Even if you consider yourself a big fan of spring and summer, a jaunt over to New England is sure to turn you into a fall-loving convert. The vibrant shades of scarlet and gold sweep over this beautiful region starting in September, covering hills and valleys with the season’s gorgeous finery. Traditional villages and pumpkin patches dot the hills, while the scent of warm apple cider and cinnamon encourages you to relax.
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Foliage Tours
Visitors come from far and wide to tour the foliage in New England each year. The area’s rich colors is due to a combination of altitude and soil, with trees like maple and dogwood transforming into shades of vermilion and purple. You can spot the different types of trees and kaleidoscope of color on a foliage tour, road tripping from Maine to New Hampshire, on to Philadelphia or Connecticut. While the most famous byways will be busy on weekends during this time period, you can hit the back country roads to enjoy the autumn scenery to yourself. An example is Route 16 in New Hampshire or following the Connecticut River route in Massachusetts.
Autumnal Activities
In addition to driving through the leafy roads, you can take part in the area’s abundant outdoor attractions during your stay. Vermont is famed for its Green Mountains, where you can take a zip line tour to get a bird’s eye view of the trees. Go sailing along the coastline, or rent a canoe to explore pristine lakes in the Adirondacks. The area is also best seen on foot, and with the Appalachian Trail winding its way through New England you can follow in the footsteps of many explorers. Vermont is particularly popular with hikers for its well-marked footpaths, like the Long Trail.
Halloween Events
There’s another thing that New England is famous for in the fall: Halloween. If you happen to travel there in October, you’ll be rewarded with a month-long festival of all things spooky, from Salem’s witchy events to Rhode Island’s pumpkin patches. Visit the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence for their famous Jack-O-Lantern spectacular, where you’ll spot 10,000 carved and illuminated pumpkins on prime display. For those on the hunt for spook-tacular costumes, Boston’s Garment District is a great place to start, with multiple floors of used and vintage treasures. If you need a particular size, pick up plus size fancy dress from Funidelia or other suppliers before you pack so that you’re ready to brave the haunted houses and Halloween parties upon arrival.
When To Go – New England
The leaves start to turn in Canada in the middle of September, before sweeping down into New England by the end of the month. A good time to visit is right at the end of September when the first golden foliage appears, but the weather remains comfortable right through October and you’ll be bound to enjoy panoramic landscapes to remember.
Whether you decide to wander through pumpkin patches or take a leisurely drive through the Green Mountains, fall in New England is a wonderful time to visit.
What are your favorite fall foliage locations?
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If you are thinking about visiting New England for fall, you may want to base yourself or visit New York City. Here are some posts that may give you some sightseeing ideas:
- Arthur Avenue: The Real Little Italy of NYC
- Why you have to Walk the Brooklyn Bridge?
- Where to Find the Best Street Art in Manhattan
Or check out the fall colors of California:
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ladyfi says
Wow – that blazing foliage is so gorgeous!
Minoru says
Hi! Your photos are very beautiful. Most of Japanese people like to watch autumn leaves. So do I. Thanks for sharing.
Minoru says
P.S. I hope you will add Japan in your destinations.
Birgitta says
Wow! So colorful and beautiful!
Al says
Beautiful photos. I love New England in the fall – I spent four autumns in upstate New York.
Kat says
Although I’m from the tropics, autumn is my favourite season because of the rich hues of red, brown and yellow. And the weather is like “in between” – neither too warm nor too cold. In Asia, apparently, Hokkaido Island of Japan explodes with autumn colours and from the pics I have seen – absolutely gorgeous. Hope to make it one day. In the meantime, your post gives me a virtual tour 😉
jesh StG says
Wow – there’s no word to describe these colors!!!
Thanks for your reply about the hurricanes. Had no idea you were of Porto Rican heritage:)
Sharon Wagner says
Stunning! It is supposed to be a good year for leaf peeping here in the mid-west. I’ve never been out East to see the color explosion.
Mary says
Ruth I left NY 21 years ago and one of the things that I have missed the most is the fall colors. I long for them so much that when fall rolls around here in my seaside town I start to get mad. Away with the heat and sunshine, I want my fall! The one that gave me all those gorgeous colors.
Priya says
What gorgeous colors, we don’t get this kind of fall colors in Texas. Hoping to visit New England one of these days.