpkin-flavored treats, and hearty New England clam chowder. Visit local farmers’ markets for fresh produce.
Engage in Outdoor Activities:
- Take advantage of the crisp fall weather by engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, apple picking, or even a scenic hot air balloon ride.
Historical and Cultural Stops:
- Include stops at historical sites and museums. Learn about the region’s rich history, including the colonial era and maritime heritage. As a National Park Ranger, I spent 4 years telling to story of the maritime story of Salem Massachusetts (yes there is more to Salem than the 1692 Witch Trials (spoiler, there were NO witches) 🙂 You also have all the wonderful meeting houses which sometimes also doubled as the local church. One of the more interesting ones is the Richmond Vermont Round Church. You can also go to Sturbridge Village (in Sturbridge MA) or Strawbery Banke (In Portsmouth NH)
Scenic Railroads:
- Consider a scenic train ride, like the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire, to enjoy fall foliage from a unique perspective. If trains are your thing, then we have several in New Hampshire. The hobo in Lincoln, the Conway Scenic in North Conway, and there is a short-run train down at Lake Winnipesaukee NH. Here is my Train link page.
Accommodations:
- Look for cozy bed and breakfasts, inns, or cabins to enhance the autumn experience. Many accommodations offer seasonal decorations and special amenities during the fall months. This is a difficult area for me because I don’t stay someplace so that I can sit around and enjoy the scenery. I want a clean room and wifi, maybe a hot shower so I can be on the road at the break of dawn. You will find places Lisa and I have stayed at, on our hotel. B&B, and Airbnb page by clicking here. You will see that I now have advertising for Expedia and Vrbo on the site and you can put your info in on my Thrifty Lodging page to check prices.
Check Local Events Calendar:
- Research local events and activities happening during your visit. This might include concerts, art exhibitions, or special events tied to the fall season. Try Googling a location and ask about local things to do. There are many ways to search this subject.
Be Flexible:
- While it’s great to have a plan, allow for flexibility. Weather conditions and unexpected discoveries may lead you to change your itinerary for the better. You can check this page on my website for all articles on planning.

(Jeff’s best tip) Take the time to plan to enjoy yourself

Remember to take your time, savor the moments, and DO MORE than just capture the beauty of New England in the fall. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime visit or a yearly adventure but either way, you should put the effort in to do more than just look at the pretty leaves. Stopping in Weston Vt is more than a visit to the Vermont Country Store. There ARE other stores, a few museums, and things to while your day away exploring. Or if on the I-93, don’t just drive through Franconia Notch but stop at some of the trailheads and even… walk some of them.

Before you go too far on the Kancamagus Highway, please stop in Lincoln at Loon Mountain and take a gondola to the top, climb the rocks (great for those who are limber or parents with kids), and see the view into Maine or maybe Vermont on a clear day.

Of course, people ask me if they can drive through ALL 6 states in a day or weekend. My answer is always WHY? Of course, you can try but you won’t have time to enjoy being here. I don’t care if this is the ONLY time you will ever be here. If you don’t stop at the maple creeme stand and take a breather, then why are you here? My very best memories are those when I stopped and I stood still for a moment to savor what I was experiencing. (Usually, I’m standing very still to focus my camera) but it should be the same for you.

This is the kind of moment I’m referring to. It was a cold morning and the fog was gradually starting to dissipate. Numerous waterfowl were landing on Haley Pond in Maine. The sun cast a golden hue on the thinning fog. This is the moment Well, you just need to breathe in the air and listen to the ducks landing on the pond and enjoy it.

Jeff “Foliage” Folger

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.