New England Fall Foliage in Massachusetts 2024

Fall foliage in New England attracts leaf-peeping lovers from all over the world. Since this region includes the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, you have plenty of destinations to choose from.

Best time to see fall foliage in New England

Fall foliage season in New England starts in early September. First shades of gold and amber appear at higher elevations in Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom, Vermont, where the peak usually falls on the last two weeks of September. Early to mid-October is a good time to visit the Berkshires. The rest of Massachusetts experiences peak fall colors around Columbus Day weekend. Coastal New England looks the bestt later in the season, from late October to mid-November.

Scenic Drives

Driving through New England in the fall is a unique experience. One of the most famous foliage drives in the region is Route 100, stretching from Massachusetts to the Canadian border. The so-called "Skiers' Highway” is 146 mi (234 km) long. Connecting north and south, it passes the scenic Green Mountains, several waterfalls, and scenic bridges. If you keep driving north on Route 100, you will reach the hidden autumnal treasure of Vermont—The Mad River Valley. In South Vermont, you can take Route 9 or the Molly Stark Scenic Byway, connecting Vermont to New Hampshire. For the best views, stop by the Mount Snow area, the southernmost Vermont ski resort. On a clear day, you'll see Somerset Reservoir and Mount Monadnock in southwestern New Hampshire, Kancamagus Highway, or simply the Kanc, is the most famous fall foliage route in New Hampshire. The 35-mile road goes through White Mountain National Forest. Evans Notch (Route 113) provides a quieter alternative to the Kanc. It begins and ends in Maine, along the New Hampshire border. This route is winding, steep, and truly unforgettable.

Fall Foliage in New Hampshire

First, let's figure out the best time for fall foliage in New Hampshire. This state offers the most vivid fall colors from the middle of September into October. Take a scenic, tree-lined drive along the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) in the White Mountains for the best views. Don't miss a chance to stop at the C.L. Graham Overlook and then enjoy your snacks at Sabbaday Falls in Conway. Also, you can drive to the biggest lake in New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee Loop. Its waterfront views and colorful autumn foliage will become some of your most unforgettable memories.

Fall Foliage in Vermont

Thanks to its gorgeous mountains and spectacular vistas, Vermont is a great choice for a family vacation. If you are looking for an unforgettable fall foliage experience in New England, take the most popular foliage drive, Route 100. Hike to the top of Mount Killington and then drive to the 11-mile (18-km) Green Mountain Byway. To get some of the prettiest fall colors views, visit a small town called Montgomery, also known as Vermont's Covered Bridge Capital. The town has six beautiful bridges, each waiting for you to take a stroll and enjoy the picturesque scenery. For a classic Americal charm, head to Woodstock—a quaint town offering lush foliage and quite a lot of restaurants. Stroll through the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park to work up some appetite and then head to some cozy cafe for a delicious dinner. The best time to enjoy fall colors in Vermont is from early September to October.

Fall Foliage in Maine

Old Route 1 is another New England scenic coastal drive, which has all the chances to take your breath away. The best way to end this trip is in Merryspring, a 66-acre park in the quaint town of Camden. Northeast of Camden, there is the Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. It's an epitome of fall foliage spots, offering sweeping views from Cadillac Mountain. By the way, the best time to enjoy fall foliage in Maine is in mid-October.

Fall Foliage in Connecticut

Connecticut is filled with village greens, rivers, rolling hills, and towns that fully embody New England's charm. What's more, it boasts the longest fall foliage season in New England. You can enjoy vivid red, orange, and yellow colors from the first week of October to the first week of November, give or take a few days. Actually, fall foliage in Connecticut begins in the northeast and northwest parts of the state and slowly spreads south. The best destinations are Haystack Mountain State Park, Campbell Falls State Park, Dennis Hill State Park, Kent Falls State Park, Mohawk State Forest, Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge, and Pachaug State Forest.

Fall Foliage in Massachusetts

Fall colors take over Massachusetts bit by bit, creating a warm atmosphere all over the state. The best time to see fall foliage in Massachusetts is from mid-to-late September until Columbus Day weekend. We recommend you pay attention to the wonderful Pioneer Valley. It stretches along the Connecticut River and offers a vivid palette of warm autumn colors. Also, you can visit Boston and its surroundings, especially the Public Garden, Charles River Esplanade, Route 133, and Route 24 to explore the scenic landscapes of Plymouth County.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is another great destination, offering stunning fall color views across their 200-acre (197.5 ha) property and of the nearby Wachusett Reservoir. Visitors can admire a kaleidoscope of color from trees, shrubs, and perennials in formal gardens and naturalistic settings such as Pliny's Allée, the Wildlife Refuge Pond, and the forested Inner Park.

Moreover, after enjoying the vibrant foliage, you can participate in fun fall events for all ages throughout October. A magical miniature world called the Enchanted Forest, featuring more than 30 whimsical, nature-inspired fairy houses, awaits you until October 31. From October 12 to 14, you can enjoy Fairy Fest, which includes a fairyland market, local brews and fare at the Beer Garden, magical crafts, workshops, and entertainment for all ages.

On selected evenings from September 21 through October 26, visit Fairies Aglow for an enchanting experience of dazzling light displays and illuminated fairy houses. Additionally, celebrate the artistry of craftsmanship at the American Craft Fair, running from October 19 to 20.

New England Botanic Garden operates daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4:30 pm. Ticket prices vary depending on the day. Weekday admission for adults is $20, increasing to $21 on weekends. Senior tickets (ages 65+) are priced at $17 on weekdays and $18 on weekends. For children (ages 4-12), weekday admission is $10, and weekend admission is $11. Kids 3 and under get in for free, and you can also bring your dog along with an $8 admission pass for pets.

Fall Foliage in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is popular for its waterfront landscapes and amazing vistas. When it comes to fall foliage in Rhode Island, this destination isn't behind the curve either. Check out such urban landscapes as Bristol, Providence, or Jamestown if you want to make the best out of your fall foliage experience in New England. Also, we encourage you to take Ocean Drive, which starts at Fort Adams State Park, Newport, and features Newport Cliff Walk. The best time to visit Rhode Island for fall colors is from early October until the end of the month.