Fall foliage. The colors are unlike anything you can see any other time of year, and some of the best places to see these colors are in the northeast part of the United States. New England is a dream come true for fall foliage seekers. From the mountains to the lakes, it is home to some of the best sights. Take a look at where you can see fall foliage in the northeast.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The 35-mile drive along the Kancamagus Highway offers numerous places to stop and see the fall foliage. The highway runs through the White Mountain National Forest from Lincoln to North Conway and is beautiful any time of year, but fall is the best. The peak times to see the foliage range from mid-September to mid-October. Make sure to stop at Sabbaday Falls and the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.
Stowe Vermont: Fall’s Color Capital
Stowe, Vermont is a popular spot to see the fall colors, so you won’t be alone if you take your trip here, but it is worth it. Stowe sits at the base of Mount Mansfield, which is the highest peak in Vermont, and you can drive or hike up to the top of the mountain to see the sites. If you’re up for a road trip, take a drive through the Green Mountains to see the reds, yellows, and oranges on the trees.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Visiting the Berkshires of Massachusetts in the fall is a treat. Not only are the colors beautiful, but it’s also the time of year for pumpkin patches, apple picking, and harvest festivals. In the Berkshires, there are a few routes you can take to see the colors. The Mohawk Trail along Route 2 runs for 63 miles offering beautiful views and takes you around the famous Hairpin Turn with even more expansive panoramic views.
Crawford Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Let’s head back to New Hampshire and take a drive through Crawford Notch State Park. If you’ve never driven the six-mile stretch that runs from Bretton Woods to Bartlett, you are in for a treat. In early October, Route 302 is a popular spot for leaf peepers. You’ll know you are in Bretton Woods when you see the Mount Washington Omni Resort, which sits at the base of the famous Mount Washington, which by this time of year will most likely have snow on top.
Rangeley Lakes, Maine
The Rangeley Lakes in Maine are a must for leaf peepers who want expansive views of all the fall colors. The region encompasses six lakes that you can see by driving the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. Along the way, you can check out the Whip Willow Farm Scenic Overlook, the Shelton Noyes Scenic Overlook, and Height of Land where you’ll see beautiful views of the trees and Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
Planning a trip to the Northeast to see the fall foliage? The best times to go are mid-September through mid-October, but you’ll want to check the foliage reports because it can change depending on the weather.
