Summary
- New England is a prime destination for autumn enthusiasts, with its fall festivals and vibrant foliage that attracts visitors from around the world.
- Road trips through Cape Cod, Vermont's Green Mountain Byway, and New Hampshire's White Mountains offer breathtaking views of fall colors and opportunities to explore charming towns and landmarks.
- Salem, Massachusetts, is a popular fall destination known for its Halloween-themed attractions and connection to the historic Salem witch trials, while Acadia National Park in Maine and the Connecticut River Byway provide picturesque drives through beautiful landscapes.
It's undeniable; New England comes alive in the autumn. This American region is famous for its fall festivals, harvests, and treats. Visitors from around the world travel to New England's states to see the leaves change colors.
One of the best ways to fully soak up the spirit of fall in New England is through a road trip that centers around enjoying the season's vibrant colors, crisp weather, and quintessential charm while also enjoying plenty of hot chocolate and warm apple cider doughnuts.
From relaxing coastal drives to spooky Halloween-themed trips, here's a handful of some of the most beautiful New England road trips in the fall that showcase this stunning region's beauty in its most magical season.
1 Cape Cod Coastal Drive, Massachusetts
This iconic New England destination's peak season may be in the summer months, but Cape Cod can best be appreciated in the fall. As the summer crowds finally begin to die down, this peninsula hits its peak in coastal charm right.
A fall road trip to Cape Cod allows visitors to fully enjoy the area's quaint towns, fresh Cape Cod lobster dishes, and local landmarks, all while admiring the changing fall leaves.
- States Covered: Massachusetts
- Miles Covered: Approximately 65 miles from Bourne to Provincetown
- Top Stops: Provincetown, Hyannis, Chatham, Wellfleet, Falmouth
2 The Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
Vermont's Green Mountain Byway transforms into an unrivaled tapestry of crimson and gold colors when fall arrives. This byway offers visitors a scenic route to gaze at picturesque panoramic views of the region's surrounding mountains, valleys, and meadows.
Along the way, drivers can stop to sample local flavors, purchase seasonal crafts, and even enjoy the many fall festivals held in the quaint and historic villages nestled throughout the region.
- States Covered: Vermont
- Miles Covered: Approximately 100 miles
- Top Stops: Waterbury Reservoir, Ben and Jerry's Factory, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Jeffersonville
Vermont has seen significant flooding this past summer. Most major roads have reopened, but anyone planning on taking a road trip on the Green Mountains Byway should check ahead for any road closures.
3 Kancamagus Scenic Road Trip Through The White Mountains Of New Hampshire
Nestled in New Hampshire's White Mountains, the Kancamagus Scenic Byway is one of the best New England road trips in the fall. This stretch of highway transforms into a brilliant corridor of crimson, gold, and amber leaves, allowing drivers to fully immerse themselves in autumn's beauty.
Visitors can drive past dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic mountain passes.
- States Covered: New Hampshire
- Miles Covered: Approximately 34.5 miles
- Top Stops: Sabbaday Falls, Albany Covered Bridge, Russell-Colbath Historic Site, Sugar Hill Overlook, Rocky Gorge, and Lower Falls
4 A Halloween-Themed Road Trip In Salem, Massachusetts
A road trip through Salem, Massachusetts, in the fall is perfect for those who wish it was Halloween all year long. In this famous New England town, history, culture, and the supernatural come together, making it one of the most popular fall destinations in the United States.
Salem's bewitching allure comes from its connection to the Salem witch trials of 1692. The trials are now commemorated in several museums and landmarks throughout the town.
Each autumn, thousands of visitors walk through Salem's cobblestone streets, admire this town's colonial architecture, visit the Witch Trials Memorial, and learn about this town's fascinating history.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of witchy things to do in Salem; they can embrace the supernatural on guided ghost tours and immerse in the Halloween festivities held throughout October.
