As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, New England bursts into a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow hues. There’s no better way to soak in the season than by taking a scenic drive through Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Here are some top routes you won’t want to miss this fall:
Connecticut
Litchfield Hills
Route: Route 202 and Route 6
Explore Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills, where rolling hills and charming villages are framed by brilliant fall colors. Highlights include scenic detours around Lake Waramaug and views of the Mattatuck State Forest. The route passes through towns like Thomaston, Farmington, and Bristol, offering a quintessential New England experience.
Route 169 - The Quiet Corner
Route: Route 169
Known as Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner,” this 38.6-mile scenic byway runs through historic villages, scenic woodlands, and quaint farms from Lisbon to the Massachusetts state line. The route showcases stunning fall colors and passes through towns like Canterbury, Pomfret, and Woodstock, with charming 18th and 19th-century architecture along the way.
Merritt Parkway
Route: Merritt Parkway
The Merritt Parkway is a 37-mile, tree-canopy-covered drive renowned for its fall beauty. This historic parkway runs through Fairfield County, from Greenwich to Stratford, and is famous for its Art Deco bridges and serene, truck-free driving experience.
Shoreline Road Trip
Route: Route 1
For a unique fall foliage experience, drive along Connecticut’s coastline on Route 1. The route offers a mix of coastal views and autumn leaves, passing through historic towns like Mystic, Old Saybrook, and Stonington. Enjoy stops at state parks like Harkness Memorial and Rocky Neck, which are brimming with natural beauty.
Maine
Acadia National Park Loop Road
Route: Park Loop Road
Acadia National Park’s Park Loop Road is a 27-mile drive through one of Maine’s most stunning landscapes. Highlights include Cadillac Mountain, where you can see the sunrise surrounded by vibrant fall colors, and stops at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond.
Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway
Route: Routes 6, 15, and Lily Bay Road
Circle Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake, on this 59-mile scenic byway. The route offers vivid fall colors reflecting off the water and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including moose. Don’t miss a detour to Lily Bay State Park for hiking and picnicking.
Old Canada Road Scenic Byway
Route: Route 201
This 78-mile drive along Route 201 offers a mix of river views, mountain landscapes, and dense forests ablaze with fall colors. The route stretches from Solon to the Canadian border, with highlights including the Kennebec River Gorge and the historic towns along the way.
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
Route: Routes 4 and 17
The 52-mile Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is known for its breathtaking fall foliage views. Start in Rangeley and travel to Height of Land, a famous overlook with panoramic views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Continue along Route 17 to see vibrant forests and mountain vistas.
Massachusetts
Berkshires
Route: Route 7
Travel through the Berkshires on Route 7, from Great Barrington to North Adams. This route offers vibrant forests, rolling hills, and views of pristine lakes, with the backdrop of the Berkshire Mountains. Don’t miss Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts.
Mohawk Trail
Route: Route 2
The Mohawk Trail is a 63-mile scenic drive through the Berkshires. Famous for its hairpin turn with panoramic views, the route also features historic sites, quaint gift shops, and stunning fall foliage.
Route 112 - The Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts
Route: Route 112
This 60-mile route takes you through the rural Hilltowns of western Massachusetts, from Huntington to Shelburne Falls. Enjoy rolling hills, scenic farms, and dense forests, with stops at the Bridge of Flowers and glacial potholes in Shelburne Falls.
Central Hills Loop
Route: US-202
This 57-mile loop starts and ends in New Salem, taking you through picturesque towns like Pelham and Hardwick. The drive offers stunning views of the Quabbin Reservoir and a mix of forests and farmlands, especially vibrant in the fall.
Old King’s Highway
Route: Route 6A
From the Sagamore Bridge, follow Route 6A, the “Old King’s Highway,” through the historic villages of Cape Cod. This route offers a blend of fall foliage against ocean vistas, winding through Sandwich, Barnstable, and Brewster.
New Hampshire
Franconia Notch Parkway
Route: Interstate 93
Drive through Franconia Notch on Interstate 93, a scenic journey through one of New Hampshire’s most iconic landscapes. The highway runs between Franconia Ridge and Cannon Mountain, offering stunning fall foliage and a stop at the Flume Gorge.
Kancamagus Highway
Route: Route 112
One of the most famous fall foliage drives in New England, the Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile drive through the White Mountain National Forest. The route offers spectacular views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, and Sabbaday Falls, with plenty of scenic pull-offs for leaf-peeping and hiking.
Lake Winnipesaukee Loop
Route: Routes 11, 25, and 109
This 134-mile loop around Lake Winnipesaukee takes you through charming lakeside towns like Wolfeboro and Meredith. Enjoy views of the lake with the fall foliage and the Belknap and Ossipee mountain ranges in the background.
Mount Washington Auto Road
Route: Mount Washington Auto Road
Drive up the 7.6-mile Mount Washington Auto Road for an unforgettable fall foliage experience. The road takes you to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Rhode Island
Conanicut (Jamestown) Island
Route: Conanicut Island roads
Drive through Jamestown Island for views of Narragansett Bay, rolling fields, historic homes, and vibrant fall foliage. This route offers one of Rhode Island’s most picturesque autumn experiences.
Newport Scenic Drive
Route: Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue
This 10-mile drive takes you through Newport, past historic mansions surrounded by fall colors, and along Ocean Drive for stunning coastal views. The combination of architecture, ocean vistas, and autumn leaves makes this a unique Rhode Island experience.
Route 1A - The Coastal Route
Route: Route 1A
This coastal drive takes you from Westerly to North Kingstown, passing through South Kingstown, Narragansett, and Charlestown. Enjoy seaside views mixed with vibrant fall foliage along the way.
Blackstone River Valley Drive
Route: Route 122 and Route 146
Explore Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley, starting from Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket and passing through historic mill towns and rural countryside. The drive skirts Lincoln Woods State Park and offers views of marshlands and ponds.
Vermont
Green Mountain Byway
Route: Route 100
The Green Mountain Byway runs along Route 100 through the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. Starting in Waterbury, the byway passes through charming villages and vibrant mountain landscapes. Stop in Stowe for classic New England charm and stunning views of Mount Mansfield.
Mad River Byway
Route: Routes 100 and 100B
This 35-mile drive follows the Mad River through Vermont’s scenic Mad River Valley. The route offers views of covered bridges, mountain peaks, and colorful farmland, with a detour to the Appalachian Gap for breathtaking foliage vistas.
Northeast Kingdom Scenic Byway
Route: Routes 114, 105, and 5A
The Northeast Kingdom Scenic Byway offers a remote and rugged fall foliage experience in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. This 51-mile route takes you through pristine landscapes, including views of Lake Willoughby and Burke Mountain.
Smugglers' Notch
Route: Route 108
Smugglers' Notch is one of Vermont’s most dramatic fall foliage routes. The narrow pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak offers breathtaking views of cliffs and vibrant forests. The winding road adds to the adventure, with plenty of opportunities for hiking.
Tips for Your Fall Foliage Adventure:
- Timing is Everything: Peak foliage season typically falls between late September and mid-October. Check local foliage reports to time your trip perfectly.
- Plan for Stops: Each route offers plenty of places to stop for hiking, exploring historic sites, or simply taking in the view. Give yourself time to wander.
- Pack a Picnic: Enjoy the fall scenery with a picnic at one of the many scenic overlooks or state parks along your route.
Whether you’re a leaf-peeping enthusiast or simply looking for a leisurely drive, these routes across New England offer some of the best fall foliage experiences. So grab your camera, hop in the car, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty of autumn in New England.