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Leaf peepers: Where’s the best fall foliage in New England?
The New York Times, Country Living, and others said these are the best leaf peeping spots in New England. Do you agree?
As autumn descends upon New England, the region transforms into a breathtaking canvas of reds, oranges, and golds. Last year, experts from The New York Times, Country Living, Architectural Digest, and the U.S. News & World Report spotlighted some of the best spots for experiencing the stunning fall foliage that draws visitors – leaf peepers, as we say here in New England – from all over the country.
Whether you’re hiking through vibrant trails, cruising along scenic highways, or exploring charming towns, New England in the fall is nothing short of magical. With so many top-rated destinations to choose from, now is the perfect time to grab your camera and explore the breathtaking landscapes that make this region a fall foliage paradise.
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What are your favorite spots to witness the changing leaves?
Where to find “spectacular foliage”
According to The New York Times, Mount Greylock State Reservation in Massachusetts and New Hampshire’s White Mountains Trail are the two must-see locations for foliage enthusiasts. The Berkshires boast beautiful rolling hills, vibrant forests, and charming towns. Meanwhile, the White Mountains of New Hampshire offer majestic views, especially along the Kancamagus Highway, where you can experience a striking palette of colors against a backdrop of serene mountain landscapes.
What are America’s top spots for fall foliage?
In a recent ranking by the U.S. News & World Report, five of America’s top spots for fall foliage in 2023 are found in New England. Leading the list is the Berkshires in Massachusetts, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain views and vibrant leaf displays. Following in second is Acadia National Park in Maine, which showcases an impressive mix of coastal and forest scenery. Stowe, Vermont is also highlighted for its quintessential New England charm, with Bretton Woods and North Conway in New Hampshire rounding out the top five.
Where to explore fall foliage by car
For those exploring the region by car, Architectural Digest said New England is home to six of the best fall foliage road trips. Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire each featured one scenic journey: Calvin Coolidge Memorial Bridge in Northampton, Mass.; Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park in Maine; and Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire. Vermont dominated the list, with three picturesque routes included: US Route 5A in Westmore, Route 100 in Windham County, and Pike Hill Road and Vermont 25 in Orange County.
What are must-visit destinations for leaf peeping?
Country Living also lists 15 New England destinations that are prime for fall foliage viewing. Among these, Pioneer Valley and Lenox in Massachusetts offer hiking and biking paths for the “ultimate mountain leaf peeping.” New Hampshire’s Jefferson and Sugar Hill offer sweeping scenery and vibrant colors, plus an abundance of sugar maples. The coastal towns of Bristol and Charlestown in Rhode Island and Mystic, Connecticut showcase stunning harbor views as the perfect fall backdrop. For quintessential New England charm with its covered bridges and town squares, the publication suggests visiting Kent in Connecticut and Montpelier, Stowe, Manchester, and Woodstock in Vermont.
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What are your favorite spots to witness the changing leaves? Are these spots the best places to view fall foliage? Are there any leaf-peeping spots they missed? Share your recommendations in the form below or e-mail us at [email protected], and your response may appear in a future Boston.com article.
Where’s the best fall foliage in New England?
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