- States Covered: Massachusetts
- Miles Covered: Approximately 15 miles through the Salem area; the total distance varies depending on starting point
- Top Stops: Salem Witch Museum, The House of the Seven Gables, Witch Trials Memorial, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and Peabody Essex Museum
5 Park Loop Road Trip In Acadia National Park, Maine
The Park Loop Road is 27 miles of scenic road that allows drivers to access some of Acadia's most popular attractions and activities.
From mountains and lakes to rugged coastlines and majestic overlooks, this road trip allows visitors to immerse themselves in the region's beauty, and in the fall, visitors can enjoy cooler weather while basking in the beautiful colors of the changing leaves.
- States Covered: Maine
- Miles Covered: Approximately 27 miles
- Top Stops: Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain
6 Maine Coastal Road Trip Along Coastal Route 1
A journey through Coastal Route 1 is another enchanting fall road trip travelers can take through Maine in the fall. Roadtrippers can enjoy the beautiful views of the changing leaves while driving past Maine's rugged coastline and the state's famous lighthouses, including the historic Portland Head Light.
Along the way, visitors can stop in charming coastal towns like Kennebunkport and Camden and sample iconic local dishes such as lobster rolls and clam chowder.
- States Covered: Maine
- Miles Covered: Approximately 526 miles
- Top Stops: Kennebunkport, Portland, Portland Head Light, Camden, Rockland, and Bar Harbor
7 The Mohawk Trail Road Trip In Massachusetts
The Mohawk Trail is among the most beautiful New England road trips in the fall. One of the first scenic auto roads established in the United States, the Mohawk Trail is a historic scenic byway in Massachusetts that winds through the state's picturesque Berkshires.
In the fall, this route offers stunning views of fall foliage and charming New England towns. During the autumn season, road trippers can sample seasonal treats such as apple cider while enjoying crisp-air hikes or exploring historic landmarks and festivals.
- States Covered: Massachusetts
- Miles Covered: Approximately 69 miles
- Top Stops: Shelburne Falls Bridge of Flowers, Hail to the Sunrise monument, Mohawk Trail State Forest, and William Cullen Bryant Homestead
8 Vermont's Route 100 Road Trip
Vermont's Scenic Route 100 promises drivers an unforgettable road trip where the beauty of Vermont's fall foliage can take center stage. This classic New England fall road trip route runs over 200 miles north and south through the center of the state.
Travelers can journey through charming towns, villages, and valleys while enjoying the vibrant crimson and gold leaves of the fall season, exploring artisanal shops, trying fresh farm-to-table meals, and even apple picking at orchards along the way.
- States Covered: Vermont
- Miles Covered: Approximately 216.7 miles
- Top Stops: Stowe, Warren and Waitsfield, Moss Glen Falls, the Long Trail, and Weston
9 Litchfield Hills Loop Road Trip In Connecticut
Located in southwestern Connecticut, the Litchfield Hills Loop allows drivers to enjoy the quintessential New England Autumn experience. Amidst the stunning fall foliage, this scenic route winds through charming towns, such as Litchfield and Kent.
The route also allows travelers to explore historic architecture, discover local farmers' markets brimming with seasonal delights, and immerse themselves in art galleries showcasing regional talent. This scenic loop is renowned for its classic American farms and covered bridges.
- States Covered: Connecticut
- Miles Covered: Approximately 75 miles
- Top Stops: Litchfield, Kent, Winchester, Sharon, and Lake Waramaug State Park
10 Connecticut River Byway Road Trip
The Connecticut River Byway offers the ultimate New England Autumn experience. Following the winding path of New England's longest river, this national scenic byway passes through three New England states: Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Along the way, road trippers can enjoy the stunning fall foliage, admire the vast expanse of the Connecticut River, and discover the beautiful New England towns and villages that line this beautiful route.
- States Covered: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont
- Miles Covered: Approximately 498.7 miles
- Top Stops: White Mountains (New Hampshire); Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge (Vermont); St. Johnsbury (Vermont); Montague Bookmill (Massachusetts); and Northfield (Massachusetts)