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Hidden Gems of New England

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Uniquely Tauck

New England Escorted Tours & Tour Packages

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Filmed vignettes by filmmakers Ken Burns & Dayton Duncan that tell the stories of visionaries and ordinary people that shaped the places that define New England

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Visit Ken Burns's private studio in Walpole, New Hampshire

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Guided tour of legendary Fenway Park

Private tour of Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

Explore the best of New England on a journey through its picturesque heart, discovering new insights into landmark sites and historic homes, where country farms and nature's dramatically contrasting vistas evoke the spirit of a place whose ideas shaped America.

Classic New England lives in Boston Common, in the White Mountains aglow with autumn colors, in the general store and the diamond at Fenway Park... the drama of the rugged Maine coast... in Augustus Saint-Gaudens' studio where images of American heroes were forged, in millwheels, covered bridges, and white-steepled churches, and the rocky soil that has long been fertile ground for thinkers, artists, writers, inventors, entrepreneurs and Revolutionaries. This is, as Dayton Duncan observes, Ken Burns' backyard: "New England has always had a special place in American history and American thought. And New England has become Ken Burns' backyard – not just the place where he's raised his family and made his documentaries in the classic New England town of Walpole, New Hampshire, but also a place intertwined with many of the stories he's told: Mark Twain , Baseball , The Civil War and The National Parks: America's Best Idea . It's a distinct region with its own beauty and its own secret treasures – and who better to share them but one of its proudest residents."

Tauck Exclusive – film vignettes by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan

Exclusive film vignettes by documentary filmmakers ken burns and dayton duncan.

Get an exclusive perspective from filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan in short films that tell stories of the people who shaped and defined New England; they bring their knowledge and behind-the-scenes insights to you via exclusive filmed narratives. Ken Burns has been making groundbreaking films chronicling the "American story" for more than 30 years, with a mission to explore who we are as Americans. His films have won more than a dozen Emmy Awards and two Oscar nominations, and include documentaries about our national parks and pastimes, America's wars and wealthy families, the men and women who changed history, and the times that changed us all.

Fairmont Copley Plaza

A tour of fabled fenway park, in boston, a walking tour of fenway park.

The oldest ballpark used in Major League Baseball, Boston's beloved Fenway Park has been the home of the American League's Boston Red Sox since the 1912 season; listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has seen its share of baseball history. Over the decades, Fenway has accumulated a number of famous features, such as the legendary "Green Monster" left field wall; the center field "Triangle;" "Pesky's Pole" in right field; and "Williamsburg," named for Hall of Famer Ted Williams; you may see some of these landmarks on a walking tour of the stadium.

Mount Washington Omni Hotel

Walk the freedom trail, great mix of history, cultural, and local experiences and the ken burns' connection added so much enjoyment with short films shown on the rides that added to the history and culture of the area..

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Boston, Massachusetts

Hotel on North

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Manchester, VT

Omni Mount Washington Resort

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Stage Neck Inn

York Harbor, Maine

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Travel Documents

Hidden Gems of New England begins and ends in the U.S.

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant.  Click here  to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note:  The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section  entitled Airline Security Measures under Additional Information to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are frequent traveler to the U.S. from Canada, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here .

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,   you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking  here.

We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date
  • Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
  • Traveler's Address(es)
  • Email Address*
  • Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
  • Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
  • Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposit & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

  • Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
  • Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
  • Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
  • Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
  • Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $349  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $350 per person

59-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of another country traveling to or within the U.S., we suggest that contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases for which you might be at risk when you reach your destination in the U.S. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

All of the hotels and resorts on this itinerary have an elevator, with the exception of the Hawk Inn & Mountain Resort. If you have a walking difficulty, be sure to advise your Tauck Director at the beginning of the tour so that rooms close to the public areas or on the ground floor can be requested, if possible.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

Temperatures in New England during the fall average about 50° to 70° F but be prepared for occasional extremes. We suggest that prior to departure you check a newspaper or the weather forecast on the Internet for up-to-date predictions.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

For our New England tours, cool, casual clothing along with a light sweater, jacket and bathing suit is recommended. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

Valet laundry service is available at all hotels except at the Jackson Gore Inn where coin operated washers and dryers are available. All of the hotels have a swimming pool. Hair dryers are available in all rooms.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for New England tours:

  • Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
  • Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
  • Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms
  • Reusable zipper lock bags or other waterproof bags
  • Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
  • Daypack for camera equipment
  • Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Regional expertise, exceptional value, unparalelled service.

As a leader in group vacation travel, we take pride in providing our guests’ with the most memorable and enriching travel experiences throughout New England.

Our tours have a perfect blend of history & culture, fine accommodations, regional cuisine, and leisure time – along with the benefit of having one of our friendly and knowledgeable tour directors available to assist in providing you with a most enjoyable travel experience.

Book your tour today! 1-800-759-6820

This tour, this week, has expanded my understanding of the history, geography and culture of the New England area: a place where both my mother and father were born and raised. I felt proud to have family member from here. So many wonderful memories I bring back to Seattle.  Thank you so much for all of your hard work and your tireless dedication!

The group gelled immediately and continued to be a very happy tour. No disagreements, no awkwardness just a really enjoyable time and the guide and driver were fantastic. Highly recommend to any other solo travelers.

Linda was very professional, friendly and easy to get along with, good qualities for a tour guide. Clyde was an excellent driver and very courteous and helpful.

The tour was a dream come true, and I could not have asked for it to be any more pleasurable. Thank you!

Loved everything about the tour!

Very well organized & informative, Debra & Alan were both fantastic and enjoyable to visit with.

Thank you for my soul being full of beauty!

Wonderful! More than we expected. The tour was far more than we could have imagined. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Linda and Clyde were beyond expectations in every way; warm, fun and professional. All arrangements were handled so efficiently! Kudos to you!

Wish could have had more time to do more touring – loved it!

So professional and very well organized. Tour director always let us know in advance what to expect – great stories too!

Enchanting Islands of New England

Enchanting Islands of New England

This wonderful 8-day tour will take you from Boston to Plymouth & Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport RI, and Block Island!

Taste of New England

Taste of New England

This amazing 8-day tour will immerse you in classic New England. We’ll start in historic Boston and work our way west to the beautiful Berkshires, then north into idyllic Vermont before exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire and finally arriving at the stunning coast of Maine!

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Since 1980, New England Vacation Tours has been your New England vacation and group tour experts!

We are your group tour experts. We are specialists for all inclusive escorted fly/motorcoach group tours to; Boston, Cape Cod, New England, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Connecticut, Newport R.I., Disney World, Daytona Beach, Florida, Nova Scotia and Eastern Canada.

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New England Summer & Fall 8 Day Tour from USD $1695 #1 In Value

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your New England tour is fully guided and includes all hotels, activities, and some meals. Happy Travels! Caravan

2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

Day 1 • boston, massachusetts, day 2 • plymouth rock, hyannis, day 3 • martha’s vineyard, day 4 • rhode island, connecticut, day 5 • norman rockwell, vermont, day 6 • white mountains, new hampshire, day 7 • portland, southern coast of maine, day 8 • maine to boston, fall foliage in new england, 2024 hotels, embassy suites logan airport, days 2, 3 • hyannis, cape cod, massachusetts, doubletree hilton hyannis, day 4 • mystic area, connecticut, mystic hilton, day 5 • mount snow, vermont, mount snow grand summit resort, the glen house, day 7 • southern coast of maine, anchorage by the sea resort, ogunquit, airport transfers, arrival transfers, departure transfers, passports & visas, weather & clothing, temperature °f (high/low) rainfall (inches), clothing tips, travel tips & faqs, are meals included, children on tour, family trips, my tour price does not include, my tour price includes, age of travelers on a caravan tour, forms of payment, many tours sell out each year, fully guided tours since 1952, size of tour group, a well-paced itinerary, caravan’s $129 travel protection, customer reviews.

"This was my dream vacation and along with my husband, best friend and her husband, I couldn’t have asked for a better time. Breakfasts were amazing, the hotels very nice clean and the scenery was just beautiful. The sights were awesome, more than I ever expected. The colors were perfect and the history was out of this world. Saw everything we hoped for plus more than was planned. The fall foliage was at the perfect time and was beautiful. I would definitely take another tour with Caravan. It was a lifetime experience. Everything I wanted to see. Thank you." Mr. & Mrs. S.B., Minot, North Dakota
"Beautiful, magnificent hotels. The views from the hotels in the mountains were breathtaking. The photo stops were great and offered all the marvelous views of each state. Sightseeing was awesome, so many things to see and do." Ms. N.K., Apopka, Florida
"Thoroughly enjoyed my first trip with Caravan Tours - will return for other trips! Enjoyed all the sightseeing opportunities and added ideas from our director, who was excellent and pointed out sites to see for pictures. Gave historical info, added stories, answered questions. Provided materials and maps and was always very polite, friendly and cheerful. We had sufficient time to enjoy the surroundings and take pictures. Enjoyed the variety of activities, films, displays. All the hotels were four to five star with clean comfortable beds and self controlled environments. Just a lovely time all around. Will share with friends." Mr. & Mrs. J.A., Tucson, Arizona
"Over the top! First time to New England and I really felt we covered so much, enough to suit everyone. I’m an artist and took so many pics, I’ll be painting from them for years to come. This was the first guided tour we had ever taken so we did not know what to expect. Tour was GREAT. We thought going in that would be lots of down (boring) time. Wrong. All the activities were well-planned and fun. Tour was set up to provide much to see. The time went by fast and colorfully. We were told by a couple that wasn’t on the tour who saw our Caravan luggage tags that we would have a great time and that Caravan does the best tours. SO TRUE! Thanks for a wonderful trip." Mr. & Mrs. E.L., Aurora, Colorado
"The Caravan value is unsurpassed. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone who has never traveled to New England states, loves history and beautiful scenery. We were fortunate to enjoy a late fall foliage. Photo stops abound on the multistate tour. We really enjoyed the history and beauty of the region. Our tour guide left no question unanswered. We loved the smaller boutique hotels and the condo with the fireplace." Mrs. C.D., Reisterstown, Maryland
"This was my first guided tour, and I feel like I hit the jackpot. Our director shared insights into history and was attentive to our needs. Our team worked together to offer us the best views and colors, even making some adjustments along the way. All our short stops were for rest and conveniences and beautiful photo opportunities. All our main activities were well-planned, with plenty of time to enjoy each stop, and the colors were breathtaking. I truly enjoyed this trip. I enjoyed meeting new people and our weather was spectacular. I will definitely recommend Caravan to others." Ms. F.L., Rusk, Texas
"Excellent. We learned so much more of our country’s history, and our TD was the best. Couldn’t have asked for better. We all laughed and had a great time. We were so pleased with everything we did. All the staff at each hotel were wonderful, and the seafood was terrific. So nice to not worry about our bags and rooms. Love your company and will tell everyone what a great time we had. You are the best!" Mr. & Mrs. S.M., Bayfield, Colorado

