Explore fall in the USA in some of the best destinations in the Northeast. See what the fall colors in the Northeast have in store from Maine to New York and everywhere in between.
Here’s what you can expect from this guide:
-Hours of trip planning from different highways and routes to see the best colors
-Timing such as date ranges that are typically the most colorful
-Locations compatible with google maps or Apple Maps that I have either wished to go to or have been myself
-Thought out hiking trails, food and drinking stops, and other tips
Feel free to send me an email with your feedback & tag me in your photos! @lifeofthetravelingpin
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When should you visit in the fall?
The best timing is usually between early of September through end of October, but it normally peaks sometime in early October. The foliage develops from north to south in the Northeast, with northern spots like New York, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire generally experiencing “peak” before Massachusetts, Rhode Island, southern New York, and Connecticut.
There is a map to check real-time foliage for the Northeast and New York. Here are the links to both:
Autumn every year in the Adirondack Mountains is the best, with the brightness of the leaves and extensive mountain viewing areas. The region actually boosts one of the longest leg peeping areas in the country. Start by picking on which region, either north, east, or west. Personally, we picked the east just with the closest proximity to NYC, but you can’t go wrong with either.
This was an amazing and unique adventure as it stands to be the longest cliffside coaster in the USA. It can be great to do alone or with a group of friends! It puts you in the driver seat of the 1980 Olympics and gives you a voice overview as you plunge down the mountain.
This is a 22-acre park that holds a vast overview of the fall colors in the area. From a nice low impact hike to a raging waterfall, this is great for all ages. It was a great natural wonder and would definetly recommend a visit.
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Great Adirondack Brewing Company (formerly Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood)
There is a parking fee and it can sometimes get very crowded especially during leaf peeping season. The loop trail is moderately challenging and takes about an hour and some change to complete. Dogs are welcome as well!
Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs provide some of the best views of the Adirondacks in the fall. It’s a 10.4 mile loop that is lengthy and moderately challenging. This is one of the best hikes in the state. Would highly recommend, although it is a very popular trail because of its beauty. Make sure to get a permit to park!
It’s a 1.3 mile out and back trail that’s moderately challenging, but offers some amazing views! This takes you over two peaks with views of the High Peaks regions along the way.
Beginning in Lincoln, NH and driving a scenic, tree-lined 34.5 miles allows you to peak through the White Mountain National Park along the Kancamagus Highway.
Beautiful Lake that looks reflects a granite face mountain. Plenty of parking and well-maintained hiking paths. Lots of picnic tables for families to enjoy the view. Fall colors are more pronounced along the Northern end of the lake.
Beautiful view of the valley. You can hike up from the bottom (about an hour up) or drive up the road and park and just enjoy the view. No cost to get in. Bathrooms at the top of you need them.
An easier hike with amazing views. The wolf’s den requires getting a little dirty, but it’s a fun little detour. The bugs weren’t bad and the trail was super easy to follow. Just so you know it costs money to enter!
The ride up was harrowing but great when we got up there. It was expensive for a car of 4. Great views, Once in a life time, but make sure you watch times and dates that they are open.
A stop at Glen Ellis is a must if you're a fan of waterfalls. A short hike from the parking lot, down a well maintained path, leads you to the first section of the falls. If you're not limited in mobility, you can proceed further down the stairs to the base of the falls with a couple different view points. The parking lot is usually on the heavy side as this is the parking for some nearby hiking trails, so the falls are usually pretty quiet. Be careful, the rocks are slippery, and there is no cell service!
A great friend or family adventure that does not take the entire day away! We took the 2 hour tour. It was very scenic and they did a great job with explaining all of the local details along the way. It’s worth the cost if you like trains and knowing the local history.
Starting at the hike in Mount Killington where it has some impressive views from above take the 11 mile drive on the Green Mountain Byway. This will hold views of colorful red, yellow, and orange leaves. It also allows you to stop off at some of my favorite village towns such as Waterbury, Stowe, Morristown, Morrisville, Hyde Park, Johnson, Jeffersonville and Cambridge.
Hike areas of Smugglers Notch State Park and as you follow trails, you'll be able to admire the changing leaves and will see lots of wildlife. You can also camp overnight.
Came here for a few ciders after sightseeing for the day and had a great experience! Our favorites were the cider donut and their original cider. The rose cider was also delicious!
Family run brewery specializing in fresh, unfiltered IPAs. You should drink them fresh as they lose flavor as they get older! The artwork is cool inside and the atmosphere is super relaxed. The best beers are the IPAs and was very fond of the stouts.
Begin your trip by driving on the Drive Park Loop Road by making your way through forests, past lakes and mountains, and along the shoreline of this 27-mile Park Loop Road. There is a spectacular display of colorful landscapes at every turn. Some popular stop offs are Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, and Jordan Pond.
This is the highest point in Acadia National Park for views overlooking most of the region. The scenery here is amazing especially during the fall time. The best time to witness the area is beginning to middle of October. If you are visiting, you need a vehicle reservation and these can be found at recreation.gov.
You can come here and soak in the views from a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard that can be rented, even in the fall time. The other option is to hike around the lake which can be done in two different ways: the nature trail which is roughly a mile and is perfect for all ages or the Jordan Pond Path which is 3.3 mile loop that traces along the shoreline.
This is a beautiful, easy walk that is accessible at any time of the year. It is about a mile out and back which is a completely forested path and boardwalk.
This is slightly away from the park and could be a good thing to do for a seasonal fall beer after a day of hiking. There is some food at the adjoining restaurant as well.
Hello! My name is Elizabeth! I’m here to help you prepare for your trip without having to do hours of research yourself! That's a win-win!!
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- Places to Stay
- Itineraries ranging from 3 to 5 days
- Places to Eat and Drink
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- based out of New York City 🌃
- meteorologist by day ⚡️🌦️
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