Best Fall Foliage Driving Tours in New England
Each and every fall, leaf peepers head to New England to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It is important to note that each state has specific peak foliage times due to the temperature difference, so take that into consideration when planning your drive. Vermont is usually the first state to peak, while Maine is generally the last. Here are the best fall foliage driving tours in New England.
Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts– The Mohawk Trail is the most popular drive for leaf peepers in Massachusetts. The trail starts in the northwest part of the state on Route 2 and travels through the mountains of the Berkshires. Along the way, you will see picturesque towns of Shelburne Falls, Deerfield and Williamstown. You can get the best views on Mount Greylock, providing you with amazing views of the Mohawk Trail and its surrounding area.
Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire– The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is home to the stunning White Mountain National Forest. The highway stretches over 34 miles that offers the most beautiful scenery in the state. The highway runs along Route 112 from Conway to Lincoln. You will see great scenery of the turning of the leaves, with lots of photo opportunities.
Central Area in Vermont– Vermont is a very popular destination for leaf peepers. The central part of the state is the most common fall foliage drive, including the towns of Ludlow, Rutland and Woodstock. The most beautiful foliage color can be seen in the Green Mountain National Forest area.
Moosehead Lake in Maine– Maine is a state with a vast wilderness so it is great for driving and seeing the changing of the leaves. It is the first state in New England to showcase the colors of fall. Driving along Moosehead Lake is one of the best spots in the state for fall foliage. The drive starts on Route 15, driving along the shores of Moosehead Lake before heading south on Route 201 for a country drive.
The Coastline in Rhode Island– The coastline in Rhode Island stretches over 61 miles, providing a great opportunity for leaf peepers. The drive goes along the coastline starting in Westerly, traveling east to Point Judith, going north along Narragansett Bay, ending up on Route 138, crossing the Newport Bridge.
Route 169 in Connecticut– If you ask locals where the best views of the changing of the leaves is in the state, they will tell you along Route 169. Route 169 is set in the eastern part of the state. Along this route, you will see picturesque villages and towns, stone walls and farmland, along with the fall foliage, of course!
You may also want to check out New England Fall Foliage Day Trips, if you are thinking about taking a trip to the New England states in the fall!