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Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston, MA - Photo Credit Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

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Welcome to Visit New England!

Home of gorgeous beaches and mountains, colonial history, foods and family fun.

What can you expect from a visit to the New England states of Maine , Vermont , New Hampshire , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , and Connecticut ? For starters, everyone’s seen images of the region’s natural beauty: the craggy coastline of Maine, the blazing fall foliage of Vermont, the mountain peaks of New Hampshire. Moving toward the middle and southern states: the dune grasses and beaches of Cape Cod and heroes of the American Revolution in Massachusetts, the Colonial streets and Newport, RI mansions of Rhode Island, and the classic town greens and steepled churches of Connecticut.

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Sunset on the Dock at Memensha - Martha's Vineyard, MA - Photo Credit Mass. Office of Tourism

Beaches of New England

Everyone who loves New England and water fun has a favorite beach . Among the most well-known are the sandy sweeps and bending dune grasses of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. At the opposite end of image and mood (but without sand), are the swimming holes of the old Vermont marble quarries and the tumbling waters of rock strewn mountain streams. Those images only touch of the variety of salt-water and fresh-water swimming places in New England.

DuBois Beach in Stonington, CT - Photo Credit Shutterstock

Take a Rest

Even the most energetic vacationers need to kick back at the end of the day. Lodgings across New England serve every taste. How would you like to drift into sleep to the lapping of ocean waves from a beach or oceanside resort ? Awaken to the hoot of loons in a mountain resort ? Sip a leisurely cup of coffee at a boutique hotel or bed-and-breakfast inn in a historic neighborhood in charming Portland ME, Burlington VT, Boston MA, Portsmouth NH, Providence RI , or New Haven CT ? Family friendly and pet-friendly lodgings welcome kids and dogs, too.

Captain's House Inn in Chatham, MA - Photo Credit Captains House Inn

Romance & Luxury

Start your romantic getaway plans with a walk along a windy beach dune or a sunset cruise on a mountain lake. Move on to a candlelit dinner in a 300-year-old converted stagecoach inn. Romance can go with dazzle, too, like at high-rise luxury hotels in places like Portland ME, Boston MA , and Providence RI , some with rooftop restaurants or pools. In winter, farmers offer horse-drawn carriage rides (or even snowmobile or dog sled rides for the hearty). Romantic dining, from a café in some city’s Little Italy to a restaurant alongside a sweet village green, is everywhere.

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Children’s fun is everywhere . Would your children love to ski or snowboard? Poke through granite caves alongside a churning ravine? Ride river rapids or take a zip line dive down a mountain? Play and swim at a sandy ocean beach or a mountain lake? Take a cruise off the Maine coast on a classic windjammer? Maybe visit the olden times at a living history museum like Old Sturbridge Village or Mystic Seaport ? Indoors, children’s museums and science museums are found almost everywhere, two of the best aquariums anywhere are in Connecticut and Massachusetts .

Lost River Gorge in North Woodstock, NH - Photo Credit Lost River Gorge

New England’s traditional foods range from Maine lobsters and blueberries to Boston baked beans and Vermont cheese and maple syrup. In this region book-ended by the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound , and Vermont’s Lake Champlain , nearly every eatery serves a fine platter of seafood. Do you love friendly, down-home diners? New England has them.

Sharing a Lobster for Lunch - Photo Credit Shutterstock

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

People have their favorite New England seasons, but it can be hard to choose the single best. The sugar maples of the New England mountains burst into brilliant color in fall , with Columbus Day as the usual epicenter of the show. All through the season, smart travelers plan a self-guided foliage drive. Winter brings snow sports of all kinds to the mountain regions, where the ski areas rank up with the best ski spots across the nation. Summer is a time for beaches – from the sandy stretches of Cape Cod to the fresh waters of tree-lined inland lakes and swimming holes.

Old First Church & Robert Frost Burial Ground in Fall - Photo Credit Thomas Schoeller Photography

© Thomas Schoeller Photography

Cruising: small vessels, big scenery.

New England is loved for its waterways, most famously for its waterfront along the Atlantic Ocean, but also the historic Lake Champlain , the mountain-ringed lakes of New Hampshire , the fly-fishing and rafting resource of the Housatonic River , and the many beautiful bays. Maine’s famous windjammers offer cruises, as do boat pilots on Lake Winnipesaukee . Many cruises offer specialty events like sunset views or wine tasting, or a chance to watch lobstermen pull in their catch. Essex, Connecticut , offers a combined land-and-water adventure on am antique train followed by a river paddleboat.

Sightsailing in Newport, RI - Photo Credit Destination Newport

Museums and Shopping

She loves museums; he loves to shop. Let’s start with Boston, MA ’s fabulous arts, history, and science museums. Two favorites are the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for art and a medieval courtyard and the USS Constitution Museum , with “Old Ironsides” docked nearby. Shopping is grand at Newbury Street and the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace . It’s not fair, though, to focus on a single city. Art and history and science museums are plentiful and fascinating in Maine , Vermont , New Hampshire , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , and Connecticut .

Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, MA - Photo Credit Meet Boston

Colonial and Revolutionary History

You can find stories of the creation of America almost everywhere, along with tales of the region’s seafaring history . Boston, MA has the Freedom Trail among stores, churches and houses where the Revolution of 1776 was planned. The Industrial Revolution was founded at Slater Mill in Rhode Island , when a Brit smuggled plans for a water-powered mill out of England. Living history museums include Plimoth Patuxet . The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, ME , is one of several that tell the histories of Native peoples.

Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum in Boston, MA - Photo Credit Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum

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With the forced downturn in travel and a public yearning for more regional exploration, Steve took advantage of this unintended sabbatical to author a new book, New England in a Nutshell . It distills the 700 or so stories he’s penned on the region this past quarter-century for The Boston Globe, Yankee Magazine, Men’s Journal, and many other publications down to a readable round-up format. The more than 50 categories and 300 entries includes 10 Classic New England Hikes, 8 Summer Drives That Will Keep You Smiling, 6 Hidden Art Historical Gems, Top 12 Country Inns to Get Pampered, 6 Favorite Lobster/Clam Shacks, and a whole lot more. You can order at Amazon and read reviews of the book at Forbes , NBC Boston , Schenectady Gazette , and The Boston Globe.

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Colors of New England

About this tour.

Be charmed by the colors of New England from the heart of historic Boston to the farms, mountains, and coast of the North. Begin your journey in historic Boston. Explore Woodstock, Vermont, a quintessential New England village. Watch apples transform into cider before your eyes at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Learn about the maple sugaring industry of New England on a farm tour of the Rocks Estate. Relax as you cruise along Lake Winnipesaukee and admire the splendid views. Dig in at a traditional New England lobster dinner. Travel up the winding Auto Road to see the stunning views from the summit of Mount Washington. Marvel at Maine’s dramatic coast and discover the seaside communities of Portland and Kennebunkport. This is New England at its finest.

Your Tour Includes

  • 4 Handpicked Accommodations
  • 1 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

  • Simon Pearce
  • Quechee Gorge

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

1 - Light & Leisurely

Travel Style

Fall Foliage Tours

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For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

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Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Drive the Kancamagus highway, known to have some of the best foliage views.

Embark on a cruise of stunning Lake Winnipesaukee.

Travel along Auto Road and enjoy views from the summit of Mount Washington.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore the Rocks Estate and learn the importance of maple sugaring in the region on a farm tour.

Learn the history of the famous von Trapp Family during a visit to their lodge in Stowe.

View the most photographed lighthouse in America, the Portland Head Light.

Culinary Inclusions:

Taste the essence of New England at a dinner featuring succulent fresh lobster.

Enjoy lunch prepared from fresh, local ingredients at the Simon Pearce restaurant.

Watch apple cider made the old-fashioned way.

