New England in Autumn
Six Places Where Fall Writes Its Love Letter to the Land
There’s a moment in early autumn when the air shifts—cooler mornings, a whisper of woodsmoke, a soft golden slant to the afternoon light. Then, almost overnight, the hillsides ignite. Sugar maples flare crimson, birches shimmer like coins in the breeze, and oaks deepen to a warm, burnished brown.
In New England, fall isn’t just a season; it’s a celebration. It’s the slow drive down a winding country road, windows cracked to catch the scent of leaves and pine. It’s lingering over coffee in a village café while a river glitters with reflections of fiery trees. It’s the thrill of cresting a mountain pass and seeing a valley below painted in every shade of autumn imaginable.
From coastal cliffs to pastoral villages, the region offers countless ways to experience this fleeting magic. Here are six unforgettable places where New England’s autumn splendor reaches its peak.
Jackson, New Hampshire
High in the Mount Washington Valley, Jackson feels like it was designed for fall. The legendary Kancamagus Highway snakes through forested ridges, offering endless overlooks and photo stops. For something quieter, wander down to Jackson Falls, where tumbling water glimmers beneath trees aflame with color.
Adventure seekers can climb into the clouds on the Mount Washington Auto Road, or hike the Carter Notch and Wildcat trails for heart-stopping vistas. Back in town, the Honeymoon Bridge provides a classic New England scene—a covered bridge framed by sugar maples and old stone walls.
Peak color: Late September through early to mid-October.
Recommended Place to Stay
The Wentworth Inn — A boutique inn in Jackson Village with modern amenities, spa suites, cottages, and fine dining. The Wentworth Inn
Essex, Connecticut
In Essex, fall feels slower, more reflective. The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat glides past golden riverbanks, while historic Main Street charms with colonial-era homes wrapped in autumn splendor.
Nearby Gillette Castle State Park perches high above the Connecticut River, offering views that stretch for miles. Quiet walking paths, like those in Canfield Woods, let you slip into the heart of the season’s beauty.
Peak color: Mid to late October.
Recommended Place to Stay
The Griswold Inn — A landmark inn in Essex, in operation since 1776, with historic buildings, charm, and excellent dining. New England Inns & Resorts
Chepachet, Rhode Island
Chepachet proves that fall doesn’t always need grandeur to take your breath away. Here, the pleasure lies in simplicity: winding country lanes, stone-walled farms, and quiet ponds reflecting blazing maples.
Spend the day exploring Pulaski State Park or the George Washington Management Area, where forest trails twist through reds and golds. Around Bowdish Reservoir, you’ll find some of the best mirrored foliage views in the state. End your day wandering through the village center, where old mill buildings glow warmly under canopies of turning leaves.
Peak color: Early to mid-October.
Recommended Place to Stay
White Rock Motel — Clean, comfortable, and affordable; located in a quiet wooded setting close to trails and shops. whiterockmotel.com
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires blend natural beauty with culture and history, making them an autumn classic. Drive or hike to the summit of Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak, for sprawling mountain views.
Take the scenic Mohawk Trail (Route 2), famous for its twists, turns, and the dramatic Hairpin Turn. Pause in Shelburne Falls to stroll across the Bridge of Flowers, a romantic walk with a river view. Waterfall lovers shouldn’t miss Bash Bish Falls, where cascading water is framed by flaming foliage. After your adventures, warm up with farm-to-table dining or an evening by the fire in towns like Stockbridge or Lenox.
Peak color: Late September through mid-October.
Recommended Places to Stay
Berkshire Mountain Lodge — Condominiums with full-kitchen units, cozy living areas; good for families or longer stays. Berkshire Mountain Lodge
The Red Lion Inn (Stockbridge) — Quintessential country inn, classic décor, a very New England feel. The Red Lion Inn
Manchester, Vermont
Surrounded by the Green Mountains, Manchester delivers quintessential Vermont beauty. At Equinox Mountain, winding roads lead to ridge-top panoramas that feel like stepping into a postcard.
The historic Hildene Estate, once home to Abraham Lincoln’s descendants, offers walking trails and gardens drenched in autumn light. Lye Brook Falls Trail winds through quiet forests to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls, while Bromley Mountain offers scenic chairlift rides perfect for leaf-peeping from above.
Peak color: Mid to late September through early October.
Recommended Places to Stay
Kimpton Taconic Hotel — Boutique hotel with elegant design and modern comforts, located in Manchester Village. taconichotel.com
Manchester View — 36-room lodging with great mountain views, combining comfort and scenic settings. manchesterview.com
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park, Maine
For a uniquely coastal autumn, head to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, where fiery forests meet rugged ocean cliffs. Drive the Park Loop Road to see granite headlands, hidden coves, and dramatic forests all in one journey.
Hike the Ocean Path, wander the park’s carriage roads, or savor the serenity of Jordan Pond, where still waters reflect a tapestry of fall color. Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the U.S. to catch the morning light, is nothing short of magical. For a quieter experience, the Schoodic Peninsula offers rugged, less-traveled coastal trails.
Peak color: Late September through mid-October.
Recommended Places to Stay
Salt Cottages — Upscale cottages & hotel-rooms near Hulls Cove, sea views, resort-style amenities. Salt Cottages
The Acadia Hotel — Located downtown Bar Harbor, close to shops, restaurants, and gateways into Acadia National Park. acadiahotel.com
Bar Harbor Motel — Affordable, family-friendly, good base for exploring both the town and park. Bar Harbor Motel
Autumn Timing & Tips
When to Go: Northern mountain regions peak first—often late September into early October—while valleys, coasts, and southern areas hit their stride mid to late October.
Driving vs. Hiking: Scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway, Mohawk Trail, and Park Loop Road offer sweeping views, while trails bring you face-to-face with the season.
Don’t Skip the Villages: From café-lined streets to cozy inns, New England’s towns are part of the experience.
