It almost feels like driving through a sublime Benjamin Champney painting. The dramatic overlooks, 4,000-foot mountains and granite gorges make this one of the best fall foliage drives in New England. Now this is where it gets really exciting: hairpin turns will carry you up to the Kancamagus Pass, the highest point of elevation on your journey at 2,855 feet. The first 4 miles will carry you along the east branch of the Pemigewasset River, followed by 8 miles along the Hancock branch. The scenery along the route is nothing short of spectacular. Starting just east of the town of Lincoln, the Kancamagus Highway – or the “Kanc” – sweeps east to west through the White Mountain National Forest, ending in the beautiful mountain town of Conway. Based on the breathtaking foliage views alone, we would venture to say this is the #1 best fall road trip in New England. To hit peak foliage, you’ll want to aim for mid-September to mid-October. You can do this whole road trip in about 2 hours, or you can savor each vista and detour over an entire day. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway – a 34.5-mile stretch of New Hampshire’s Route 112 – winds through the most scenic portion of the White Mountains. We’re not wasting any time kicking this list of New England fall road trips into high gear. Best Time to Go: Mid-September to Mid-October.Yankee Magazine’s Peak Foliage Map is a perfect visual representation of the fall foliage progression in the region, and you can follow this real time fall foliage tracker for the northeast here and plan your best driving route for fall foliage colors that way, too! New England Fall Road Trip Ideas The Kancamagus Scenic Byway – New Hampshire The Kanc is one of the most scenic drives New England has, hands down. The foliage develops from north to south, with northern spots like Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire generally experiencing “peak” before Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Peak foliage, when the leaves are at their best and brightest of the season, typically hits in early to mid October. However, in general, you can expect to see fall foliage in New England from early/mid-September through the end of October. You may be wondering when is the best time to visit New England for fall colors? When do the fall colors in New England peak?įoliage conditions vary each year due to that year’s weather and other factors. Quick note about fall foliage in New England. New England Fall Foliage Road Trip: Essential Info Bonus Ideas for Your New England Fall Foliage Road Trip.Connecticut State Route 169 – Connecticut.The Lake Winnipesaukee Loop – New Hampshire.Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park – Maine.The Kancamagus Scenic Byway – New Hampshire.New England Fall Foliage Road Trip: Essential Info.PS: Also check out our Ultimate New England Road Trip Itinerary that will take you all over the region! Buckle up for the most pleasant fall road trip of your life – you’re going to want to pack a camera and your coziest flannel.

Choose one of these for an amazing autumn experience, no matter how much or little time you have. You can do and see a ton in such a small amount of time! If you won’t take our word for it, take it from American poet Buddy Wakefield: “I’m so happy to be in the Northeast, where you guys all live close together!”įor you to fully enjoy all that the fall has to offer, we’ve created an epic list of 8 New England fall foliage road trip ideas that cover all six states, with a good variety of lengths and destinations. And the coolest thing about New England? Its tightly packed geography. Vibrant orange, red, and yellow hues explode and a crisp, refreshing climate rolls in between September and November, and it’s no wonder that people come from far and wide to witness the incredible fall colors in New England.īesides the picture-perfect autumn leaves in every direction, the orchards, fairs, and harvests create a jovial and unique atmosphere no matter where you go. Because of our maples, birches, and oaks, rolling green hills, granite gorges, local farms, and craggy coastlines, our landscape really comes to life. Why are New England fall road trips so incredibly popular? Well, two words: fall foliage. *Links in this article may be affiliate links, from which we may earn commission.

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