  • Cold Hollow Cider Mill
  • Trapp Family Lodge
  • Rocks Estate
  • North Conway
  • Kancamagus Highway
  • Choice on Tour: Nature Walk or Lecture with Local Naturalist
  • Mount Washington
  • Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise
  • Kennebunkport
  • Lobster Dinner

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New England Wanderlust

Connecticut , Fall , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , Vermont  ·  June 7, 2023

The PERFECT New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 3, 5, 7, 10 & 12 Day Options! (2024)

There’s a reason why New England is world-famous for fall foliage, and if you’re looking to plan the most amazing New England fall road trip, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been traveling throughout this region for over 15 years, and have done quite a few fall foliage road trips and even more fall getaways. It took me a while, but I’ve finally put together the perfect itinerary for you based on real experience.

This post details the best places to visit in New England during fall foliage season that are worth the hype, the best times to plan your road trip, and also, which places may not be worth your time. So, you can rest assured that you’re truly seeing the best of the best with my itinerary.

This itinerary is also geared toward first-timers and those looking to find the best foliage spots . If you’ve experienced New England in the fall season before, many of these locations and tips may already be familiar. However, I’ve also sprinkled in some insider tips, so it’s still definitely worth reading 😉

During this trip, prepare to see idyllic countryside landscapes, blazing fall color, beautiful covered bridges, charming towns, general stores, epic overlooks and hiking trails, and so much more. Basically, you’ll get your fill of New England charm right from the start, and it won’t stop until the trip is over. Sound good? Then let’s get started!

AM Foster Covered Bridge in Vermont is a great stop to make on your New England fall road trip!

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

Tips For Planning A Trip To New England In The Fall

There are some important things to know before you begin to plan your perfect New England fall road trip, so let’s get that out of the way first 😉

The first thing you need to know is that foliage will peak in the northern areas first, then peak in the southern areas later . For that reason, I recommend that you start in the north if you can, especially for a longer trip, but it’s not always necessary for shorter trips.

If you’re planning a bucket list 2-week adventure, starting in the north is a good call because peak foliage can begin to diminish quickly, depending on the season and climate patterns. However, if you’re traveling for closer to a week, this won’t be as important.

I go into peak foliage times in each region in a bit, so definitely be sure to read that through, too!

Another important thing to know is that you should anticipate all kinds of weather. I’ve done many fall road trips through this region, and have had warm, sunny days, and trips where it rained almost every single day. I’ll go more into what to pack for this trip at the end of the post to help you prepare, but this is a good thing to be aware of.

Also, book in advance . I can’t stress this enough. Hotels and accommodations book out well in advance for fall foliage season in prime areas, and these prime areas are where you’ll be heading! If possible, begin to book your hotels at least 6 months in advance, but even 8 months is better. For reference, while I began to plan my Vermont fall road trip for the 2023 season, my favorite place to stay in Stowe, VT was fully booked during peak foliage weeks – in FEBRUARY. Yep, February.

Offline Google Maps! I can’t tell you how important this is! Even as recent as a fall 2022 road trip, I barely had service through much of New Hampshire and Vermont. I spent a lot of time just driving around hoping my service would come back, or asking people for directions the old-fashioned way. I usually offline maps, but totally forgot that trip, and it was a harsh reminder that this is a must-do.

Lastly, prepare to pay . Yes, the sad truth is that peak foliage season in New England is expensive, and it won’t be your most budget-friendly trip ever. There are ways to keep costs down, and I’ll go more into that later in the post as well, but generally speaking, this is an expensive time to visit New England – at least, where the foliage is the best 😉

What Is The Best Time To Visit New England For Fall Color?

In a nutshell, the last week of September, or the first week of October. However, it does vary depending on where you’re heading.

As mentioned before, the colors will begin to change in the northern regions first, and then the southern regions will follow later. Most people will choose to visit Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont during their New England fall road trip (and spoiler alert: this is also where I’ll be suggesting you go!), so this timeframe works very well for these areas.

The central part of Vermont will often peak right around Indigenous People’s weekend in October, and for a getaway to popular towns like Stowe and Woodstock, this is the perfect weekend to plan your trip.

Massachusetts often peaks right around Indigenous People’s weekend as well, with southern MA peaking a week or so later.

The greater Boston area, and Connecticut will peak mid-late October, depending on the year.

Stowe also makes for a wonderful day trip in Vermont, and is one of the best places to experience fall in New England.

How Many Days Do You Need In New England In The Fall?

The great thing about New England in the fall is that you can easily do a weekend getaway and still pack a lot in, or you can plan an epic 12 day road trip for the ultimate adventure. And either way, it’s going to be incredibly memorable.

If you’re coming in from a distance, especially if you’re flying in, I would say 10 days is a great option, 12 days is even better, and 7 days is also wonderful. Of course, with 12 days, you’ll be able to see so much or plan extra time in some places. But even with 7 days, you’ll get to see quite a bit.

If you’re local to New England, and don’t have 10 days, 7 days is again a nice sweet spot. 5 days will also work in this case. And, as mentioned, even a weekend away will allow you to experience some of the best this region has to offer in the fall season.

The great thing about the best places for fall foliage are located in some of the smallest states, so you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

Best Places To See On A New England Fall Road Trip

While every New England state has something special to offer during fall foliage season, for the purpose of seeing the absolute best spots, I recommend sticking to Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire and Vermont . And flying into Boston.

Because these areas offer the most spectacular displays of foliage, most picturesque scenery, tons of things to do, and they’re all reasonable close to one another, allowing you to maximize your time.

Here’s why I don’t necessarily recommend states like Connecticut or Rhode Island if you have less than 10 days – they’re further away from the best places to see in the fall.

I truly love every single New England state, and I do really enjoy Connecticut in the fall. However, it’s so far west that you’ll spend more time driving to get there, and possibly forgoing some really spectacular places in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

If you have 10 days or more for a New England fall road trip, then I would highly suggest you consider adding in the Litchfield Hills regions of Connecticut , which you’ll see I included in my itinerary. It’s also very close to The Berkshires region, so you can combine it with that part of the trip, depending on how much time you have. However, with less than 10 days, I personally don’t feel like it’s worth it. Especially for first-timers.

If you’ve already seen some of the places I’m recommending in this post, then definitely try to swing over to Connecticut and experience a new area during the fall!

If you have less than 10 days, you may even want to focus all your time on Vermont and New Hampshire. The reason for this is because some of the best places for fall foliage in Maine are further north. I think places like Acadia National Park are very worth seeing (and you’ll see I’ve incorporated it into some of my itineraries!). However, if you prefer a slower pace and less driving, Vermont and New Hampshire are the absolute best places to see .

Some Things To Know About My Itineraries

They all begin in Boston , assuming that’s where most people will fly into if visiting from a distance. If you fly into a different airport, or are driving in, you can easily adjust your plans as needed.

They’re done in true road trip style , meaning there’s a lot of driving, and mostly 1-night stays. There are some places I recommend 2 nights in, but you can adjust this based on your preferences. If you want to stay longer in one place, definitely go for it!

I give you options! Of course, I stand by all my suggestions ☺️ However, I know everyone has different travel styles and speeds, so I encourage you to to tailor this to what you think you’ll enjoy the most. I’ve given you suggestions on how to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences.

10 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary From Boston

Okay, let’s get into my perfect New England fall road trip itinerary options! We’re beginning with my suggestions for an incredible 10 day adventure.

10 Day Road Trip Overview

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston Day 2 : Explore Boston Or Take A Day Trip To Salem Day 3-4 : Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park + An Optional Stop In Salem Day 5 : Jackson, NH Day 6 : Franconia, NH (Driving The Famous Kancamagus Highway To Get There!) Days 7-8 : Stowe & Woodstock, VT Day 9 : The Berkshires and/or Litchfield, CT Day 10 : Back To Boston + A Stop In Sturbridge, MA or Litchfield, CT

Breakdown Of The 10 Day Itinerary Option

Day 1: Arrival In Boston Take this time to arrive, get settled, and maybe take in a few sites around the city! Have some time on your first night here? Jump down to Day 2 for some suggestions on what to do!

Where To Stay In Boston:

  • Luxury : The Langham
  • Splurge : Boston Harbor Hotel
  • Moderate : Revere Boston Common

Pro Tip On Fall Foliage In Boston : Foliage peaks later than the rest of the places listed in this itinerary – usually mid-late October. So while you probably won’t see peak foliage in Boston if you plan your trip for peak foliage in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, it may catch a glimpse of it on your back if you’re planning a longer trip! Or, you can leave the airport to immediately begin your drive to Maine, and plan to stay a night or two in Boston before you have to fly out.

Day 2: Explore Boston

Boston during the fall season has so much to see and do, but here are some highlights to consider if it’s your first visit:

  • Public Gardens (very scenic garden area with a beautiful pond and pedestrian bridge (also makes for lovely photos!). This is a good spot for fall foliage in the city, too.
  • Newbury Street for shopping
  • The North End for history and food
  • Beacon Hill for charming cobblestoned streets at the famous Acorn Street
  • Take a food tour if it works with your schedule. There’s incredible food to be had in Boston, and taking a tour with a local expert is a great way to sample lots of delicious things in a short amount of time!

Click here to check out my post on the best Boston food tours!

Day 2: Optional Day Trip To Salem

If you would prefer to take a day trip to Salem, rather than stopping on your way to Acadia National Park, this is a great option! And really, there’s no right or wrong choice here – it just comes down to which you prefer.

Salem is an easy day trip from Boston without a car because of this convenient ferry! Click here to check out the Boston → Salem Ferry!

Psst! I have some helpful guides including planning the perfect Salem, MA day trip , and the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

The Witch House in Salem, MA in the fall season. This is a great town to visit in October for the Haunted Happenings events, which takes place all month long.

