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The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England

By August 17, 2019September 1st, 2022Bar Harbor, Franconia, Montgomery, Woodstock
Fall is almost here which means that beautiful fall foliage is on it's way. Check out Vermont's national parks for beautiful views.

Fall is a wonderful season to explore. The air is cooler and it’s the perfect time to seek out some of the best fall foliage nature has to offer. In the United States, New England has some of the most gorgeous views of leaves turning various shades of oranges, reds, and yellows.

While there are countless cities where you can spot some beautiful foliage, we’ve compiled a list of the best locations to enjoy fall foliage in New England. Once you decide which place you’d like to venture to, book your trip with BusTickets.com.

Bar Harbor, ME

Located near Acadia National Park on the eastern coast of Maine, Bar Harbor is the perfect area to find scenic views of the season’s changing leaves. Peak foliage is typically between mid-September and the first couple of weeks in October.

Visitors have several options when it comes to views and, of course, photo opportunities. Near downtown Bar Harbor is Frenchman Bay, where adventurous travelers can cruise the bay in a kayak for prime viewing.

There are also unique options, such as opting to see the view from above in a closed-cockpit aircraft or open-cockpit biplane. Also unique to Bar Harbor are the carriage roads, where visitors can rent bikes and ride around on car-free roads surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. Hikers may also want to check out the summit of North Bubble, a moderate, 2.6-mile loop hike, the Great Head Trail, or the Beehive Trail.

Woodstock, VT

Did you know that in Vermont they call changing fall leaves, “leaf peeping” season? You can “peep” some particularly beautiful fall foliage in Woodstock, VT. A town ideal for walking, you can venture to easy paths through meadows, along carriage roads, or for the more adventurous at heart, you can take challenging hikes along the Appalachian Trail. Vermont also boasts the “World’s Best Foliage,” likely because the forest covers about three-quarters of the state and Vermont has the highest percentage of maple trees in the country.

While it can vary by location and elevation, peak foliage is generally mid-September through the first few weeks of October. Woodstock also hosts a number of fall festivals, including the Harvest Festival at the Billings Farm and Museum.

Franconia, NH

In Franconia, New Hampshire, you can find Franconia Notch State Park, which includes a major mountain pass in the White Mountains and the perfect place to take in some of New England’s best foliage. Extending eight miles from Flume Gorge in the south to Lake Echo in the north, along the way you can find some of the best views New England has to offer.

During the fall months, visitors should definitely take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram, which was the first aerial tramway in the United States, offering a breathtaking view from the 4,080-foot summit from Cannon Mountain.

Peak colors are typically in early to mid-October but be sure to check New Hampshire’s foliage tracker if you’re wondering when the best time might be to visit. As one of the top spots to see fall foliage in New England, hotels and B&Bs can fill up quickly, so be sure to book yours in advance!

Montgomery, VT

The small Vermont town of Montgomery has a claim to fame unlike any other — it has six covered bridges, making the views of fall foliage even more quaint. Located in Northern Vermont, leaves can start turning as early as the end of September, but for the best views, consider booking your trip closer to October. In addition to discovering its covered bridges, you can also gaze at the leaves from Jay Peak or Hazen’s Notch.

Bethel, ME

A historic town located in Western Maine, fall foliage views in Bethel are best seen on foot. However, visitors can see this town’s changing leaves a number of ways, through scenic drives, hiking, and biking.

With hiking access to several well-known trails, travelers can choose from the White Mountain National Forest, Grafton Notch State Park, or the Appalachian Trail. You can also try the Androscoggin River Recreation Trail, which has both unique wildlife and beautiful foliage.

For scenic drives, consider driving through Grafton Notch State Park, or taking a drive north to Rangeley, ME, to the overlook at the Height of the Land. Or if you’d like, New Hampshire is not far from Bethel and you can make the most of your trip by visiting multiple spots in New England. Much like the other locations, peak foliage is typically around early to mid-October.

Plan Your Trip to New England

If you’re feeling inspired to book your trip to one of these top locations for fall foliage in New England, you can make your trip easy and affordable by booking with BusTickets.com. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll find that our service provides the best routes, lowest prices, and easy booking.

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