
It's hard to believe that fall is already at our doorstep. But as sad as we are to see summer go, we must admit that autumn is our real estate agents' favorite season in New England. The scenery this time of year is nothing short of spectacular.
Peak foliage usually arrives in early to mid-October, so you still have plenty of time to plan an amazing fall foliage road trip in New England. These are some of our favorite spots for leaf peeping.
Leaf Peeping Around Northern New England
- Kancamagus Highway - Lincoln, NH 03251
The Kancamagus Highway offers one of New England's most scenic drives, especially in fall. Beginning in Lincoln, New Hampshire, the highway takes you through 35 miles of the incomparably beautiful Kancamagus Pass in the heart of White Mountain National Forest. It's an unbroken stretch of dense forest, and the scenery is endlessly beautiful in September and October. Be advised that there are no gas stations or services along the way, so plan accordingly. And, of course, take your time. You'll want to linger at stops along the highway like C.L. Graham Overlook and Sabbaday Falls.
- Grafton Notch State Park - Newry, ME 04261
A rugged, densely wooded landscape spanning 3,129 acres, Grafton Notch State Park offers some of the most stunning fall foliage in Western Maine. The "notch" from which the park gets its name is the mountain pass between Baldpate Mountain and Old Speck Mountain, and there are excellent views of both summits. A great way to explore the park is to drive Route 26, also known as the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway, which includes numerous viewpoints and trailheads. The thunderous Screw Auger Falls is a real highlight, and there are hiking trails here ranging from easy to strenuous, including a 12-mile stint of the Appalachian Trail.
- Scenic Route 100 Byway - Stowe, VT 05672
Vermont's Route 100 bisects the state from north to south, a distance of about 216 miles. There are a lot of great options for scenery along the way, but the Stowe area is a great place for leaf peepers to start. This stretch of the Route 100 Byway ambles through picturesque villages and wooded valleys, with views of Mount Mansfield and Camels Hump. There's also enough craft beer, apple cider donuts, and maple syrup in the area to keep you well-stocked for winter. Stop to do a little hiking at Pinnacle Meadows, or get a unique view of the forest canopy on a zip line tour at Stowe Mountain Resort.
- Great North Woods - Colebrook, NH 03576
Nestled in New Hampshire's remote northern tip, the Great North Woods Region is one of the wildest and picturesque corners of New England. It's also a bit off the beaten path, which means you're less likely to see mobs of tourists (and more likely to see a moose). You can also see stunning foliage at spots like Beaver Brook Falls in Colebrook, and spend some time camping, hiking, and kayaking among the changing leaves at Lake Francis State Park. There are some great fall festivals in the region as well, including Riverfire Festival every October in Berlin, New Hampshire.
- Mount Desert Island - Mount Desert, ME 04660
Peak foliage arrives a little later along the Maine coast than it does in the rest of the state, which makes the state's rugged shore a great place to visit in mid to late October. Mount Desert Island—the largest island along the coast—is a particularly special place to visit this time of year. The 108 square-mile island is home to the city of Bar Harbor as well as Acadia National Park. The national park offers 27 miles of motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, and 158 miles of hiking trails, making it an incredible place for a fall foliage drive, bike trip, or hike. The pinnacle of Mount Desert Island is 1,528-foot Cadillac Mountain, which looks truly stunning in its fall hues.
- Montgomery's Covered Bridges - Montgomery, VT 05471
If there's anything more charming than touring Vermont's covered bridges, it's touring them in fall. You'll find many of these historic structures in the small town of Montgomery. Home to six covered bridges (plus one more that straddles the line with the neighboring town of Enosburg) Montgomery has more covered bridges than any other town in America, earning it the nickname, "Covered Bridge Capital of Vermont." The bridges were all built between 1863 and 1890. Some are still in use, and they all look their best with a backdrop of autumn oranges and reds. The town of Montgomery provides a handy Official Map and Guide to touring the bridges.
Contact us today to learn more about life in New England, and be sure to talk to our real estate agents about finding your dream home in Maine, Vermont, or New Hampshire.