Day 3: Drive To Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the best things to do in New England year-round, so this is definitely a must if you’ve never been. It also offers some really wonderful foliage, and fall is my personal favorite season to visit for this reason.

This drive from Boston to Bar Harbor takes about 5 hours without stops, which is why I usually suggest you make a pitstop to break up your journey. I actually have some posts on stops you can make along the drive, so be sure to check those out below.

But since Salem is really the ultimate fall destination in Massachusetts, I suggest you pick that as a stop on the drive 🙂

Bar Harbor is the town adjacent to Acadia National Park , and where most people will choose to stay when visiting. Once you arrive, take some time to get settled, and then head out into downtown Bar Harbor to explore this charming seaside town, visit the shops, and grab a great dinner!

Where To Stay In Bar Harbor:

  • Bayview Hotel . An oceanfront boutique hotel with awesome views. Perfect for a splurge on your trip!
  • Bar Harbor Villager Motel . Clean, updated and spacious. Also, walkable to everything in town.
  • Little Fig Hotel . A cute, modern boutique hotel walkable to town.

Here are some posts that will help you further plan this portion of your trip:

  • Best Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
  • Best Stops To Make Driving Portland to Acadia National Park
  • The Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary (read this one for more information on Bar Harbor and things to do!)
  • Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park

Day 4: Explore Acadia National Park

Fall color in Acadia National Park.

Even in just 1 day, you can visit some of the best places in the park, and also some really wonderful fall foliage spots. Here how I suggest you plan your day:

If you’re up for it , starting your day with sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain is always incredible! It’s one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise, depending on the time of year, and starting October 7 through March, it’s the very first spot in the country to see the sun come up. This will be great for fall foliage, too. You can also choose to do this the following morning before leaving.

Next, head to the Jesup Path scenic walk , which is especially beautiful in the fall season.

Then, park at the Sand Beach parking lot , and walk the Ocean Path for incredible views . This is 1-mile each way, but offers some of the most iconic views in the park, including the Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole. It’s also flat and easy, making it very relaxing. Have your camera ready for this one!

For a more advanced hike with awesome foliage views, you can do the Beehive Trail from Sand Beach lot, too.

Continue on Park Loop Road to Jordan Pond House for lunch , and enjoy the views of the pond and mountains. You can also choose to walk around the pond if you have time after lunch.

For more foliage views, hike the Bubble Rock Trail after lunch.

Day 5: Drive To Jackson, NH + Spend The Night

Without stops, this drive takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

One stop I suggest making on the way if you enjoy local craft beer is the Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford , ME . It’s got a very cool outdoor setting, and they have fantastic craft beer.

I recommend spending the night in Jackson because it’s a longer drive from Bar Harbor, and there are some fun things to do in the area. Also, there’s a very scenic drive called The Kancamagus Highway that’s stunning in the fall season with foliage, and I want to make sure you have time to drive it. But more on that in Day 6 🙂

Here are some fun fall things to check out in Jackson:

  • The Cog : This mountain railroad takes you to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in New England! It’s about 45 minutes from Jackson, but you’ll drive through Crawford Notch State Park , which is very scenic, and The Cog is simply incredible in the fall season. If you leave Bar Harbor early enough and have time to do this, I highly recommend it!
  • Honeymoon Covered Bridge & Flossie’s General Store
  • Glen Ellis Falls
  • The cute town of North Conway

Where To Stay In Jackson:

  • Christmas Farm Inn (this place is super cozy!)
  • The Inn At Thorn Hill & Spa

Option To Stay In North Conway : North Conway is only about 12-15 minutes from Jackson, so you can really stay in either. I think Jackson has better hotel options, and it’s a bit closer to The Cog, which is why I suggested you stay there. But either town works for your New England fall road trip!

Here are some fun things to check out in North Conway if you choose to visit:

  • Cathedral Ledge Distillery
  • Ledge Brewing Company (between North Conway and Jackson, technically)
  • The cute downtown area and Zeb’s General Store (one of my all-time favorite general stores!)
  • North Conway Scenic Railroad

Day 6 – Drive The Kancamagus Highway To Franconia, NH

The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a scenic drive that’s regarded as one of the best drives for fall foliage, so this is something you’ll definitely want to do on your New England fall road trip. It connects the towns of Woodstock and Conway, so you can easily start this drive just a few minutes from Jackson or North Conway.

For this day, I suggest you get up early to make sure you have time to explore Franconia Notch State Park after driving The Kanc.

The Kancamagus Highway in New Hamsphire is one of the best fall foliage drives in the region.

Tips For Driving The Kanc:

  • Remember earlier in the post when I said you’ll lose cell service in much of New Hampshire and Vermont? Well, this is one of those drives where there’s no service, so offline your maps before starting!
  • There are no bathrooms or gas stations on the drive, so plan accordingly.
  • The Kanc takes about 45 minutes one-way without stops, but you’ll want to budget about 2 hours to make some stops at the overlooks.
  • During the fall season, especially on weekends, it’s possible traffic could slow down as people try to pull in and out of the parking areas. Plan for some slower traffic.

Pro Tip : Before hopping onto The Kanc, there’s a great little place called Cheese Louise just before the entrance to The Kanc, and this is an awesome place to grab some food before the drive! Especially on a chilly, fall day, a grilled cheese sandwich totally hits the spot, right? 😍

Stops To Make On The Kanc (in order from Conway to Woodstock):

  • Albany Covered Bridge
  • Rocky Gorge Scenic Area (parking can be found at 44.0016667175862, -71.27716637107925)
  • Sabbaday Falls
  • Sugar Hill Scenic Overlook
  • CL Graham Wangan Overlook
  • Hancock Overlook (this one is right at the famous hairpin turn – can’t miss it!)
  • Lincoln Woods Trailhead – Scenic suspension bridge over the river that’s not far from the parking lot.

🍁 Before hopping on The Kanc, consider downloading this great audio tour to enhance your drive – Click here to check out this audio tour!

There are also tons of hiking trails along The Kanc , so if you’re looking to squeeze in a hike on the drive, this is something to consider. But if you don’t have extra time, I would suggest moving on to Franconia Notch State Park, and only doing hikes along The Kanc if you’re able to add an extra day in.

After The Kanc, your next stop is Franconia Notch State Park . And this is where most of the top things to do are , especially in the fall season .

Flume Covered Bridge inside Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. This is one of the best things to see on a New England fall road trip.

Flume Gorge is one thing I recommend you do if you can only pick one attraction. Flume Gorge is a very fun 2-mile loop trail that takes you over 2 covered bridges, and through the granite gorge. Along the trail, you’ll have some really gorgeous spots to admire the fall foliage, too.

Not sure if this is right for your itinerary? Click here to check out my detailed post in if Flume Gorge is worth visiting , and everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit.

Pro Tip: Buy your Flume Gorge ticket online in advance to save a few bucks! On weekends in the fall season, it’s also possible that certain time slots will sell out. This is another reason to book in advance.

If you have time to explore more of Franconia Notch State Park, I also recommend these activities:

  • Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
  • Artist Bluff Trail (famous spot that ends overlooking Echo Lake – amazing during foliage season!)
  • The views at Echo Lake Beach

Where To Stay Near Franconia:

  • Sugar Hill Inn – 15 mins from Franconia Notch Park, and is rated as the best B&B in New Hampshire!
  • Riverwalk Resort – 5-7 mins from the top attractions in Franconia.
  • Woodstock Inn & Brewery – Cozy inn with a brewery.

Here are some posts to help you plan this portion of your trip:

  • Fun Things To Do In Franconia, NH
  • Fun Things To Do In Littleton, NH
  • Fun Things To Do In Lincoln, NH
  • Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall
  • Where To Stay In The White Mountains: Guide To The Towns

Day 7 – Drive To Stowe Or Woodstock, VT

Begin your day in New Hampshire with a country breakfast at Polly’s Pancake Parlor! This place is famous in New England, and truly has some of the most amazing pancakes I’ve ever had. It does get busy in the fall season, but man, it’s so worth it.

Then, on to Vermont you go! For the next 2 nights, you’ll want to choose between Stowe and Woodstock, VT as your home base. These towns are the absolute best to visit in Vermont during a New England fall road trip because of foliage views and small-town charm. They’re only 1 hour and 15 minutes from each other, so, you can choose where you want to stay, and then visit the other as a day trip.

The drive to both Stowe and Woodstock is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Franconia , and since this is a shorter drive, you can make some stops along the way, or drive straight there. Stowe and Woodstock both have a lot to do, even though they’re small towns, so it’s beneficial to drive straight there and make sure you have plenty of time to explore.

If you choose to stay in Woodstock, I suggest stopping at the King Arthur Baking Company campus on your way because it’s pretty much on the direct route. It’s a really fun place with fresh baked goods and breads, a café, and a fun shop where you can stock up on pantry staples and baking mixes.

Do I recommend you stay in Stowe or Woodstock? I honestly love both equally! There’s no wrong choice here.

The charming Main Street in Stowe in the fall season, which is one of the best stops to make on a New England fall road trip.

The biggest difference between the two is that Woodstock feels a bit more upscale, and Stowe definitely has a very casual feel to it. But the difference is minor. Both have charming covered bridges, great shops, amazing restaurants, a quaint town feel, and plenty of things to do.

Where To Stay In Stowe :

  • The Green Mountain Inn . It’s located right on Main Street, so you can walk to a lot of places.
  • Spruce Peak Resort . Perfect for those wanting a resort feel, and it’s right off the scenic Smugglers Notch drive. There are rooms with gorgeous mountain views here, too.

Where To Stay In Woodstock :

  • The Woodstock Inn & Resort . It’s referred to as Vermont’s most beautiful address, and it’s in the heart of Woodstock’s village. This is a luxury hotel that’s worth it!
  • 506 Inn On The River . Located just outside of the village, this is a modern and cozy inn, well … right on the river 😉

Here are some posts that will help you plan your time in Stowe and Woodstock:

  • Best Things To Do In Stowe
  • Best Things To Do In Woodstock

Woodstock, VT in the fall season is filled with charm and gorgeous fall color. This is one of the best towns to see on a New England fall road trip.

Day 8 – Explore Stowe & Woodstock, VT

Depending on where you stay, you’ll want to take a day trip to the other town this day. Below are breakdowns of the can’t miss things to do in each town .

Best Things To Do In Stowe :

  • Explore the cute shops along Main Street (don’t skip the Stowe Mercantile!)
  • Drive Smugglers Notch for amazing foliage.
  • Ride the gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont (this is epic during the fall season!). This is located at the midway point along the Smugglers Notch drive.
  • Visit Emily’s Covered Bridge, and learn about it’s spooky history.
  • Sample the hard cider at Stowe Cider.
  • Sip on craft brews at Alchemist Brewing (one of my favorites in New England).

The drive through Smugglers Notch is especially gorgeous in the fall.

Best Things To Do In Woodstock:

  • Stroll through the charming downtown shops and eateries.
  • Pop into Mon Vert Café for a warm drink.
  • Snap a photo with Middle Covered Bridge in town.
  • Drive over Taftsville Covered Bridge to visit Sugarbush Farms. You’ll be able to sample homemade cheese and fresh maple syrup here, and also take in amazing foliage views.
  • Visit Billings Farm & Museum.
  • Drive over to Sleepy Hollow Farm to see the famous farm landscape spot.

The views at Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock, VT are incredible in the fall season.

Day 9 – Drive To The Berkshires Or Litchfield, CT

Next up – The Berkshires or Connecticut! This choice is yours entirely. Let’s start with the option to drive to The Berkshires.

The Berkshires is an iconic region in Massachusetts that’s a really great one to visit for fall foliage. Here, you’ll find cute towns, loads of fall color, lots of scenic hikes and walks, and awesome dining options.

Depending on which town in Vermont you’re coming from, the northern region of The Berkshires area will be just over 2 hours from Woodstock, or just over 3 hours from Stowe .

The drive from either town to The Berkshires will pass through Rockingham, VT, and you’ll definitely want to stop here to visit the Vermont Country Store! There’s also the very cute Kissing Covered Bridge here that makes for a fun photo.

Once you arrive in The Berkshires, I suggest you start in Williamstown, and drive the scenic Route 7 down to Sheffield. This drive without stops takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but I would budget at least a few hours to make stops and enjoy some other fun activities. This route packs a lot into a perfect fall day, without a lot of driving.

During this drive, these are the best stops to make:

  • The Mount Greylock Auto Road to the highest peak in Massachusetts (absolutely amazing in the fall season!).
  • Make a detour off Route 7 to Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond for the perfect fall farm experience.
  • Continue with your short detour to Hilltop Orchards, which is 5 minutes from Bartlett’s, and where you can sip on artisanal craft ciders!
  • Walk through the charming town of Lenox.
  • Stroll through quaint Stockbridge, too!
  • Snap photos with the covered bridge in Sheffield.

Where To Stay In The Berkshires:

  • The Red Lion Inn . A historic and famous inn in the heart of Stockbridge.
  • The Dewey . A cozy, traditional New England B&B in Lenox.

The other option is to drive to Litchfield, CT , which is south of The Berkshires. It’s a longer drive from Vermont, but you could also turn this into a fun road trip day by driving the same Route 7 itinerary as mentioned above through The Berkshires, and then continue on to the Litchfield Hills. I would probably only choose this option if you wanted to take your time exploring the awesome stops along Route 7 in The Berkshires, arrive in CT in the evening, and then explore this region of CT the next morning before your drive back to Boston.

The Litchfield Hills in CT are some of the most beautiful countryside landscapes, and a drive through this region is one of the best things to do in New England in the fall.

How To Spend Your Time In Litchfield Hill, CT:

Since you’re likely coming down through the western border of Massachusetts, I would start in Kent, and work your way east. You probably won’t have time to do everything on this list, but pick and choose based on your preferences and schedule.

  • Explore the cute town of Kent, and then visit Kent Falls State Park if you have time.
  • Continue to follow Route 7 to New Milford. The drive is very scenic!
  • Stop in New Milford to enjoy the quaint town, and then visit Lover’s Leap Bridge.
  • Head over to Washington, and then continue on to Mount Tom State Park for awesome foliage.
  • End in the charming town of Litchfield.

Where To Stay In The Litchfield Hills : Litchfield Inn . Refined and still very cozy, and one of the best in the area!

Should I do The Berkshires or Litchfield, CT? Personally, I would stay stick to The Berkshires since this will allow you a more relaxed itinerary. There’s so much to do, and plenty of foliage scenery to take in. If you do the Route 7 drive quicker than you were anticipating, you could always shoot down to the Litchfield Hills for an impromptu adventure 🙂

I would choose to add on the Litchfield Hills if you’re feeling adventurous, and really want to see as much of New England as possible.

Day 10 – Drive Back To Boston, Stopping In Sturbridge or Litchfield On The Way

If you have time to explore another cute town on your drive back to Boston, I would suggest either tacking on a quick drive through the Litchfield Hills, CT if you didn’t already, or a stop in Sturbridge, MA. Sturbridge is more on the way to Boston, and offers beautiful foliage.

Sturbridge, MA in the fall season is one of the best places to see foliage on a New England fall road trip.

How to spend your time in Sturbridge, MA :

  • Visit Old Sturbridge Village for all the cozy fall New England vibes (this is a must if you have time!).
  • Pop into Saw Dust Coffee & Dessert Bar for lunch and treats.
  • Sip on craft beer at Altruist Brewing Company.

And of course, as mentioned in the previous day’s itinerary, the Litchfield Hills region has plenty to offer for foliage views, small towns, and beautiful scenery.

But, if you have a flight to catch, then don’t risk it, and head straight to the airport! 🙂

Optional Adjustments For The 10 Day Itinerary:

  • You can easily cut out Acadia National Park, and head straight to New Hampshire, and choose to spend more time there. Acadia is out of the way, and further north, so I know it doesn’t suit everyone’s plans. This would allow you time to definitely ride The Cog, and have a more relaxed schedule.
  • If you would rather have more time in Vermont, you can skip The Berkshires/CT. This is personal preference! Both areas are amazing for fall foliage, but nothing is quite like Vermont in the fall. This would allow you time to move at a slower pace. If you decide to skip The Berkshires/CT and stay in Vermont for a third night, see my 12 day itinerary, option 3 for suggestions on what to do!

12 Day Road Trip Itinerary Option

If you have 12 days (or more!), this is truly awesome. I would follow my 10 day itinerary, and then take one of these suggestions:

Option 1 : Add in 1 day to see Litchfield, CT after The Berkshires . Since you have the extra time, you can definitely see the Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut with this itinerary! I would recommend this option for those who really want to see as much of New England as possible, and make all the rounds.

Option 2 : Add an extra day to Littleton/Franconia. This region has so many great hikes and places to spot fall foliage. It’s well worth adding a day to this part of the trip if you have the extra time. This would allow you a half day to ride The Cog, and takes more scenic walks and hikes to enjoy the fall foliage.

Option 3 : Add an extra day to Vermont. On your extra day, you can take a day trip to Burlington and Shelburne, or spend the day driving the back roads .

Burlington & Shelburne, Vermont things to check out :

  • First, the drive from both Stowe and Woodstock to Burlington on I-89 is beautiful in the fall. You’ll see lots of mountains ablaze with fall color.
  • In Burlington, check out the waterfront area, and walk along Lake Champlain.
  • Burlington also has an awesome craft brewery scene, and Foam Brewers is especially great.
  • The American Flatbread restaurant in Burlington is a cozy place to stop for lunch.
  • Church Street Marketplace in Burlington is a must!
  • In Shelburne, you’ll want to spend most of your time walking around Shelburne Farms. This is a historic farm once owned by the Vanderbilt family, and has beautiful hiking trails, and you can also sample their homemade cheeses. Definitely do the Farm Trail, which takes you to an epic view of Lake Champlain.

Vermont back roads driving itinerary near Stowe :

This drive is easier to do from Stowe, but it’s also doable from Woodstock if you’re okay with a longer day. This itinerary is is order based on departing from Stowe, but you can also adjust based on which town you’re coming from 🙂

  • The covered bridges in Montgomery, including Montgomery covered bridge (which is actually in Waterville), and Longley Covered Bridge.
  • Barn Owl Bistro is a hidden gem nearby that’s a great little pitstop.
  • The town of Cabot and the nearby AM Foster Covered Bridge are really beautiful areas to visit full of rustic Vermont charm.
  • Peacham is a very small town with iconic landscapes and scenery.
  • Bogie Farm in East Ryegate is a landscape that worthy of a postcard, and is especially beautiful in the fall.
  • The drive between all these destinations will also be lovely and scenic, and packed with fall color.

A farm landscape on the backroads of Vermont in the fall season.

1 Week (7 Day) New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

If you have 7 days, welcome to your itinerary! This option is the same as the 10 day option, but eliminates Acadia National Park to save time.

7 Day Road Trip Overview

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston Day 2 : Drive To Jackson, NH + A Stop In Salem, MA Day 3 : Drive To Franconia Along The Kancamagus Highway Days 4-5 : Drive To Stowe or Woodstock, VT + Stay 2 Nights Day 6 : The Berkshires Day 7 : Return To Boston

For this itinerary, you can also eliminate The Berkshires, and stay an extra night in Jackson or Franconia.

5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With 5 days, you can go in a few different directions, and below, I break down my suggested options, and the benefits of each. This way, you can tailor it to your preferences.

Option 1 : Spend two nights in Boston with a day trip to Salem, then spend 3 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT.

Option 1 is perfect if you prefer staying in one place longer. This itinerary will allow you to stay in the same hotel in Boston for 2 nights, and take an easy day trip to Salem for the perfect fall day of Halloween fun and history! Then you can pick up your rental car (if you haven’t already), and drive to Stowe or Woodstock, VT for 3 days to explore both towns.

With 3 days in Vermont, you can easily see both Stowe and Woodstock, and maybe even plan a day of driving around the back roads. See the 12-day itinerary option for my suggestions on driving the back roads around Vermont during foliage season .

The back roads of Stowe, VT in the fall season.

Option 2 : Spend 1 night in Boston, stop in Salem on your way to Franconia and spend 2 nights in Franconia. Then spend 2 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT, and then drive back to Boston.

Option 2 is perfect for those who still want to see as much as possible in 5 days. You’ll get to see a bit of New Hampshire and Vermont, while making a stop in Salem.

Note: For this itinerary, I would drive from Salem to Conway, and the drive The Kancamagus Highway on your way to Franconia so you get to experience the fall foliage along this route. But this itinerary option eliminates the stay in Jackson, as there are more fall things to do in Franconia.

Option 3 : Spend 1 night in Boston, 1 night in Salem, 3 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT, and then back to Boston.

Option 3 is perfect for those who really want to spend some time in Salem. This itinerary allows you to spend a whole night in Salem to really enjoy all the Halloween festivities and tours, and then you can spend 3 beautiful days in Vermont.

I excluded New Hampshire from this option because I felt like it would be too much to cram in when adding 1 night in Salem. But if you were feeling adventurous (I’ve been there, I get it! 😂), you can drive to Franconia, NH for 1 night after Salem, and then do 2 nights in Vermont instead of 3.

3 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

3 days in New England is the perfect long weekend getaway!

With 3 days, I suggest you stay in one location , and add day trips . If you’re flying into Boston, you can stay 1 night in Boston if needed, and then drive to Vermont or New Hampshire for 2 nights. If you’re not flying in, you can spend all 3 nights in Vermont or New Hampshire.

Stowe is very close to New Hampshire, and it’s only about 1.5 hours from Franconia. You can easily do a day trip from Stowe to New Hampshire, or vice versa, for this type of itinerary.

It would also be easy to work in a stop in Salem, MA, either on your way in or out of Boston.

Weekend New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

For a weekend getaway in New England (essentially, 2 days), I would also recommend you stay in one place and take a day trip. For this itinerary, I almost always suggest Stowe or Woodstock. You can stay in either town, and spend 1 day exploring that town, and then the next day, exploring the other as a day trip.

Vermont Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Looking to just see Vermont? Excellent choice. It’s my personal favorite fall destination in New England (even though it’s a very close call 😉)

For a Vermont fall road trip , you can really do it in anywhere from 5-7 days. Of course, more is better to really see everything, but generally speaking, you can actually make it happen in a week or less. A popular route to take in Vermont is Route 100 , which runs the entire length of state, right through the middle. This allows you opportunities to veer off and see some other places as well.

The historic district of Bennington, VT is one of the best places for fall foliage in the southern part of the state. This is definitely worth a stop on a New England fall road trip.

For the purpose of this itinerary, I’m going to provide a week-long (7 day) itinerary, and you can adjust it to your own plans.

Day 1 : Bennington & Manchester Day 2 : Drive to Woodstock, stopping in Grafton and Weston on the way Day 3 : Spend the day in Woodstock Day 4 : Drive to Stowe, stopping in Montpelier if you’d like Day 5 : Spend the day in Stowe Day 6 : Staying in Stowe, take a day trip to Burlington & Shelburne Day 7 : Drive back

Day 1 Suggestions : Bennington and Manchester are pretty close to each other, so you can easily do both in one afternoon. There are some wonderful covered bridges in the area to see, and here are some more things to check out:

  • The Bennington Battle Monument for fall foliage scenery.
  • Downtown Bennington for shopping on Main Street (small, but cute!).
  • Apple Barn is a few minutes from Main Street for a fun country store and bakery.
  • Zoe’s in Manchester for lunch (great sandwiches!)
  • Downtown Manchester for shopping in a cute town (don’t skip Northshire!)

Day 2 Suggestions : Grafton is a very small town, but it’s quintessential Vermont. It has a cute little cheese shop, and a nice little market/cafe called MKT Grafton, which is perfect for a quick bite. Also, swing by Weston to visit the Vermont Country Store.

For the rest of the itinerary, refer to the 10 day option for details 🙂

Click here to check out my post on a Vermont covered bridges road trip!

New Hampshire Fall Road Trip Itinerary

My second favorite fall foliage destination! Here’s my suggested itinerary for a New Hampshire-only fall road trip.

To just see New Hampshire , you can also spend anywhere from 4-7 days.

With 4 days, you can easily just stick to the White Mountains region, but I’m here to give you all my tips on even more awesome places to see in the fall season in New Hampshire ☺️ So, this itinerary will be 7 full days , but adjust as you need to!

Day 1 : Portsmouth Day 2 : Lake Winnipesaukee Days 3-4 : Littleton/Franconia Days 5-6 : North Conway/Jackson Day 7 : Drive back

Hiking to this viewpoint on the Artist Bluff Trail is one of the best things to do in Franconia, NH in the fall. It's also one of the best things to do in New England!

Connecticut Fall Road Trip Itinerary Option

If you’ve seen all the “hot spots” around Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine, and you’re looking to explore a new part of New England in the fall, Connecticut should be next on your list!

As mentioned, my favorite place in Connecticut for fall foliage is the Litchfield Hills region. I always like to share that this region was what inspired Amy Sherman-Palladino’s creation of Stars Hollow, so Gilmore Girls fans will especially love this area.

The Litchfield Hills is very compact, and you can easily do a lot in a weekend here. However, 3-4 nights will allow you a nice, leisurely pace to explore all the amazing things this region has to offer in the fall.

The best towns to stay in in the Litchfield Hills region are:

  • New Milford
  • Washington/Washington Depot

Of all these towns, Litchfield probably has the most options when it comes to shopping and dining, however, they’re all very quaint and charming. I would pick whichever one has the best hotel for your plans.

If you have extra time for your Connecticut fall road trip, you can tack on places like Canaan to the north of the Litchfield Hills region, drive to Glastonbury, and then through the River Valley region, which includes the adorable towns of Chester and Essex. You can also choose to end your road trip in Mystic.

What To Pack For A New England Fall Road Trip

I always start every New England packing guide with the same thing, and this post is no different: begin to check the weather reports 5 days out from your trip to get an idea of what the weather will be like . And keep checking it until the day before you leave .

This is because weather in New England can change quickly, especially in the fall season. It’s not quite as dramatic as say … Iceland 😉 But, it can change and vary a bit. Generally speaking, fall will be chilly and a bit rainy. However, you could also have warm and sunny days. For longer trips, you’ll want to pack for both scenarios.

Echo Lake Beach is especially scenic in the fall, and one of the best things to do in Franconia, NH.

Here are some things I recommend you consider when packing for a fall road trip through New England:

Waterproof hiking boots . If you plan to do any hiking, or even nature walks, you’ll want a pair of sturdy boots that are waterproof. Even some attractions like Flume Gorge and other waterfalls in New Hampshire are pretty wet, so this is a good idea to stay dry and comfortable. I really like the Eddie Bauer K-6 Hiking boots. Find the women’s version here and the men’s version here . They’re a much less expensive version of the famous Danner hiking boots featured in the movie Wild !

Good hiking socks to keep your feet dry . An awesome brand to support is Tarn Tough Socks , which is a Vermont-based company. They’re an investment, but they’re also the best, and come with a lifetime guarantee!

Waterproof rain jacket to stay dry if it rains . You won’t want to let the rain slow you down, especially if there’s a lot in the forecast! So definitely pack one that’s completely water proof ( not water-resistant).

Layers . The best way to dress in the fall season is with layers. Under your rain gear, flannels, sweaters, and lightweight t-shirts (both short-sleeved or long-sleeved) work great.

Jeans . These work really well for most days. Fall in New England is pretty casual.

Hiking clothing . For any hikes you want to do, pack whatever clothes you typically wear and feel comfortable in 🙂

Comfortable sneakers or boots . When it’s not raining, a good pair of comfortable sneakers or cute boots work perfectly, depending on your plans. Since I drive from New York, I don’t usually have to worry too much about weight limits on a suitcase, so I’ll throw a pair of sneakers, flat boots/booties, and my hiking boots into the car. This is usually all I ever need.

Dinner outfits . New England is home to incredible places for farm-to-table dining, some of which are a bit more fancy. If you plan to go out for a nice dinner or two, you’ll want to pack accordingly. New England isn’t super fancy, so women can do a casual dress/jeans and a nice top with booties in the fall, and men can easily do dark-wash jeans and a button down top.

Reusable water bottle . You’ll need to stay hydrated while out exploring!

Day pack . If you plan to do any hiking, you’ll want to bring a day pack with you to carry your essentials. If you don’t plan to do any hikes, you can probably skip this, as you can keep most everything you need in your car or room.

Does It Snow In New England In The Fall?

Here’s the thing – it might if you’re up in the mountains. However, it doesn’t usually snow during peak foliage times. Usually, New England gets its first snow of the year later in October or early November. So, I wouldn’t worry about packing any snow gear or winter boots for your fall road trip.

How Do To A New England Fall Trip On A Budget

So, first thing’s first, you’ll unfortunately have to rethink what “budget” means in New England, especially during peak season in the fall. It’s generally more expensive than other areas of the country regardless of the reason, so during prime foliage times, prices will go up significantly.

Especially in the past, I never had the money to spend on several nights at hotels during this time of the year, so I have learned to do it on more of a budget. Not necessarily cheap, but not as tough on the wallet 😉 Here are my tips:

  • Stay in motels. I love a good hotel splurge, and do it more now than I did in my 20s and early 30s. But for most of my road trips when the focus in exploring outdoors, I stay in motels with efficiency kitchens . You can find some really nice ones, and while they’re likely to be outdated, they’re usually clean and cozy.
  • Efficiency kitchens allow you to make some meals at home. For a road trip style trip, this may be more challenging, as it’s hard to bring perishable items with you to store in a fridge. But I usually try to make my own breakfasts to save money, and pack snacks to have for lunch.
  • Stay outside of town. If you’re really on a tight budget, you can stay outside of the towns you’re visiting. Places like Franconia, Stowe, and Woodstock charge premium rates for peak season, so you’re likely to find deals a town or two away.
  • Go camping! If you’re really adventurous, you can go camping! There are camp sites all over New England, and this will definitely be more affordable. One thing to keep in mind is the colder weather, and for this reason, some camp sites may close down after Indigenous People’s weekend in October. But many remain open, and offer Yurt-style camping, too.

Is Fall In New England Worth It?

A resounding yes! I truly believe this is such a magical time to visit – if not the most magical time. Despite the crowds and the cost, it’s more than worth it. Many of the landscapes you’ll see are actual stock photos and postcards, and since so many people equate the fall season to all things cozy, there’s really no cozier place to be than in New England during foliage season.

More posts you may enjoy:

  • Fall In New England: The Best Things To See & Do
  • Vermont In The Fall: Festive Things To Do!
  • Fall In New Hampshire: The Best Things To Do
  • Fall In Massachusetts Ultimate Guide: All The Best Things To Do & Foliage Spots!
  • The Best 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary For Any Season
  • Best Stops To Make On A Boston To Stowe, VT Road Trip
  • Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
  • Maine In October: Best Towns For Foliage & Things To Do!
  • Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
  • Awesome Corn Mazes In Vermont
  • Best Time To Visit New England
  • Best Time To Visit Vermont

That’s A Wrap On The Best New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

And there you have it! All my tips and expert advice on planning the most epic New England fall road trip during foliage season! This truly is such a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should do at least once, and hopefully, you’re now well on your way to planning your own foliage adventure through New England!

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Discover New England (DNE) is a regional destination marketing organization founded in 1992 by the six New England state tourism offices. DNE is a nonprofit (501c6) association dedicated to promoting travel to and within the member states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

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Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Classic, 8 Days) Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Classic, 8 Days)

Cons: 1. Daniel Webster Inn was over-rated. Would not stay there again. 2. Visit to the Plimouth Plantation was a waste of time. Spent way too much time there. 3. Transportation from Logan Airport to the Boston Hyatt was a mess!!!! No signs, no directions, and the taxi driver had no idea what to do with the voucher. Ended up paying for the taxi! Ridiculous!! 4. Service at the included dinner at the Daniel Webster Inn was horrible!! Kathy (our waitress) should be fired! However, the food was delicious! 5. Not enough time spent in Nantucket. 6. Way too much time spent at the Breakers in Newport. 7. This should not be considered an 8-day tour. All we did on day 8 was ride on the bus to the airport! Pros: 1. Tour director Robin was outstanding!! Wellness director, Brittany, was also fabulous! 2. Canolis, Cape Code Chips and Cape Codders on the bus was a nice touch! Thoroughly enjoyed the snacks on the bus! 3. Ferry to Martha's Vineyard was fun! Thoroughly enjoyed the talk session/information about the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. Very interesting. 4. Local guide tour of Nantucket Island was great! Lots of interesting information. Not enough time spent in Nantucket. 5. Loved the Harbor View hotel! 6. Sailing on the Adirondack II was THE BEST!! Need to offer more than one Mimosa! 7. Luggage service was great.

New England\'s Fall Foliage (Classic, 8 Days) Tour

New England's Fall Foliage (Classic, 8 Days)

Great tour. Our trip director/narrator Howie Geib was excellent. Bus driver Alex was also excellent. Accommodations was spot on.. I would recommend this tour to all. .

New England\'s Fall Foliage (Small Groups, 8 Days) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

New England's Fall Foliage (Small Groups, 8 Days)

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Small Groups, 8 Days) Tour

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Small Groups, 8 Days)

New England\'s Fall Foliage (Classic, 8 Days, Boston Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer) Tour

  • Sightseeing

New England's Fall Foliage (Classic, 8 Days, Boston Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

Science & Serenity at Sea | New England to Panama Tour

Science & Serenity at Sea | New England to Panama

Boston Cape Cod And The Islands (8 destinations) Tour

Boston Cape Cod And The Islands (8 destinations)

Vibrant Quebec & New England (Small Groups, 9 Days) Tour

Vibrant Quebec & New England (Small Groups, 9 Days)

New England’s Magnificent Autumn (Summer 2019) Tour

New England’s Magnificent Autumn (Summer 2019)

Vermont: Stowe Fall Foliage - 6 Days Tour

Vermont: Stowe Fall Foliage - 6 Days

Vermont Fall Foliage: Lake Champlain Valley - 6 Days Tour

Vermont Fall Foliage: Lake Champlain Valley - 6 Days

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Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine

Self-drive vacations in New England

Though it’s fairly compact by American standards, New England is arguably the country’s most versatile region. You can sit on a rocky beach eating a lobster roll one day, and the next find yourself standing at the top of a wind-scoured peak in a vast green wilderness. There’s Revolutionary history on Boston’s narrow streets and whale watching in the rich waters off the coast.

The region is replete with unexpected vistas and small towns where you’ll find white steepled churches and covered bridges, so I advise driving yourself to reach as much as you can. It gives you the flexibility to explore, whether that’s hiking past clear mountain streams or window shopping in a historic downtown.

Vermont chapel in Autumn

Things to do & see in Boston

As the largest city in the region, and the home of Logan International Airport, Boston is a convenient place to begin a tour of New England . One of the most walkable cities in the country, Boston also has a public transit system, something lacking in many other American metropolises. This is convenient because the driving here is terrible and the parking is worse. I always suggest waiting to rent a car until you’re ready to leave the city.

The Freedom Trail and Beacon Hill

Dating back to the early 1600s, Boston witnessed many of the most important events in the country’s early history. The American Revolution was fomented in its pubs and drawing rooms, and played out on its cobbled streets.

You can get a comprehensive introduction to the city’s role in the revolution by walking on the Freedom Trail. A red line that’s painted directly on the pavement (or, as the Americans say, sidewalk), the trail takes you past more than a dozen important historical sites. A good guidebook can provide context.

The Granary Burial Ground is a particular highlight. Opened in 1660, it’s the final resting place for many prominent Bostonians. Many of the gravestones are engraved with a ‘death’s head’ — a winged skull representing the soul’s flight to heaven. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is the city’s oldest and includes the grave of Cotton Mather, a fire-and-brimstone preacher who is closely associated with the deadly Salem witch trials.

The Granary Burying Ground

The trail takes you through several of Boston’s oldest enclaves, including the North End. This warren of cramped lanes has long been where new immigrants landed when they arrived in Boston. It’s now the city’s Italian quarter, crowded with one-time tenements, cafés and trattorias. When I visit, I like to stop at Mike’s Pastry for cannoli, an Italian export of a fried pastry shell piped with sweetened custard that made its way across from the Mediterranean.

Not included on the trail is Beacon Hill. Wealthy and powerful families have made their homes here since the 18th century. The steep, gaslit streets are graced with gated gardens, stately brick mansions and well-preserved townhouses that sport tidy black shutters.

  • Read more about Boston in our insider's guide

Beacon Hill, Boston

Where to stay in Boston

Right in the heart of downtown, the Langham Hotel is a stately stone landmark set in the former Federal Reserve Bank. The decor borders on the opulent and there’s a chocolate bar on Saturdays at the in-house restaurant, Café Fleuri.

Langham Boston lobby

Driving from Boston to Maine

It’s only about 90 minutes from Boston to Kennebunkport if you take one of the major highways. However, I prefer to meander up along the smaller Route 1A. It gives you the chance to admire the small fishing towns that are filled with clapboard houses and have marinas where sailboats dock alongside brightly painted lobster boats. If so inclined, you could make a whole trip out of just visiting these towns. But, as a one-time resident, I’m particularly fond of Salem.

The notoriously brutal witch hysteria of the 17th century often overshadows the fact that Salem was once the wealthiest city in the New World. It’s rife with New Age shops that celebrate modern and historical witchcraft as well as dignified captain’s mansions, each with a widow’s walk around the perimeter of the mansard roof. There are older homes, too. Usually painted charcoal gray, they have small windows that peer out from under sharply peaked gables, relics that date back to Salem’s darkest chapter.

Salem, Massachusetts

Things to do & see in Maine

Arguably New England’s most preppy enclave, Kennebunkport has a small downtown filled with cafés, chic boutiques and sunlit art galleries where you can buy paintings of seascapes and lighthouses. Outside town, Ocean Avenue is a meandering coast road populated by understated mansions, their deep porches overlooking the stony shore.

If Kennebunkport’s carefully casual elegance doesn’t appeal to you, Mount Desert Island offers a more rugged option. Acadia National Park, covering much of the island, is criss-crossed with carriage roads, originally intended for horse-drawn buggies but now used for cycling through the forest. There are also well-maintained walking trails that range from easy to challenging.

Also on Mount Desert Island is Bar Harbor , a town that primarily offers support services for the park. It was here I boarded the Lulu, a working lobster boat, for a tour of the coast. The captain, John, explained the history of the industry and how traps work as we cruised past colonies of somnolent seals and watched seabirds wheel high in the sun-bleached sky.

Goat Island Lighthouse

Where to stay in Maine

I like staying at the Nonantum Resort , a sprawling Kennebunkport beach resort that dates back to the 1880s. The airy rooms look out over the water and the staff can arrange a variety of activities, including yoga, kayaking and fishing.

Driving from Maine to New Hampshire

Leaving the Maine coast, you can head northwest on Route 302. This two-lane road winds through small towns, over pristine lakes, and up and down the slopes of steep mountains covered in dense forests of pine and oak.

If you drive steadily, it will take you about three hours to reach North Conway , near Franconia Notch State Park. But you’ll probably be tempted to slow down and explore. You’ll pass by bright-red barns sporting verdigris-crusted weathervanes as well as rambling farmhouses, their black shutters and white clapboards tucked behind gray stone walls.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Things to do & see in New Hampshire

Franconia notch state park.

This state park nestles inside the larger White Mountain National Forest and together they create a vast, unspoiled wilderness. Dense and seemingly endless swathes of trees sweep down steep mountainsides, punctuated by the silvery gleam of waterfalls and distant rivers.

You can experience the park in a variety of ways. The Kancamagus Highway snakes along the highlands, with wide views of crags, steep-sided valleys and mirror-like lakes. There’s also an aerial tramway (cable car) to the peak of Cannon Mountain, where you can climb an observation tower and gaze at the mountains fading into the hazy distance.

You can also hike along the Flume, a gorge between two sheer granite walls. Mosses and ferns soften the hard stone and a cold, clear river spills over rounded boulders. The route is well marked and fairly short but involves many stairs and inclines. You’ll cross two covered wooden bridges and pass by Avalanche Falls, the sound of the cascade magnified into a roar as it echoes off the sides of the ravine.

Mount Washington

In fact, there are many trails in the region, ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks. However, unless you are very experienced, I don’t recommend hiking up Mount Washington. The tallest peak in the region, it suffers from notoriously erratic weather. Even if it’s a hot day at the base, you might find near-freezing temperatures and strong winds at the summit.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Expert outdoorsmen will find much to love at Mount Washington — including hiking, climbing and hang gliding — but I won’t even drive up the mountain road. Instead, I always take the Cog Railway up. The rack-and-pinion train chugs slowly but steadily to the summit, where you can take in sweeping views. Remember to bring a hat and warm sweater, however.

Driving from New Hampshire to Vermont

There are towns named Woodstock in both New Hampshire’s national forest and in Vermont — driving along Route 118 from one to the other will take you about two hours. You’ll go from the daunting peaks of the White Mountains to the somewhat gentler Green Mountains, past dairy farms, tumbledown stone walls and small antique shops, their porches cluttered with bric-a-brac.

Autumn snowcapped White Mountains, New Hampshire

Things to do & see in Vermont

Perched on the banks of the gentle Ottauquechee River, Woodstock has long been a rustic retreat for New England’s wealthiest families. The downtown is built around a long, narrow green surrounded by mansions that span more than a century of architectural styles.

White clapboard colonials, with pediments and black shutters, stand next to red-brick Federalist homes, their doors framed by white columns. Just north of the green, the streets are lined with galleries, boutiques and small shops.

The surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunity for active pursuits. The twisting country roads lend themselves to cycling and on nearby Mount Tom you can follow trails to a summit that overlooks the town.

In nearby Quechee, you’ll find a plunging ravine that was carved into the native stone by glacial melt more than 13,000 years ago. A walk on the gorge’s well-graded paths rewards you with some of the region’s most dramatic views — stone walls slanting down 50 m (165 ft) to a swift river that burbles over water-smoothed boulders.

Where to stay in Vermont

At the Inn at Manchester you can choose to stay in either of the two red-with-white-trim barns out back or in the main building, which has a deep wrap-around porch. The inn has a pool and a living-room-style pub, and makes a convenient location for exploring Vermont.

The Inn at Manchester, Manchester Village

Driving from Vermont to Cape Cod

There are several routes to get from Woodstock to Cape Cod , but all of them take more than four hours, so I suggest breaking up the drive. A good option is Old Sturbridge Village, located just off Route 90 in Massachusetts. This living history museum recreates the village as it was in the 1830s, with costumed staff, artisan demonstrations and livestock milling around inside corrals made of split-rail fences.

Things to do & see on Cape Cod

For generations, New Englanders have flocked to Cape Cod to enjoy old-fashioned fun — lobster rolls, swimming and walking barefoot down sandy lanes. However, the roads are a bit old fashioned, too, with just two bridges as your means of getting on or off the Cape. This can make traffic nightmarish, so never plan to drive over the bridges on weekends, especially in the summer.

Once you’re past that bottleneck, the Cape makes up for the inconvenience, with golden beaches, gray-and-white cottages, drifts of beach roses and small shops shaded by striped awnings.

If you’re visiting in the summer, the towns hum with activity — bands play on gazebos, clam shacks serve fried seafood on picnic tables, and bars stay open late into the night, doors flung open to catch the sea breezes.

In the spring and fall, you may find fewer shops and restaurants open, but you can slow down to appreciate the briny breeze and the play of light on the rippling sand.

Beach at Cape Cod

Beyond the beaches, there are shops for renting kayaks or bicycles and many paths for cycling, including the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth . You can also visit Provincetown — ‘P-Town’ to locals — a vibrant little place known for its nightlife and LGBTQ culture.

The Cape’s wildlife includes an abundance of marine and shore birds, including gulls, ospreys and snake-necked cormorants, a dark-feathered bird you can often see standing with their wings half spread to dry in the sun. The Massachusetts Audubon Society operates three different bird sanctuaries, though you’ll see plenty just walking around. You can also board whale watching vessels to Stellwagen Bank. You’re likely to see humpback, finback and minke whales and, if you’re lucky, the critically endangered right whale.

Where to stay on Cape Cod

Many of Cape Cod’s inns and hotels are a bit twee, but the Platinum Pebble in West Harwich is a well-polished exception. It combines a sophisticated atmosphere with a convenient location, just a brief walk to the beach. The breakfasts are particularly indulgent.

  • Find out when is the best time to visit New England

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New England Fall colours

Classic New England self-drive tour

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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

  • New England highlights guide
  • Touring New England in fall
  • Insider's guide to Boston
  • Driving vacations in the United States
  • Where to go in the US

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COMMENTS

  1. New England vacations 2024 & 2025

    5 min read. Read more North America articles on our blog. Speak to a certified New England specialist to start planning your tailor-made vacation... Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. 617-223-4194. Make an inquiry. Jack. Southeast Asia & USA Specialist.

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  4. 15 Best New England Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Visit stunning New England, on the US East Coast, to take in the natural beauty of the Maine coast, where you can sample the locally-caught lobster and visit some of the country's best-known beaches. Travellers to New England often visit Boston and Newport, as well as the island of Martha's Vineyard. ... Travel Advisors / Agents ; Advisor Log ...

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    Day 1 • Boston, Massachusetts. Visit all six New England states! Your vacation begins in Boston, the "Cradle of Liberty.". Fly to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Transfer by hotel courtesy shuttle to your hotel. Rooms are available for check-in after 3:00 p.m. Join Caravan for an 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing.

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  16. The PERFECT New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 3, 5, 7, 10 & 12 Day

    10 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary From Boston. Okay, let's get into my perfect New England fall road trip itinerary options! We're beginning with my suggestions for an incredible 10 day adventure. 10 Day Road Trip Overview. Day 1: Arrival In Boston Day 2: Explore Boston Or Take A Day Trip To Salem

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    Discover New England (DNE) is a regional destination marketing organization founded in 1992 by the six New England state tourism offices. DNE is a nonprofit (501c6) association dedicated to promoting travel to and within the member states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Discover New England ...

  19. 10 Best Luxury New England Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Classic, 8 Days) Cons: 1. Daniel Webster Inn was over-rated. Would not stay there again. 2. Visit to the Plimouth Plantation was a waste of time. Spent way too much time there. 3. Transportation from Logan Airport to the Boston Hyatt was a mess!!!!

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  21. Self-drive vacations in New England

    Though it's fairly compact by American standards, New England is arguably the country's most versatile region. You can sit on a rocky beach eating a lobster roll one day, and the next find yourself standing at the top of a wind-scoured peak in a vast green wilderness. There's Revolutionary history on Boston's narrow streets and whale ...

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